Now that Thanksgiving is behind us and winter is straight ahead, it’s nearly that time of the year when the wind is whipping, it’s slushy, and you can’t stop wiping your nose with your scarf. We know how tempting it is to lay low during the cold nights of winter, but there’s so much to do right now, especially if you’re looking for a date night! To beat the winter blues, we’ve rounded up our favorite date night places and ideas to plan out this winter!
1. Apotheke, Chinatown/Little Italy
For a somewhat pricey but overall super romantic, cozy night at a bar, Apotheke is perfect. It’s got a loungey, somewhat macabre feel and lives up to its name with crazy concoctions as cocktails. Even if those cocktails cost you an arm and a leg, just get one each and sip it slow! Reserve your spot here.
Where: 9 Doyers St
2. Luzzo’s La Pizza Napoletana, East Village
When it’s freezing outside, what’s better than some brick oven pizza? Luzzo’s La Pizza Napoletana down in the East Village is a trendy pizzeria with an ever-changing seasonal menu. We suggest splitting their signature option, The Luzzo (mozzarella, gorgonzola, pear, walnuts, basil) but anything you get here will be perfect to split!
Where: 213 1st Ave
3. Swingers, NoMad
Get ready to challenge your date to a game of miniature golf at Swingers, where food, drinks, and golf all meet! This adult-focused golf experience is the perfect way to encourage some friendly competition, all while sipping on signature cocktails and delicious gourmet street food. If you’re looking for a fun activity to do in the warmth, try this out!
Where: 35 W 29th St
4. Metropolitan Museum of Art, Upper East Side
Need a full-day museum to stay out of the cold? The MET is not only the largest art museum in the city, but in the world. There’s no better place to spend an entire day indoors. Plus, if you’ve already been to The Met there’s tons of great museums around the city to explore! And if you even want a free date night, head to one of the Chelsea galleries or other free museums in NYC to get some art intake!
Where: 1000 5th Ave
5. Jimmy at The James Hotel, NoMad
The Jimmy has fireplaces. Fireplaces! It also has 14’ windows with amazing panoramic views of Midtown, Wall Street, the Hudson River, and the bridges spanning the East River. And cozy couches to curl up on. It’s definitely a swankier date, but it’ll impress! We recommend making reservations for you and your special someone if you decide on this spot.
Where: Rooftop at the James Hotel (15 Thompson St)
6. Bryant Park Ice Skating, Midtown
Ice skating is an awesome way to spend the winter in NYC, but skip Rockefeller Center which is tourist-central and go to the less popular Bryant Park rink. It’ll be less crazy and give you more space to crash and burn because you inevitably forgot how to ice skate. Don’t forget to check out their Winter Village afterwards to enjoy some hot chocolate or go shopping for one another!
Where: Between 5 and 6 Av, W 40 St and W 42 St
7. Indoor Rock Climbing, East Harlem
There are a few places to do this, from Chelsea Piers to The Cliffs, but if you or your significant other love being active, this is the perfect way to burn some calories without shivering to death. If you’ve never tackled a wall before, these places have beginner classes to get started.
Where: Various locations, check out our favorite spots here
8. Concert Under the Stars, Multiple Locations
Enjoy you and your partner’s favorite music performed live at these gorgeously candelit concerts across NYC. Ranging from Radiohead to Adele, these stunning performances are unique date night you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there are even holiday shows currently running if you want to hear festive tunes! Check out all the different options and grab your tickets in the link below.
Get your tickets here!Where: Various Locations
9. The New York Aquarium, Coney Island
It’s way too cold for the zoo; even the animals know it. But it’s not too cold for the Aquarium, which has plenty of awesome indoor exhibits that are open all year round. Get a kick out of some fish for the day!
Where: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn
10. Wintry Rooftops, Multiple Locations
Take your date to an over-the-top winter rooftop like the Winter Lodge at Magic Hour Rooftop. This way they’ll be less focused on your outfit—that you’re still not sure was the right choice—and more on the extravagant decorations. Get a few small bites rather than a large meal and spark up great conversation over festive cocktails.
Where: Various Locations
11. The Little Shop, Seaport District
Hide away at this speakeasy disguised behind a bodega in the Seaport District. The space’s maximalist decor is warm and inviting and sure to distract you from any of your date jitters—the fantastic cocktails offered might help too! For even more speakeasy ideas, check out our collection of favorite speakeasies in NYC to get your date off to a good start!
Where: 252 Front St
12. Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club, Gowanus
What could be better than a bar/shuffleboard combination? It’s hard to top that! Grab a beer or cocktail at one of Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club’s bars and then go head to head in a game (or few) of shuffleboard! Their food trucks and 20,000 square foot space is a lovely place to have a fun-filled date. It’s important to note that all shuffleboard inquiries are walk-in only, so make sure you keep this in mind when you set the time of your date!
Where: 514 Union St, Brooklyn
13. Rolf’s, Gramercy
Nothing is more romantic in the winter time than snuggling up at one of NYC’s decorated bars, and Rolf’s might just be one of our favorites. Enjoy festive food, drink, and ornaments while you indulge on sweet conversations with your partner. NYC’s decorated bars and restaurants often go all out, and is the perfect way to fester up the love and romantic holiday atmosphere!
Where: 281 3rd Ave
14. Axe Throwing in NYC, Multiple Locations
Who’s got the best aim?! Have drinks and take turns axe throwing at one of these out-of-the-box date ideas in NYC! Whether you take lessons together on how to throw axes, or want to hop right into it, this activity will surely bring you and your significant other together. Plus once you’re done throwing, hang out at their bars and have some fun conversation and exchange some laughs.
Where: Our favorites here
15. The William Vale, Williamsburg
What could be more romantic of a date night than spending it at the newly opened Winter Spa at The William Vale in Brooklyn? We’re all in favor of self-care dates and this hotel’s sauna and hot tub packages make it one of the best spas in NYC right now! Plus, after you’re done pampering yourself and rejuvenating your aura, you can enjoy drinks at their rooftop winter chalet, Winter Village at Westlight.
Where: 111 N 12th St, Brooklyn