If there is anything that the cheesy (but addictive) Hallmark films have taught us, it’s that Christmas is ripe with romance. While the likelihood of bumping into a plaid-wearing reindeer wrangler with a heart of gold, a sweet curly-haired baker with big dreams or the chiselled-jaw prince of some obscure snowy place called Liedovia is slim, there’s always a way to spin your own fairytale with a festive date right here in the city. We’ve rounded up some ideas for a festive first date where you can soak up the magic of the season and maybe even fall in love while you’re at it.
1. Glide around the ice together
Pull on your woolly hat, slip into your favourite puffer coat (trust me, you might need the extra padding if you have the balance of Bambi) and prepare for a 45-minute whizz around London’s longest running seasonal ice rink in Canary Wharf or against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic Grade II* listed buildings, Battersea Power Station. You’ll not only be in a Christmas-drenched setting but the buzz of fellow skaters, views of glittering London and the prime opportunity to grab your date’s hand for balance are sure to get the sparks flying in no time.
2. Tuck into toasted s’mores on a cosy winter terrace
It doesn’t get much cosier than curling up under blankets, basking in the warm glow of heaters and toasting s’mores over a dancing flame. If you’re a couple of sweet tooths looking for somewhere special to escape the winter chill and get to know each other in an elegant setting, The Beaumont Hotel‘s winter terrace is the place to go. You can sink into a 1920s-style rattan armchair and sip classic cocktails before toasting your own s’mores under the stars. The luxurious Mayfair hotel also gets decked out with all the shiny bells and whistles for Christmas, so you’ll no doubt be feeling the festive spirit from the moment you step through the doors.
3. Explore the many delights of the Christmas Markets
A staple on any fan of the holiday season’s list, exploring the Christmas markets is a buzzing setting to soak up the festive spirit together. You’ll have a great excuse to stick close for warmth while mulled wine and cider stalls are at hand to keep your hands toasty. This is also an opportunity to get to know each other as you peruse the different gifts on offer; are they a chutney-lover? Maybe they can’t resist a grapefruit-infused craft beer or melt over a cute animal coaster…
⛄️ Winter By The River, London Bridge
🌇 Leicester Square Christmas Market
🎅 South Bank Christmas Markets
🍽️ King’s Cross Christmas Markets
🌠 Old Spitalfields Market
4. Fall under the spell of a Christmas Candlelight Concert
After a long week of work, wrapping presents with papercut-ravaged fingers and coordinating your Christmas plans with the family, sometimes all you want is to sit back and forget the world for a while. A Christmas Candlelight Concert is your answer. You and your date can relax amid the soft glow of candlelight and listen to enchanting Christmas music played by talented musicians.
Enjoy the twinkling melodies of classics such as Deck The Halls and Away In A Manger among the striking architecture of Southwark Cathedral on December 22, or bob your head to catchy riffs from Christmas Movie Soundtracks on December 21.
5. Enjoy a romantic evening on the South Bank
One of our favourite festive outings is a stroll along the South Bank, with a plethora of fun things to do to keep you and your boo entertained all evening. There’s currently a brilliant pop-up bar, Fire & Fromage, serving up a storm with their drool-worthy raclette and festive drinks.
We also recommend checking out the Southbank Centre’s winter light show, bringing fabulous contemporary artists to the heart of the capital with this public (and completely free) display of fabulous light installations. For more information, click here to read our article.
6. Charm their festive socks off with your bowling skills
Who knew rolling a ball at some pins could be such a great icebreaker? Anyone who’s dipped their toe in the turbulent waters of the dating world probably. Now, it might not be your first thought when you think festive, but All Star Lanes in Stratford are treating us to bowling with (jingle) bells on this Christmas. Not only can you enjoy a seasonal menu and other games in between bowls, but if you’re feeling extra confident you can belt out some festive classics in their brand-new karaoke rooms.
7. Stay classy with afternoon tea at The Rubens At The Palace Hotel
If you’re fresh off watching the new series of The Crown and have a fascination with all things royal then you might want to dip your toe in their regal world for the afternoon and drag your date along for the carriage ride. Even better, between now and January 7 (excluding December 25) you can treat yourself to the Winter Wonderland afternoon tea – with the option of bottomless champagne for an extra fee. Stick out those pinkies and get ready to tuck into sandwiches, pastries and even a vanilla and cranberry bauble – edible, of course.
8. Breathe in the fresh air on a stroll around Kew Gardens
Not a fan of stilted conversation? Why don’t you let the idyllic wilds of nature do the talking and go for a picturesque wander around Kew Gardens? This season you can visit Christmas at Kew to enjoy after-dark activities that will light up the night and prove to be a mesmerising backdrop to your first date. You can expect a wondrous walk under the stars, punctuated by jewel shades illuminating the trees, colourful reflections shimmering on the waters and hypnotic tunnels of light – try and resist digging out your phone for a pic, we dare you.
You can find more light festivals and trails here:
🎇 Christmas at Kenwood
🌈 Enchanted Eltham
🎄 Kew Gardens
🚂 Epping Ongar Light Fantastic
9. Feast on festive menus together
The city is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, and this Christmas, an array of restaurants are offering specially curated festive menus that celebrate the spirit of the season. Is there anything more romantic than dining under the mistletoe? I think not.
🍽️ Fallow
🥄 Bibi
🍴 The Camberwell Arms
🍽️ Berenjak
10. Sip on mulled wine and winter drinks
Get cozy and sip on mulled wine and warm drinks at:
🐟 Sexy Fish, Mayfair
🍸 London Bridge Rooftop Bar
❄️ Tattu, Soho
🍷 Sky Garden
11. Visit one of the many exhibitions on display in London
There are so many awesome exhibitions on display in London at the moment. Here are some of our faves we recommend for your next gallery date:
🎨 Moco Museum, Marble Arch
🏎️ Formula 1: The Exhibition, ExCeL London
🤩 Hello Delight!, Brorough Yards
⭐ Van Gogh; The Immersive Experience, Shoreditch
12. Enjoy a full-on festive wonderland at Miracle at Henrietta
If you’re truly a diehard Christmas fan (and I don’t mean the brilliant Bruce Willis flick) – we’re talking trees up, polishing baubles, 5-tier festive decor plan – Miracle At Henrietta is the place for you. Just maybe check that your date is on the same wavelength because this tinsel-drenched, trinket-filled, twinkling cocktail bar in Covent Garden is not for the weak.