22 Festive Winter Date Ideas
All we want for Christmas is cute festive date ideas, and at what’s quite possibly the most romantic time of the year in London, winter is the season to truly impress your date. Think twinkling lights, crisp winter air, cosy blankets, and candlelit corners. Add some mulled wine and fondue to the mix and you’ve got the perfect winter date recipe.
Whether it’s a brand new date or five-year anniversary, these are our favourite winter date ideas to spark some serious romance.
Hop on board London’s floating igloos
If you’re looking for a seriously cool winter date experience, this is it. Skuna Boats offers some of the best winter experiences in the city, and the igloo boats are the only ones of their kind in the world. This is a floating après-ski adventure in the heart of London, where you can enjoy decadent fondue and flowing drinks day or night, aboard a lovely floating igloo. It’s cosy, it’s cute, and it’s a London view you won’t forget. Bookings are now open until 2026, and it’s the ideal date night spot.
where: Canary Wharf, London
website: www.skunaboats.com
Have a festive meal at The Ivy
For a romantic winter date in the heart of London, few settings rival The Original Ivy on West Street. With its warm glow, art-filled interiors and timeless charm, the legendary restaurant offers the perfect backdrop for a festive evening à deux.
This season, The Ivy invites guests to savour its 2025 Festive Set Menu — a three-course celebration of classic flavours and seasonal indulgence. Highlights include Turkey Ballotine with apricot, cranberry and pork stuffing, pan-fried sea bass with lobster velouté, and the wild mushroom risotto with winter truffle.
Where: 1-5 West St, London WC2H 9NQ
Website: ivycollection.com
Book this riverside spot
Head to Le Pont de la Tour’s riverside location for Tower Bridge views, intimate fire pits, and cheese fondue. Also on our list of date night spots is Orrery, for a classic champagne Christmas with Laurent-Perrier in the heart of Marylebone Village, featuring champagne and caviar pairings.
where: 36D Shad Thames, London, SE1 2YE
website: www.lepontdelatour.co.uk
Explore Christmas at Kew
The nights have well and truly drawn in, but rather than heading straight home to curl up under the duvet, head over to Kew Gardens and explore their Christmas light trail. Every year, the gorgeous gardens are illuminated by a gloriously Instagrammable light show guiding you and your date around the gardens, lakes and glittering fairy light tunnels. It’s a truly magical experience and will undoubtedly spark up the perfect opportunity for a cheeky kiss as you wander hand-in-hand.
Where: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Website:www.kew.org
Visit this luxe new restaurant
For a romantic winter date in the heart of St James’s, The Stafford London has unveiled MICHAEL CAINES at The Stafford – the celebrated chef’s first London residency. Offering an intimate and elevated dining experience, couples can indulge in Caines’ modern European cuisine crafted with the finest seasonal British produce. The menu features refined signatures such as warm lobster salad with cardamom vinaigrette and pan-roasted Brixham turbot in a shellfish chowder, along with elegant classics that nod to the hotel’s heritage, including the iconic Stafford Beef Wellington and Brixham Dover Sole.
where: 16-18 St James’s Pl, London SW1A 1N
website: thestaffordlondon.com
Get cosy on a festive winter terrace
Theo’s on the Terrace makes a perfect spot for a winter date. With its proximity to Hyde Park, the terrace makes the perfect warming spot for a post-Winter Wonderland dinner or drink.
Crafted by renowned Chef Theo Randall, the menu celebrates the rustic traditions of Northern Italian cuisine, blending comforting classics with seasonal ingredients for an unforgettable dining experience.
Where: 1 Park Ln, London W1J 7QY
Website: parklane.intercontinental.com
Try this festive afternoon tea
The Parlour at the Great Scotland Yard Hotel offers a truly intimate ambience, located in a beautifully designed space. The afternoon tea makes a lovely foodie date activity, with a festive menu that can take you from wild mushroom and
rocket quiche and turkey, celeriac remoulade and cranberry sauce on brown bread to freshly baked plain and cranberry scones and Cornish clotted cream and blackberry jam. An assortment of festive teas, cakes and pastries is also available, such as the bespoke chocolate délice (handcrafted Valrhona dark chocolate, salted caramel), the Great Scotland Yard Christmas bubble (spiced apple mousse, treacle sponge) and the Christmas tree (fragrant orange and hazelnut teacake).
