13 New Year’s Eve Date Ideas for Every Kind of Vibe

While you may typically think of New Year’s Eve as one of the year’s biggest party holidays, let’s not forget that it is also one of the most romantic nights of the year. That coveted midnight kiss is a rom-com staple for a reason, and if you tell me you haven’t spent a New Year’s Eve or two waiting for the love of your life to burst through the door after sprinting through the streets of Manhattan to declare his undying love for you à la When Harry Met Sally, I don’t believe you. Don’t get me wrong, going all in on the party vibes is a perfectly fine way to ring in the new year—but real lovergirls and guys know December 31 is basically a dress rehearsal for Valentine’s Day. So consider this list of New Year’s Eve date ideas your sign to turn the last night of 2025 into the best date night of the year.

To be fair, the New Year’s Eve date night doesn’t always get the credit it deserves thanks to the crowded restaurants, overpriced pre-fixe menus, and impossible-to-get reservations that make going out for dinner on a holiday seem like more of a chore than a treat. But while the fancy NYE dinner is a classic date night option, it is but one of many ways to welcome the new year with your lover. Whether you’re looking to go out on the town and celebrate in style, lean all the way into the romantic vibes, or keep it casual with a cozy night in, there’s an ideal New Year’s Eve date night for every type of couple and every NYE vibe.

Check out the 13 New Year’s Eve date ideas below and get ready to ring in 2026 with a little romance.

Romantic New Year’s Eve Date Ideas 1. Go to a Fancy Party

Not to keep bringing up When Harry Met Sally, but it is both one of the greatest romantic comedies of all time and the quintessential New Year’s Eve movie. It also features the quintessential swanky New Year’s Eve party of my dreams—and if you’re looking to go all out this year, I encourage you to let it be your inspiration as well. Get yourselves tickets to a New Year’s Eve party in your city (check out your favorite restaurants, bars, and hotels—odds are they’re hosting something) and be each other’s dates. Because there’s just something romantic about getting all dolled up to go out and show each other off.

2. Treat Yourselves to a Romantic Dinner Date

Again, I am aware that many people are anti-New Year’s Eve dinner dates due to the crowded restaurants and the jacked up prices and the whittled down menus. But don’t listen to the haters. The New Year’s Eve dinner date is a classic—there’s a reason those NYE reservations go so fast! If you’ve been waiting for an opportunity to splurge on that fancy restaurant you’ve been eyeing, now’s your chance.

3. Or Cook a Romantic Dinner Together

Still, you don’t have to go out to enjoy a romantic meal with a lover. In fact, some may say cooking together in the privacy of your own home is even more romantic. Pick a recipe, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy an intimate evening with good food and better company.

4. Go on a Day Trip or Staycation

Chances are, you have a few extra days off around the holidays. So why not jet off somewhere fabulous together? Counting down to midnight over room service in a sexy hotel is a truly elite way to spend New Year’s Eve.

Keep in mind that you don’t actually have to fly anywhere or road trip across the country to get a change of scenery. Odds are there’s a hotel or bed and breakfast within driving distance that’s been calling your name. Play tourist in your own city and skip all the travel-related drama by staycationing somewhere local for NYE.

5. Stage a Sexy Photoshoot

If you’re dating someone you trust behind the camera, spend the evening in and plan an intimate boudoir photoshoot. Pop some champagne, slip into (or out of) some lingerie, and take some sexy snaps you both can enjoy.

Fun New Year’s Eve Date Ideas1. Go On a Double Date

As you may have heard, double dates are back. And if you’re down to go out this New Year’s Eve but aren’t looking to commit to a full on party, a double date with another couple is the ideal way to be social without having to be too social.

2. See a Show

Swanky parties aren’t the only way to spend New Year’s Eve out on the town. Most live entertainment venues like jazz clubs, theaters, burlesque, etc. will host a New Year’s Eve performance, which can be a fun way to enjoy a night out with your S.O. without having to commit to a full-blown party. (If you’re NYC-based and looking for recs, I highly recommend checking out Company XIV’s New Year’s Eve offerings, featuring special performances of some of their iconic burlesque shows like Nutcracker Rouge and Cocktail Magique.)

3. Go to the Movies

As Cosmo’s Annabel Iwegbue recently noted, the classic movie date is criminally underrated. Spend New Year’s Eve making out in the back of a movie theater with your lover and do your part to save the future of cinema. It’s a win-win.

4. Go to a Comedy Show

After a year like 2025—and also the past several years—I think we could all use a laugh. Most comedy clubs host a NYE show, so grab some tickets and a date and ring in 2026 with some much-needed laughter.

Chill New Year’s Eve Date Ideas 1. Have an At-Home Wine Tasting

You don’t have to visit a vineyard to have a wine tasting. Pick up a few bottles you’ve been meaning to try and sample each one. If you want to go all out, you can also host your own in-home tasting through a company like WineShop.

2. Plan a Relaxing Spa Day

By the time New Year’s Eve rolls around, many of us find that we’re exhausted, winter weather has wrought havoc on our hair and skin, and we’ve been subsisting on a diet of wine and Christmas cookies for the past two weeks. If your mind and body could use a little post-holiday TLC, New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to book a couples massage and get your brain and body ready to welcome 2026.

3. Take Down Your Holiday Decorations Together

I know this one sounds boring and sad, but hear me out: Taking down your Christmas decorations is going to be boring and sad no matter what. Why not make the best of it by harnessing the festive NYE vibes and turning your dreaded post-holiday chores into a little party for two? Pop some champagne, crank your best of 2025 playlist, and clear some space to welcome the new year.

4. Snuggle Up for a Movie Marathon

Movie marathons are the ultimate New Year’s Eve date, and there are so many ways to customize it. Watch all those holiday classics you didn’t get to this season, catch up on any 2025 blockbusters you may have missed, or revisit some of your old favorites.

In love with love? Then you’ll LOVE “Love, Willa,” Cosmo’s weekly love and relationships newsletter from editor-in-chief Willa Bennett. Sign up here.

Related Stories

Winter Date Ideas, Anyone?Are You Cuffing or Just Winter Coating?You Must Go On a Movie Date to Save Cinema

View Original Article