Break out the mistletoe

An old-school romantic’s guide to holiday dating

As I write this, it is miserably wet and windy outside. It’s that time of year when the only underwear option is “long.” When the weather is this dismal, my first thought is generally not, “Gee, I should go on a date!”

However, let’s presume that single folks and couples alike will continue to spend their hours romantically now and again. I know that, for me, seeing the thermostat at 55 degrees Fahrenheit makes body heat a pretty compelling pro-dating argument.

So here are one man’s humble suggestions for things to do with your honey for the holidays.

See a holiday film at the Laurelhurst Theater
2735 E Burnside St

I am not a stealth marketer for Laurelhurst, but I feel like one with how much I talk about the place. I love the marquee, the building, the popcorn, the pizza and the fact that you can buy a ticket and a pitcher of beer for about $10.

Here is a brief scene recounting my all-time favorite Laurelhurst interaction, from a Sunday night last year when I went to Inception alone:

Me: “Can I have a pitcher of PBR, please?”

Employee: “Sure. Just one glass?”

Me: “Yes. How did you know?”


Employee: “You just had that look about you.”

Cheap and honest!

December is holiday movie month, which means you can catch something seasonal, like Elf, while drinking something seasonal, like Deschutes Brewery’s Jubelale.

If you show up a early, you can enjoy your food and drink in the lobby and, you know, actually talk to your date (if that’s your thing).

Ice skating at Lloyd Center
953 Lloyd Ctr.

If you love to ice skate but get jittery when you stray too far from a Cinnabon, you won’t believe what Lloyd Center has in store for you!

But seriously, ice skating reminds me of Serendipity with John Cusack, which reminds me that I love John Cusack and incredibly hokey romantic comedies. I defy you to remain cynical while watching couples ice skate.

Ice skating is one of those instances where the cliché is a cliché for a reason: It actually is romantic to fumble around on ice, holding onto your partner for support and laughing. In fact, it’s probably less romantic if you’re actually good at ice skating. Cruising comfortably around the rink just wouldn’t cut it in a rom-com.

If you and your hardened heart scoff at my cornball musings, try indulging in your favorite controlled substance beforehand.

Night skiing at Ski Bowl
E Hwy 26 Government Camp, 97028

For me, getting to play in the snow on Mt. Hood is one of the great reprieves from the dreariness of a Portland winter. Snowboarding, however, is expensive. Fortunately, Ski Bowl’s night lift tickets are only $30, making for a far more reasonable date. And, if you go on a Tuesday (a.k.a. Ladies Night), women pay only $17.

That’s a total date cost of either $34, $47 or $60, depending on the configuration of your couple. Plus, there’s a tremendous bar about halfway up the mountain that’s perfect for steeling yourself for either a disastrous date or a dangerously ambitious run down the mountain.

Stay-in with eggnog
Your place or mine?

Don’t feel like going out? Put on your favorite sweater and slippers and risk salmonella poisoning instead: Eggnog recipes abound online (including a website helpfully called eggnogrecipe.net).

So start a fire, find a recipe to your liking and get out the cribbage board and a deck of cards. There’s something soothing about staying warm and acting like an old person around the holiday season.

If raw dairy isn’t your thing, try making some wassail punch (also numerous recipes online) or just warming up some store-bought apple cider. As long as it’s warm, it’s fair game.

I can’t really take too much credit for the idea of “staying-in,” but hey, I didn’t say these were revolutionary ideas.

Happy holiday dating!