where: 3-5 Great Scotland Yard, London SW1A 2HN
website: www.hyattexperiences.com
Visit Gordon Ramsay’s The River Restaurant
What could be more romantic than a date at the stunning River Restaurant? Located in the iconic Savoy Hotel, this restaurant glitters like a pearl. The bar is the perfect place to start your date, toasting each other with a signature martini or glass of champagne before diving into delicious seafood dishes. Whether a first date or forever after, River Restaurant has you covered.
where: Savoy Hotel, Strand, London, WC2R 0EU
website: www.gordonramsayrestaurants.coM
See a spectacular Christmas light display
The city gets more festive by the day at this time of year. Think of chocolates lining supermarket shelves, iconic window displays, and London’s most spectacular streets lighting up for Christmas. From Oxford Street to Carnaby Street, Marylebone Village to Covent Garden, take your date to see the most spectacular festive light displays this year when London is at its most magical.
where: across london
Go Christmas tree shopping
You haven’t spent Christmas together until you’ve put up a tree, had an argument about where it should go, had very differing opinions about how it should be decorated, blasted some Mariah Carey on the speakers, and blown a few bulbs on the fairy lights along the way. Romance, am I right?
The best part of all of this is picking out the perfect tree for your living room, and there are loads of fir-filled places in London where you can do just that, from Richmond to Greenwich. Just make sure to do it with a warm mulled wine in hand and that your transport is sorted before you go fully festive and buy a six-foot fir…
Take a winter weekend getaway
A UK winter break is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time together, sipping mulled wine at a UK Christmas market, curling up with cake in a traditional tea room, or rambling the beautifully frosty countryside before retreating to a cosy hotel room. What could be more romantic?
Wondering where to go this winter? These are the best places for you and your date to visit and stay for a winter’s escape.
Wander around Gingerbread City
The Museum of Architecture’s hugely popular annual exhibition The Gingerbread City returns this year, bringing with it a brilliantly festive (and very edible) display of miniature buildings made from gingerbread. Don’t expect this to be a bunch of gingerbread houses stuck in a row though – there’ll be skyscrapers, cars, windmills, clouds, bridges and much more, built not just from gingerbread but plenty of other sweet treats like marshmallows, strawberry laces and candy floss.
Where: Unit 5, Coal Drops Yard, Stable St, N1C 4DQ
Website:www.thegingerbreadcity.com
Share a charcuterie board
Escape the cold and settle in at EllaMia After Dark for an intimate date night. Share a charcuterie board, sip on fine wine or a playful cocktail, and enjoy a little midwinter magic together in the heart of Covent Garden at this chic spot at St Martins Lane.
where: 45 St Martin’s Ln, London WC2N 4HX
website: www.morgansoriginals.com
Experience a magical festive theatre show
There’s no doubt the weather outside will be frightful, so why not have a jolly ol’ time at one of London’s festive theatrical performances hitting the stage this winter? Walk through the air with your loved one as you glide into the Peacock Theatre to watch The Snowman, or book into A Christmas Carol at The Old Vic to watch the classic retelling of Scrooge and his spirits come to life. For a magical performance, try The Nutcracker and see over 100 dancers and musicians perform in front of what’s set to be a sold-out audience.
in theatres across london
Get your skates on at an open-air ice skating rink
Nothing screams romance like gliding round an ice rink under the twinkling stars, hand-in-hand with your loved one… until one of you falls flat on your face. At Battersea Power Station, there’s a glorious 200m skate trail where you can take your Christmas skate to a whole new level with the iconic backdrop of The Power Station on one side, and a view of the Thames on the other. Keep the festive spirit going with a visit to The Glass House – open to skaters and non-skaters, you can enjoy a lovely hot chocolate or a drink here to warm up.
where: Battersea Power station, SW11 8BJ
website: www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk
Explore Fulham Pier’s Christmas activities
From 20th November, Fulham Pier will transform into an enchanted ‘Into the Woods’ winter oasis, complete with giant pine trees, a cosy cabin, twinkling riverwalk paths, and new interactive digital art revealing snowy forests and miniature alpine villages through frosted windows. But first, head to the Christmas light switch-on, led by James B. Partridge, local resident turned social media superstar.
