5 holiday date ideas ranging from classy to cheesy

Or maybe I’ve watched The Holiday one too many times. Either way, the holiday season is filled with amazing date venues. So break out your cutest sweater and grab your boo for one (or two) of these festive ideas.

See a performance of The Nutcracker put on by Charlotte Ballet

Cost: Tickets start around $40. Buy them here.
Location: Belk Theater
Dates: Select nights from Dec. 7 – 23

There’s nothing classier than an evening at the ballet. The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition and no one does it better than Charlotte Ballet. The sets and costumes are beautifully done and the choreography, by Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux, is downright mesmerizing. Plus, Charlotte Symphony handles all the music.

It’s a great excuse to get all dressed up. Grab dinner somewhere fancy like La Belle Helene or Angeline’s and then get cocktails after the show at Merchant & Trade.

Bring out your inner child at Carowinds WinterFest

Cost: Tickets start at $26. Buy them here.
Location: 14523 Carowinds Blvd.
Dates: Select nights from Nov. 18 – Dec. 31

Remember that awestruck feeling of seeing Christmas lights at a child? You can bring back the magic at Carowinds WinterFest. They have over 5 million shimmering lights and a 70 foot tall tree. Whoa. Stroll through the park and check out the displays, sip on some hot cocoa and ride some rides (if you’re feeling adventurous).

Watch Home Alone on the big screen as Charlotte Symphony plays the score live

Cost: Tickets start at $19. Buy them here.
Location: Belk Theater
Dates: Nov. 23 & 24

That’s right, you can listen to John Williams’ beloved Home Alone score played live by the Charlotte Symphony – all while the movie is being projected on the big screen. That means the booby traps will be bigger and even more hilarious.

Grab dinner and drinks beforehand at the Cellar at Duckworth’s. The cozy, speakeasy vibe and the truffle mac and cheese are sure to impress your date.

Recreate the ice skating scene from Elf at Holiday on Ice

Cost: $16 for admission + skate rental
Location: Corner of Brevard and MLK Blvd at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza
Dates: From now through Jan. 6

There’s nothing more quintessentially holiday date cheesy than going ice skating. It’s in practically every Hallmark Christmas movie ever made. But I’ll admit, it’s pretty fun and it’s an easy excuse to hold hands.

After you enjoy your skate, head over to Amélie’s to warm up with a latte and a salted caramel brownie.

Spend an evening (or day) at Olde Meck’s Weihnachtsmarkt

Cost: Free
Location: The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Dates: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1, Dec. 7 & 8, Dec. 14 & 15

Looking for something a little more chill? Head to Olde Meck’s annual Christmas market. You can sip on spiced wine, check out local vendors and share a warm pretzel dipped in cheese. Romantic.

After your visit to the Christmas market, you can hop over to Queen Park Social for some bowling or a overly competitive game of air hockey.