Month: December 2024

If your dating journey has just begun, tis the season to find love. This time of year is notoriously romantic – think Love Actually and The Holiday – and there are so many festive events taking place. 

This gives you plenty of magical ways to break the ice and get your relationship off to a good start. 

So, if you’ve got a date coming up and you’d prefer to swap the traditional dinner for something a little more creative, we’re here to help. Here are five great ideas for festive first dates this holiday season. 

1. Wander around a Christmas market 

From huge German-style Christmas markets in the city to smaller local setups, there are Christmas markets popping up everywhere at this time of year. 

So why not go for a wander around your favourite spot, taking in the smells, the cold air and the twinkling lights? 

Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s always nice to browse the stalls, stop for some food and get close over a cup of mulled wine. And who knows, you might even find some great gifts for your loved ones along the way. 

2. Enjoy a seasonal workshop

It’s not just Christmas markets popping up either, there are also loads of great seasonal workshops you can attend. This can be the perfect idea if you want something fun and creative to do as you get to know one another.  

For example, you could sign up for a wreath-making or ornament-painting workshop. Alternatively, take a festive-themed cooking class and bake yourself a gingerbread house or batch of Christmas cookies. 

All of these can be a fun and interactive way for you to bond and create lasting memories right from the start. 

3. Warm up with a festive drink at your favourite cafe

Going to a cafe is always a good first date idea, but during the chilly winter months, this can be an even more romantic way to warm up. 

Head to your favourite local cafe for some festive-themed drinks, whether that’s a cinnamon latte, salted caramel cappuccino or peppermint hot chocolate. 

The holiday atmosphere is the perfect way to get the conversation flowing.

4. Hit the ice 

If you’re active and always up for something a little different, why not break the ice by going ice skating? As long as you’re pretty confident in your skating ability, that is (the last thing you need is to end your date with a trip to A&E and a twisted ankle!).

At this time of year, there are loads of wonderful pop-ups and outdoor skating rinks you can visit, complete with festive lights, Christmas music, and usually tasty seasonal food and drink to help you warm up afterwards. 

Not only is this a romantic setting, but it’s also a great talking point, and let’s face it, it’s a wholesome bit of fun for your first date. 

5. Go on a winter wonderland walk

You never have to travel too far to find a festive light display or winter wonderland walk. Whether it’s your local park or a short train journey to the nearest city, these settings create a dreamy, romantic vibe. 

The illuminated paths and Christmas creations, paired with the chilly air and crackling fires, offer the perfect setting for a first date, especially if you prefer to be out in nature, enjoying a stroll, rather than sitting in a busy pub or restaurant. 

Are you ready to make the most of this time of year? 

The festive period presents you with so many opportunities for fun and romantic first dates that you don’t get at any other time of year. 

So, make sure to embrace this opportunity and try out some of the suggestions from our list above. 

Of course, it’s not just suggestions for first dates that we provide. If you’re ready to start dating and making the most of the festive season, we can help you get your first date in the diary. Get in touch with our talented team of matchmakers today to get the bauble rolling on your dating journey.

Winter is often regarded as one of the most romantic times of the year and, therefore, one of the best times to date. 

Sure, it’s cold outside, but that only makes the evenings cosier, whether you’re huddled in front of a roaring fire, sipping on hot chocolate, exploring Christmas markets or staying in watching movies. 

The colder months provide the perfect setting for romantic, intimate dates that encourage connection. But don’t just take our word for it, here are some other reasons why winter is one of the best times of year to go on a date (or three). 

There are romantic settings abound 

The season is naturally charming, from snow-covered landscapes (if we’re lucky) to twinkling lights, festive decorations and inviting smells in the chilly air. These settings create the perfect backdrop for dates, whether it’s a walk through a winter wonderland or staying in and eating dinner by candlelight. 

Holiday cheer is in the air

The build-up to Christmas and the New Year, in particular, is full of events, traditions and a general sense of cheer that you don’t get any other time of year. 

This extra cheer means that people are often happier, more open and settling into the festive spirit, making it the ideal time to go out on dates and get to know each other. 

Opportunities for memorable shared experiences 

Sharing cute and festive experiences is a great way to make lasting memories. Activities like ice skating, attending Christmas markets or enjoying winter sports give you unique ways to bond.

As well as creating memories, these experiences are often tied to the warmth of companionship in the cold, providing you with even more opportunities for toasty, intimate moments. 

