It’s the most romantic time of the year, but as the days get colder and darker, it sometimes feels like going out to dinner is the only option for date night. We love a good dinner date — and there are so many incredible restaurants in Hudson County — but it’s fun to mix it up every now and then, too. Want to add some holiday spice to your next date night in Hudson County? Keep reading for festive holiday date night ideas in Jersey City or Hoboken.
Sip Christmas Cocktails
If you want to kick off a holiday date night with a drink, there’s nothing better than enjoying a festive cocktail at one of the many bars in Jersey City + Hoboken. The Miracle on Mercer pop-up bar has taken over Franklin Social again this season and it’s the perfect spot to cozy up with a glass of spiked eggnog. Sleighs + Leis at Cellar 335 in Jersey City is another one of our favorites and the Christmas tiki drinks are always delicious. The holiday season is in full swing at both bars and you can book reservations online now.
Read More: Where to Buy Holiday Decorations in Hoboken + Jersey City
Go Ice Skating at Newport Skates
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This outdoor ice rink is close to the Jersey City waterfront and only costs $7 per person. You can impress your date with your ice skating skills or sign up for lessons together. To complete the Hallmark-movie-inspired date, order a warm drink at bwè kafe or Gregory’s Coffee and take a stroll through the Newport parks to check out all of the festive decorations.
Play Holiday-Themed Trivia in Hoboken
Trivia A.D. hosts trivia nights in Hoboken throughout the year but the themes become more festive during the holiday season. You and your date can test your knowledge of The Office Trivia: Christmas Party Episodes at Madd Hatter in Hoboken on December 4th. More events will be added to the calendar so keep an eye on Trivia A.D.’s schedule to find out about Elf or other holiday trivia nights in Hoboken.
Attend The Jersey City Nutcracker
This beloved holiday tradition makes for a fun date night. Audience members will quickly recognize that this adaptation is set in Jersey City, making for a fun twist on the classic holiday story. The Jersey City Nutcracker runs on select nights from December 8th to December 23rd at the Nimbus Arts Center and tickets can be purchased online.
Paint a Holiday Masterpiece
ArteVino in Hoboken offers holiday-inspired painting classes. Couples can paint snowy scenes while enjoying drinks and snacks. It’s a BYOB experience so pick up your favorite beverages ahead of time. Bring your painting home to remember the fun date night you and your partner shared.
Make Holiday Candles Together
ReWax + UnWine puts on a unique date night experience where you can make your own candle — while sipping wine of course. There are so many scents to choose from and you and your date could make a festive candle to keep or this could be a chance to get ahead on holiday gifting. Either way, you’ll get to enjoy slow jams while you work on your candle. The first Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of the month are designated date nights, plus they have other classes throughout the entire month.
Tie-Dye a Holiday Sweatshirt
For a twist on the ugly Christmas sweater, you and your date can tie-dye sweatshirts at Tipsy Tie Dye in Hoboken. Get creative with it and pick holiday colors if you want your shirt to feel more festive. This spot sometimes offers special tie-dye and cocktail-making classes so you can sip festive drinks while working on your DIY creations.
Decorate a Gingerbread House
Hudson Table in Hoboken sells pre-made gingerbread house kits that you can pick up for a fun date night at home. The kits come with everything you need including icing and candy. Couples can work on their gingerbread houses together while listening to their favorite Christmas music from the comfort of their home. They will be ready for pick-up on December 17th but ordering is open online now (scroll down to December 17th in the calendar to find ordering information).
See More: The Best Office Holiday Party Venues in Essex County
Take a Walk to Look at Holiday Lights
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There’s something so romantic about Christmas lights. One of the best holiday dates is also simple — and free. Take your date for a stroll through Jersey City or Hoboken to admire all of the twinkling lights and decorations. It’s even better if you make some hot chocolate to sip along the way.
