Winter Date Ideas in DC

The cold winter can be uninspiring when trying to come up with romantic date ideas. Cool weather and showers mean your dates have to move indoors and need to be more organized – you can’t just wander aimlessly when there’s a chance you’ll be caught in the rain and cold!

If you’re stuck for ideas, don’t worry – we’ve done the thinking for you and curated seven delightful ideas for your next date in the DC area, ensuring your winter escapades are nothing short of magical. 

A night to remember at Swingers, the crazy golf club

Escape the winter chill and warm up by challenging your date to a round of mini golf at Swingers. 

Our DJs are guaranteed to turn up the heat and get you dancing, but if you think you’ll embarrass yourself in front of your date by busting a move, opt for a seat at the bar instead. Our expert bartenders will whisk you up cocktails that’ll set the perfect tone for bonding (or playful banter) as you navigate the game.

If you want to make a night of it, there’s a wide range of street food to feast on – burgers, tacos, pizza and baked goods to suit any taste.

Go sightseeing on a river cruise

Take your date on a DC sightseeing experience like no other with a cruise on the river. Cozy up while watching the sunset over the water on an evening cruise, or book a cocktail cruise to warm you both up.

A river cruise date is great at any time of year, but with the evenings drawing in during the winter, it’s an even more magical experience as the lights from the surrounding buildings will dance on the water. Bring warm clothes and huddle up together as you watch the world go by.

Embrace the elements on a skate date at an ice rink

Grab your partner’s hand and hold each other steady as you glide around an ice rink. The Wharf ice rink is located outside The Anthem at Transit Pier and is DC’s only over-water ice rink. It makes for a romantic setting, as you can watch the sunset over the water, and grab some food from one of the many restaurants around The Wharf.

The Sculpture Garden ice rink, found near the National Gallery of Art and Culture, is another option if you’re feeling more artsy. Skate amongst the sculptures from contemporary and modern artists and then warm up with a coffee in the nearby cafe afterward.

Inject some culture into your date at the Smithsonian Museums

There’s a chance your parents or school took you to the Smithsonian Museums as a kid, but how much do you actually remember about your trip?

There’s a lot of choice, whether you’re arty, a history buff, or looking to learn more about different cultures from around the world (or your own). You can chat with your date about your opinions on the exhibits, or alternatively, use them as a distraction to get them chatting about deeper topics.

See a show at the theater

Going on a theater date is a bit more special than a cinema date – each performance is unique at every showing and it’s a great excuse to get dressed up. Escape the cold and enter another world together.

There are lots of shows to see at the Kennedy Center and Arena Stage. If you’re feeling festive, go and see the Holiday Step Show or the ballet. 

Put your heart into a romantic dinner date

If you’re really not feeling like leaving the house this winter, create a date night atmosphere in your own home.

Dim the lights, light some candles, put on some music and cook your date’s favorite food (or order takeout!). It’ll be that more special for your date to know you’ve made an effort to set the atmosphere by yourself, and really personalize the experience.

Get sentimental by printing out cherished photos, fostering a trip down memory lane. As you cozy up, select a film – take a risk with something new (a conversation starter!) or go for a classic rom-com (perhaps cheesy, but a guaranteed laugh). This homey rendezvous is bound to create new memories while cherishing the ones you already share.