Birthday Date Ideas

Summer birthdays bring the heat, but winter birthdays are where the real magic happens. There are plenty of cozy ways you can make someone’s special day unforgettable—even in the chilliest months. Here are seven winter-themed birthday date ideas straight out of your favorite rom-com.

Wrap up warm and take your date to a festive market. Sip on hot chocolate, savor mulled wine, or indulge in gourmet treats as you wander through twinkling stalls. It’s the perfect way to soak up the festive vibes while getting to know your date better. You could even pick out a special birthday gift from the artisan vendors.

The best winter dates feature a ​​graceful—or hilariously clumsy—spin around the ice rink. Ice skating is a hallmark of a winter romance, and for good reason. Whether you're skating circles round your date or clutching onto each other for balance, ice skating is a great way to bring you closer. You can always warm up with a cup of hot cocoa afterwards.

Show the book-lover in your life that you appreciate them with a birthday date in a quaint bookstore. Find a local shop with a cozy nook where you can spend hours perusing the shelves or discovering new reads. Plenty of bookstores offer poetry readings or author visits—just check what's on ahead of time. Finish the date off with a coffee and some quiet conversation, for a relaxed yet intimate celebration.

If you've been dating for a while (and most importantly, feel safe and comfortable), plan a weekend together at a cabin in the woods. A cabin retreat is perfect for a birthday. That way you can kick back, enjoy each other’s company, and escape the everyday hustle. Pack some board games, your favorite films, and ingredients for a homemade dinner. If you're lucky, there might even be some snow falling softly outside.

Embrace your inner child with a snow-day-themed birthday date. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, or make snow angels together. Head to a local park and bring a couple of sledges so you can recreate childhood memories. After playing in the snow, head inside to warm up with blankets, hot drinks, and maybe a movie marathon.

Turn the kitchen into a playground by baking together. You can have a competition or bake a birthday cake together. Baking is a cheap, easy way to spend time together—and you'll have something to eat at the end of your date. Don’t worry if you’re not expert bakers, the fun is all in the attempt and the sweet mess you make together.

If your date dreams of warmer climates, spend the day planning their ideal vacation. Research destinations, hotels, and activities, and maybe even make a mood board that channels the vibe you’re going for. Once you've chosen your destination, why not make them a meal based on the delicacies from that country? It’s a great way to set the mood ahead of your future getaway.

Winter birthdays don't need to feel dreary when you have so many date ideas up your sleeve. It might be cold, but let the chill add to the charm, bundle up, and make this birthday date one to remember.