As carols begin to permeate the air, you just might be wondering how to nail down that dream guy or gal of yours in time for the holidays.
If all you want for Christmas is that special someone, here are some ideas for dates guaranteed to warm the hearts of even the scroogiest, grinchiest potential significant other just in time to nab yourself that epic New Year’s Eve kiss of your dreams:
1. Go Ice Skating And Explore Shops At The Bryant Park Winter Village
There’s a reason this attraction is a New York City holiday classic.
First, skate off all your worries— and if you have your own skates, it's free, too! If not, grab a pair from the rental station.
Then, once you’ve worked up your appetite, you’ve got plenty of options to get your yum on as you shop for holiday gifts with the apple of your eye—empanadas, burgers, Greek… they’ve got it all!
You can finish off your afternoon with dessert at a trendy sweet shop like Do or Max Brenner. Check out their site for a listing of special events and vendors if you really want to know your stuff.
2. Hit Up A Holiday Party
If you and your boo want a little break from the reason for the season, there’s no shortage of options if you want to cut loose and get yourselves in the mood.
You’ve got Quiet Clubbing’s $5 Ugly Sweater party, with an on-point hideous outfit granting you a free shot.
You can try a one-of-a-kind rooftop experience at Copacabana, or hop on a holiday cruise around the skyline and enjoy some cookies and carols along with an alcoholic beverage of your choice.
It all sounds pretty romantic to us!
3. Attend A Screening At Videology Bar And Cinema
Film buffs and film buff wooers, perk up your ears! This independent micro-cinema located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, offers a wide range of film programming and events.
Check out their calendar and make a plan to attend anything from a midnight Space Jam or Scott Pilgrim drinking game to Parks and Recreation Bingo.
How about It’s a Wonderful Life or Amelie paired with mulled wine, Harry Potter trivia or a coloring party, Love Actually and a peppermint cocktail—with a full food and beverage menu, there’s something for every genre and taste!
4. Stroll By The Holiday Window Displays
If some good old fashioned Xmas cheer is what you and your date are after, there’s no shortage of NYC’s famous festive store window displays to get you two in the spirit.
Saks 5th Avenue will be offering up a Snow White themed display to celebrate the film’s 80th anniversary, Macy’s will showcase family traditions, Barney’s will break from the holiday stereotypes by showcasing Earth through the ages and Bloomingdale’s will pay tribute to PT Barnum.
Lord & Taylor will showcase scenes through the lens of a snow globe, Tiffany’s will break out their classic blue box, Bergdorf Goodman will offer crystalline homage to some classic New York sights, and Henri Bendel’s collaboration with Lovepop will stun with a design featuring flowers, birds, and butterflies.
Take your pick!
5. Hop A Bus To Vermont And Go Snow-Tubing
There are times where the best thing you can do in the city is get out of it, especially if you’re trying to get a sense of someone.
That’s why this bus excursion to Vermont for a snow-tubing session may be the perfect escape. The trip includes transportation to and from NYC, a hearty dinner, and a visit to a local brewery with beer available for purchase, and runs most Saturdays all winter long.
Hopefully, the adventure of it all will help you figure out whether you and your potential match are tube-be or not tube-be!
6. Light Up Your Life At The Rockefeller Center Tree
Another famous NYC holiday sight that first lights up at the end of November and will remain lit—pun intended!—for the rest of the season.
After you feast your eyes and snap all the pics, grab some upscale eats and a trendy glass at Morell’s Wine Bar or keep it chill with a slice or two at Harry’s Pizza Parlor.
Then, there’s no shortage of shops to keep you guys occupied for the rest of your night, or give their ice rink a whirl!
7. Celebrate National Sangria Day
While you and your date may not need a reason to drink, the holiday taking place on December 20th def gives you lovebirds the perfect excuse.
This Spanish-origin beverage consists of red wine and chopped fruit along with a variety of optional ingredients, and there are tons of NYC places to get yourselves a few sips. Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina is offering a 2-for-1 special on the beverage, and you can find a ton more places to get your fix here.
8. Grab A Drink And Hunt Through The MoMA
Do you fondly remember roving around on your summer camp scavenger hunts when you were a kid? Want to recapture the magic with a date, a drink, and some amazing art? No worries, young lover!
Just buy your tickets to Feverup’s MoMA Scavenger Hunt And Cocktails! You’ll start off your night with drink specials at the Old Castle Pub, and then head over to the MoMA to search for clues hidden among some of the world’s best art. There’s no better aphrodisiac than Monet and Van Gogh, right?
We wish you the best of luck in finding the perfect person to pull under the mistletoe—just remember to invite us to the wedding if things work out!