With twinkling lights all around, the soft sounds of holiday music, and plenty of chances to curl up by the fireside, the holiday season in NoVA makes the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening. Whether you’re getting to know someone new, or you’ve been married for decades, these holiday dates in Northern Virginia will provide a romantic experience that would rival any cheesy rom-com.
Ice Skating at Westpost in Arlington
Grab your partner’s hand as you glide across the ice at Westpost at Arlington. The outdoor ice rink used to be known as Pentagon Row and is billed as the largest in Northern Virginia. The plaza where the rink is located has a stone fireplace, restaurants, and a coffee shop to visit when you’ve skated to your heart’s content. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington, tickets starting at $11 for adults
Cooking Classes at Sur la Table
Learn a new skill or practice an old one with cozy cooking classes in Alexandria. Practice French cooking on December 21, learn to make lobster ravioli on December 22, or prep for an Italian steak dinner on December 28. When your class is over, go for a stroll along picturesque King Street and stop into King & Rye, Hen Quarter, or Gadsby’s Tavern for a drink to end the night. 326 King St., Alexandria, class rates vary
Watch The Nutcracker
There’s something innately magical about going to see The Nutcracker around Christmastime. Get dressed for the ballet and head to see the quintessential holiday show. The Loudoun Ballet Performing Arts Company puts on the show December 21 to 23 in Purcellville, and the Manassas Ballet Theatre performs it through December 23 at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas. Loudoun Valley High School: 340 N. Maple Ave., Purcellville, tickets starting at $25; The Hylton Performing Arts Center: 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas, tickets starting at $35
Vineyard Lights at Bluemont Vineyard
This vineyard illuminates its fields of vines with over 10,000 twinkling lights, making for a perfectly romantic holiday outing. At 5:30 p.m. every Thursday through Sunday until December 30, watch the field light up. Go for just wine, or sit down for a four-course, wine-paired dinner. Or try a festive holiday wine tasting with cookies to pair. 18755 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, wine and cookie pairings start at $35, $125 per person for four-course dinner
See the Lights
Not every date night has to be an expensive one. Grab a cup of hot cocoa to go, turn the radio to holiday songs, and drive around your neighborhood to appreciate the lovely light displays. It’s a great way to spend some time with your partner and enjoy the beauty of the season. Want to catch the best displays? Check out some of these elaborately decorated homes in NoVA. Locations vary, free
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
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