Is December the season of love? The season of heartache? The time you should kiss under the mistletoe?
Yes, New York City. December in this city is all of those things.
If nothing else, NYC is the most romantic city in the universe, and December is the most romantic month in the city.
We really think that's true; July and February have nothing on December. In December, it's chilly so you want to cuddle, it's the holidays so you want someone special to experience holiday cheer with, it's the weekend so you want someone to make out with.
So, either grab your current beau or get on Tinder and start swiping. Then, make sure to hit all the excellent December date ideas below.
1. Ice Skate at the LeFrak Center (171 East Drive - Brooklyn)
Ice skating during the holiday season in NYC is a stellar idea. It's freezing, so you'll have to hold each other's hands to keep warm. Someone inevitably falls, and then someone inevitably has to be helped up.
The LeFrak Center at Prospect Park is an especially stellar rink to go on your date because it's brand new, state-of-the-art, and relatively tourist free.
One rink is covered and one's open air. Obviously, we think you and your date should skate in the open air rink. You'll have stunning views of the Prospect Park's lake, and whatever's left of its foliage. Plus, it only costs $6 for admission and $6 for skate rentals.
2. Nutcracker Rouge (18 Minetta Lane)
The Nutcracker Rouge is one of those #OnlyInNYC plays. Sure, we're all infinitely familiar with The Nutcracker, but this version is different. This version is burlesque.
There are all the staples of the old classic: the story with its plot lines we know all too well. The difference? Well, jazz music, and the tiny little fact that it’s hilarious.
Plus, there are scantily clad men, flapper women, and some seriously sexy dancing. Like, seriously. Watch the trailer, and you’ll see what we mean.
This racy Nutcracker has morphed the classic play into something different, something tantalizing. What we're saying is, we have a feeling it'll set the mood for your date. You intrigued?
If so, get your tickets here.
3. Manhattan Dinner Cruise
Could you think of anything more romantic than a three-course dinner, a DJ dance, and three hours of breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline?
We ask, because we really can't think of anything. We're pretty sure if you bring anyone on this date, he or she will fall infinitely in love with you, instantly. If that doesn't happen, you'll at least have a really fun evening, are we right?
The cruise includes a decadent dinner, after dinner dancing, and sights of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the rest of Manhattan's skyline. There's a hors d'oeuvres reception hour, a dessert station, a premium bar, and a live DJ.
Bring your A-game, and bring your date on this dinner cruise. Get your tickets here.
4. The Imbible: Christmas Carol Cocktails (300 West 43rd Street)
theimbible Nothing hits the spot like a post-show frozen eggnog at Sweetwater Social! #ThirstyTheater http://imbible.org
The Imbible is not any ordinary play. Far from it. At The Imbible: Christmas Carol Cocktails, you'll see the time-old classic. Ebenezer Scrooge doesn't want to celebrate Christmas ... surprise, surprise.
Except, at this play, there actually is a surprise. Instead of perusing Scrooge's memories, you're visiting the art of crafting cocktails. Then, after you watch Scrooge make the cocktails, you'll get to drink them.
That's right. Your ticket to this play also comes with three complimentary cocktails, and you'll watch them crafted onstage. Once you're boozed and giggling, you'll be released into the NYC evening with your date.
We think this play sounds not only romantic, but also super fun. Do you agree? Get your tickets here.
,5. Battle of the Belgians (43 East 7th Street)
brew_hound #battleofthebelgians tonight at #bazibierbrasserie - bring it on! #belgianbeer #beer #beergeek #beernerd #beerstagram #beersnob #beerpics #beerporn #craftbeer #craftbeerpics #craftbeerporn #ilovecraftbeer #portlandbeer #pdxbeer #ilovethisbar
We don't think it's a great big secret that once people start to get tipsy, their inhibitions loosen. They can talk more freely. They're more likely to seek out mistletoe and make out under it.
With all this in mind, we thought the Battle of the Belgians might be a really great date idea.
It's going down on Saturday, December 5th from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature beer from brewers and distributors from around the globe, plus some local brewers just for fun.
During the three hours of the event, you'll have unlimited samples of more than twenty bottled beers. It's American beer versus Belgian Beer, and you'll help decide the winner.
There will also be food. There will be a whole roasted hog, alongside vegetarian options. Of course, you'll wash it all down with beer. It'll be a lovely daytime drinking event for you and your date; especially if you're dating a beer enthusiast. Get your tickets here.
6. Stargaze with the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York
ottervonhaus I missed this so much. Spent all night to midnight at Lincoln Center observing Jupiter, the Moon, and Venus, volunteering to show the public the full experience of seeing these celestial bodies up close. Talked about science, astronomy, the South Pole, the Chilean desert, telescopes, tripods, eyepieces, cheese, and how I didn't dress for the chilly weather with fellow volunteers (I was freezing!). Seeing the moon and planets up close never gets old to me. I'm as amazed as my first ever experience. I also never tire of other people who never thought much of the moon suddenly get blown away when they see it in a different light. Getting into this was one of the best decisions I've made. I get to experience something that many pass up. It forces me to go out and interact with all types of people of all ages and from all backgrounds. I love it. And I love how everyone that came up to my telescope loved it. At the tail end of the night, we waited until the last showing of the opera ended, so we received a huge rush of people coming out. Amazing! A lot asked, "What's so special about tonight?", "Is there something special about the moon tonight?" Sometimes I replied "The moon has always been special." or "Nothing, just the sky." And let them see it for themselves. Never fails. One woman suggested I start charging people. Prepare to roll your eyes because I replied with, "Oh, the smiles and delight of people are more than enough." I even showed some people how to take a picture of what they saw and they couldn't believe it! Their very own picture of the Moon, up close. That they took. I promised you stories, so here was another long winded one. Sorry! #nycstargazing #nycastronomy
Nothing is more romantic than stargazing. Not even a dinner cruise. We mean it.
So bring your date to one of the Amateur Astronomers Association's solar observation events. You'll get to use specially designed telescopes to find out what's happening on the surface of the sun the second Saturday of every month at the Bronx Zoo, and some Sundays in Central Park.
This month's observations are going down on Friday, December 18th at Floyd Bennett Field at 8 p.m.and Saturday December 19th at 6 p.m. north of the Great Lawn in Central Park.
Should you get a little tipsy beforehand? Well, that's up to you, isn't it?
7. Holiday Cupcakes and Vino (85 MacDougal Street)
On Saturday, December 12th, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., you'll get the chance to get completely buzzed on some delicious wine, while you get completely schooled on the art of cupcake decorating.
You don't need to bring anything but your appetite for cupcakes and your appetite for knowledge.
You'll learn the basics of cupcake decorating while you sip fine wine. You'll get to bring home six cupcakes, along with recipes for making cupcakes and buttercream at come.
Are you dating someone who's obsessed with baking and wine? Does the idea of getting wine drunk while feasting on cupcakes appeal to you?
All in all, you'll get to feast on cupcakes while gaining the skills to dominate everyone with your new baking skills at this year's holiday party. Plus, it's a pretty romantic idea. Maybe you'll even get to lick icing off your date's face. Get your tickets here.
Check out 9 Best Date Spots in NYC That Won't Wreck Your Budget.