This list is dedicated to everyone who complains about having nothing to do after school closes for winter break. If you are staying in Harrisonburg at any point over break and you want to go on a date, I’ve got the recommendations for you!
1. Go ice skating
A quick trip to Generations Park in Bridgewater is a fantastic (and cheap) way to spend an evening. Take some time to teach your favorite person how to ice skate, or just enjoy grabbing onto them for balance. Ice skating is a staple winter activity, and this rink just happens to have a Jalapeno restaurant right next door so you can grab a bite to eat.
2. Have a game night
If you want to go out to play, Harrisonburg has a wonderful new joint called Ruby’s Arcade where you can enjoy food and fun. This place is perfect for a double date. However, staying in can be just as fun, as long as you have some board games and a deck of cards. Head’s Up! is also a great game that just requires your phone.
3. Spend the day at Massanutten
While this may be a little harder on your wallet, it’s definitely the best place on this list to have a blast and make some wonderful memories with your date. Kiss on the ski lift as you work your way up to the slopes, or pack your swimsuit for a day at the indoor water park. It’s worth every penny.
4. Build a fort
There is nothing more calming on a cold winter’s day than lounging in a homemade fort, all snuggled up with your favorite person. Extra points for putting Christmas lights up inside.
5. Have a movie date
Now this one is a go-to. Pick up a DVD from Redbox or spend a few hours in the theater. Marathons are highly encouraged. Obviously, Christmas movies are the usual choice for winter, but feel free to branch out into other categories.
6. Go on a light tour
Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton has an annual Celebration of Lights tour through the park. Taking a car-ride through and seeing all the community light contributions with some hot chocolate in hand and some soft music on the radio is a nice change-of-pace date for this winter.
7. Get cookin’
Bake some cookies or mix some cocktails. Find holiday recipes to make together and enjoy the simple pleasures of the season. Making a gingerbread house is always fun, but I would recommend baking something on the side so that you actually have something to eat.
8. See The Nutcracker
Go see The Nutcracker, performed by the Rockingham Ballet Theatre on the 17th or 18th at Bridgewater College for a more elegant night out!
9. Play in the snow
If we’re lucky, there will be some snow coming to Harrisonburg soon. While many people may want to stay inside, I recommend frolicking in the snow as a date. Whether you’re pummeling them with snowballs or sliding down a hill with them waiting for you at the bottom, playing in the snow is sure to be a great date.
10. Go shopping
Gift-giving is always a difficult task, but it can be so much easier when you know what the other person likes! Go shopping for some small stocking-stuffers with your date. It provides a venue for you to drop those hints of what you want to see under the tree.