The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...To Go On a Date!

When I was a teenager in the 1960s, dating was about finding someone to “go steady” with. Telling friends you were going steady meant you were exclusively dating each other.

Terms and labels may have changed with the generations, but the fact remains that “going steady” means you have to come up with some creative ideas to go on dates. As a teen during the 60s, it was simple. Dinner and a movie were basic, and yes, more often than not, was the date du jour option for romantically challenged teenage guys like me.

The Christmas season offers a veritable panorama of dating options. Regardless of your age, or even if you are not “going steady,” seize the moment and enjoy Advent and Christmas by taking advantage of this unique season to experience the dating venues and options of this sacred season. It is the most wonderful time of the year — to date!

So hop on this Santa’s sleigh and check out these Yuletide dating ideas.

Christmas Lights or Festival of Lights

Most areas will have a Christmas-themed park with a drive-through Christmas light experience. In Georgia, few locations compare to Callaway Gardens' “Fantasy in Lights.” It has become a beloved tradition to visit this Winter Wonderland, which has twinkling lights, faux snow, oversized ornaments, and a forest of perfectly decorated trees. Rather than drive, we bundle up and ride their Jolly Trolley along the classic seven-mile journey, illuminated with 10 million twinkling lights and 17 dazzling Christmas scenes! Talk about romance!

Christmas Tree Farms

My brother-in-law owns a Christmas tree farm in Stockbridge, Georgia. It is called Sugarland, and it offers a tree-cutting experience for the whole family. Invite your date to come along and help pick out trees for each other. Most tree farms have decorations and other side activities to make the trip worthwhile.

Christmas Markets

Last year, my wife and I went on a river cruise through Germany and stopped at several of their Christmas Markets. With some homework, you can find nearby communities in your area offering a similar experience. Enjoy the food, the hot chocolate, and the many Christmas-themed crafts. So get off your sofa, turn off the Home Shopping Network, grab your date, find local crafts, and savor the sweet scents of a Christmas Market.

Ice Skating

I am too big and clumsy to enjoy this suggestion. I have busted my rump too many times. That said, for those with a little more courage and skill, skating on an ice rink this time of year can be an exhilarating experience. Besides, you have to hold hands when you ice skate, right?

Bake Christmas Cookies

Even if you don't enjoy baking, just put on the apron and help your date bake and decorate some Christmas cookies. I bet you cannot complete the task without a splash of flour on your face. And you know how adorable we guys look when we have flour splattered across our chins and cheeks—loving and kissable.

Hot Chocolate 

Give yourself the mission to find the best hot chocolate in town. Take your date on a cozy coffee cafe date to try their version of hot chocolate. Then, spend the week visiting other cafes to compare their version of Chocolate Heaven with this one. 

Gingerbread houses

This may not be your thing, either. It’s not mine. But I guarantee you that helping your date decorate a gingerbread house with or for her nieces and nephews, grandchildren, or children will leave a most favorable impression.

Volunteer

This time of year calls out the best in people. Let generosity and compassion reign. Invite your date to join you and help out at a homeless shelter or food bank.

Christmas concerts 

Find one that suits your taste.  My wife and I attended a Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert one year, and it was terrific. For others, The Nutcracker is an annual tradition. Most church concerts and musicals are free. I look forward to hearing O Holy Night sung by a magnificent choir every year. The song speaks to my heart, inspires me to pray, and creates a sense of worship that is best done with those you love.

Lighting of the Great Christmas Tree

Growing up in suburban Atlanta, the Christmas season kicked off with the lighting of the Great Christmas Tree at Rich’s Department Store on Thanksgiving night. Thousands would gather on Forsyth Street in downtown Atlanta to hear multiple choirs sing and witness the largest tree, usually over 70 feet tall, in the southeast explode in colorful lights. Smaller communities have their own version of a Christmas Tree lighting ceremony. 

Christmas Movie Night

How about a Holiday Movie Marathon? It’s a Wonderful Life is a popular one. Yes, for some, this classic movie with Jimmy Stewart is too familiar to watch again, but I encourage you to do it anyway.  Pop some popcorn, grab those cookies you baked, make your hot chocolate with whipped cream, grab a blanket, and cuddle up with your sweetie and enjoy this movie again and again. Or find your favorite version of A Christmas Carol and your favorite actor playing Ebenezer Scrooge. There are plenty to choose from!

Decorate the Christmas Tree

Invite your date to help decorate your tree. Share your Christmas memories while hanging your ornaments and debate what to place on top of the tree!

Gift wrapping

I do not know any man who enjoys gift wrapping. My wife buys the best wrapping paper and makes sure the bow matches the wrapping. I am ok using the Sunday Comics as wrapping paper and as much Scotch tape as necessary to secure it. And what’s a bow? But, if you can agree on the approach, a date of gift-wrapping would be appreciated by you know who.

Romantic Sleigh Ride

Anytime you get a chance to bundle up and get cozy with your date, seize it. This is a no-brainer for a guy. And Christmas sleigh rides offer a romantic cuddle moment that adds to your collection of great memories.

Advent and Midnight Mass

Going to church during Advent is an exciting way to countdown to Christmas. The lighting of candles, the variations in the colors of the robes, and the poinsettias make the journey towards the birth of Christ a meaningful way to celebrate the season. And doing so together highlights a spiritual principle: when a couple draws closer to God, it draws them closer to each other.

A word of caution: Christmas can be a hectic time of shopping and gift-giving. It is easy to find our hearts distracted from the reason for the season. Yes, it is a good time for family get-togethers and a genuine opportunity to grow your relationship with your date. Whatever “dates” you choose to do, be sure to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the season and allow the lights, the music, and the decorations to point you to the One whose birth we celebrate.

Your Christmas dating events can be fun, but they can also be inspiring.