There’s something magical about the holiday season that leaves you craving more time with your loved ones. And while Christmas in Utah may seem specifically family centric, it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of holiday events that would make great date nights. Here are 10 romantic date night ideas to enjoy with your special someone this holiday season:
Take your beloved to see a Christmas light display as a date night. The crisp air and star-filled sky will feel even more magical with a walk through colorful twinkling lights. Visiting Luminaria at Thanksgiving Point is more than a colorful walk though, but rather an entire night of holiday fun. This new, holiday venue has a full list of offerings including 8,000 luminarias set to music. If either one of you love animals, there’s a live reindeer experience to see. And for ultimate date night appeal, you can drink gourmet cocoa and eat s’mores while snuggling at the fire-pit. Don’t forget to sure to take a couples’ selfie in front of the 120-foot Christmas tree, as this date is going to be one you want to remember! Oh and the best part, there’s a weekender package to choose from if you can sneak away overnight!
Enjoy some sweets with your sweetheart and plan a holiday baking date. If you’re not the baking type, you can buy a gingerbread house kit. Make this date a cozy night in while listening to a homemade holiday playlist. If you run out of time, borrow a pre-made playlist from NPR or Spotify – there are plenty of options to chose from.
A great way to connect with your significant other while doing something good for someone else is a date night focused on service. Volunteering with Candy Cane Corner, a holiday store that provides low-income families the opportunity to select new holiday gifts for their families is a perfect option.
Sledding isn’t just a kid activity! Throw on some layers and hit the hill with your honey. You can take your own sled to Sugar House Park or if you prefer a more organized sledding date night, head to Soldier Hollow or Gorgoza Park. When you decide it’s time to thaw out, stop for some hot soup at The Soup Kitchen on your way home.
An ice skating date during Christmas is as cliché as you can get, but for good reason. Spend the night holding hands while skating at The Gallivan Center and then follow it up with a warm beverage of your choice. Starbucks and most local coffee shops have holiday cocoa offerings on the menu during this time of year.
What could be more romantic than snowshoeing by moonlight for date night? Experience the brilliance of a starry night! Rent some snowshoes and head out on your own, as Utah has plenty of snowshoeing areas to choose from. If you prefer a guided tour, there are a few option to choose from including Heber Valley’s moonlight snowshoe hike or White Pine Touring offers a moonlight snowshoe tour with an optional fireside dinner.
Want to enjoy a cozy, winter night outside without the exertion of snowshoeing, skating or sledding? A date night sleigh ride is for you! This option at The Homestead Resort offers multiple offerings including one with Santa, or the Midway Ice Castle.
And if being cold isn’t your thing, take the Netflix and Chill idea and winterize it to a Netflix and Cuddle date night. Grab a pair of footie pajamas (no judgment) and some unhealthy, holiday treats (again, no judgment) and settle in for a night with your sweetie. Pick your favorite holiday themed movies and chill on your own terms. Here are a few holiday favorites on Netflix, in case you need some inspiration: White Christmas, Love Actually, or Miracle on 34th Street. If you’re not into classics, check out A Very Murray Christmas… because Bill Murray and Christmas, well that has to be pure magic!
Does your darling love music? If so, seeing a holiday show is a perfect date night activity. The Egyptian Theatre in historic Park City has an annual holiday-themed variety show that includes a sing-along. Does your date love choir music? Well, you’re in luck, that’s an easy date to plan thanks to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. And lastly, if you prefer a more refined holiday show, The Nutcracker with Ballet West is a perfect option.
If you’re looking for a Christmas Eve date night, attending Park City Mountain’s 54th Annual Torchlight Parade in Park City is a fun, free event. Starting in the early evening, the two of you can enjoy holiday music and cheer at the base area before the parade.