Boy, It’s Cold Out There… and That’s a Good Thing for Dating
By Maureen Tara Nelson,
Owner of MTN Matchmaking — 20 Years Strong, Long Island’s #1 Voted Matchmaking Service
December has arrived, and let’s be honest—boy, it’s cold out there. But after 20 years of helping singles find meaningful connections through MTN Matchmaking, I can confidently say that winter may be one of the most romantic seasons for dating. Cold weather has a way of slowing us down, encouraging intimacy, creativity, and genuine conversation. When done right, winter dates can feel cozy, romantic, and surprisingly exciting.
Here are 10 great date ideas that will make you actually look forward to heading out into the chill:
- Coffeehouse Hopping – Explore charming local cafés and rate the best hot chocolate or espresso together.
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Museum or seeing a Broadway show Date – Warm, cultured, and perfect for sparking intelligent conversation and who wouldn’t enjoy going into Manhattan to see a Broadway show and being able to go see the Christmas tree.
- Cooking a Meal Together – Nothing builds connection like teamwork and comfort food.
- Winter Walk + Hot Drinks – Bundle up, stroll a quaint village, and reward yourselves with something warm.
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Bookstore Browsing – Share favorite authors and discover each other’s interests. Hopefully, they have an area to sit down together and chat over coffee and something sweet.
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Wine or Whiskey Tasting – Sophisticated, relaxed, and ideal for getting to know one another. The scenery at wineries during the holiday season makes it even more romantic.
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Comedy Show – Laughter is a powerful bonding tool, especially in winter. On a first date, I recommend just not sitting in the front row… Somehow comedians can always tell when couples are on their first date, and you want a fun night, laughing at all of the comedians, and not to be called out for being on a first date.
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Movie Night with Discussion – Choose a meaningful film that you both want to see and talk about it afterwards someplace hopefully with a fireplace.
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Seasonal Classes or Workshops – Cooking, art, or dance classes create shared experiences and are enjoyed more when it’s cold outside and your doing an inside activity; rather than the alternative of doing these ideas inside during a beautiful summer night.
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Volunteer Together – Giving back during the holidays builds a beautiful emotional connection that will always be remembered.
Winter dating isn’t about braving the cold—it’s about creating warmth where it matters most. With intention, creativity, and the right mindset, December can be the beginning of something truly special. And what’s the best part about going out on dates in the freezing cold weather? After the date, being inside with the heat on and cuddling…and trust me—love and cold weather equal romance. 
-MTN
