The holidays are already an expensive time of year, so adding another pricey dinner reservation or night out to your budget might not be in the cards. But that doesn’t mean you and your partner have to put date night on pause until January. These affordable holiday date ideas prove you can spend quality time together, get into the festive spirit, and make memories without spending a fortune. From cozy at-home dates to inexpensive ways to get out of the house, there’s something for every couple—and every holiday budget.
1. Have a holiday movie marathon
This is arguably the best time of year to cuddle under a blanket while you watch a cheesy holiday movie. Stock up on your favorite movie theater treats before your next date night and make a plan with your partner about what movies you want to watch. You can’t go wrong with classics like Home Alone or The Santa Claus, but scrolling through what’s new on streaming for Hallmark-style holiday movies is just as festive and exciting.
2. Decorate gingerbread houses
There’s nothing like a little competition to spice up date night! Grab a couple of gingerbread house kits from your local store and challenge each other to see who can decorate the best one. You can judge creativity, assembly, sturdiness, and more to determine the real winner. But no matter who wins, you’ll both have a blast, enjoy eating some of the icing and candy along the way, take cute pictures, and of course, make holiday memories you’ll cherish.
3. Bake holiday cookies
Is there anything better than making a mess in the kitchen with your significant other as you attempt to bake something from scratch? We’ll wait. Find a holiday cookie or other wintry baked good recipe online or recreate an old family recipe before picking up your ingredients. Then, make sure your kitchen is clean and your baking tools are washed and ready to go, so your baking steps are a breeze. Regardless of how adept you or your partner are or aren’t at baking, you’ll have a blast doing this together and be rewarded with a well-earned treat to enjoy at the end.
4. Go ice skating
If you’re in the mood to move your body and get out of the house, this is the perfect affordable date night for you. Bundle up in a winter outfit and head to a local ice skating rink together. If you’re a beginner, use your lack of experience as an excuse to hold hands with your date as you skate around. But if you’re comfortable in skates, show off your skills! When your time on the ice is up, head back home for a warm winter meal and a cozy night in.
5. Take a holiday lights tour
You know the holidays are here when there are holiday lights everywhere you look. Drive around town and look for houses with the best decorations, or bundle up to walk around your city and admire the stunning holiday storefronts. You can even check out a local tree lighting if you have one near you! There’s no shortage of light displays in the U.S., and it’s a great way to embrace the holiday spirit.
6. Volunteer together
This time of year is insanely busy, and it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and forget how fortunate you are. For your next date night, give back to the community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen (or another cause that is important to you!) together. Although volunteering is important throughout the entire year, giving people who need extra attention during this time is particularly special. Plus, it makes for a great bonding opportunity for you and your date.
7. Have a game night
Tap into your competitive side and take on your partner with a one-on-one game night. Break out a deck of cards and challenge them to a game of poker, or dust off the Monopoly board if you’re feeling brave. If you’re in the mood for something steamy or romantic, light some candles and play Truth or Dare or a sexy card game. Whatever you decide, pair your game with a divine charcuterie board and drinks for the ultimate night in.
8. Mix up winter beverages
Level up your mixology skills and whip up some winter-inspired beverages with your date. Try your hand at a festive non-alcoholic beverage or go all out with the frosty martini of your dreams. Make a few different kinds, taste test each, and rate them on a scale of 1-5 to determine the drinks you will make for every holiday party for the rest of the season.
9. Head to a museum or art gallery
It doesn’t matter how much you love staying in—there are just some nights you need to get out of the house for a little bit. When that happens, check out a museum or art gallery with your date. Not only do most museums and galleries offer free or inexpensive admission, but they give you an excuse to dress up for the evening and enrich your cultural or historical knowledge while you’re at it. Afterward, end the evening with a nightcap at a nearby bar before tucking in for the night.
10. Have a pajama party
Consider this your permission to throw on your pajamas at 4 p.m. and recreate the slumber party of your childhood dreams with a holiday twist. Create a holiday playlist, put on your favorite festive pajamas (bonus points if you are matching!), stock up on beverages and snacks, and devour a pizza. Once you’re tired from dancing around and playing games, plop down on the couch and watch a holiday movie before lights out.
