20 Fun & Romantic Winter Date Ideas in NYC
Winter in NYC can be a magical time. The snow-covered streets and festive atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy some fun and romantic winter date ideas.
From taking in the sights of the city from above to cozying up with a cup of hot cocoa, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season with your special someone.
So bundle up and check out these 20 fun and romantic winter date ideas in NYC.
1. Ice Skating at Rockefeller Center
There’s nothing more romantic than gliding hand-in-hand across the ice at one of the most iconic locations in the city.
Plus, you can warm up afterward with some hot chocolate from one of the many nearby cafes!
2. Carriage Ride Through Central Park
Transitioning from summer to winter can mean exciting date ideas! For the most romantic adventure in NYC, try wrapping yourselves up in a horse-drawn carriage and taking a tour of Central Park.
A fantastic spot for photo ops, you’ll snap Instagrammable pics at Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields.
As your horse trots its way through some of the park’s highlighted attractions like Wollman Rink, The Carousel, and the Pond, cuddle up with warm blankets and steal kisses as you marvel at this classic winter experience.
Oh… you also get to treat your horse companion with a tasty reward too!
3. Browse the Holiday Markets
Get ready for a romantic winter night out; cozy up to someone special and wander the holiday markets – it’ll certainly make your heart skip a beat.
From the warmth of Union Square Holiday Market, where you can stroll arm and arm through the shops and sample delicious treats, to unique finds from The Makers Show at City Point, you’re sure to find something for yourself or your better half.
4. Have a Romantic Dinner
For couples looking to have a classic, romantic winter date in NYC, why not go all the way?
To get you and your special someone’s hearts racing, try any of the fanciest eateries in town – from Claudette to The Polo Bar to The Osprey, Le Coucou, or even Restoration Hardware’s rooftop restaurant.
Just keep in mind that due to their popularity, reservations ahead of time is a must for an unforgettable date.
Also, make sure to check out our guide on the best restaurants in NYC with amazing views!
5. Watch a Show on Broadway
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up to your sweetheart at a Broadway show. The lights, the music, the drama… it’s all so romantic.
And there’s no better place to enjoy a Broadway show than in the city that invented it – New York City.
So if you’re looking for a fun and romantic winter date idea, why not snag some tickets to a classic, like Phantom of the Opera?
6. Date Night at The Met
If you’re looking to make an impression, but don’t know where to start, we’ve got the plan for you!
Every Friday and Saturday night, take your special someone out for an unforgettable evening of sophistication and culture at The Met.
From expertly crafted cocktails to an exciting display of 5,000 years of arts and artifacts, it’s guaranteed to be a night you won’t forget.
7. Sip & Savor Wines
Winter in New York can be magical, and even more so if you take the time to explore some of the city’s fabulous wineries.
Don’t let winter bring your romantic aspirations to a freeze – Brooklyn Winery, City Winery and Red Hook Winery all offer a cozy atmosphere for a date idea that’ll make you forget just how cold it is outside.
You can also join a Walking Wine Tasting Tour led by a knowledgeable sommelier who’ll teach you all sorts of things while you enjoy glasses of delicious wine and scrumptious eats!
8. Lounge in a Rooftop Infinity Pool
If winter swimming sounds too cold for you, the rooftop pool at the TWA Hotel has got you covered.
All you need is your swimwear, and the heated pool will take care of the rest – guaranteed to keep you two extra toasty with its 95-degree temperature.
The admission fee is a modest $25 per person that comes bundled with many other goodies – use of the pool and observation deck, towels and seating at The Pool Bar. If you’re staying at the hotel, it’s totally free!
Don’t let the chilly winter blues get in your way – lounging in one of NYC’s most unique rooftops will hit all the right notes for a romantic day out!
9. Join a Delicious Food Tour
Why spend a chilly winter evening sitting inside watching the same reruns at home when you can adventure through one of New York City’s culinary hotspots?
Join a food tour in Chinatown and Littly Italy to sample homemade mozzarella and dim sum, or indulge in some classic New York treats like pizza and cupcakes as you wander through Greenwich Village.
With insider tips about off-the-beaten-path landmarks that are often missed, these food tours give adventurous daters a unique opportunity to try something new – perhaps even find something to bring home!
10. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Looking to have a fun time with your special someone this winter in New York City? Bryant Park’s Winter Village is the perfect destination for an exciting date night.
