Need Holiday Date Ideas? Here Are 15 Activities You’ll Love!

Want to make this holiday season extra special with your partner? You’re in luck! We’ve got the best date ideas to try as Christmas rolls around.

Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy at home, an outdoor adventure, a little splurge, or a budget-friendly option, we’ve got something that’ll suit your style. Plus, we’ve linked all the spots mentioned in this article to help you plan your perfect date much faster.

1Go holiday gift shopping.

Christmas always brings the holiday rush, with everyone busy buying gifts, decorations, and supplies for the upcoming events and festivities. But why not turn this hectic chore into a fun date? Stroll through the sparkling lights and grab some snacks while shopping together.

Below are some recommended malls in Metro Manila to visit during the holiday season. Some offer a wide variety of shops, while others are known for being less crowded—perfect for those who prefer a more peaceful shopping experience:

• Greenhills Shopping Center
• Ayala Malls Vertis North
• Robinsons Magnolia
• Estancia Mall
• Power Plant Mall
• SM Megamall
• SM North Edsa
• Acienda Designer Outlet
• Divisoria Mall
• Shangri-La Plaza

2Watch holiday light shows.

Another great thing about the holidays is the seasonal events, like Christmas Light Shows. The sparkling lights paired with cheerful holiday music really set the festive mood. Plus, most of these shows are free! Just grab some snacks and enjoy the time chatting under the magical glow.

Here are some light shows to check out:

• Nuvali Fountain of Light – Santa Rosa, Laguna
• Festival of Lights – Ayala Triangle Walkways, Makati, Metro Manila

3Enjoy a holiday-themed movie marathon.

If you and your partner aren’t up for heading out—we totally understand—holiday traffic can be a nightmare. You can always stay in and keep things cozy.

Whip up some hot cocoa, slip into your comfiest jammies, and opt for a movie marathon. Go for holiday classics like Elf, Love Actually, or Meet Me in St. Louis. You can also go with unconventional picks like Die Hard or check out the latest releases on Netflix.

4Have a cinema date.

You can also enjoy the latest Christmas releases by heading to a nearby cinema for a fun date night.

What makes Metro Manila unique during the holidays is the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), held every year from Christmas Day to the first weekend of January. During this festival, all cinemas showcase Filipino-made films, offering a great chance to celebrate local talent.

Consider planning a cinema date during this period. Not only is it a great way to escape the holiday rush and spend quality time together, but you’ll also support Filipino filmmakers.

5Bake some holiday cookies together.

If you’re searching for holiday date ideas you can enjoy at home, why not try baking with your partner? Grab some baking supplies and have a fun, laid-back session in the kitchen. It’s a great way to spend quality time together, and the best part? You get to enjoy a delicious sweet treat once you’re done!

Below are some recipes to try out with your boo:

6Decorate a gingerbread house.

If baking isn’t your thing but you still want to do something together, decorating a gingerbread house is a perfect alternative. You can easily find gingerbread decorating kits with everything you need—add your personal touch with candy, icing, and sprinkles.

7Try ice skating!

If you’re looking for holiday date ideas that capture the holiday spirit, ice skating is a must-try! Head to the SM Skating Rinks at Megamall or Mall of Asia for a taste of winter vibes in the Philippines. It’s the perfect opportunity to share some sweet moments with your partner—holding hands as you glide around the rink will surely bring some *kilig* vibes to the activity.

8Honor the season with Misa de Gallo.

Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Roosters or Simbang Gabi) is a beloved Catholic tradition involving nine early-morning masses leading up to Christmas. These masses usually start around 4 AM. After the mass, you can indulge in delicious Filipino delicacies like Bibingka and Puto Bumbong that you can share with friends and family.

What makes this tradition even more special is the belief that if you complete all nine masses, you can make a wish—and many believe that wish will be granted.

If you’re looking for a date idea that focuses on the true spirit of Christmas—celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ—attending Misa de Gallo together might be the perfect choice. Not only will you be able to practice your faith and reflect on the season’s meaning, but you’ll get to connect with each other spiritually.

9Give back to the community through volunteering.

Another date idea that truly captures the spirit of Christmas is by volunteering. Whether it’s at an animal shelter, a charity supporting underprivileged communities, or sexual health organizations like LoveYourself, there are countless ways to give back this holiday season. It’s also a meaningful way to build a deeper connection with your partner.

10Have a romantic dinner with an overlooking view.

Sometimes, all your partner needs is a romantic dinner—so why not surprise them with one? Make it extra special by choosing a spot with a stunning view, like Antipolo, Tagaytay, or Baguio.

What’s even better is that during the holiday season, the cool northeast wind (known as amihan) brings a refreshing breeze, making it more comfortable to enjoy these places without relying on air conditioning.

11Sing your hearts out with Christmas karaoke.

Love to sing? Whether you’re a 10 or a 100 on the karaoke scale, don’t let that stop you and your boo from singing your hearts out!

Book a private room at a karaoke bar like Turtles Family KTV, prep your song list, and spend the night belting out your favorite tunes while sipping on drinks. It’s a fun and playful way to let loose and share some laughs with your partner.

12Visit an amusement park.

Another popular spot during the holiday season is the amusement parks, so consider taking your partner on a date there. The best part is that there’s so much to do—enjoy thrilling rides, try out holiday-themed snacks, play carnival games, and explore all the beautiful sights the park has to offer.

You can visit well-known spots like Enchanted Kingdom or Star City or even check out a local perya (carnival) for a more unique experience.

13Have a festive night out!

Another great holiday date idea is hitting local nightclubs like Poblacion or BGC. Grab drinks, hit the dance floor, and let loose with your partner. Like a karaoke date, bar hopping is a fantastic way to show off your playful side.

14Plan a quick holiday getaway.

If you have a little extra in your budget, why not plan a quick holiday getaway with your partner? Escape the holiday rush and head to Boracay, Batangas, La Union, or other destinations outside the metro. It’ll be a refreshing pace change that brings you closer together.

15Try out Christmas-inspired sex positions.

After trying out those sweet date ideas, why not turn up the heat with something on the naughty side?

Book a hotel room or create a romantic setup in your bedroom, and then explore some holiday-inspired sex positions— we’ve got a separate guide just for that! Try positions like Snow Angel, Holiday Hush, or The Peppermint Lick. There are also 21 other fun positions in the guide, so you’re sure to find the perfect fit for a memorable night together.

Takeaway

And that wraps up our holiday date ideas to try with your partner. We recommend sharing this list with your boo to see which activities they might be interested in, or you can always go for a classic surprise! After all, you know your partner best, so you’ll likely have a good idea of what they’d love to try. So go ahead, get creative, and happy planning!