Forget Netflix and Chill, it’s time to bundle up and embrace the most romantic time of the year (no, we’re not talking about Valentine’s Day…). If you’re staying at any of our London hotels, here are nine date ideas certain to make in the mood for love!  

 Take a spin on the ice at Somerset House

Get your skates on at Somerset House

One for the classic romantics, take your loved one for a whirl in front of Somerset House’s Neoclassical façade and pretend you’re in Anna Karenina – without the doom and gloom! The ice rink is open after dark, when DJs spin tunes and Fortnum & Mason serves cocktails.

The Sleeping Beauty. The Royal Ballet. Sarah Lamb as Aurora and Steven McRae as Prince Florimund. October 2011. Photo by Johan Persson

Sleeping Beauty at The Royal Opera House

Tchaikovsky’s magical ballet has it all, a princess, a prince and evil witch, men in tights, ballerinas in tutus, Champagne at half time. If the romance doesn’t sizzle after a visit to The Royal Opera House then you’ll just need to go back and do it all again…

Sample all Marylebone Farmer's Market has to offer

Weekend browsing at Marylebone Farmer’s Market

Don’t leave all the romance for after dark. A stroll around Marylebone Farmer’s Market on Sunday, tasting food, talking to local producers and buying festive gifts will put you in the mood for love, or send you into a food coma. Wake up after all that indulgence with a coffee on Marylebone High Street.  

Kensington Palace on a winter's day

Be dazzled by Kensington Palace

Fallen under the spell of recent TV hits Victoria or The Crown? Spend the day surrounded by the magic of Kensington Palace, watch elegant white swans on the lake, lose yourself in the Sunken Gardens and have tea in the Orangery as the sun goes down.  

St Marylebone Parish Church is hosting Christmas carols

Carol Concerts galore!

Woo your date with your dulcet tones, (or show them how brilliant you are at miming). A carol concert is the ultimate festive activity, belt out old favourites surrounded by gothic architecture complete with flickering candles. A quick Google search will tell you where the nearest events are happening, for starters St Marylebone Parish Church is holding one on 12^th December - the Lord’s Taverner’s Christmas Carol Concert with the Stars, whilst on 14^th December the church is holding a concert in aid of Sick Children’s Trust; St James’s Church is holding The Piccadilly Christmas Concert on 21^st December and from 27^th-30^th December the Royal Albert Hall is hosting Christmas Spectacular which promises more than just exhilarating music.

Winter Wonderland is a fail-safe Christmas date idea

Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park

An old favourite, Winter Wonderland continues to produce many a moment to get romantic this Christmas. There’s the top of the ferris wheel, winning a gigantic cuddly toy, getting scared in the haunted house, staring into each other’s eyes over gluwein and sampling the endless chocolate fondues. 

Meaty madness at The Ginger Pig

 A class in carving with The Ginger Pig

Ok, bear with us on this one… A couple that butchers together stays together?  A more original winter date idea, Marylebone High Street’s Ginger Pig holds 3 ½ hour classes for £155 per person, where you’ll learn all about carving different types of meat, followed by a tasty meal with your classmates. Just make sure your date isn’t vegetarian. 

 Saddle up for a ride in Hyde Park

Tally-ho in Hyde Park

Take in London’s Christmas lights and wintery vistas atop a trusty steed. Horse riding in Hyde Park is the perfect opportunity to get to know your date, with the added bonus of being able to bolt if it’s a disaster. 

Dalloway Terrace dressed in its finest winter clothes

Open air cinema at Dalloway Terrace

One of London’s most Instagrammed spots this winter, Dalloway Terrace is dressed to impress thanks to Wild at Heart’s Nikki Tibbles winter wonderland floral decorations. Hunker down to a classic Christmas film, with a hot water bottle, warm toddy and sheepskin throw to keep you warm. Tickets to all the latest films have sold out at the moment but keep checking Nomad for new releases in January.