From snug ski lodges and snow globe dining to ice skating at The Queen’s House and experiencing scintillating light shows at London’s iconic parks and gardens, we have hand-picked our best winter date ideas in London for this December.
Cosy-up at Jimmy’s Serene Snow Globes on Southbank
Dining on London’s banks is something that can be enjoyed throughout the colder seasons and now, thanks to Jimmy Garcia’s “Snow Globes”, it’s a possibility. Positioned along The Southbank riverside, these marvellous crystalline domes have become a winter tradition and are easy to spot from Westminster Bridge. Adorned with violas and pansies, as well as cosy furs and shaggy blankets, the wintery aesthetic of Southbank is hard to rival.
While each dome has a capacity of 10, there is no reason you can’t rent them as a couple and have a date. This way, you have the entire dome to yourself and can enjoy the serene wintry night views of Southbank and the London Eye, as you share an alpine fondue and charcuterie board and finish with one of their irresistible hug-in-a-mug Irish Cream Hot Chocolates. There is so much to be enjoyed on their vibrant wintry menu, we wouldn’t be surprised if you want to come back for a second date.
Jimmy’s Lodge is open from November through to the end of December – just make sure you book in advance!
Ice Skate at The Queen’s House
London is blessed with several beautiful ice rinks during the winter months and while it might seem somewhat of a cliché, there’s something timelessly romantic about a winter date idea on ice. The standout ice rink for us was The Natural History Museum’s – however it had its last hurrah in 2021 so in its place, we have selected South London’s only open-air rink, The Queen’s House.
Not to be confused with Buckingham Palace itself, the grand former royal mansion and England’s first Palladian-style building plays host to a stunning ice rink during the winter season and makes for a very memorable winter date idea. With a backdrop of UNESCO World Heritage buildings, illuminated by midnight blue and violet lighting, this is by far one of the most romantic ice rinks in London. You could also head to the Plume of Feathers for a mulled wine to warm up after some time on the ice.
Cosy Up at the Montague Ski Lodge
Located in literary Bloomsbury, just a stone’s throw away from the British Museum, is the revered Montague On the Gardens. During the winter season, The Montague’s wood deck is transformed into a quintessentially Christmassy Ski Lodge. Lounge in wintry luxury as you admire the pine trees, reindeer, ski racks, lanterns and falling snow while you swirl a hot toddy or mulled wine with your date. The Ski Lodge provides the perfect setting for a first date, with its warm and inviting atmosphere and steaming hot chocolate cocktails.
The best way to book the Ski Lodge is simply by walking in – they do not offer reservations for individual guests unless you are a hotel guest.
Lose Yourself in London’s Enchanted Woodland
We love a winter date idea that involves a romantic walk and what better way to spend the first date than a cute stroll through London’s Enchanted Woodland? The mystical walk is located in Syon Park and takes place in its 600-year-old gardens, which becomes illuminated by a stunningly orchestrated mile-long light display that serves to guide you and your date through the magical woodlands. Mosey passed the ornamental lake with a hot chocolate and look out for the cute woodland creatures that call this place home (they aren’t real, don’t worry).
Explore Our Favourite Christmas Markets in London
London boasts an unfair number of beautiful Christmas markets from November to December, to the extent where it becomes difficult to pick where to visit. Obviously, the location may play a part in this, but if there’s one market we know ticks all the Christmas boxes for a winter date idea, it’s Borough Market. Operating since 1756, Borough Market continues its Christmas tradition each year, with over 100 Christmas stalls selling everything from independent meads, mulled wines and whiskeys to cheeses, chocolate logs, gingerbread, cured meats and preserves.
The decorations in Borough Market are second to none. Decked out with twinkling ornaments, reindeer and elves and 10ft wreaths as far as the eye can see. There’s also entertainment in the form of choirs and buskers singing classic Christmas hits and, if you’re a fan of cheese, you’re in luck. Borough Market’s Evening of Cheese is an event to behold – we’re yet to hear of its confirmation for 2022 but we remain hopeful!
Wonder into Winterland at Albert Wharf
Another fine example of a Christmas pop-up, Winterland is Fulham Beach’s attempt to whisk you away to a wintry tundra. Choose between snuggling up in one of the lodge’s cosy heated corners and igloos with a hot toddy, trying out some old-school arcade games or taking to the hunting lodge dance floor. Winterland continues its Alpine theme in its menu, which includes crispy rotisserie chicken, schnitzel and baked camembert – all of which can be delivered to your igloo throughout the evening. Combine this with some mulled wine and winter warmer cocktails from Moose and you needn’t leave the blanketed luxury of your igloo or chalet.
There are also long feasting tables for larger groups. But, if you’re on a winter date, we’d recommend hunkering down into a cosy chalet to allow the conversation to flow. Winterland offers something for everyone, whether it’s a first date or an after-work gathering, it’s certainly one of the most versatile winter date ideas on our list.
Watch Kew Gardens Get Lit Up
At Christmas, Kew comes to life. Over one million shining lights illuminate this iconic World Heritage Site, from the thousand-year-old oaks and giant lily pads to the Temperate House, sparkling tunnels of light and dancing lakeside reflections transform Kew Gardens into a faerie fire of festivities. You will also be able to enjoy their delectable selection of food and drink from independent London vendors. From spiced winter warmers to pies, hotdogs and festive delights, you won’t struggle to keep warm on your stroll through this 4.5-acre Narnia.
Strolling through a botanical garden at any time of the year is romantic, but journeying through the mesmerising flickering flames in the fire garden and saying hello to Father Christmas himself certainly adds an air of romanticism to this winter date idea.
Looking for Someone to Experience Our Winter Date Ideas With?
Experiencing these winter date ideas is something everyone should be able to enjoy. London is full of wonderful events and activities over the festive period and part of our job is to introduce you to people who want to share these experiences with you.
Maclynn is dedicated to helping exceptional single men and women find love in this iconic city and across the UK. Our award-winning matchmakers specialise in identifying people who align with your core morals and long-term relationship goals through private and bespoke compatibility sessions. By combining psychological principles with personalised consultations, we can provide a matchmaking experience like no other, honing in on what makes you tick and identifying like-minded people from our offline database of 10,000 exceptional members.
If you’d like to learn more about our bespoke, private matchmaking service, why not give us a call? Even if it’s just to get a better understanding of how we work and have helped thousands of single men and women find love in London and across the UK, we’d love to talk you through how we can help you find your perfect partner in time for Christmas.
