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
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Go See The Nutcracker

Because nothing says ‘winter’ like sparkly tutus, snow blizzards, and a giant rat king battling a nutcracker brought to life.
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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
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Sail London’s Waterways, In A Hot Tub Boat

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
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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.
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Wander Round A City Made of Gingerbread

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
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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 8FR | Book here
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Enjoy a Traditional Winter BBQ

Let’s hope the Two Tribes pop-up at Hackney Bridge becomes an annual occurrence.
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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.
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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
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Go Carolling Somewhere Insanely Atmospheric

Or just leave it to the pros at one of these Christmassy concerts.
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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.
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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
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Stroll Around A Festive Light Trail

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

Henry Woide

It’s literally owned by Usher.

Details: Open Tues-Sun | Exhibition London, Ariel Way, W12 7SL | £20.50
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Act Like Melts at Earl of East’s Candle Workshops

Hey presto, that’s a Christmas gift sorted too.
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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
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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
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Curl Up by the Fireside of a Cosy Pub

And BYOC (crossword, not chestnuts).
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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
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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
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Float The Idea of Dinner at Hawksmoor

Then have dinner at this floating Hawksmoor. 

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