Take a spin on the skating rink, ride bumper cars on the ice, curl up in one of their cozy igloos, and indulge in festive rinkside dining – this place has everything to make your date as magical as it can be!
In case you get tired from all of the activities, there are plenty of interesting shops throughout the park that will certainly pique your interest.
Date plans sorted – all that’s left is for you and your partner to dress warmly and enjoy!
11. Attend a Live Sports Games
With winter in the air, treat your special someone to a fun and unique date. Take them to watch a live sports game in NYC, where they can root for their favorite team!
From the New York Jets and Islanders to the Knicks, there is no shortage of top-notch teams you can cheer on.
Join the enthusiasm with an adoring crowd and hit up some stadium-style food too. Enjoying a good game is sure to be a winning date!
12. Coney Island Boardwalk
Spend your winter date in a place that’s sure to make you go weak in the knees: Coney Island Boardwalk.
Winter’s chill will be zapped when you savor a hot steamy Nathan’s Hot Dog, just before embarking on an adventure down the boardwalk.
Now that’s what we call a romance with a side of yum!
13. Enjoy Drinks at a Piano Bar
Winter in the city can feel extra special with the help of a great night out.
And if you’re looking for something unexpected? Head to the Moxy Hotel’s Silver Lining, an intimate piano bar that sets the mood with its sultry decor.
And here’s more good news – it’s not just about ambiance – you’ll also get live shows with local talent taking over the stage every night.
Whether it’s piano and vocalists or DJs spinning some tunes, when you’re here, your date is sure to be filled with sparkle.
14. William Vale Winter Spa
Skip the chilly outdoor adventure and take a cozy trip to the Winter Spa at William Vale instead!
A romantic sauna session with remarkable views of the city skyline is just what you need to warm up.
The experience is even better when followed by a relaxing soak in one of their cedar hot tubs. Forget hibernation, it’s time to heat things up!
15. Great Jones Distilling Co.
Are the winter blues getting you down? Shake things up with a date at the Great Jones Distillery Co. in Manhattan.
For those of us daring enough, this urban distillery is New York City’s first whiskey maker since Prohibition, and they’ve got lots of fun activities for you and your boo to enjoy.
Book their Signature Whiskey Tour, or take it one step further with the unique Shake Up Tour – a chance to make crafty cocktails side-by-side with a professional mixologist leading the way!
16. Have an Italian Feast
Nothing says romance like an Italian feast for two, and a trip to Arthur Avenue is just the ticket.
Long known as the “Real Little Italy”, this tiny stretch of road packs enough awesome cheese & deli shops, restaurants, and bakeries to satisfy every foodie looking for a cold-weather date spot.
17. Tour the City at Night
Embrace the chill and show your date that crispy winter nights in NYC can still be absolutely romantic!
Start with a leisurely amble along the iconic High Line Park before you jump on board a bus as it sweeps through town.
At every turn, you’ll marvel at all of the bright lights, twinkling at Times Square, Rockefeller Center, SoHo, and Chinatown – show your date your favorite sights!
Finish off the evening with a spin through Grand Central Terminal. After all, who said winter dates need to be boring?
18. See a Comedy Show
If you and your date are looking for a night of unstoppable laughter, take them to one of the many renowned comedy spots in NYC.
The Comedy Cellar has been known to host some of the biggest comedians in the biz with frequent surprise drop-ins, while The Tiny Cupboard has less of a celebrity focus but is still sure to provide oodles of laughs.
19. Have Drinks at The Little Shop
The Little Shop, found through the aisle of a local bodega, is the ideal place to cozy up and indulge in some unique beverages.
Described as part speakeasy and part bodega, this hidden bar is comprised of mood lighting and striking wallpaper that contribute to its chic atmosphere.
Sample drinks like the Black Sesame, consisting of vodka, coffee liqueur and whipped coconut milk, or the Green Banana that’s made up of white rum and banana liqueur – two concoctions guaranteed to warm the coldest winter night.
20. Have a Relaxing Spa Day
Experience the warm, soothing atmosphere of NYC’s Aire Ancient Baths, where you’ll be taken back through the centuries.
Inspired by the traditions of ancient Greek, Roman, and Ottamans, enjoy floating in pools of water at various temperatures and having a relaxing couple’s massage – perfect for getting cozy on a winter’s day!
