7 Truly Magical Holidates

Adding romance, magic, and whimsy to the holiday season

You know the saying that those who can’t do, teach? Even though I’m single, I’ve got plenty of ideas for holidates this upcoming season. I would even go so far as to say that these could all be great friend dates, too.

So, what is a holidate? It’s a date that falls around any major holiday and is based around that holiday. Honestly, it’s possible to do this any time of year, but the biggest cozy dating season is likely the Christmas season — or whatever holiday one celebrates that time of year.

7 Magical Holidates

It’s important to mention one thing before we proceed. It’s not enough to pick a seasonal holiday theme and run with it. It’s also important to bring care and attentiveness to the date. I’ve done some of the following activities with a plus-one, and I can safely say that just showing up begrudgingly does not translate into a romantic or magical date. It puts a damper on the season for the person who cares. But if we go into the following dates with a sense of whimsy and wonder, we’re sure to have a good time.

1. Drive to See Holiday Lights

Please note that driving to see holiday lights should never be done with someone we’re just getting to know. This isn’t first date material. I have no desire to end up on a murder podcast.

Driving to see holiday light displays is a magical holidate for those who are already coupled up. I know in my own area there are light displays that are free and ones that cost to walk or drive through them, but it’s also possible just to drive around town and see decorations. Put on some Christmas tunes and enjoy the ambiance provided by twinkly lights in this cozy season. Just don’t forget the hot cocoa!

2. Give Back Together

One of the most magical things we can do in this lifetime is to be kind to others. An often overlooked but truly meaningful holidate is to choose to give back together. Couples can go shopping for gifts to donate to toy drives, head to the grocery store to stock up a food drive, volunteer at homeless shelters, visit nursing homes and assisted living facilities to spread some holiday cheer, or even take a shift at the local library sorting books. There are so many ways to help others all year long, but it can be a great way to spend time with a special someone while doing a little good in the world.

3. Get Coupled Santa Pictures

I’m pretty sure Santa has seen stranger things than couples coming to him for pictures. In fact, one year, my whole family (dog included) dressed up in onesie pajamas for pictures with Santa. Taking a seasonal picture with Old Saint Nick can be a fun way to share the holiday season. Plus, we’ll have a photo to take home to remember the date.

4. Decorate Gingerbread Houses or Bake Cookies

I will never be that person who creates a gorgeous and edible gingerbread house from scratch. I’m more likely to buy one and then swear at how hard it is to use icing as glue for the decorations. In the end, whatever I make turns out to be one gooey mess. Still, there’s something special about decorating gingerbread houses or baking cookies with someone we love. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be something where we can connect and enjoy time together, even as the candy slides down the house and ruins the look we were going for.

5. Make Snow Many Memories Together

I couldn’t resist a snow pun here. We can make snow many memories together — even if we live in climates where snow is rare. I’m in Georgia where we are unlikely to see snow much of the year, if at all. But there are still places I can go with faux snow — but very real fun. Whether we drive, fly, or walk to snowy destinations, it can be a magical holidate to play in the snow with someone special. From making snow angels to building snowmen, there’s much fun to be had when we stop taking ourselves so seriously and embrace play. Snowball fight, anyone?

6. Meet for a Seasonal Beverage

For a first date idea during the holidays, opt for a seasonal beverage instead of just meeting for coffee or a cocktail. Right now, so many restaurants, bars, and venues are doing holiday pop-ups with amazing holiday themes. Sure, we can just elect to meet up for hot cocoa. That will always be a good date idea. But we can also look for seasonal events to make meeting up for a beverage a little more fun.

7. Host a Movie Night for Two with Favorite Holiday Films

Another fun holidate is to host a movie night featuring favorite holiday films. This can be a fun way to spend time together while sharing favorite films and discussing holiday traditions. Add holiday baked goods and a seasonal beverage to truly add magic to the evening.

Just a word of caution: Be sure to screen the movies in advance. Nothing would kill the holidate buzz for me like suddenly seeing the Griswold family on screen. No offense to anyone who loves Christmas Vacation, but it’s just not for me. Some might say the same thing about Elf, and they are entitled to their wrong opinion. But seriously, make sure to check that the films represent both parties’ interests to avoid a potentially cringeworthy holidate.

On Holidating

I might not be holidating in a relationship this season, but I’m not mad about it. I’ve got plenty of fun activities planned to do on my own, with friends, or with my children. I’m not waiting around hoping for someone else to come along and bring the romance. That’s far more sad than it is romantic. Instead, I’m infusing magic into my life by embracing the holiday season and sharing some of my favorite activities with the people I love.

If it’s important to be the change we want to see in the world, I’m advocating for some romance this holiday season. It’s more than just ordering coupled people to embrace the holidays for all of us who are uncoupled. It’s finding a bit of that romance, magic, and whimsy for one.