With winter weather in full effect, it can be easy to feel like you and your significant other need to hibernate at home until the cold temperatures warm up.
However, date nights don’t need to come to a halt because of the weather! Did you know some people believe all couples should follow the 2-2-2 date night rule, as it can significantly strengthen your relationship? 2-2-2 is a date rule that states couples should go on a date night every two weeks, spend a weekend together every two months, and take a week-long trip every two years (even in the winter).
We agree with this rule and don’t believe winter weather should pause your date nights! In this blog post, we’ll provide you with some fun winter date night ideas that you and your partner can take advantage of in Calgary throughout this winter season.
Pro tip: If you’re looking for weekend or week-long adventures, we recommend taking a trip to one of the world-class resorts by Canadian Rocky Mountain Resorts (CRMR) in Lake Louise, Banff National Park or Emerald Lake.
1. Delicious Dinner
Going out for dinner is a classic date night activity! Luckily, Calgary has a fantastic food scene with various delicious dishes that can combat any craving. Some of our favourite date night restaurants include:
- Broken Plate
- Caesar’s Steak House
- Chianti Cafe & Restaurant
- Sushi Ginza Japanese Restaurant
- Ginger Beef Express
2. Cozy Night at Home
Although we mentioned hibernating isn’t necessary during winter, some snowy Friday evenings are better spent at home in your sweatpants. If you’re interested in a cute date night at home, here are a variety of fun activities to do:
- Create a charcuterie board (Springbank Cheese Willow Park. has the best variety of cheeses and supplies for a delicious board).
- Have a paint night! Go to your neighbourhood craft store, pick up a canvas, and attempt to create a portrait of your significant other.
- Make some popcorn and watch a classic movie. (The newly renovated Prairie Farms Local Market has an assortment of local goodies to add to your spread.)
- Play cards or your favourite board game.
- Bake delicious treats such as cupcakes or a cake! (Crave in Willow Park has pre-made mixes, icing, cookie dough as well as Bake At Home videos to be your personal at-home baking class.)
- Have a couples self-care night with quality face cleansers and masks (Skoah has a great variety of face products for all skin types).
- Set the mood with a new cozy blanket and some throw pillows. (The Down Shop has been a go-to shop for high-quality bedding in Willow Park for over 30 years.
3. Calgary Zoo Lights
If you’re new to Calgary or have yet to hear about Zoo Lights, it is a beautiful event where the Calgary Zoo lights up at night with thousands of stunning lights. They even have delicious hot chocolate and fire pits to help you and your loved one stay warm. Walk hand in hand with your partner as you travel through twinkling lights, over 200 light figurines, and interactive light displays. This winter-long event runs from November through December, ending in January, and is located just east of Downtown Calgary and the Calgary Central Library.
Pro Tip: Every year, Zoo Lights has an 18+ night, perfect for an adult only date night! Visit their website to learn more about the date and time.
4. Ice Skating in Prince’s Island Park
Lace-up your skates and go ice skating on the man-made lagoon in Prince’s Island Park in downtown Calgary. Just north of the Calgary Tower, have a fun afternoon skating on one of the best outdoor skating rinks and then get some more fresh air by walking through one of the many trails to the delicious River Café for dinner. If you’ve been to Prince’s Island Park, try out some of Calgary’s other local outdoor skating rinks:
- Bowness Park
- North Glenmore Park
- Olympic Plaza
Skating paired with dinner is one of the best winter day trips you and your partner can take in the Calgary area.
5. Local Café Date
There’s nothing better than a warm cup of coffee or tea on a Saturday morning. Coffee dates are a casual and stress-free date option that you can do virtually any time, making it a great first date destination. Instead of visiting a Starbucks or Tim Hortons chain, visit one of the unique coffee shops in Calgary. One of our favourites, especially for first dates, is Deville Coffee in Willow Park Village. Deville brews the best lattes and espresso drinks using only direct trade coffee beans and has the most delicious baked goods and sandwiches delivered daily by Calgary’s best local bakeries.
6. Late-Night Bubble Tea
Did you know that there are 30+ bubble tea shops in Calgary? Talk about options! Bubble tea is a growing industry, valued at 2.4 billion dollars in 2019 and projected to reach 4.3 billion by 2027. With that much growth, it’s clear to be a hot commodity. Next time you need to plan a winter date, take a trip to your local bubble tea shop and enjoy a nice treat while spending quality time with your loved one. If you live in South Calgary, we recommend visiting PurrTea in Willow Park Village. PurrTea has well-crafted smoothies, milk tea, and delicious waffles and snacks for even more enjoyment.
7. Couple’s Massage
If you’re looking for a way to relax with your significant other, a couple’s massage may be just what you need. Massages are not only a great way to relax but also have a variety of physical, emotional, and mental benefits. Massage clinics like Essence Wellness Clinic offer couples massages so that you and your loved one can reconnect, reduce stress, release dopamine, and much more. Escape the cold weather with a warm and relaxing couple’s massage.
How to Plan a Fun Winter Date Night in Willow Park Village
Although winter is cold and snowy in Calgary, you can create dates that make you feel like you’re living in a winter wonderland.
Are you ready to plan the perfect date night filled with fun winter activities? If so, there’s no better place to start than Willow Park Village.
At Willow Park Village, we have all the restaurants, cafés, and activities you need for a beautiful date. With seven diverse restaurant options and ten cafés and snack spots, you are destined to find the perfect winter date spot. Stop by Willow Park Village today and take your date night to the next level!
