Couple Holiday Date Ideas

Cue the Cheesy Hallmark Rom-coms! It's the holiday season already and that means some super festive date night activities! Whether you’re in a relationship or are single and looking to dating apps or friend-finding apps like Couplr*, there is definitely the perfect holiday date idea out there for you. How do you find the perfect activity? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. These activities are guaranteed to bring some extra holiday joy!

Fun Holiday Date Ideas (By City)

We’ve broken some of these amazing date ideas down for you city by city -- Do you see a city close to you below?

Chicago: 

  • Christkindlmarket

    Walk through this amazing German style traditional market this holiday season. Here, you and your date can enjoy local and international foods, live entertainment, merchandise, and so many more memorable activities! This is a perfect spot to end a perfect outdoor date night.

  • Zoolights

    This year's zoolights are bigger and brighter than ever! They will feature hundreds of luminous LED displays and seasonal experiences, all under the glow of millions of lights. Stroll through Lincoln Park to see these beautiful lights with your loved ones. We promise you it's a sight you don’t want to miss!

  • Ice Skating at Millenium Park

    What’s more romantic than ice skating in close proximity with your better half? We’re picturing a romantic scene straight out of a hallmark movie - do you see it? Sure you might look a bit like fools at first but at least you can romantically look like fools together. What better place to look like fools together than at the McCormick Tribune. Skating is free and skate rentals are available for $13 and up!

  • Frosty’s Bar

    This crowd favorite pop-up bar is back and better than ever! This is the perfect date spot to let loose. From sensational seasonal cocktails, to interactive photo experiences, all the way to some amazing live music and entertainment, your date is sure to be a blast!

New York :

  • Ice Skating  

    As cliche as it may sound to romantically ice skate the night away at the Rockefeller Center, we know how crowded and unpleasant this can get around this time of year. This shouldn’t stop you from living out your romantic movie scene! Consider venturing out and finding other rinks like the Wollman and Lasker Rinks which reside in Central Park. These areas tend to be less busy and allow space for more romantic gestures. 

  • Union Square Holiday Market

    With over 160 vendors coming in, it's making this year's Holiday Market one of the best! Shop everything local and hand crafted at this year's market located at the heart of NYC, Union Square Park. Maybe you can pick out a memorable gift for your significant other while you’re at it!

  • Edge Holiday Lights

    There’s something surreal about seeing a city from a birds eye view. Not sure if it’s the altitude, but being nearly 1,200 feet above ground brings out a form of romance you didn’t even know existed. Believe us, this romantic gesture will be the most memorable one yet. While you’re up there, they are also offering “Cocoa in the Clouds & Edge Nog” - how cute does that sound! What are you waiting for, it’s time to book those tickets!

Los Angeles: 

  • Grinchmas

    Who said Grinchmas was just for kids? In fact, we think the grinch relates best to us adults - don’t you think? What better way to break the ice on a date than over some humorous Grinch roasts and a laugh to remember. Catch the tree lighting ceremony and a performance by the Who-ville Who’s while you’re there!

  • Yuletide Cinemaland

    Ah the classic, an outdoor movie date. The perfect time to debate your favorite holiday movie, snuggle up, and enjoy an evening of Christmas magic. Check out their schedule to see what movies are playing!

  • Holiday Lights

    Lightscapes is one of the most popular holiday attractions in the LA area, and they definitely live up to the hype. The internationally acclaimed dance of light, art and music transforms The Arboretum into an illuminated night experience that everyone is bound to love! This self-guided walking event is the perfect way to have a wonderful chat with your date while taking in some breathtaking sights. 

Indoor Holiday Date Ideas

Don’t worry, we didn’t forget about our homebodies out there. Trust us, we know how exhausting all these outdoor holiday date activities can get. Why not bring some of that holiday spirit to the comfort of your own home… and while in some cozy pajamas! Here are some indoor holiday date ideas for you and your loved one:

  • Gingerbread House Competition 

    Is it really Christmas if you don’t bust out those gingerbread engineering skills? Plus, friendly competition brings people that much closer to each other. Remember to stock up on those ingredients, and if you’re feeling funky, give the competition a theme!

