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Coming up with winter date ideas requires a little extra creativity. As the temperature drops and the days get darker, it’s tempting to order takeaway, turn on the telly and melt into the sofa. But winter can be one of the most romantic times of year – if you know how to make the most of it. Enter: our curated collection of couples' activities. Whether you're in the early days of a budding romance or celebrating years together, these winter date ideas are guaranteed to keep the flame burning.
1. Spin romance with pottery
Location: Crows Nest, Sydney
Best for: New and newish couples, first dates
Nothing says “winter date” like a couple’s pottery class in a cosy clay studio. Add wine to the mix and you've got the perfect recipe for laughter, creativity, and a wonky ceramic bowl or two. This wheel throwing pottery class in Crows Nest is a fun (and dare we say flirty) way to connect while learning how to throw clay on the wheel. With a maximum of six students per class, you’re guaranteed plenty of hands-on help from your teacher. Plus, the intimate atmosphere allows for ample conversation with your numero uno.
2. Bake buttery French croissants
Location: Maroubra, Sydney
Best for: Morning people, Francophiles, brunch-lovers
No one does romance better than the French. And while a trip to the City of Love might not be on the cards, a croissant baking class in Maroubra certainly is. This wholesome date idea is perfect for couples who appreciate the finer things in life – flaky pastry being one of them. In five and a half hours, you’ll learn how to knead, laminate and fold your own dough and make pro-looking pâtisseries from scratch. At the end of the class, you’ll head home with a box of buttery goodness to munch come Sunday morning. (That’s assuming they last that long.) Bon appétit!
Rate the date:
“My husband and I took Joel’s croissant and pastry-making class as a wedding anniversary treat and it was absolutely worth it! Joel is an incredible teacher – he explained everything so clearly, was super welcoming, and even took the time to remember everyone’s name. He created such a friendly and comfortable atmosphere, which made the whole experience even better.” – Fara Lew, five stars
3. Make matching rings
Location: CBD, Melbourne
Best for: Long-term couples, sentimental couples
If you’re looking for anniversary gift ideas or meaningful winter date activities, this silver letter ring workshop is just the thing. Together, you and your partner will learn to design and make DIY rings in a sunlit studio overlooking Melbourne city centre. No experience? No worries. Hee Cho, your teacher, will guide you through the process with patience, kindness and a whole lotta jewellery-making wisdom, ensuring you leave the workshop with a piece you’re proud of. For extra cute couple energy, consider stamping your ring with your partner’s name or the date you got together.
See all silversmithing classes
4. Fold, fill and feast on dumplings
Location: Abbotsford, Melbourne
Best for: All couples, foodies
Fresh dumplings and good company – is there a better way to spend time together? In this hands-on dumpling cooking class in Abbotsford, you and your significant other (or soon-to-be significant other) will learn to mix, fill and fold dumplings from scratch. From juicy pork to vegetarian delights, you’ll whip up a buffet of dumplings inspired by Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese flavours. At the end of the class, sit down to feast on your doughy DIY delights. A unique dinner date alternative, dumpling making classes tick all the boxes: hands-on, tasty and fun. (Speaking of, we've written an entire article on romantic activities for couples that aren't dinner and a movie.)
Rate the date:
“The class was really informative and friendly. I bought this as a gift for my boyfriend who is even less than a beginner cook. We’ve since made these at home a couple of times. It was so much fun!” – Tracey Quinn, five stars
5. Savour rustic Italian flavours
Location: Teneriffe, Brisbane
Best for: Globetrotters, carb-lovers, all couples
If pasta is your love language, this rustic Italian cooking class speaks fluently. Luxurious, indulgent and authentically Italian, this hands-on workshop will see you rolling and shaping your own ravioli like a pro. For $155, you’ll uncover plenty of new recipes, master essential cooking techniques and sit down to a feast at the end of the class. If there’s a more wholesome way to spend time together, we’re yet to find it. Bellissima!
See all Italian cooking classes
6. Sip matcha and make your own mugs in Perth
Location: Fremantle, Perth
Best for: Calm couples, introverts
Take things slow with a matcha and mug making workshop. Run by our friends at the Happy Hub Collective, this warming experience is a cosy way to catch up on a chilly winter evening. As you sip on soothing matcha, you’ll learn to shape your own ceramic mug using tried-and-tested hand building techniques. Perfect for couples who prefer quiet cafes over buzzing bars, this winter date idea leaves plenty of space for conversation and connection. Just so you know, the firing process takes six to eight weeks, so while you won’t head home with your finished piece, remember what they say: good things come to those who wait…
7. Paint and sip in Perth
Location: Subiaco, Perth
Best for: Creative couples, new and long-term relationships
Mid-week dates keep the good times rolling – and this Thursday night paint and sip class in Perth is no exception. Glass of bubbles in hand, you’ll learn to paint your very own masterpiece with the help of an experienced artist. Never tried painting before? No biggie. From first stroke to finishing touch, Catherine and the team at Creative Pair Studio will be on hand to help. Perfect for couples who appreciate colour, creativity and complimentary cheese and crackers, this is one date night you’ll remember for years to come.
8. Blend your own gin on the Gold Coast
Location: Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast
Best for: Bar hoppers, Negroni drinkers, all couples
Looking for classy date ideas with a creative twist? Skip the bar and go behind the scenes at this gin-making class in Varsity Lakes. Over two hours, you’ll learn how to distil and craft a bespoke blend using your choice of native botanicals. (Punchy and peppery or floral and fresh – the flavour is yours to create!) Sip on a complimentary cocktail, discover the history of gin-making and spend quality time together as you sharpen your booze-making skills. At the end of the class, you’ll leave with a 500ml bottle of your own creation – perfect for your next date night at home. Cheers to that!
Rate the date:
“It was fantastic. We had a great afternoon, which turned into an evening as well! The class was very interesting. Eve was very enthusiastic and helpful as we set about selecting our botanicals and distilling our gin.” – Ben Jones
See all drink tasting experiences
More winter date activities
Winter is the perfect excuse to get close and cosy with your favourite person. Whether you’re sipping, sculpting, or savouring, these unique winter date ideas will help you unlock a new relationship level. Plus, with over 12,000 couples’ activities to choose from, you’ll never be stuck for date ideas again. Actually, you could organise a date every day of the year for the next 32 years. Just saying…