Holiday dating: Why singles are mingling more this winter
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A Meet IRL event. Photo: Courtesy of Amanda Campagnoni for Meet IRL
Whether you need a plus-one for a Christmas party or want to use time off work to explore the city with someone, the holidays are considered a prime time for dating.
The big picture: A survey by the dating app Bumble of over 1,000 American users found that 48% think the holidays are the ideal time to meet a partner, the app's Sarah Wallin tells Axios.
Driving the news: Bumble created a Chicago holiday guide to help with planning dates and is offering users deals from local businesses until Friday.
By the numbers: Over a third (39%) of users surveyed told Bumble they enjoy dating in winter more than any other season.
- About half of men surveyed felt this way.
- 50% of people Bumble surveyed want to "put themselves out there more" in 2025, something a survey from the app Tinder also found.
What they're saying: Penny Gibbons, founder of Meet IRL, a local group that organizes singles events, says the holidays, especially around New Year's, are extra motivating for daters.
- "Maybe the quieter time, just immediately after the holidays and leading into the new year is when people think, 'OK, I'm going to do something about that and take action to create the life that I want and find a relationship that I want,'" Gibbons says.
Zoom in: Gibbons started Meet IRL in 2023 to tap back into the tradition of meeting people in real life rather than experiencing the beginning stages of dating through texts and DMs.
- She says attendees find that the events are not just about romantic connections, but an opportunity to strike up friendships with other single people who may always be surrounded by couples.
Plus: She says meeting new people in general is another way to potentially connect with a mate, harkening back to the classic setup: "I know someone perfect for you."
State of play: After celebrating and imbibing during the holidays, some daters are prioritizing sober dates in the new year, in line with "Dry January" and Gen Zers drinking less than older generations.
- Meet IRL is hosting events in January that aren't centered around alcohol, such as a comedy night and crafting night.
The bottom line: Dating can be frustrating, but there are ways to enjoy the journey, rather than solely focusing on finding that perfect match.