11 Great Winter Dates Slideshow

Now is as good a time as any to learn how to cook, especially if this relationship is going anywhere, but it doesn't have to be a one-sided thing — both of you should learn together. Buy a series of classes or do a one-time class and learn the art of a new cuisine. There are tons of couple's classes with themes like sushi, pasta, and dinner-for-two. 

Ah, yes, the quintessential winter date. You're holding hands to avoid your shaky feet and wobbly legs (or maybe you just want to hold hands). Whether you're braving the weather and ice-skating on a natural pond or heading to an indoor rink, you'll definitely be seeing other couples, both old and new, there as well. Dare each other to try classic ice-skating moves like a turn or a jump and head out for hot cocoa after you've fallen on your behind way too many times. 

While it may be freezing outside, it's nice and toasty inside your favorite museum. Make a day out of exploring each other's favorite spots and pointing out your favorite works. Afterward, choose a fantastic coffee spot and share a dessert over an artisan cup of joe. 

All right, at this point you might have to go see a college game thanks to the lockout, but hockey is a sport that's renowned for its die-hard fans. Give your date a peek into your passion and snag tickets to a big game. Snack on stadium fare like peanuts, hot dogs, and beer. Also, protect them from rival fans — things are known to get ugly at hockey games. 

Another great group date idea is to host a board game night. Taboo, Pictionary, Cranium — these are all ideal for an entertaining evening and makes for a good ice-breaker for couples who are still new to the group. Make it a potluck and have each couple bring a dish so everyone can enjoy and you don't have to spend tons of money as the host. 

Whoever said spas were a girl's thing is just dumb (sorry we're not sorry.) While us ladies certainly love to indulge in a manicure, pedicure, and facial trio, there's plenty of room for couples massages, steam showers, and hot tubs. Spas are an ideal getaway for the couple. Whoever tells you otherwise is just plain wrong. As for dining during a spa day, salads, tea, and light fare are ideal. 

In the same vein — have there been a handful of movies that you've been dying to see, but haven't gotten around to it? Um, movie marathon, anyone? Here's the thing about movie marathons: they have to be fair — if you have a full day to spare, you have to have an even amount of chick flicks and/or musicals to match their action/horror/drama movies. Get that popcorn popping, or if you really want to be adventurous, eat all three meals together — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — while you watch away. 

If you're mourning the loss of your favorite TV show like we are (RIP Gossip Girl) then you're probably looking for a new series. Talk it over with your boyfriend/girlfriend and decide what shows have piqued your interest but that you never had the time to get into and rent the first season on Netflix. If you really want to get creative, get into theme mode. Serve up dirty martinis and scotch if you're watching Mad Men or a beastly meal if you're starting Game of Thrones, for example.

This is a fantastic date idea for both one couple and a group of couples. You could split up the teams into girls versus guys and see who really takes the cake in the art of the pins. To do it up correctly — you should make it a regular occurrence and get team shirts made. Beer and pizza are absolute food musts. 

While we mentioned hockey before, watching football and basketball at a pub or bar makes for another great sports-centric date. Pick a spot that has craft beer or even its own distillery. It's at these spots that great comfort food is found, like mac and cheese, French onion soup, and a hearty burger. 

S'mores are the ultimate fireplace treat. Kick up the heat at home if you have a fireplace and get to making those s'mores. If you don't, there are mini s'mores makers like this one.