The Winter holidays are the perfect time of year to go on some unique and magical dates. Take advantage of all Vancouver has to offer this holiday season when it comes to amazing date ideas. Here are the 10 best Winter holiday date ideas in Vancouver:

1. The Vancouver Christmas Market

The ambience at the Vancouver Christmas Market will sweep you off your feet and almost feels surreal. Amidst giant candy canes, Christmas lights, live music, cute little huts and even a carousel – it’s the perfect destination for a date. Warm spiced mulled wine in Christmas mugs is available for purchase to sip on while you and your date scope out the food and browse some unique shops. The market closes for the season at 6pm on December 24.

2. The Nutcracker Ballet

This is a step up from going to see a Holiday movie. This holiday season, see the live performance rendition of The Nutcracker at the Centre (777 Homer Street) in Vancouver. It features dramatic sets, sparkling costumes, beautiful ballerinas and live music from musicians of the Vancouver Opera Orchestra. Tickets are available for showings December 18 to 22.

3. Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Not only is the Capilano Suspension Bridge lit up and looking majestic right now for Canyon Lights, but the grounds also lay claim to the world’s tallest living Christmas Tree! The tree, standing an extraordinary 152 feet tall, is decorated with thousands of sparkling Christmas lights.  The entire rainforest surrounding the Capilano Supspension Bridge will be dazzling with lights – a true winter wonderland. Don’t miss out on this amazing date night, ongoing until January 3, 2015.

4. A Two-Person Ugly Sweater Party with Holiday Drinks

Have your own cozy ugly sweater party with your date. All you need is some rum and eggnog or hot chocolate with Baileys, candy canes for stir sticks, and a fireplace on your TV (unless you have an actual fireplace, which is awesome. Go you.) Put on a Christmas Movie or Christmas music and you’re set for the night!

5. Ice Skating at Robson Square

Complete with Christmas lights and Christmas music at the rink, ice skating at Robson Square makes for an adorable holiday date night. This date won’t break the bank, as entry is free and skate rentals are available for a low fee. The Robson Square ice rink will likely stay open until February!

6. Hot Tub Party

On a cold winter night, there’s nothing more romantic than cuddling up in a hot tub together. The winter frost only makes the hot tub that much more enjoyable. Do you know a friend who has a hot tub? Ask to use it for an evening. Better yet, spend the night at a hotel like the Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre – their hot tubs are surrounded by gorgeous snowy mountains!

7. Festival of Lights at VanDusen Gardens

Over one million lights are decorating the VanDusen Gardens right now, and it looks spectacular. What you’ll see is a breathtaking, colourful winter wonderland sure to set the mood for later, if you know what I mean. This year, there is also a dancing lights show and Scandinavian Gnome performances! The Festival of Lights is open until January 4, 2015, but closed on Christmas day.

8. Stanley Park Christmas Train

The holiday season is the only time you and your date can go on the Bright Nights Christmas Train at Stanley Park, and it is definitely not something you should miss. The train ride takes you through magical and gorgeous displays of twinkling Christmas lights. Apart from being closed on Christmas day, the Christmas Train is on until January 4, 2015.

9. Carol Ships Dinner Boat Cruise

Looking out onto the Burrard inlet from your Carol Ships Dinner Cruise couldn’t be more romantic, especially during the Carol Ships Parade of Lights, which is ongoing until December 23, 2014. While you and your date enjoy dinner on the water, your view will be spectacular as a plethora of vessels on the water are decked out in Christmas lights.

10. Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain

Until December 24, 2014, Grouse Mountain Peak of Christmas is hosting holiday festivities that will make you and your date feel like you’re visiting the North Pole together. Visit “Santa’s Workshop”, meet real reindeer, and view a Gingerbread Village. To top it all off, there is “Skate Under The Stars” late night ice skating available for you to enjoy fresh mountain air while you skate at the top of Grouse Mountain.