18 Cheap Date Ideas for the Most Expensive Time of Year

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but all the celebrations don’t come without a cost. And when you’re worried about budgeting for gifts in addition to managing your regular expenses like rent, bills, and student loans, spending extra money on a date night is probably the last thing on your mind. However, prioritizing alone time with your partner is crucial, and it’s important to avoid letting romance take a backseat during a particularly busy and stressful time of year. To prevent a clash between your relationship and your wallet this season, we’ve rounded up 18 of the best cheap date ideas for the most expensive time of year.. From at-home dates to activities you can do outside the home without breaking the bank, you’ll love having some date nights on your calendar this season.

1. Enjoy a holiday movie marathon

It’s arguably the best time of year to cuddle up under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa in hand while watching a cheesy holiday movie. Stock up on your favorite movie theater treats before your next date night and make plans with your partner about what movies you want to see. You can’t go wrong with a classic like that Home Alone or Santa Clausbut browse Netflix for Hallmark-style holiday movies like Fall for Christmas or Merry gentlemen equally interesting.

2. Decorate the gingerbread house

There’s nothing like a little competition to spice up date night! Grab some gingerbread house kits from your local store and challenge each other to see who can decorate the best. You can rate creativity, assembly, sturdiness and more to determine the real winner. But whoever wins, you’ll both have a great time, enjoy eating some icing and candy along the way, and of course, make fun-filled memories that you’ll cherish.

3. Bake cookies

Is there anything cuter than making a mess in the kitchen with your partner while you’re trying to make something from scratch? We will wait. Find holiday cookies or other delicious winter baked recipes online or recreate old family recipes before grabbing your ingredients. Then, make sure your kitchen is clean and your baking equipment is washed and ready to use, so your baking steps are a breeze. Regardless of how skilled or not you or your partner are at baking, you’ll have a great time doing this together and get a well-deserved reward to enjoy at the end.

READ: 50 Holiday Cookie Recipes to Fill Your Tins This Winter

4. Go ice skating

If you’re looking to move your body and get out of the house, this is the perfect cheap date night for you. Put on some winter clothes and head to the local ice skating rink together. If you’re a beginner, use your lack of experience as an excuse to make it more romantic and hold hands with your date while you skate. But if you feel comfortable skating, show off your skills! When your time on the ice is up, return home for a warm meal and a comfortable night in.

5. Take a holiday light tour

You know the holidays have arrived when there are holiday lights everywhere you look. Drive around town and look for the best-decorated homes, or get together to stroll your town and admire the amazing holiday displays. You can even see a local tree lighting if there’s one near you! There is no shortage of light displays in the US, and they are a great way to get into the holiday spirit.

6. Volunteer at a local soup kitchen

Times like these are busy, and it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget how lucky you are. For your next date night, give back to the community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen (or another cause that’s important to you!) together. While volunteering is important all year round, providing assistance to people who need extra attention during this time is especially special. Plus, it’s a great bonding opportunity for you and your date.

date night ideas for the holidays — *Source: Audrey Miller | Deceptive*

7. Have a good night playing

Tap into your competitive side and take on your partner with a one-on-one game night. Get out a deck of cards and challenge them to a game of poker, or wipe the Monopoly board clean if you’re feeling brave. If you’re in the mood for something exciting or romantic, light some candles and play Truth or Dare or a sexy card game. Whatever you decide, pair your game with a special charcuterie board and drinks for the best night.

8. Mix up a winter drink

Improve your mixology skills and whip up some winter-inspired drinks with your date. Try a festive non-alcoholic drink or enjoy the chilled martini of your dreams. Make a few different drinks, taste test each one, and rate them on a scale of 1-5 to determine the drink you’ll make for every holiday party for the rest of the season.

READ: 20 Holiday Cocktail Recipes That Will Brighten Your Spirits

9. Go to a museum or art gallery

No matter how much you like staying at home—there are some nights that you just need to get out of the house for a bit. If that happens, visit a museum or art gallery with your date. Most museums and galleries not only offer free or cheap admission, but also give you a reason to dress up for the evening and enrich your cultural or historical knowledge while you’re there. Afterwards, end the night with drinks at a nearby bar before settling in for the night.

10. Throw a pajama party

Consider this your permission to put on your pajamas at 4pm and recreate the slumber party of your childhood dreams with a holiday twist. Make a holiday playlist, wear your favorite festive pajamas (bonus points if you fit!), stock up on drinks and snacks, and grab some pizza. Once you’re tired of dancing and playing games, plop down on the couch and watch a holiday movie before the lights go out.

11. Play in the snow

If you experience snow on the ground during this time, take advantage of it by tapping into your inner child and playing in the snow. Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, make snow angels, go sledding, or even try snowshoeing if you want to get some exercise. Whatever you do, you’ll probably laugh the whole time and can warm each other up with a warm bath afterward.

12. Decorate according to the season

Once you’ve made your fancy holiday treats and prepared your winter drinks, put on some holiday music and decorate your space for the season ahead together. Regardless of whether this is your first holiday season together or not, decorating together will make the holidays feel more special. Likewise, it will also help you harness the spirit of the season and encourage you to relax and enjoy it all.

13. Make a hobby menu

When it gets dark at 4 p.m., it can be hard to want to do anything other than cuddle on the couch or go straight to sleep. The solution to this? Hobby Menu. On your next date night, get together and make your own references throughout the season. It’s completely free and also gives you a list of activities you’d like to try—plus some date night ideas to use in the future. Brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other, and create menus digitally or by hand.

14. DIY holiday gifts

Finding the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be very stressful during the holidays. But don’t forget that something you make with your hands always means more than anything money can buy. Gather supplies with your partner and make some fun and thoughtful gifts! Bonus points for listening to holiday playlists and sipping holiday cocktails while DIYing.

READ: 14 DIY Gifts to Give This Season

15. Start the puzzle

When there’s snow on the ground and you can’t imagine stepping outside, pick one and start a puzzle with your partner! Put on your pajamas and start sorting through the items. You can even choose a holiday-themed puzzle to really get in the spirit. The best part is that this can be done over a few days, and is something you look forward to doing together every day.

16. Attend local events

The best part about holidays is that there is always something going on. Festivals, parades, markets—there are plenty of local events you can enjoy at affordable prices. Put on your favorite winter coat and explore the city together hand in hand. Enjoy a parade, shop for trinkets at the market, or enjoy a holiday festival with music and lights.

17. Take a holiday-themed class

Another great way to spend date night this time of year is to take a holiday-themed class together. If you’re feeling artistic, choose a painting or pottery class that will allow you to become skilled and take your creations home. Or, if you’re a little peckish, try a cooking class so you can eat the finished product. Dinner and activities, for the price of one!

18. Window shop at your favorite store

One of my favorite free activities during the holidays is window shopping. For your next date night, enjoy window shopping together and admire the extravagant and lively shows. Maybe you can add some ideas to your wish list from what you see, or get an idea of what your partner is also after. Grab your hot coffee, wander the streets, and enjoy the atmosphere of a Hallmark movie.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer

Arianna is a freelance writer and journalist, and the self-proclaimed queen of the hot and dirty martini. On The Everygirl, Arianna uses her authenticity and relatability to empower, inspire, and motivate women everywhere. Whether she’s writing about sex and relationships, career and finances, beauty and fashion, health, or home and life, Arianna’s passion shines through in all of her work.

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