Alexa, play “Cuff It” by Beyoncé. If the cold weather has you feeling like falling in love, you may be entering cuffing season. This marks the chilliest time of the year when we all have a collective desire to hold hands and go on cute winter date ideas. Because what is a Christmas movie marathon without someone to share it with?!
So if you’re looking to embrace cuffing season this year, keep scrolling for our complete guide on the seasonal dating trend, plus the best cute winter date ideas for you and your cuffing partner.
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What is cuffing season?
Cuffing season is that inevitable time of the year when the temperature drops and the desire for a significant other skyrockets. Maybe it’s the chilly air. Maybe it’s all those Christmas rom-coms. Or maybe everyone is simply bored of being single after a long hot summer.
Either way, cuffing season marks a statistical rise in single people coupling up for the winter months. Goodbye brat summer, hello cuffing winter!
The term cuffing season first became popular about 10 years ago, and it’s believed that “cuffing” comes from the word “handcuffs” (although actual handcuffs are optional). All connotations aside, this dating trend is about finding someone to link with during the holiday season, then set free when the first flower blooms. Think of it as a partner to keep you warm during the coldest months of the year.
Note: Typically, cuffing season suggests a short-term commitment, so it’s best to define the relationship during pre-season to avoid any hurt feelings. Do you want to stay together for a New Year’s Eve kiss? A Valentine’s Day date? Something longer? When it comes to cuffing, communication is key.
When is cuffing season?
Cuffing season typically begins around Thanksgiving and lasts until just after Valentine’s Day. It rolls in with the winter breeze and stays long enough to carry you through all the most romantic holidays. This way, you’ll have a plus one for the family Christmas party, a midnight kiss for New Year’s Eve, a romantic dinner date for Valentine’s Day…not to mention all the cute winter date ideas in between.
So why do we all want to be coupled up during these chilly months? Statistically, people tend to feel lonelier in the winter, when days are shorter and nights are colder. During this time, having someone to cuddle up with on the couch is an easy cure for the winter blues. Think of it as seasonal affective dating!
Cute Winter Date Ideas to Help You Embrace Cuffing Season
If you ask us, winter is the season with all the best date ideas. Just ask every Christmas movie ever! Ice skating, roasting marshmallows, cuddling by the fire, decorating the tree…the list goes on and on. It’s no wonder everyone wants to cuff it during these romantic months.
So whether you’re recently cuffed, in a long-term relationship, or still looking for your cuffing partner, here are some cute winter date ideas to heat things up during the cold winter months.
- Go ice skating. Hold hands.
- Wander around a holiday market together.
- Cuddle up next to a fire. Bonus points if you also roast s’mores.
- Thrift cozy sweaters and wear them to dinner.
- Go to a play, a musical, or even a comedy show. Get dressed up.
- Book a cabin for a romantic weekend getaway.
- Drive around to look at the best Christmas lights in your city.
- Wake up early and have breakfast at a diner.
- Grab a cozy blanket and have a Christmas movie marathon. Or even better, build a fort and have a Christmas movie marathon.
- Go coffee shop hopping.
- Have a soup cook-off. This also works for cookies.
- Pick out a Christmas tree together, then decorate it.
- Go to a football game. Or if that’s not possible, cheer on your team at a local bar while trying new beers.
- Volunteer together.
- Take a pottery class. Recreate the scene from Ghost.
- Drive to a scenic viewpoint, then pop the trunk and enjoy the view with blankets and hot chocolate.
- Go skiing or snowboarding.
- Attend a mixology class together, or go rogue and create your own festive cocktails at home.
- Go axe throwing.
- Pretend there’s a power outage. Light candles, play board games, cook dinner, and try not to fall in love. (Or do!)
Keep the Love Going All Season Long With Our Best Winter Date Guides
Looking for more cute winter date ideas to embrace cuffing season? We’ve rounded up the best holiday guides to help you make the most out of each romantic winter date night.
Starting with the most romantic holiday of all: Christmas. Take your holiday movie marathon to the next level with these cute matching Christmas PJs for couples, as well as these festive holiday mugs. And if you’re attending a Christmas party together, also check out these trendy Christmas outfit ideas!
Next up: New Year’s Eve. Not only is NYE one of our favorite winter date ideas (hello, midnight kiss!), but it’s also one of the best winter fashion moments, too. Dress to impress with these New Year’s Eve outfits, and don’t forget to complete your look with these NYE nail designs.
And finally, it wouldn’t be cuffing season without a Valentine’s Day date. Round out the winter with these romantic V-Day date ideas, plus these cute gifts for your cuffing partner. And yes, we’ve also rounded up the best Valentine’s Day outfits for your romantic evening!
What are your favorite winter date ideas for cuffing season? Let us know in the comments below!