  • Make DIY Ornaments  Making your own ornaments with special meaning has another level of importance. Sure, fancy ornaments passed down from generation to generation look great, but why not add a touch of your own history! You and you S/O are bound to have a relaxing and pleasant evening while making these.
  • Decorate - Holidays are the time to glam up your home. Whether that be for Christmas, the New Year, or both. Even if you’re not inviting anyone over this year, you and your S/O will have a ball decorating a common space. Not to mention, the decor might even help the seasonal depression.

FAQ

What do couples do on a holiday date?

Very commonly, couples go ice skating for a holiday date. They also can find themselves at a light show or sipping some hot chocolate and watching a movie together. 

What are some Christmas movie date night ideas?

Movie dates are all about setting the mood. Get the ambiance right and it will be the most seamless date night of your life! Get some blankets, snacks, lights, and pick out a classic Christmas movie like “White Christmas” or “It’s a Wonderful Life” and you’ll be all set to go.

What do you do on a Christmas date?

Adventure through some beautiful Christmas lights, donate to a good cause, host an in-house picnic, go ice skating - the possibilities are endless!

What activities do people do on New Years?

Many couples either attend or host a new years party. Due to the pandemic, this has become less common but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun! Spend time with those you’re thankful for and cook a meal together, play board games, and share memories from the past year. 

Conclusion

Couple holiday date activities are truly endless. From outdoor activities like ice-skating and market exploring, to indoor activities like a movie night, and everything in between, these activities should last you a while. This season, spend some time with everyone you love and cherish all the memories you make together. From our entire team here at Couplr, we hope you have a safe and prosperous Christmas and New Years.

 


The Ultimate Guide to Winter Date Ideas: Cozy, Outdoor & More

Coming up with winter date ideas can be difficult and planning dates in general can be a challenge at times too. Not to worry, we’ve got you covered! Think outdoor dates are exclusively reserved for warmer weathered seasons? Definitely think again. As long as you have a loving partner and a nice cozy jacket, you’ll find an abundance of unique outdoor winter date ideas! For the homebodies out there, we didn’t forget about you - don’t worry. 

Coming up with cute winter date ideas

Winter dates have such a wide range of activities, they truly are endless! Here are a few indoor and outdoor winter date ideas:

Outdoor Winter Date Ideas

🎶 Baby it’s cold outside ~~ 🎶 and it will be for a little while! Why not make the best of this cool weather and have the perfect outdoor winter date planned for you and your loved one! Getting out and enjoying the winter breeze might be exactly what you need after being cooped up at home due to the pandemic. Here are some ideas for your next winter outdoor date!

Outdoor Date Ideas:

  • A winter picnic with tons of heating pads and warm blankets
  • A day of sledding or a good old fashioned snowball fight
  • Snowman making competition
  • Go on a hike
  • Go Ice skating and drink some delicious hot chocolate
  • Soak in an outdoor hot tub

Indoor Winter Date Ideas

Sometimes, a cozy indoor date is just what you and your loved one need. If it snows wherever you live, you know how much of a hassle it is to get from point A to point B - this makes indoor dates that much more necessary! Here are some ideas for your next indoor winter date!

Indoor Date Ideas:

  • Board game night next to a warm fire
  • Cook a romantic dinner for two together
  • Order takeout and watch a movie
  • Make a relationship scrapbook
  • Give each other a massage
  • Toast marshmallows indoors

Well, what are some cold weather date ideas?

Winter is probably the best season to schedule a lowkey date night. With the weather cooling up, the indoor and outdoor date ideas are endless. To add to the lists above, here are some date ideas specifically made for the cold weather:

Cold Weather Date Ideas

  • Host a hot chocolate competition
  • Do a holiday themed craft
  • Look at Christmas lights
  • Go holiday shopping
  • Try a new winter sport
  • Have a winter themed cocktail night
  • Take a carriage ride with (make sure to take some warm blankets)

A winter couple photoshoot can be a real winner

There’s nothing more magical than a photoshoot in the snow or in front of your beautifully decorated holiday home. What’s more magical than holding your loved one close while the snow elegantly falls around you? Take this season as an opportunity to get some of the best shots!

