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8 Solo Date Ideas That Will Help You Romanticize Winter
‘Tis the season… to be incessantly reminded of your singleness. Between holiday songs that romanticize how wonderful it is to spend December with a significant other to the whole production that is Valentine’s Day in February, winter is the time of year when it can start to feel like every fun thing you could possibly do requires a plus one. However, as an introvert with Seasonal Affective Disorder who has been cuffed for one singular winter in her entire life, I’ll be the first to say that this season is actually all about romancing yourself. After all, no one knows you quite like you do, so whether you decide to buy yourself a holiday present, take some time for extra self-care, or just enjoy your own company through solo date ideas, there are so many ways to treat yourself well during the colder months.
From the winter solstice in December to those slushy late-winter days in March, we all deserve to spend some quality time with the person who has always shown up for us: ourselves. Consider this your reminder that enjoying the winter months doesn’t need to be done mitten-in-mitten; you can have just as much fun solo in the snow. Here are eight solo date ideas for the wintertime that will ensure that you look back on a season full of wonderful memories.
1. Take yourself ice skating
This is that classic winter activity that you always picture doing with a partner, but instead, why not do it yourself? No matter where you are, it’s likely that there’s a skating rink somewhere near you that you have yet to take full advantage of. Bundle up in your cutest winter accessories and enjoy the sheer physical activity of ice skating on a chilly afternoon. Personally, none of my pals have expressed interest in going ice skating with me this year, but I will be going, so I’m excited to circle the rink solo and end the day by treating myself to a cup of hot cocoa.
2. Walk around to look at holiday lights
Much like ice skating, this is one of those things that can feel kind of silly to do by yourself—until you actually do! Whether you pop by your local zoo or botanical garden or simply wander around the neighborhood that’s notorious for going all-out with the holiday decor, you’ll find yourself getting in the holiday spirit. Need to romanticize it further? Put on your favorite playlist of holiday songs while you walk and admire the displays.
3. Make baked goods to give to others
One of my favorite memories from my childhood is riding in the back of a wagon delivering homemade cookies to neighbors with my mom and brother. Now, as an adult living completely on her own, I’m determined to continue the tradition all by myself. If you’re feeling like sharing the love this winter, take some time to bake your favorite baked goods and give them out to neighbors, coworkers, and friends. It’s an activity you can do entirely by yourself that still embodies the human connection that we all need during the winter months.
4. Have a dedicated journaling session for your New Year’s resolutions
When was the last time that you actually sat down to dedicate yourself to planning out your goals for the New Year? Spending that time alone with yourself (especially if it involves a ton of forward-thinking and goal-setting) can feel uncomfortable, but that is exactly why it’s worth doing. Make yourself a cup of tea and light a candle or head to your favorite coffee shop to focus on your personal and career aspirations for the new year. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Pro tip: Turn on Do Not Disturb!
5. Spend a day reading in a coffee shop or library
I’ve spent many chilly winter weekend days curled up with a book, and that’s because it’s one of my favorite solo date ideas. Having a little extra time to do a classic introvert activity like reading is one of the highlights of winter, but the thing that can take this up a notch is simply taking your book to a location that is not your apartment. Head to a new cozy coffee shop or even to a library near you (you know, the one branch in your city that’s extra pretty inside) and just sit and read for a day. The best part? Low-cost (or completely free!) date ideas like this one can be on your regular rotation for how you choose to spend your self-care time this winter.
6. Go to a sex shop or lingerie store
Yes, you heard me right! Why should couples have all the fun during the sexiest month of the year (A.K.A. February)? In all seriousness, the sheer exposure therapy of going to a sex shop by yourself is reason enough to go. While it may be scary at the moment (especially if you’ve never been to one before), you’ll walk out the door feeling like the hottest, most mysterious girl on the planet. Purchasing something is not required for a solo date like this one—although getting yourself a little something sexy to tuck away in your nightstand is never a bad idea.
7. Go to a movie theater
When it comes to solo date ideas that you can do today without any prior planning, this is the perfect choice. Chances are that you might have at least one movie night blocked into your plan for the week, so why not make a true date out of it and take yourself to an actual movie theater? This solo date is extra satisfying in the wintertime since it’s a respite from the chilly weather. Plus, some of the best movies of the year come out around the holidays, so there’s bound to be something in theaters worth taking yourself on a solo date to go see. Get yourself your favorite movie theatre treats and enjoy an hour and a half of peace.
8. Take yourself to a fancy dinner
If everyone who’s in a relationship is hitting up fancy restaurants on Valentine’s Day, why shouldn’t you? Sure, going out all alone on Valentine’s Day to a nice dinner might be a bit of an intense experience (making reservations that day is a nightmare in and of itself), but thankfully, you have all season to check this one off of your bucket list. Make a reservation, order yourself a nice drink, and get dressed up in an outfit that makes you feel good. Act as if it is a special occasion, and it will be even more enjoyable.
