It’s cuffing season, y’all. While it may be tempting to stay cuddled up on the couch with your significant other all season long, you should probably venture outside and embrace the chill at least a few times.

If you do, here are some cute and cozy date ideas sure to make anyone bundle up and take on the frigid temperatures.

 

Head to the Slopes at Perfect North Indiana may not be the most conventional place to ski, but Perfect North is pretty rad. Warning: This suggestion is most definitely an all-day endeavor, so maybe don’t go here on a first date in case it goes south. About a 30-minute drive outside of Cincinnati, you can take to the slopes via skiing, snowboarding or snow tubing. Warm up afterward at The Lodge with hot cocoa or coffee. Food options mostly consist of various sandwiches, burgers and other classic fare — from pizza to chicken tenders to soup. $50 8-hour lift ticket; group rates and rental equipment available. 19074 Perfect Pl Ln, Lawrenceburg, IN, perfectnorth.com Photo via Facebook/PerfectNorth
Take in the Cincy skyline in a cozy rooftop igloo Hear me out: igloos with sweeping scenic views of the skyline. And you don’t even have to embrace the cold — they’re heated! You can get snug in an illuminated, transparent dome at The Banks’ AC Upper Deck through February. One of the best parts of winter is arguably the intense, vibrant (albeit short-lived) sunsets. Joined with a view of downtown all the way across the Roebling Bridge into Covington, is there anything really better? AC’s igloos seat up to 8 guests each — make it a giant friend date! — and are complete with blankets, pillows, LED lights and even an electric fireplace. Choose your sips from a seasonal cocktail menu that features both warm and cold beverages, from spiked hot cocoa to mulled wine to The Banks Bellini. Reserving an igloo costs $30 and there’s a purchase minimum of $250 worth of food and drink. The View at Shires’ Garden also has heated igloos on their rooftop patio with blankets, board games, a bluetooth speaker to play music and more. AC Upper Deck, 135 Joe Nuxhall Way, The Banks, acupperdecks.com;The View at Shires’ Garden, 309 Vine St., The Banks, theviewatshiresgarden.com. Photo via Facebook/ShiresGarden
Visit the ice skating rink at Fountain Square It’s a classic rom-com scene: One half a couple can barely stand on skates while the other glides past in comical fashion. No matter the skill level, Fountain Square’s ice rink is open to everyone. Grab your main squeeze and take in this magical Cincinnati staple. Skate rental is available and concessions include snacks, hot chocolate and alcohol. Santa skates select weekends in December.Through Feb. 2. $6 admission; $4 skate rental. Fountain Square, 520 Vine St., Downtown. Photo via Facebook/MyFountainSquare
Get a little wild at the PNC Festival of Lights at the Cincinnati Zoo Your Instagram feed has likely been filled with snaps taken at this wintery destination. Seriously, it seems that every couple bundles up and makes the trek to witness The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s Festival of Lights, which is in its 37th year of twinkly wonder. Voted the No. 1 zoo light show in the country by readers of USA Today, 3 million LED lights (that’s 284 miles of lights) transform the zoo into a dazzling display of color and festive cheer. New this year is an immersive Northern Lights experience and Fiona’s Fairyland, where five fairy hippopotamuses will be hidden for visitors to find. Ride the Toyland Express train past the Wild Lights show on Swan Lake, snack at the two S’mores-n-More stations, meet the “royal sisters” at the Frozen Wonderland, catch a Madcap black light puppet show and snap a pic with Santa, who will start taking visitors an hour before the festival begins. Whatever you do, make sure to do it with a cup of hot cocoa (spiked or not) in hand. Through Jan. 4. Free with zoo admission. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, 3400 Vine St., Avondale Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Celebrate at Glow Vision New Year’s Eve at 3 Points One of Cincinnati’s most popular New Year’s Eve parties, “First Midnight,” returns to Pendleton’s 3 Points Urban Brewery — and this year, they’re bringing a black light. Hosted by Cincy Music, 3 Points and CityBeat, the Glow Vision-themed event will kick off at 9 p.m. and features live entertainment, unlimited craft beer and cocktails, a champagne toast, appetizers and midnight party favors. Complimentary UV light face painters will be present to transform guest’s faces into glowing masterpieces when the brewery goes black at midnight. When the lights go out and the black lights turn on, the invisible face paint will begin to glow and the space will transform into a wild neon celebration. Guests are encouraged to wear vibrant or white clothing; the event is not a formal affair. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Dec. 31. $100. 3 Points Urban Brewery, 331 E. 13th St., Pendleton, firstmidnight.com. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Take a stroll to Findlay Market’s Maverick Chocolate Co. Brisk walks in the winter are underrated. Embrace the chill! But do it with a hot beverage in hand… and while wearing many layers. If I may suggest, Maverick Chocolate Co. has one of the richest and creamiest sips the city has to offer. Their cocoa — or, as they call it, drinking chocolate — is made in-house with a mix that is made up of 65 percent dark chocolate and whole milk. Top it with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Made French-style, it’s more bitter than its cocoa counterparts and totally worth the splurge. Walk through the market with your main squeeze as toasty as can be. 29 W. Elder St., Findlay Market, Over-the-Rhine, maverickchocolate.com. Photo via Facebook/MaverickChocolate
