Every big city has one! Birmingham, Manchester and London markets are especially great, but even our local Christmas market in Southampton has something special to offer. Going for a stroll around the markets looking at different stalls can spark conversation. Get to know your date with a true festive feel; (for the drinkers), grab yourself a stein of beer, or (for the tea-total-ers)- a hot chocolate!
Ladies, pop on your favourite bobble hat and lipstick, and gents – the cold weather is the perfect excuse to warm up your date. It’s a win-win!
Hold your date's hand and glide around a skating rink! Even if you're not the best skater, this is a fun activity and a great ice-breaker (see what we did there?). Afterwards you can warm up with a mulled wine or hot chocolate.
Along most country walks, there is normally a country pub, are we right? Now that is a great exercise initiative but going on a stroll with your date and taking in the British country air is sure to get your endorphins flowing. Try grabbing your date’s hand if sparks are flying to take the date to the next level.
Who doesn't love a hot drink and a cosy movie when the weather's frosty outside? Snuggle up under a blanket with a mug of cocoa and watch Elf, Home Alone, or our favourite holiday movie, Love Actually.
So dinner and drinks is your typical date night, but it’s a good one! For a first date, stick to drinks – so you’re not committing yourself to a 3-course meal (in case your date isn’t completely your cup of tea). Slow Dating’s favourite venue and bar is Be At One; they’re a super stylish and contemporary bar chain with an extensive cocktail list!
‘Santa’s Old Fashioned, Melty Snowman and Chocolate Orange Punch’ are just some of the festive cocktails that you can try together. There are many bars up and down the country, so there’s sure to be one local to you.
Are you one for serious first date nerves? Going to the cinema or going to see a play at Christmas could be just the first date for you. While seeing the show, (and some talk during the interval) you will be able to suss out whether there is potential! Fancy your date? Going better than expected? Then extend the date and offer to buy them a drink at a nearby pub or bar!
While the UK doesn’t have masses of snow over the winter, so if you’re the adventurous type and want to get at least an hour of (some-sort-of) snow, then give a sleigh ride a try!
Or try Tobogganing. You will be sitting in mini sleds and sliding down hills - who says adults can’t let their hair down and try something random? This would be a great first date and the suggestion alone would show a lot about your daring personality!
With a few ingredients you probably already have in the cupboard, baking Christmas treats together is a fun way to spend an hour or two getting to know your date. Plus delicious treats! There are loads of easy recipes here.
Most of us have our own traditions when it comes to decorating the tree and you can learn a lot about a person by decorating together. A bit of festive music and some wine makes this is a sweet activity for a first date.
Maybe this is more of a second or third date idea, but here are plenty of Christmas parties on offer around the holidays, so why not take your date along? If you've already got good chemistry, you'll have a blast and they'll get to see what you're like around your friends or co-workers.