Frankly speaking, some of the best couple shots are candid ones! So definitely do something you both incredibly enjoy. The happiness you feel will be sure to reflect in those breathtaking pictures. 

Outdoor fun date ideas for couples in winter

While the list for outdoor winter activities can be endless, here are some fun winter date ideas for couples living in Chicago and New York:

Chicago

Fellow Chicagoans, buckle up for a lengthy winter. To keep you a bit sane, here are some date night ideas for you and your special someone!

Chicago Ideas 

New York 

Most New Yorkers out there aren’t the biggest fan of winters. We get it - with all the slush and the wind whipping out of control how can you even enjoy a date night? Here are some ideas that might make it just a bit more enjoyable.

New York Ideas

  • Enjoy a cozy night at the bar in Little Italy
  • Dine in at Luzzo’s La Pizza Napoletana, East Village
  • Adventure through the amazing pieces at The MET
  • Let loose at Bryant Park for some ice skating
  • Be on the hunt for a speakeasy

Fun free date ideas for winter

Most of the activities listed above are absolutely free! Other than museum visits, the occasional rentals for sporting dates, and the amount spent on supplies for home cooked meals, these activities come with low costs and are mostly free if you’re already in possession of supplies!

FAQs

What can you do on a date in the winter?

There’s so many activities you can do for a winter date! From visiting museums, to ice skating, all the way to cooking homemade meals and having a cozy movie night - the options are endless!

What can I do with my girlfriend on a cold day?

You can stay home and have a cooking competition, play board games, have a craft night, roast some marshmallows by the fireplace, and end the night with a movie.

What can you do with your boyfriend when it's cold outside?

If they would prefer to stay home, cook some dinner with them, challenge them to a game, look through old photo books together and even start scrapbooking a future!

Where should I go on a first date in the winter?

The best first winter dates always start with an ambient restaurant and can also include arcades, bars, carriage rides, snowball fights, and even a movie night. 

What is cuffing season?

Cuffing season refers to individuals getting into relationships during the colder months of the year. Relationships that start during “cuffing season” stereotypically don’t last very long and tend to die out as the warmer months come along! But who knows, you might be one that goes against those stereotypes!

Conclusion

Although finding winter date ideas can be difficult, especially with seasonal depression rolling around, the options are truly endless. Whether you’re an outdoor person or a homebody there is definitely a date idea out there for you! We hope the items listed in this blog have helped and can’t wait for your next extraordinary winter date night with that special someone!

Looking for some friends to go on a double date with? Download our app and find some!


Making Friends in Chicago: 8 Activities to Meet People

Meeting people in a large city might sound easy but in reality, it can be a struggle! Especially with the recent pandemic, it can be a tricky landscape to navigate. Making friends in Chicago can be a challenge but also rewarding, as it is filled with diverse and interesting people. If you are new to the area or just want to branch out in your social life, here are some ways to help you meet friends in Chicago! 

How to Meet People in Chicago

There are many different ways to meet people in Chicago. You can take recreational classes like art or cooking classes or join a sports club like soccer or tennis. Trivia nights at bars or volunteering are also ways to make friends in Chicago. 

Cooking Classes

Cook au Vin 

 Taking place in the kitchen of Cook au Vin, Chef Vincent’s approach to learning to cook is all about being relaxed and having fun together: a little bit of wine, some conversation, some laughs, some bread and cheese, some more wine, and a lot of cooking in between!

The class begins with an apéritif with fresh bread and cheese selection. You will then be provided with caps to write your name on and aprons. The whole group will be preparing the menu all together, dividing the tasks amongst each of the participants, under the guidance of the chef. Once the dinner is ready, you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor together in our cozy dining area.

