Romantic things to do in a cabin

Well, we've reached cuffing season. And let me guess: You're in need of some ideas for winter dates to cure your cabin fever as we come out of almost two years in quasi-lockdown thanks to the pandemic.

Whether you just got your booster and are looking to meet new people or you're trying to find something different to do with the person you've been seeing soooooo much of for the last 21 months, it's crucial to find an activity that's safe, fun, and romantic.

And if you're actually not in the mood for any of that? These winter dates also double as a good time for a best friend or a long-lost cousin you're dying to reconnect with. If we're learned anything from the past two years, it's the importance of spending quality time with the people you love most, be that love romantic, platonic, or familial! Winter dates are for all.

Here are some fun, easy, and cheap winter date ideas that, at the very least, will occupy you until it's time to crawl under the blankets again.

1. Take a walk through the snow.

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This is Lorelai Gilmore's favorite thing to do, just sayin'. When the snow starts falling, grab your partner and get strolling before it gets too icy. Plus, one of the few perks of face masks is that they keep your mouth warm. Grab a to-go cup from your local café and sip coffee or hot chocolate on a bench outside to keep yourself from freezing.

2. Try some DIY karaoke.

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Karaoke is one of the most fun things you can do with your pants on. (And thanks to the magic of the internet, it's also doable over Zoom if you've got a long-distance love.) Put the lyrics and backing track on your laptop, then belt it out like you're all in the car with James Corden. Nothing brings people together like making a fool of yourselves.

3. Get creative around town.

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Check out the holiday window displays in department store windows, or make a reservation to see a museum exhibit. Concert halls and movie theaters are mostly open again, but that doesn't mean you have to spend a ton of money to get your yearly fix of culture. Murals and sculpture gardens are outdoors and, best of all, free!

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If you're not totally sick of quarantine baking, try your hand at decorating with icing and sprinkles. If you are, now you have an excuse to buy 12 boxes of Girl Scout cookies at a time: It's going to support young kids! Make a blind taste test out of it—think your person can guess which flavor it is?

5. Invent a new recipe.

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We all love big Sunday brunches, but at this point, outdoor dining is more of an adventure than a chance to catch up. So make your own breakfast spot at home! Take whatever you have in the refrigerator and see what you can each come up with. If you need a little inspiration, we found some pretty genius vegetarian breakfast options for you.

6. Netflix and chill? Still totally an option.

10'000 Hours

Look, it's a classic for a reason! We recommend the two of you cuddle up on the couch and get invested in some prestige TV. We've been obsessed with the third season of You, and we've got loads of recommendations for what to stream next. We've also rounded up the best winter movies and romantic Christmas movies, so you really have no excuse for “idk, what do you wanna watch?”

7. Make Alex Trebek proud.

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Honor the late, great game show host by planning your own trivia night with friends either in person or over Zoom, couple versus couple, or just let an old Jeopardy! episode play and make a game out of who can guess the most right answers before the contestants.

8. Take advantage of the cold with some romantic ice-skating.

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For some reason, it seems like one person in every relationship is good at skating and the other one falls every other minute. Use it as an excuse to hold each other tighter and don't be put off by the 10-year-old doing spins in the center of the rink. That kid has nothing to do with you.

9. Get a little buzzed.

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A wine-of-the-month club never seemed like such a good idea. You can try mixing new cocktails from your home bar cart, or turn doing the dishes (the never-ending dishes!) into some kind of drinking game. The one benefit of getting lit at home is you don't need to worry about paying for an Uber after last call.

10. Have a themed cuisine night.

Colin Hawkins

Cannoli and The Godfather. Chocolate and Chocolat. Ratatouille and Ratatouille. Order (or make) a dish you've been meaning to try, and find a movie that's somehow related to it, whether by location or as part of the plot. You can even dress up and listen to thematically related music. It's a night in Paris without the hassle or the expense.

11. Get crafty.

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Color us corny, but we love all the wintry crafts. Make a gingerbread house together or bust out the old protractor and cut out those six-pointed paper snowflakes we all made in middle school. Knit each other scarves and hats and mittens to stay cozy all winter long. You'd be surprised how easy it is to get into a deep conversation when you're also doing something with your hands.

12. Have a snowball fight.

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Some more cold weather date ideas! If you can't beat the cold, embrace it. Get a sled and hit the park, make snow angels and pelt each other with snowballs…roll up a snowman too. As long as it's light out, make the most of the outdoors.

13. Throw a mini concert.

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Did you learn to play the guitar in quarantine? Even if it's only “Wonderwall,” your date wants to hear it, because there's nothing like live music. If neither of you are instrumentally inclined, stream a live concert together and pretend you're at a venue. Hey, no line for the bathroom.

14. Powerpoint night.

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Works best with groups of friends or multiple couples. You'd be surprised what people come up with! You can have everyone present on the topic of their choosing, or make it a self-referential activity. We've seen everything from “what kind of potato everyone would be” to “my friends as explained by Taylor Swift songs.”

15. Have sex.

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Listen, it's been a hard couple of years. It's okay to need some physical intimacy.

16. Take in the holiday lights.

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Whether it's your neighbor's houses or downtown, take a drive around and look at the holiday decorations. As a bonus, you can take notes for your own decor.

17. Have a couples-themed photo shoot.

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Matching pajamas, costumes, holiday glam…the possibilities are endless. Plus, you might even get a Christmas card out of it.

18. Build a gingerbread house.

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Ah, the winter equivalent of pumpkin carving. Honestly, making gingerbread houses is probably the most wholesome holiday activity. Warning: Some assembly required.

19. Do some holiday bartending.

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Have a contest to see who can make the most creative holiday cocktails or mocktails. If you're not sure where to start, here are some Glamour-approved winter cocktail recipes.

20. Go sledding.

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When it comes to fun winter date ideas, there's nothing wrong with connecting with your inner kid! You can always cheers over a thermos filled with spiked hot chocolate or cider after the sledding adventure is over.

21. Cozy up by a fire.

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Cute winter date ideas don't have to involve leaving the house. If you have a (working) fireplace at home, build a fire and enjoy the cozy vibes with a hot beverage like hot chocolate or mulled wine. If your home is not blessed with the luxury of a working fireplace, head to a nearby bar or restaurant that has one and soak up the holiday hygge there. Fireside chats are the best.

22. Go to the holiday market.

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Holiday markets have some of the best gifts for those you love and yourself, and it's a great opportunity to support independent artists and small businesses during the holiday season. Head out to your nearest holiday market to find some unique arts and crafts as well as delicious local food and drinks.

23. Trivia night (IRL)

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Test your knowledge as a twosome (and without the help of your friends) by attending a trivia night and competing as your own team of two. Trivia is one of the most underrated indoor activities of all time. Most trivia nights at bars or restaurants are not only fun, but free.

24. See live theater.

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Whether it’s the annual local production of The Nutcracker or a community theater performance of A Christmas Carol, go see some live holiday-themed theater. Get all dressed up in one of these winter date night outfits and grab a nice dinner beforehand to make a whole fancy night out of it.

25. Check out every holiday display in town.

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Most towns across the globe have a plethora of holiday decorations. Even if you’ve lived where you live for a long time, you might have missed some of its best decor. Make a map to follow and visit every holiday display in town for a fun, holiday adventure close to home. Cities like NYC and Chicago already have everything mapped out for you, but it might be fun to make your own anyway.