Snow Banks at The Banks Every Weekend in January, The Banks will transform into a snowy ski-lodge-inspired destination that could easily pass as the backdrop to one of those cheesy holiday rom-coms. The $5 admission includes attractions like a 50-foot Frisch’s Big Boy Snow Tube Run, Joe’s Snow Ride sledding hill, live ice sculptures, hockey challenges a la the Cincinnati Cyclones and more. Acoustic music performances are also on deck. Freedom Way between Joe Nuxhall and Walnut Streets will become the Frontgate Lounge, complete with firepits, drinks, sing-a-longs, rides on the SkyStar wheel, s’mores and even a “snow blizzard” made possible by special effects producer Dieter Sturm. Kicks off Jan. 3 through Jan. 26. The Banks, 150 East Freedom Way, Downtown. Photo: Emerson Swoger
A Zinzinnati Holiday at the Krohn Conservatory The Krohn’s annual holiday display’s theme is A Zinzinnati Holiday and the conservatory’s cache of tropical and lush green plants will be complemented by “representations of Cincinnati’s historical architecture,” fragrant holiday floral displays, model trains and mini Cincinnati buildings constructed out of whimsical natural materials. Through Jan. 5. $10 adults; $7 youth; free ages 4 and under. Krohn Conservatory, 1501 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams Photo: Devin Luginbill
Catch a flick at the Esquire Theatre The weather outside may be frightful, but the warm, buttery popcorn at Esquire, Mariemont and Kenwood Theatres sounds delightful. Catch up on 2019’s most-lauded films ahead of awards season or peep some special screenings. From warm and fuzzy Little Women to Adam Sandler-starring Uncut Gems to the much-anticipated blockbuster Star Wars: the Rise of Skywalker, there’s plenty of flicks hitting the big screen this winter. For good measure, here’s a few coming out in January: a remake of The Grudge, Bad Boys for Life and Just Mercy. Dinner and a movie will forever be classic date material, so it’s hard to do damage with this choice. $10.25 adults; $7.75 seniors and kids. Esquire Theatre, 320 Ludlow Ave., Clifton. Photo: Emerson Swoger
Set sail on BB Riverboat’s Brrrbon Holiday Dinner Cruise Local distilleries and BB Riverboats have teamed up for this boozy cruise. There will be a buffet of holiday favorites, live music and bourbon. 7-9:30 p.m. Dec. 21. $60 adults; $42 children. BB Riverboats, 101 Riverboat Row, Newport. Photo via bbriverboats.com
Get lost at the Mercantile Library Wander the stacks and pick your next winter read… together. A true Queen City gem, the Mercantile Library is indeed magical to behold. Seriously. It’s like something that could very well exist within Hogwarts. Shelves upon shelves of books will keep you occupied for hours, and the space’s views of downtown are stunning. 414 Walnut St., Downtown. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Get sweet at the Butler County Donut Trail Not to sound like Homer, but coffee and donuts — especially when paired together — truly are my an excellent reason to venture out of the comforts of your home. Impress your date with this creative (and sweet!) outing idea. Just a 45-minute drive north of Cincinnati, Butler County’s donut trail consists of 11 mom-and-pop shops. Purveyors of the sweet stuff can get a passport from Butler County Visitors Bureau stamped for each stop. Those who get a stamp from each can claim a much-deserved prize: an official Butler County Donut Trail T-shirt. If you happen to complete the journey — seriously, kudos to you. You and your companion can collapse into sugary heaven after. Photo: Jesse Fox
Watch The Lion King at the Aronoff Center Feel the love tonight with the Broadway-adaptation of Disney’s ever-popular animated (and, now, live action) film The Lion King. More than 100 million people around the globe have viewed the six-time Tony-Award-winning musical. Now the hit musical returns to Cincinnati’s Aronoff Center. Vibrant and lush with life, fans of the movie will recognize the music from Elton John and Tim Rice that made it a classic. The show might just leave you feeling worry-free. Or, as Timon and Pumba might say, “Hakuna Matata.” Times vary. Jan. 8-Feb. 2. Ticket prices start at $29. Aronoff Center’s Procter and Gamble Hall, 650 Walnut St., Downtown. Photo via Facebook/BroadwayinCincinnati
Celebrate Hanukkah at Braxton Brewing Company During the Latkapalooza Head to Braxton on Christmas Eve for a full-blown party hosted by the Mayerson JCC, the Jewish Federation’s Young Adult Division and Cincinnati Vine — “an interactive, grassroots, and inclusive young adult website and app for everything Jewish in Cincinnati.” There will be drinks, a DJ and dreidels. There’s no cover, a cash bar, Kosher eats and a menorah lighting. For ages 21-45.8 p.m.-12:30 a.m. Dec. 24. Free. Braxton Brewing Co., 27 W. Seventh St., Covington. Photo via Facebook/EventPage