Any excuse to dress up (or down) 

With everywhere lit up and sparkling, why not do the same? Winter date nights give you the perfect chance to dress up and show off your style; whether that’s sequins, layered outfits or your best jacket, it’s a chance to feel glamorous. 

Alternatively, you might prefer to lounge around and get comfortable in casual sweatshirts and fluffy socks during more relaxed hangouts, staying in and baking or watching a movie. Both vibes add to the charm of dating at this time of year. 

Opportunities for thoughtful gestures

Winter holidays provide lots of opportunities for thoughtfulness, from small gifts to acts of service. For example, giving a potential partner a Christmas card or gift or preparing a hearty warm meal after being out in the cold. 

These gestures can help to nurture a sense of care, connection and affection.

A focus on togetherness

The quieter, reflective nature of winter can help to shift the focus from external distractions to making personal connections. 

Unlike the busier summer months, where everyone is making the most of every second of sunshine, people may feel more inclined to prioritise relationships during the winter. 

Plus, with more time spent indoors, there are more opportunities for real conversation and connection.

Essentially, the cold weather encourages people to seek warmth and comfort in each other, whether it’s through physical closeness or emotional support. This means you can get more from your dates, providing a better environment for meaningful moments and close connections.

That is why winter provides the perfect mix of wonder, charm and intimacy that can make dating during this season uniquely special and fulfilling. 

So, if you’d like help finding love this winter, you’re in the right place. Get in touch with our team of expert matchmakers today to get your dating journey off to a great start. 

We often imagine (and let’s face it, hope) that when you meet the right person, you’ll feel that instant spark and it’ll be love at first sight.

And yes, this has happened in our younger years, but in reality, it can take a little longer to form that genuine connection as we get older. 

The challenge is, when you’re looking for love, you don’t want to invest months of your time into a relationship that’s going nowhere. It might seem harsh, but it’s a simple truth. 

So, we’re here to uncover how long you should wait for the spark to develop and when it might be time to call it quits. 

​​Immediate attraction Vs. a gradual connection

When they first meet, some lucky people may feel an instant connection – but this is usually based on lust and sexual attraction, rather than being the foundation of a longstanding relationship. But this isn’t the only indicator of compatibility. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t fall in ‘love’  on the first date, by having three dates  you may find a gradual spark begins to build.

This can happen as you get to know each other, particularly if you value emotional and intellectual compatibility over simple physical attraction. Sometimes, the more you get to know about someone, the more that flame builds. 

So how many dates should you go on?

While there is no one right answer, the most common window to find out whether there’s potential is one to three dates. By the third date, most people will have a clearer sense of their feelings and whether they believe a spark is developing. 

If by the third time you meet them, you’re still not smitten but you’re enjoying their company, give it a few more dates. Sometimes that spark takes a little longer to build, and if you enjoy their company, then don’t give up too soon. 

If you’re not feeling any chemistry or romantic interest by the fifth or sixth date, this is usually a pretty big sign. At this stage, it’s better to be honest with them and continue your search for that spark elsewhere. 

The key things you need to consider 

As we’ve said, there is no exact science as to how long that spark takes to develop, and that’s why it’s important to always do what’s best for you. However, as trained experts in dating advice, we’ve put together some key points to consider that can help you make the right decision:

Enjoyment – Do you look forward to seeing them, and are you enjoying the time you spend together? If so, this is a good sign even if strong romantic feelings haven’t developed yet 

Openness – Are you both being authentic and open with one another? Sometimes vulnerability and honesty can unlock deeper feelings

Physical attraction – Although looks aren’t everything, physical attraction is important, and if this is absent and not developing, it can be hard for a romantic connection to form

Shared values and goals – If your values and goals align, it is usually worth giving the relationship a little more time to develop to see what happens 

Always trust your instincts 

What it really comes down to is how you feel, and if you feel pressure to force feelings and find a connection, it may not be the right match. But if you’re enjoying the process and there’s mutual respect and curiosity, give it some time. It might just take a couple of dates for that spark to really grow. 

Ultimately, all relationships develop at different paces. So, if you share common interests and goals, it’s okay to take your time to see if a deeper connection forms. But don’t string them (or yourself) along if you don’t feel any sort of connection, especially if you’ve already met several times. 

Be honest with the other person (and yourself), move on and continue your quest for the perfect partner, one that lights a fire within you and lets those sparks shine bright. 

Are you looking for that special someone but haven’t found them yet? Then we can help. Get in touch with our talented team of matchmakers today, and let’s see if we can make those sparks fly.