Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Illinois State chapter.

I’m going to give you three super fun date night ideas during the holiday season. These are perfect when you need quality time with your partner and want to feel festive. What is great about these activities is you don’t need a romantic partner, you can do these activities with your best friend, family or even yourself! 

Date Idea 1: Bake and Decorate Holiday Cookies 

Pick out your most comfortable holiday jammies, play some festive music and get to baking. My favorite thing to do with my boyfriend is to have a baking competition. We each pick a cookie recipe to make and compete to see whose turns out better and who can decorate the most festive holiday cookie! This date night idea is perfect if you’re on a budget and a great time to bond with your partner because you’re spending quality time together. 

Date Idea 2: See Holiday Lights and Decorations

The best part about the holidays is the fun and festive lighting decorations. If you’re near Chicago, like I am, the city decorates Grant Park beautifully. Walking around and looking at all the lights and decorations is always fun. There are so many members of our communities that decorate their houses. Most times, people post their addresses so you can look at their decorations. 

Date Idea 3: Have a Holiday Movie Night Marathon 

This is my favorite date night activity because it is an excuse to cuddle up on the couch and still feel festive. My favorite movies to watch during the holidays are Home Alone, A Christmas Story, Polar Express and Four Christmases. This option is also super cheap if you have streaming platforms like Netflix or HBO Max.

The holidays can be very stressful for some people, and it is important to remember all the people we are grateful for and spend time with them. Hopefully, these date ideas spark some inspiration for your next date night! And remember, whether it’s a significant other, a friend or even a family member, each date idea is a fantastic time to bond with the people you love. 

Julia Schweitzer

Illinois State '23

Julia is a senior at Illinois State University pursuing a BA in English Publishing. When she's not studying, you can find her reading her favorite romance novels, practicing yoga, or grabbing a coffee on campus.