Looking for a holiday date night idea? You’ve come to the right place! We’ve rounded up 12 “dates” of Christmas, ranging from drive-thru light shows to cozy cooking classes to experience Ohio’s Wine Country in a whole new way.
Lattes & Covered Bridges with your Love
Drive-thru Schnoogums, one of Ashtabula County’s newest coffee shops, for lattes and breakfast bagels before hopping on the Covered Bridge Trail. Choose from 19 picturesque bridges to explore! Don’t know where to begin? We suggest starting your journey at the Smolen-Gulf Covered Bridge, which is the longest covered bridge in the United States!
Stroll through the Ashtabula County Metroparks
Throw on a cozy winter sweater, lace up your hiking boots, put on your earmuffs and head out to your favorite Ashtabula County Metroparks trail. New to the trails? We suggest starting your stroll at Harpersfield Covered Bridge for a photo op before hopping on the trail.
Shop Small in the Harbor
While the Historic Ashtabula Harbor shops are open year-round, they are hosting a “Holidays in the Harbor” event on December 11th from 11:30am-4pm. Grab your loved one and head out for a day of holiday fun, shopping and dining. This event is kid-friendly if you’d prefer to schedule a playdate for the kids! A little elf told us that Santa may be making an appearance!
Dinner and a Show
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Rennick Meat Market or Bascule Bridge Grille on Bridge Street before making your way to the Ashtabula Arts Center to enjoy an evening performance of The Nutcracker. This classic tale is presented by the Ballet Theatre Ashtabula. Be sure to book tickets in advance, certain dates are already sold out!
Cozy up with Cocktails
Hurry over to Red Eagle Distillery for some seasonal cocktails. Try their bourbon warm cider made with house-made bourbon, warm apple cider and cinnamon.
Crafty Couple
Sip and paint your way through the night at the holiday-themed “Brushes and Lushes” event at Grand River Cellars on December 16th. Extend your date and stay for a warm meal paired with a glass of local, Ohio-made wine.
Weekend Winery Tour Date
On Saturday, December 11th and Saturday, December 18th, M Cellars is offering winery tours for $20/person at 11am and 1pm. After you enjoy your tour, sit back, relax, and sip on some M Cellars wine while you listen to the crackling fire.
Apple “Pie” of my Eye
Who says you can’t have pie for breakfast? Surprise your loved one with a date to The Little Pie Shop for a delicious breakfast, lunch or dessert!
You Light up my Life
Hop in the car, pack some hot cocoa and cookies, and head over to the Ashtabula County’s Lights on the Lake display. This drive-thru experience features over 70 displays throughout Lakeshore Park with beautiful Lake Erie as the backdrop.
Sweets with your Sweetie
Stop by Rosabella Winery, one of the newest wineries in Ohio’s Wine Country, for a holiday cheesecake flight! Enjoy one of each holiday-themed flavored cheesecake: candy cane, gingerbread, chocolate mint, and espresso.
Snow Day at The Lodge
Snowshoeing, snow biking, and skiing, oh my! The Lodge at Geneva offers these unique local experiences to guests and to the general public during the winter season. Rent equipment from The Lodge to experience Ashtabula County in a new way!
Cooking Class at Harbor Gardens
This could be one of your favorite new date night ideas! Learn how to cook a new dish alongside your sweetheart. Harbor Gardens strives to include ingredients that you can find right here, in our local community! Check Harbor Gardens website and Facebook page for up-to-date events.