Sports Club

Chicago Sport Social 

Hit the pitch with the Chicago Sport Social soccer program! They offer men’s and coed options with levels varying from recreational to intermediate to competitive and play at multiple locations all over the city. So, whether you are looking to explore Chicago or find one in your local neighborhood they have you covered.

Player perks include sponsor bars (where you are sure to secure great drink specials each week), custom designed shirts and champ shirts and various sponsor giveaways each season making playing with them a win! In addition, they’ll have you feeling like a pro by keeping up with your stats and recaps throughout the season. Both group and individual registration is available. 

Trivia Night

Chicago Trivia Night Guide

Attending a trivia night is a great way to meet friends in Chicago! Many bars and restaurants in the city host a weekly trivia night so you should definitely be able to find one in your area. Find a bar that has a trivia night theme you might be an expert on and head on over to see if any of the teams need an additional player! Trivia can get competitive in a friendly way so people are usually eager to add a strong member. Just make sure you can justify your place with the knowledge to help them win! 

Volunteering

Chicago Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people in Chicago who care about the same things that you do. While making friends, you will also be contributing to a good cause. Chicago has plenty of volunteer opportunities, from animal shelters to environmental organizations. Volunteering can open the doors to foster meaningful friendships all while giving back to your community! 

Ideas to Find Friends in Chicago

Some other ideas to find friends in Chicago are going to concerts, visiting museums and attending comedy shows or art exhibitions. These activities draw in many people together and will definitely be an easy conversation starter as you know you already have mutual interests! 

Another great way to meet new people is online! You can join local Facebook groups, Meetups, forums, or use Bumble friends. All of these platforms will allow you to speak to people online over mutual interests before meeting up in real life. It will also allow you to interact with people specifically in your neighborhood or areas you want to visit. 

If you are in a relationship and looking to make couple friends, you can use our app, Couplr! Couplr acts as a community platform to bring like-minded couples together for socializing and fun! It aims to provide couples with the opportunity to find new friends in new places or even in their own hometown. Whether you and your partner like to travel, fine dine or just stay in, Couplr incorporates all your interests and matches you with another couple of similar interests.

Ways to Meet People in Chicago Naturally

Concerts

What other way to make great friends than to bond over music? 

Concert Venues in Chicago

Museums

Museums are a great way to meet people as the exhibitions give great starter talking points!

Museums in Chicago

Comedy Shows

Having a similar sense of humor can be a great way to find friends! 

Comedy Shows in Chicago

Art Exhibitions

A shared love of art can lead to a great friendship!

Art Exhibitions in Chicago

FAQs About Making Friends in Chicago

How can I make friends in Chicago?

You can make friends in Chicago by venturing out to all the local offerings the city has – bars, museums, concerts, sports clubs and more!

How do you make friends in your 20s in Chicago?

If you are in your 20s, you can meet people in Chicago by attending local trivia nights, joining a club, volunteering or taking recreational classes! 

How can I make friends online near me?

You can make friends online by joining Facebook groups, Meetups, using Bumble Friends or Couplr! 

How do I make friends in a new city?

You can make friends in a new city by going out and putting yourself out there! Try to talk to at least one new stranger every day whether at work, at a bar or if you sign up for a class, sports league, or volunteer organization! 

How can I start meeting people in Chicago today?

You can start meeting people in Chicago today with our app, Couplr! Couplr brings couples together in the same vicinity, who share similar interests. 

Couplr: Meeting Friends in Chicago 

Meeting people in a new city isn’t always the easiest but it is possible! Making friends in Chicago can be fun, entertaining and expose you to new and exciting interests due to everything the city has to offer. Whether you are into music, comedy, volunteering, art or food, there is something for everyone which means there are friends for everyone, too! 

If you’re in a relationship, that can sometimes make it even more difficult to branch out and meet new people. Here at Couplr, we aim to match couples with similar interests to foster meaningful friendships! 

Join Couplr to start making friends in Chicago today!