Just don't bring up your ex.
Ah, cuffing season. It's that magical time of year when being single seems like a fate worse than death (it's not), and all you want is a warm body to cozy up to. If you already have a date—or if you've found one through a well-meaning aunt or the magic of Tinder—check out these winter date ideas that are perfect for cold weather and warm bodies.
Urban Axes: Flex your athletic muscles and start showing off at Urban Axes, a competitive indoor axe throwing space where you can hurl hatchets at wooden targets. Bond over your throwing skills (or lack thereof) while sipping on some BYOB beer or wine.
Justine's Winter Tent: Justine's is sexy enough already—between the oysters and champagne and the dim lighting, you're bound to be making out in no time. But during the winter, they up the ambience with their annual winter tent, decked out with baroque fixings like 17th-century paintings. And, of course, there are plenty of oysters at the tent's oyster bar. Open every weekend evening until 1:30am.
Skating at Whole Foods: Snow may not be falling throughout the winter in Austin, but you can still enjoy winter activities like ice skating at the Whole Foods Plaza. Strap on those skates, grab some cocoa and hold hands while you channel your inner Olympian.
Miracle on 5th: Going to a bar on a date is nothing new, but going to a Christmas pop-up bar? You'll never want to leave. Miracle on 5th (held at the Eleanor) is decked out with lights, presents, Christmas trees and more, and their cocktail list is just as festive. Sip on mulled wine while cozying up on one of the event space's couches.
Roast s'mores at Halycon: Find out whether your date likes marshmallows burned or lightly toasted with a trip to Halycon (either the downtown or Mueller location). The coffee shop and cafe offers a two- or four-person (double date, anyone?) s'mores set, complete with graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows to roast indoors.
Trail of Lights: Sure, it may be populated by hundreds of children, but Trail of Lights is also the ultimate photo op to create some magical memories with your date. Ignore the little ones and focus on the twinkling tunnel of lights, then split a funnel cake on Candy Cane Lane.
Catch a holiday musical: If you and your date are the song-and-dance type, you'll want to check out one of four upcoming musicals to arrive in Austin this winter. From the classic A Christmas Carol to The King & I to West Side Story, you'll be falling in love with music in your ears.
Have a Star Wars-themed movie night: This is way better than Netflix and chill. Head to the Alamo Drafthouse to catch Star Wars: The Last Jedi and nosh on Star Wars-themed dishes, like Lava Planet Popcorn and Scavenger Stew. You can even split a Supreme Leader Shake—no need for separate straws.
