The holidays are a special time for lovebirds. Colder weather makes bundling up with your sweetheart even sweeter. And even though you may be tempted to restrict your date nights to Netflix and Chillin’ all winter long, there’s plenty of things to do around the city to bring a whole lot of holiday cheer to any relationship.
Whether you’re married, dating, or even meeting a Tinder interest for the first time, we’ve got the lowdown on the best holiday date ideas in the 604 this year.
Skating at Robson Square | Dec. 1st, 2016 – Feb. 28th, 2017
Everyone needs to experience a date night at Robson Square. There’s something so magical about slipping on a pair of skates and watching your loved one bail on the hard ice. It’s the perfect excuse to hold hands and glide around the rink together. And the best part about ice-skating at Robson Square? It’s completely free! Just pay $4 for skate rentals.
Skiing/Snowboarding at local resorts | All winter long
With ski and snowboard season just around the corner, the perfect holiday date may be as simple as strapping on your snowboard and gliding down the snowy mountains with your ski bunny by your side. Vancouverites have many resorts to choose from, including Whistler, Seymour, Grouse and Cypress Mountain.
Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge | Nov. 24th, 2016 – Jan. 8th, 2017
Illuminate the colour in your lover’s eyes with the bright Canyon Lights at the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Hundreds of thousands of lights will be on display throughout the park, with the world’s largest Christmas tree lit up for you and your hunnie to stare at in awe. If you like a little friendly competition, you can challenge each other to gingerbread cookie decorating. Good news for people who love their dogs more than humans – pups are welcome at the Canyon Lights too! Adult tickets are $39.95 each.
Vancouver Christmas Market | Nov. 26th – Dec. 31st
Open daily from 11am to 9pm, the Vancouver Christmas Market offers many cute date ideas all in one. Don matching toques, some fuzzy gloves and a smile from ear-to-ear as you and your love ride the holiday carousel while sipping on warm ciders or delicious Craft Beer. There will be heaps of vendors, live entertainment and delicious treats to share – or not, depending on how much you like your date! Adult tickers are just $8.
Bright Nights in Stanley Park | Nov. 28th, 2016 – Jan. 1st, 2017
A holiday date night tradition! Bright Nights at Stanley Park takes you and your sweetie on a spectacular train ride while enjoying over three million twinkling lights. Fill-up on snacks and hot chocolate in the plaza while admiring the many holiday-themed displays. Your date will be swooning over the bright lights and you’ll be swooning over her. Adult tickets are $12 each.
Enchant Christmas Light Maze & Market | Nov. 25th – Dec. 31st
What’s more impressive than the world’s largest Christmas Light Maze? Surprise your date this holiday season by taking them to the first ever Christmas Light Maze and Market. The maze is made from over 55,000 square feet of light sculptures and twinkling displays. This holiday date night also includes over 40 local vendors, 12 food trucks and a licensed area for festive (spiced) drinks! Adult day passes are $19.95.
Vancouver Christmas Tree | Daily
The annual Vancouver Christmas Tree Lighting has moved to its new home at Robson Square for the first time ever! Four holiday trees are lit up throughout the night, with one being a 50-foot giant. Grab your sweetheart and soak in the view in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
Ugly Christmas Sweater Party | Friday, Dec. 23rd
There is something so romantic about ugly Christmas sweaters. The ultimate date night this holiday is definitely at the 2016 Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, happening at the Commodore Ballroom. Adult tickets are $30 each. BONUS date night idea: sip some Rum and eggnog while crafting your ugly Christmas sweater together. Nothing says holiday romance more than creating an ugly masterpiece with your little, drunk Rudolph by your side.
Winter Wonderland at Grouse Mountain | All winter long
Take your date up to beautiful Grouse Mountain to wander through the magical winter wonderland, including sleigh rides, Santa’s workshop, reindeer sightings and outdoor ice-skating. Warm up at the cozy chalet with a cup of hot chocolate and take in the spectacular views from atop the mountain. Everything is included in your adult lift pass, which is $44.95.
A weekend in Whistler | All winter long
Kick your date night up a notch by taking a trip to Whistler for a weekend of holiday cuteness overload. During the winter season, Whistler comes to life with Christmas lights throughout the village, holiday-themed events and glistening snow all around you. If you really want to impress your date, take her to the Scandinave Spa.
What’s your idea of the perfect holiday date night in or near Vancouver? Let us know in the comments below!