Whether you’re in a relationship or wading into the dating pool for the first time in a while, the winter season offers plenty of unique dating opportunities. Here are a few activities worth trying out with that special someone during the chillier months.
Go skating at Olympic Plaza
Olympic Plaza, a City-maintained outdoor skating rink, has officially opened for the season. The downtown lights, holiday decorations and general merriment of skating outdoors makes this a great destination if you’re looking for a date night activity. As a bonus, it’s free to skate at Olympic Plaza, though those who need to rent skates and helmets can do so for a fee at the Skate Hut.
228 8 Ave. S.E., calgary.ca
Play some arcade games
Stay warm and bring out each other’s competitive spirits with some arcade games at local eateries and bars. Play games like Ms. Pac-Man and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at Greta (which has an all-day happy hour on Wednesdays), try your luck at pinball at Pinbar (which has free pinball starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays) or make your way over to The Rec Room for pool, virtual golf and a slew of arcade game options.
Greta, 213 10 Ave. S.W., gretabar.com; Pinbar, 501 17 Ave. S.W., 403-903-8175, pinbaryyc.com; The Rec Room, 1180, 901 64 Ave. N.E., 587-535-6077, therecroom.com
Learn how to cook together
Cooking together at home is often a fun date night idea. But if your recipe book is getting a bit stale, or you just want to learn how to make something new, consider taking a cooking class together at The Cookbook Co. Cooks. Starting in January, there are classes to learn how to make bread, Thai food, handmade pasta, vegan food and more.
722 11 Ave. S.W., 403-265-6066, cookbookcooks.com
Explore twinkling lights at the zoo during ZooLights
Every winter, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo becomes a glittering, glowing spectacle during the evening for ZooLights. With more than a million lights and nearly 250 light figures to discover, it’s a romantic and magical setting for a date night. Check out this year’s edition until January 7, 2024.
210 St. George’s Dr. N.E., 403-232-9300, calgaryzoo.com
Take a local workshop together
If you’re a crafty and creative couple, consider taking on a new hobby or activity together at a local workshop. You can learn how to make pottery together, make a terrarium for your homes and more. Not only do you get to try something new, but you’ll have a fun reminder of your date night to look back on.
Red more: Where to Take a Crafty Workshop in Calgary
Have a cocktail and see a movie at The Plaza Theatre
This independent movie theatre in Kensington is a cozy destination for a romantic movie night. Arrive early to sip on a drink at the theatre’s cocktail bar (you can also bring drinks into the theatre itself) and get a snack from the café in the renovated pink lobby before the movie starts.
1133 Kensington Rd. N.W., 403-283-2222, theplaza.ca