As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, to the point that you now resemble a very large cocoon squashed up alone in a single bed, due to you having to wrap yourself so tightly in your duvet to keep yourself warm, it really makes you question your life.

This is because, if you're part of the single club you are often faced with the very displeasing task of climbing into an empty bed every night, and welcoming the lovely embrace of the winter chill, which is very humbling to say the least. 

However if you have taken cuffing season in your stride and even made it to winter wonderland this year then congratulations. As we know that unlike us singles you have the pleasure of wrapping yourself around your partner like a human sloth, and getting real cutesy and real cosy.

So yes i am definitely sending extreme side eyes to all you human sloths this year. But don't worry as regardless of if you are single or in a relationship there is still room for everyone to still enjoy some fun dates this winter, whether that's with your friends or your boo.

I have curated a list of 7 winter date ideas which will keep you occupied this winter.

1. Ice Skating

Coming in strong with an all time favourite would be Ice Skating. 

I believe this would be the perfect date to kickstart the winter season dating saga, as it really gets you excited for the festive season ahead, due to locations like Winter Wonderland and Battersea Power Station really bringing the heat and setting the bar for outdoor ice skating.

Even if you're not the most confident skater, or may think that you will resemble bambi on ice, I think it's a really good ice breaker (no pun intended) especially for a first date to let your hair down and have some fun. 

However if all else fails you can always grab some food after and have a cute winter stroll.

2. Hot Chocolate or Matcha Date

A hot chocolate date I personally believe is the perfect type of winter date, as you’re inside a coffee shop warm and dry, with your nostrils being greeted by the beautiful scent of coffee beans, oooh and you get to sit down and rest your legs.

It is also affordable and a good way to get some quality talk time with your date, and just relax and enjoy each other's company.

However if you have been keeping up with trends this year then you will know that Matcha has taken London by storm, with Blanc Streets popping up on nearly every corner and giving the infamous Joe and the juice a run for their money. 

With the infamous UK influencer legend Mellisas Wardrobe even collaborating with them, take this as your sign to try Mels Maple Matcha this winter with your date before it's gone.

3.  Christmas Market

When it comes to this time of year, this is when people will start wishing that money grew on trees. 

As people's pockets can become extremely tight due to over indulging in Black Friday sales, Christmas shopping or even due to trying to maintain saving/ financial goals to finish off the end of the year on a high. 

This is why Christmas markets are so perfect as they are free, and such a lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit. If you feel like splurging you can even indulge in a mulled wine or a classic hot chocolate and just have a stroll around and take in the beautiful lights. 

4. Gingerbread House Making 

Food is always a safe bet when thinking of date ideas, so what better than to play with your food and decorate some gingerbread houses with your date. 

You may think this is an activity for kids, but believe me it is not, as just last week me and my friends got together to decorate some gingerbread houses which were then devoured alongside a hot cup of chai tea, and it was amazing.

If you are wondering where you can get your hands on some gingerbread houses, head to Tiger and they will have an abundance.

But once again this is a cost effective date which you can do with friends or a partner and really have a good laugh over it. As you can make it a competition or work together, but whatever you choose just make sure you are having fun.

5. Christmas Tree Farm 

So this one can be an acquired taste as many people these days opt for a fake tree as opposed to a real one, so heading to a Christmas tree farm like the Orpington Christmas Tree Farm may not be up your street.

However you don't necessarily have to go to purchase a tree, instead you can just have a look around and get some Christmas magic in your system. 

This would be a unique day out as it's not everyday you can go and pick up a Christmas tree.

With this being said, if you did decide to purchase a tree, you could then extend your date by heading home and decorating the tree together, which is very cutesy and very demure.

6. Baking

If you are looking for a more intimate, hands on date then baking is where it's at. This is because this is your chance to show off your skills and show your date what you are working with in the kitchen.

This date is perfect for all four seasons as it allows for you to be in the comfort of your own home and just have fun. 

From cookies to christmas cake you name it and you can bake it.

I think the more ambitious and daring that you are with your baking ideas, the more fun you will have, as who knows what the final result will look like.

7. The Christmas Orchestra 

The final winter date idea may be my favourite, as it has been flooding my instagram ever since the clocks moved forwards or back, who even knows at this point. However if you haven't come across the christmas orchestra which plays over christmas films then you must be living under a rock.

Even though this may be the priciest date out of the 7 I think it would really encompass the Christmas spirit and just transform you and your date into a whole new world.

The most popular one I have seen thus far would be Home Alone, however if I am correct there are a few different films to choose from.

Therefore if you are thinking of earning some extra brownie points and knocking your dates socks off then you should head on down to the Christmas orchestra. 

Credits:

Winter Wonderland ice skating:  https://hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/things-to-do/ice-skating/

Battersea Power Station Ice Skating: https://glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk/ 

Blanc Street: Mels Maple Matcha:  https://www.blankstreet.com/en-US/shop/products/mmmdi-x-blank-street-cup 

Melissa's Wardrobe:  https://www.instagram.com/melissaswardrobe/ 

Orpington Christmas Tree Farm:  https://www.google.com/search?q=christmas+treee+farm&rlz=1C5CHFA_enGB923GB923&oq=christmas+treee+farm&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOdIBCDQ0NThqMGo0qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&lqi=ChNjaHJpc3RtYXMgdHJlZSBmYXJtSLmlhfPlgICACFohEAAQARACGAAYARgCIhNjaHJpc3RtYXMgdHJlZSBmYXJtkgETY2hyaXN0bWFzX3RyZWVfZmFybZoBJENoZERTVWhOTUc5blMwVkpRMEZuU1VOU2IyOVBTM2hSUlJBQqoBaAoIL20vMDI1bmQKCC9tLzA3ajdyEAEqFyITY2hyaXN0bWFzIHRyZWUgZmFybSgAMh4QASIaOU9bNA-7qPhIsxxY85HMDVBJ5vD4KpmjC8kyFxACIhNjaHJpc3RtYXMgdHJlZSBmYXJt-gEECEQQQA#rlimm=5449445583678288415