25 Winter Date Ideas to Feel the Magic in Your Marriage

We're gearing up for the holidays, and things are going to get crazy. Events, parties, baking, gift buying, volunteering, and the list goes on. It's easy to sweep those date nights with your spouse aside amid "all the things" that need to get done, but the opposite is true. You need to keep those date nights in order to regroup, recheck, and reconnect, especially during this upcoming holiday season.

Here are some ideas for holiday date nights. Some are creative, some are traditional, some cost money, and others don't, but all will keep you and your spouse connected.

1. Go for Breakfast

Instead of going out at night for dinner, hire a babysitter and go out for breakfast instead. You can both ease into your day, and the cost will be much cheaper.

2. Go to a Matinee

Look for an independent movie theater in your area and see if any are showing an afternoon matinee. Sometimes, they will even show Christmas classics like White Christmas or It's a Wonderful Life on the big screen this time of year.

3. Take a Walk in the Snow

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If you live in an area where you get snow, bundle up and take a walk outside. I love how quiet the atmosphere gets when it snows, and I love walking in it. I find it very peaceful.

4. Watch the Snow Fall

Curl up with blankets and your favorite hot beverage and watch the snow fall.

5. Window Shop

Go to areas of your town, or even the next town over, where there are lots of small, independent businesses and go window shopping. If you see something that interests you, then go in. Chances are, you will find some unique gifts.

6. Indulge in a Decadent Treat

A giant sundae, a milkshake with all kinds of crazy coming out of it (marshmallows, whipped cream, mini donuts, etc), a half dozen Crumble cookies.. whatever is calling to you, go for it. Even better, share with your partner so you can split the calories and the cost.

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7. Have a Holiday Movie Marathon

Curl up together and have a holiday movie marathon. Decide what movies you want to watch ahead of time and order takeout to make things easier.

8. Go to a Play

If you have a community theater in your area, see what shows are coming up online. You will get some grand entertainment at a great price.

9. Attend a Holiday Concert

This could be anything from a local choir singing holiday music to a sold-out arena for a superstar's Christmas concert. Do some research in your area and choose something that fits your budget.

10. Go Out for Lunch

Send the kids to grandma's and go out for lunch. Don't forget to browse online to see if you can find some coupons. If not, you will still get a substantial meal at a great price.

11. Go Out for a Drink

Get dressed up and go to your favorite restaurant for a drink, followed by dinner.

12. Take a Day Trip

Research some fun places to go either nearby or in another town and take a day trip. This could be a festival, a town that decorates for Christmas, or an outlet mall you would like to visit.

13. Eat at a Fancy Restaurant

Choose a fancy restaurant you would never go to normally and go out for dinner. This is a great way to reconnect in a distinct atmosphere.

14. Make a Gingerbread House

There are a few ways to do this. One, spend an afternoon baking the gingerbread yourself and then making the house. Two, get a kit and make the house. Three, see if anyone is hosting a gingerbread house event in your area.

Years ago, my mom, my cousin, and I went to a local coffee house to learn how to make a gingerbread house. I think we had to pay $5 or $10, with all supplies included. We had fun, but our house was a disaster. If you do this, I recommend taking something to transport the house home in, just in case you make a masterpiece.

15. Go to a Candy Shop

Look around in your area and go to a genuine candy shop that makes its own chocolate, has demonstrations, and a selection you won't find anywhere else.

Years ago, we visited my cousin in Louisville, Kentucky, and she took us to a candy shop to watch how they make candy canes. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot.

16. Check Out a Museum

Research local museums in your area and go look. Chances are, they will have special exhibits this time of year. Years ago, we went to a Kentucky museum featuring a White Christmas exhibit with clothes and other things from the movie.

17. Stay at a Stoney Creek Inn

If you live in the Midwest, book a stay at a Stoney Creek Inn. These hotels are unique in that they feature themed rooms and extended-stay cottages. Each room has its own theme. There is a heated indoor/outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant, just to name a few amenities.

18. Have a Spa Day

It's always important to look our best, but this is especially true during the holidays. What better way than to have a relaxing day at the spa getting a massage, mani/pedi, or facial done? You will both leave feeling relaxed and refreshed.

19. Go to a Holiday Market

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This time of year is ripe with holiday markets and craft bizarres. Look around your area and see what's going on. I love going to these because people make and sell all kinds of neat things that make unique and creative gifts. I also love the human aspect of buying from an actual person and supporting an indie artist.

20. Cut down Your Own Christmas Tree

If you live near a Christmas tree farm, chop down your tree. You can buy pre-cut trees at your local grocery or department store if you don't live near a Christmas tree farm. Take some time to research the best kind of tree for you. For example, when I was a kid, we always got a Douglas Fir because the branches are soft. Once you bring it home and set it up, let the decorating begin.

21. Enjoy Christmas Lights

Take a drive and look at all the houses decorated for Christmas in your neighborhood and beyond. Do a little research to find out where the best light displays are, and then go take your scenic drive.

Some towns even have "light festivals" where you pay x amount per carload of people and drive through a lights display. Growing up in Pennsylvania, we would go over to South Williamsport and drive up and down Spring and Summer streets because they decked every house out to the nines. It was a Christmas tradition, and my best friend still goes every year and takes her dog to see the lights. He loves it.

22. Have a Fancy Night Out

Do some research and see if your favorite charity is having a gala or a fancy event in your area, and buy tickets. Then dress to the nines and have a great night. You will get to spend some much-needed alone time with your spouse and support a worthy cause, a true win-win.

23. Go See The Nutcracker Ballet

This Christmas ballet is a classic and a tradition for many at this time of year. Go for a drink or dessert afterward.

24. Go Ice Skating

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Lace up those skates and take a few laps around the ice skating rink.

25. Spend Some Time at the Animal Shelter

Animals can never get enough love, cuddles, or treats, and holiday time is no exception. Take some time to volunteer together and spend some time with the animals. Careful, though; chances are you will want to bring one or maybe even two home.

Take some time beforehand to seriously discuss whether an animal is right for you and your family right now, just in case you fall in love. Some things to consider are expenses like basic supplies (food, leash, collar, litter box/scoop, litter, toys, etc.), shots, pet insurance, vet bills, etc. Sadly, many animals got adopted over the holiday season and then returned in the new year.

Holiday time is about "all the feels." Choose some ideas for your next few date nights and prepare for a cozy and romantic holiday season.

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