Kings Island WinterFest Feel like you’ve stumbled upon the North Pole at Kings Island’s nostalgic winter wonderland. Open through the new year, Winterfest boasts festive food and drinks, special holiday shows and ice skating underneath a Christmas tree-bedecked Eiffel Tower. There will be an artisan village selling holiday crafts, booze-infused hot beverages, ice carvers, carriage rides and even blue hot chocolate. Through Jan. 1. Tickets start at $27.99. Kings Island, 6300 Kings Island Drive, Mason. Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Go to a Cincinnati Cyclones Hockey Game Seeing a Cyclones game is a right of passage in Cincinnati. Catch ‘em slinging pucks down the rink all season long, with the last games unfolding in early April. Doors open an hour prior to puck drop and many games have specials like $1 beer night. In January, there are two themed weekends: Jan. 3 and 4 is the teddy bear toss (bring a gently loved, donatable stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after the Cyclones first goal). And Jan. 17-19 is Marvel Weekend, so expect to see some of your fave superheroes assembled. Heritage Bank Center, 100 Broadway St., Downtown. Photo: Jesse Fox
Bathe in neon at the American Sign Museum The glowing lights of Camp Washington’s American Sign Museum beckon. Housed in the historic Oesterlein Machine Company-Fashion Frocks warehouse, the former industrial complex is now awash in neon light. From Cincy’s own Big Boy to gas station markers to fast food and pizza joints and everything in between, buzzing electricity and rotating wonders illuminate and preserve the past with a collection that encompasses signs from the late 1800s to the 1970s. The largest public sign museum in America, you can opt to wander the nostalgic wonderland on your own or take a guided tour ($15 adult; $10 seniors). Either way, you and your date will likely find yourselves swept up in the neon. (It’s also excellent fodder for selfies.) 1330 Monmouth Ave., Camp Washington Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Voodoo Masquerade at March First Brewing March First Brewing and Distilling is ringing in the new year NOLA-style with a Voodoo masquerade, transforming their taprooms into a bourbon street experience and dark voodoo lounge, respectively. Specialty cocktails will flow, live Jazz will play and a cajun dinner will be served. 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Dec. 31. $25-$100. March First Brewing, 7885 E. Kemper Road, Sycamore Photo: Hailey Bollinger
Go on a drive through the Christmas Night of Lights Slide into your car and take a trip through Coney Island’s drive-thru Christmas show during the 10-week-long Christmas Nights of Lights. Enjoy the company of your sweetie while lights manipulated to resemble dancing candy canes, glowing snowmen, colorful tunnels and giant holiday trees are synchronized to Christmas tunes both classic and new available via your car radio. The two-and-a-half-mile long display features more than one million lights. Bonus: grab hot cocoa beforehand for a really cozy and festive evening. Through Jan. 5. $6. Coney Island, 6201 Kellogg Ave., California. Photo via christmasnightsoflights.com
Cincinnati Art Museum The Cincinnati Art Museum is a Queen City staple. With a collection of over 67,000 works spanning 6,000 years, there’s much to explore and absorb. Right now, special exhibitions include the ticketed Treasures of the Spanish World, which is on display through Jan. 19, and The Levee: A Photographer in the American South, which guests can take in through Feb. 2. 953 Eden Park Drive, Mount Adams Photo via Facebook/CincinnatiArtMuseum
Make your own candle Book a DIY workshop at Manitou Candle Co., slip on an apron and craft the candle of your dreams. The local store makes small-batch and hand-poured candles from soy wax with scents ranging from lemon cedarwood musk, lavender and more floral-inspired. classes are held Wednesdays through Sundays (and are BYOB). There’s also The Candle Lab, which has locations in Over-the-Rhine and Anderson Township. Manitou Candle Co., 4015 Eastern Ave., Columbia Tusculum, manitoucandleco.com; The Candle Lab, 1325 Vine Street, Over-the-Rhine, thecandlelab.com. Photo via thecandlelab.com
See the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra at Music Hall If you’re looking for a classy night on the town, not much can beat seeing a live orchestra. Lucky for us Cincinnatians, our symphony orchestra has been going strong for 125 years. Backdropped by the beautifully restored and historic Music Hall, no matter what show you see it’s likely to be romantic. Upcoming dates include a special New Year’s Eve concert, CSO performing with beloved soprano Renée Fleming on Jan. 10-11 and the 125th anniversary concert on Jan. 18. Potterheads can revisit Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with a live screening accompanied by the Cincinnati Pops. 1241 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine Photo: Hailey Bollinger