Winter date ideas to warm your heart
Posted on
Is the seasonal slump impacting your dating life? We’ll leave this here.
When the weather gets cold, everyone in Canberra tends to hibernate – but for those on the dating scene (or those looking for something new to do with their significant other) it can quickly become frustrating coordinating a romantic winter rendezvous.
Whether it’s your first date or your 100th, here are some date ideas in Canberra to add some heat to your winter. These ideas are also great for catching up with friends or spicing up life beyond your nine-to-five!
Go ice skating
Break the ice (but not literally) with a wholesome winter-themed date at Phillip Swimming and Ice Skating Centre. Make a night of it by attending the Friday Night Disco or take it slow during one of their public sessions – either way, it’s a great excuse to hold hands.
For those seeking a more seasonal location, until Sunday 21 July, there’s also an ice-skating rink in Glebe Park thanks to Winter in the City. All your wintery dreams can come true with one ticket, with ice skating, snow play, tobogganing and marshmallow toasting on open fires included.
Sip on some mulled wine
Going to a bar or café is a classic date for a reason, but this winter why not warm yourself with some mulled wine? It will help get the conversation flowing and add a little bit of spice to your night (if you know what we mean).
Edgar’s Inn in Ainslie, The Tradies at Dickson, and The Old Canberra Inn are three locals where you can find mulled wine, but keep an eye out – you never know where you’ll find a glass.
Book a chocolate-making workshop
Does your date love chocolate? Forget treating them to a box of Roses, cure that craving with a hands-on workshop where they’ll walk away feeling sweet.
Available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings, Murrumbateman Chocolate Co. is hosting an intimate chocolate bar-making experience for just $49. In a small group, you’ll make four 50-gram bars using milk, dark or white chocolate, and some tasty inclusions.
Also included is your choice of coffee, tea, ice-cream soda, or their signature chocolate drinks. Bookings are essential and make sure to go hungry!
Head to the movies
It’s not original, but it’s a classic – and if you’re feeling a touch nervous about your date, sitting in a dark room in silence for two hours might be just what you need.
Catch the latest Indie film at Palace Electric Cinemas (having some of their olive oil popcorn is a must) or head to Limelight, Dendy or Hoyts for the latest and greatest films hitting our screens. Cuddling is optional but highly recommended.
Try your hand at a cooking class
The best way to the heart is through the stomach, so a cooking class sounds like the perfect date idea. 10 Yards hold a range of masterclasses throughout the year (keep an eye on the website to see what’s coming up), while at ClassBento you can find a range of workshops happening around Canberra – from pasta making to cake decorating. Bon Appetit!
Visit a museum or gallery
Will you be looking at the art or will you be looking at them? Warm, cosy and perfect for creating conversation, visiting one of Canberra’s many museums and galleries can be a great option for a date.
Book some time to visit the National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD) at Old Parliament House, National Portrait Gallery, Canberra Museum and Gallery, Belco Arts, Grainger Gallery, and the Gallery of Small Things (just to name a few) – no matter which you visit, there’s always something to see.
Get competitive with a trivia
Shake up date night by testing your knowledge and showing off your competitive side. It’s not only a great conversation starter but this date idea is also budget-friendly – because it’s free! Here are seven locations offering a cracking free weekly trivia night in Canberra. You’re welcome.
Channel your crafty side
Candle making, a Fluid bear-making experience, painting, jewellery making, and more – sometimes the best dates are as easy as unleashing your creative side. Instala DYI Studio in Braddon hosts a range of art workshops (including Canberra’s first perfume-making workshop), while Paint and Pinot is the perfect combination of wine, food and art.
Need some more suggestions? Here are some more places offering workshops and classes – and the best part is you’ll go home with something cute that you created!
Have a winter wine-tasting
A glass of red on a winter’s day always goes down a treat, so why not spend a day tasting the best in the region?
There are two ways you can approach this date idea – you can visit one of the many wineries in the Canberra wine district (Poachers Pantry and Heywood should be at the top of your list) or you can bring the wine tasting to you and enjoy from the comfort of home.
Each person can bring their go-to bottle of wine and some snacks (Google ‘best wine and potato chip pairings’ and thank us later) for a cosy night in.
Let loose and play
Couples who play together, stay together. Let your inner child loose and have some fun at Holey Moley (a mini golf course that turns traditional putt-putt into a multi-sensory labyrinth), the Hijinx Hotel immersive quick play rooms, Kingpin, iPlay, paintball and more!
You can even bond over a little bit of friendly competition…