11. Play in the snow
If you have snow on the ground during this time, take advantage of it by tapping into your inner child and playing in the snow. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels, go sledding, or even try snowshoeing if you’re craving a good workout. No matter what you do, you’ll probably laugh the entire time and can warm each other up in a steamy shower afterward. This is easily one of the most fun (and romantic) winter date ideas on this list.
12. Decorate for the holidays
After you’ve baked a decadent holiday treat and whipped up a wintry beverage, play some holiday music and decorate your space for the season ahead together. Regardless of whether this is your first holiday season together or not, decorating together will make the holidays feel that much more special. Likewise, it’ll also help you tap into the spirit of the season and encourage you to slow down and savor it all.
13. DIY holiday gifts
Finding the perfect gifts for everyone on your list can be extremely stressful during the holidays. But let’s not forget that something you make by hand is always more meaningful than anything money could buy. Gather supplies with your partner and DIY a few gifts! Bonus points for listening to a holiday playlist and sipping on a holiday cocktail while you get your DIY on.
14. Start a puzzle
When there’s snow on the ground and you can’t imagine stepping outside, pick out and start a puzzle with your partner! Cozy up in your pajamas and start sorting those pieces. You can even pick out a holiday-themed puzzle to really get in the spirit. The best part about this one is that it can become a multiple-day endeavor, and something you look forward to doing together every day.
15. Attend a local holiday event
The best part about the holidays is that there’s always something going on. Festivals, parades, markets—there are plenty of local events that you can enjoy for a low price. Bundle up in your favorite winter coat and hit the town together hand in hand. Enjoy a parade, shop for some trinkets at a market, or enjoy a holiday festival with music and lights.
16. Take a holiday-themed class
Another great way to spend date night this time of year is by taking a holiday-themed class together. If you’re feeling artistic, choose a painting or pottery class that lets you get crafty and take your creation home. Or, if you’re a little hungry, try a cooking class so that you can eat your finished product. Dinner and an activity, for the price of one!
17. Window shop at your favorite stores
One of my favorite free activities during the holidays is to window shop. For your next date night, enjoy some window shopping together and admire the extravagant, festive displays. Maybe you can add some ideas to your wish list from what you see, or get an idea of what your partner is eyeing as well. Grab your hot coffee, roam the streets, and enjoy those Hallmark movie vibes.
18. Make a holiday bucket list
Sit down together over hot chocolate, coffee, or a festive cocktail and make a list of all of the holiday activities you want to do before the season is over. Think beyond the big-ticket activities: drive around to see holiday lights, bake a new cookie recipe, watch your favorite Christmas movie, visit a local market, or make a DIY ornament. Then pick a few to tackle together throughout the season. It’s a simple, free holiday date that can turn into a whole month (or more!) of festive plans.
19. Have a festive thrift store challenge
Turn a trip to the thrift store into a little competition by giving each other a small budget and a holiday-themed mission. See who can find the best vintage ornament, tackiest Christmas sweater, funniest holiday decor, or most unique gift for under $10. You can even pick a category for each other and keep the final purchase a surprise. It’s an inexpensive way to spend an afternoon together, and you’ll probably leave with a few hilarious finds to remember the date by.
20. Take a Christmas tree farm walk
You don’t have to be in the market for a Christmas tree to enjoy an afternoon at a tree farm. Bundle up, wander through the rows of evergreens, take a few festive photos together, and soak up the holiday atmosphere. Many tree farms also have seasonal treats, hot cider, or cozy fire pits to enjoy afterward, making it easy to turn a simple walk into a full holiday date idea. And if you do end up finding the perfect tree, well, that’s just an added bonus.
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a freelance writer and journalist, and the self-proclaimed hot and dirty martini queen. At The Everygirl, Arianna uses her authenticity and relatability to empower, inspire, and motivate women everywhere. Whether she’s writing about sex and relationships, career and finance, beauty and fashion, wellness, or home and living, Arianna’s passion shines through in all her work.
Hailey Tagliarino, Assistant Managing Editor
As Assistant Managing Editor for The Everygirl, Hailey Tagliarino oversees, writes, and edits content across various categories on the site. From the pitching stage through publishing, she works alongside the team to ensure that the content that our readers see every day is inspiring, relatable, and timely.