where: fulham pier, london
website: www.fulhampier.com
Try this new Sunday roast
Marylebone’s new neighbourhood spot, Fire & Wine by Boxcar, has launched Sunday Feasts, a reimagining of the traditional Sunday roast through the lens of open-fire cooking. The result is a menu rooted in British ritual yet shaped by the Mediterranean influences of Head Chef Zisis Gkalmpenis. Begin with small plates like charred tiger prawns with lemongrass and chilli, pressed rabbit with grape mustard and tarragon, and other dishes inspired by the Mediterranean coast. Mains are a fresh twist to the classic roast – go for the whole or half grilled corn-fed chicken, which comes with crisp skin and a fiery sauce, or try the grilled Suffolk pork belly accompanied by a rich jus.
where: 23 New Quebec St, London W1H 7SD
website: www.boxcar.co.uK
Visit this new opening
Bringing a taste of la dolce vita to Covent Garden’s Piazza, Harry’s has opened its newest restaurant in London, which brings its signature blend of timeless glamour and relaxed Italian charm. With Venetian-inspired interiors and a welcoming atmosphere, Harry’s Covent Garden is a 190-seater restaurant, including a bar area, private dining room and large outdoor terrace, with deep greens and rich browns, with whisky-toned leather. The walls are covered in
bespoke artwork, Italian paintings and glamorous vintage photography – ideal for a cosy date night.
where: 30, 34 James St, London W1U 1ER
website: www.harrysdolcevita.com
Grill88
Hidden behind The Biltmore Mayfair’s grand doors, Grill88 is an intimate sanctuary perfect for winter date nights. Warm, low lighting, plush interiors and the gentle clink of glasses set the scene for romance, while the menu celebrates premium cuts, perfectly grilled steaks and refined seasonal dishes, paired with exceptional wines. Whether it’s a first date or a special celebration, Grill88 offers a cosy, indulgent escape where every detail feels thoughtfully curated for two.
where: 44 Grosvenor Sq, London W1K 2HP
website: www.thebiltmorehotels.com
Enjoy a winter cocktail
Escape the chill and spend an evening at Long Bar for a winter cocktail date night. Whether it’s your first meeting or a well-deserved night out together, the moody lighting and signature cocktails make for an effortlessly romantic setting.
Spend an evening at Long Bar for a winter cocktail date night.
where: 50 Berners St, London W1T 3NG
website: www.morgansoriginals.com
Try seasonal dishes at STK
Celebrate the festive season with a curated selection of seasonal dishes like the Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice, succulent Crispy Duck Leg, buttery and flaky Seared Halibut and a show-stopping centre piece; USDA Chateaubriand. Available from 17th November until 21st December, there are also exclusive cocktail creations, expertly crafted with Grey Goose Vodka – try the Frosted Bellini or the warming maple spice bramble.
where: stratford and strand
website: www.stksteakhouse.com
Have a hot chocolate date
You might know Badiani for its silky, Italian gelato, but trust us when we say the hot chocolate here is just as good. Rich, extra-thick and crafted with artisanal Pernigotti cocoa from Alessandria, Piedmont, the hot chocolate is crafted in a custom-built machine that ensures every sip is delicious and indulgent. The perfect winter date activity, you can’t go wrong with a hot chocolate.
where: across london
website: www.badiani1932.com
Visit this Japanese restaurant
Nestled secretively away through the lobby of a five-star hotel, TOKii Restaurant might be one of Marylebone’s best-kept secrets. Within its wood-panelled walls, you’ll find sushi masters from the far corners of the globe preparing authentic sashimi, nigiri, and maki rolls. Add in grade A5 wagyu beef and some of the best ramen dishes in London, and you’ve got all the ingredients to make one seriously special date night.
where: 50 Great Cumberland Pl, Marble Arch, London W1H 7FD
website: www.tokii.co.uk
Escape to Europe for a romantic festive treat
Europe really does it best when it comes to Christmas markets, so live out your Christmas rom-com dreams and head abroad to a European city for a romantic Christmas escape.
Lined with festive foliage, baubles, trinkets, and snow-capped mountains in the background, there really couldn’t be anything more romantic.
Shop at a London Christmas market
If you’re a little strapped for cash this Christmas and can’t afford to be whizzing off to Europe, you’re in luck because London is brimming with festive market options of its own. Wooden cabins will be decorated with seasonal wreaths, snowy rooftops and a whole lot of festive trinkets to splash the cash on to impress your date.
