Willows on the Roof

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Hattie Lloyd 01/12/22


Cosy Winter Date Ideas

If you’ve got chills… here’s how to get them multiplying. It might be freezing outside, but we’ve lovingly gathered together a cluster of winter date ideas guaranteed to warm the cockles.

We’re talking festive films on a floating cinema; ice skating around some of the city’s most scenic landmarks; melted cheese at a riverside market; live Christmassy music; hot cocktails and more. So next time you pitch date night…

…you won’t get a frosty reception.

 

Watch Festive Films At A Floating Cinema

Blankets, mulled wine, and… buoyancy.

Details: 5th-11th December St. Katharine Docks, London E1W 1LA £16.76, book here

Go See The Nutcracker

Because nothing says ‘winter’ like sparkly tutus, snow blizzards, and a giant rat king battling a nutcracker brought to life.

Take Your Date Ice Skating, Then Warm Up With Cocoa

Or mulled wine. Or fondue. Or all of the above. SEE THE BEST ICE RINKS IN LONDON

Sail London’s Waterways, In A Hot Tub Boat

hot tub boats london outdoor things to do

Yes, the idea of changing into a swimsuit in December is terrifying. But you’ll soon forget that gruelling 30 seconds once you’re enjoying balmy 38ºC water and your own bar…

Details: Open daily West India Quay, Off Hertsmere Road, Canary Wharf, London E14 4AL | £225-250 for 75 mins

Go Curling

Learn the mysterious art of curling, and brush off the competition. Somehow, there are actually three places to do that this year: Queen’s Skate Dine Bowl, The Curling Club and, er, Club Curling.

Wander Round A City Made of Gingerbread

Gingerbread City

Then join a workshop to build your own house – and see if your relationship has solid foundations.

Details: Until 3rd January 6-7 Motcomb Street, Knightsbridge, SW1X 8JU £15

Go Gin Tasting in A Soho Snug

The London Gin Club is back, and has hit maximum cosiness.

Details: Open daily The London Gin Club, 22 Great Chapel Street, Soho, W1F 8FRBook here

Enjoy a Traditional Winter BBQ

Hackney Bridge X Two Tribes

Let’s hope the Two Tribes pop-up at Hackney Bridge becomes an annual occurrence.

Huddle Together at a Winter Rooftop Bar

You can get hot cocktails, and if it snows you’ll get to enjoy it seconds before anyone else in the city.

Drink Chocolate Orange Negronis in A Speakeasy

Somehow, they’re even more delicious than the real thing.

Details: Lost Property Office, Brewdog Waterloo, The Sidings, Waterloo Station, London SE1 7BH

Go Carolling Somewhere Insanely Atmospheric

Or just leave it to the pros at one of these Christmassy concerts.

Then watch A Christmas Carol

The best versions on stage this year include one in a 450 year old hall; the critically acclaimed Old Vic production; an immersive show with a three course festive feast; and a version written entirely by Dolly Parton and set in Tennessee.

Watch Christmassy Flicks below the Northern Lights

This cinema wears firs.

Details: Until 8th January Backyard Cinema, Capital Studios, Ram Quarter, 13 Wandsworth Plain, London, SW18 1ET From £10

Stroll Around A Festive Light Trail

lightopia

The perfect backdrop to some illuminating conversation. See the best light trails in London

Take A Midnight Dip at Hampton Lido

Yes, it’s heated. And yes, there are cocktails and glowstick bracelets. 

Details: Various dates throughout December & January Hampton Pool, Hampton High Street, TW12 2ST

Hit the Roller Disco

Flippers Boogie Palace

Henry Woide

It’s literally owned by Usher.

Details: Open Tues-Sun Exhibition London, Ariel Way, W12 7SL £20.50

Stock Up Your Stockings at The London Christmas Beer Market

Then rapidly deplete that stock.

Details: 16th & 17th December | Tobacco Dock, Tobacco Quay, Wapping Lane, London, E1W 2SF £17.50

Watch A Jaw-Dropping Christmas Magic Show

And see if anyone uses FIIIIIVE GOOOOLD (linking) RIIIIINGS.

Details: 20th – 29th December The Magic Circle HQ, 12 Stephenson Way, NW1 2HD From £12.50

Craft an Entire Christmas Day Meal at KERB’s Season’s Eatings

Mmm, three courses of cheese.

Details: Tues-Sun until 8th January The National Theatre, Upper Ground, SE1 9PX Book here

Brave Winter Wonderland

And carve out some time to see the Magical Ice Kingdom.

Details: Until 2nd January Hyde Park From £5-7.50, book ahead

Sip Candy Cane Coladas at The NoMad

Their Christmas cocktail menu is naughty and nice.

Details: Open Wed-Sat The NoMad, 28 Bow St, London WC2E 7AW | Book here

Go For A Pint at the Most Christmassy Pub in London

Andrea Vail/Flickr

Almost 100 Christmas trees decorate the outside of The Churchill Arms, so it’s just as accurate to say you’re going to the most pub-like forest in London.

Details: 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN

Wander Round Merry Maltby

Join some impromptu carolling, sip mulled wine and snack on street food at Maltby Street Market after dark.

Details: Fridays until Christmas Maltby Street, London SE1 3PA | Free entry

Act Like Melts at Earl of East’s Candle Workshops

Hey presto, that’s a Christmas gift sorted too.

Play Secret Santa in A Christmas Market

Set an arbitrary theme, meet up after 15 minutes and hold a solemn present exchange ceremony… with mulled wine. See London’s best Christmas markets

Hunker Down in A Cocktail Bar Below A Church

Don’t worry – they don’t only accept cryptocurrency. 

Details: Open Wed-Sat Below Stone Nest, 136 Shaftesbury Avenue, W1D 5EZ | No bookings

Curl Up by the Fireside of a Cosy Pub

And BYOC (crossword, not chestnuts).

Feast on Fondue at Lady of the Grapes

And tell your date cheesy jokes all night.

Details: Open Tues-Sun 16 Maiden Lane, Covent Garden, London WC2E 7NJ

Dress in Tweed, Go Virtual Clay Shooting

The couple that clay together, stay together. 

Details: Open daily Clays, 55 Moorgate, EC2R 6LL £30 per booth

Float The Idea of Dinner at Hawksmoor

Hawksmoor Canary Wharf

Then have dinner at this floating Hawksmoor. 

Details: Open daily 1 Water Street, E14 5GX Book here

Visit An Apres-Ski Themed Rooftop Bar

And toast marshmallows by the fireside.

Details: Open daily | Queen of Hoxton, 1 Curtain Road, London, EC2A 3JX | Book here

Sip Hot Sake at Moto

Then catch carols by the London Gospel Choir and hourly flurries of faux snow in the Covent Garden Piazza.

Details: 7 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NA Carolling on Thursdays & Fridays at 6 & 7.30pm

 


Looking for more date ideas? See what else is happening in London this month

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Carpe Diem!




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