Winter escapades special for two

The cold is finally here, making the perfect date the hottest thing around.

By: Angela Rodriguez

Posted: 12/5/08

For those lucky people who are in a relationship, the holidays are finally here and this season tends to bring out the lovey-dovey in all. Around campus and town, couples are snuggling in the colder weather.

With countless reminders to spend this holiday season with the one you love, here are some easy fun date ideas for the upcoming season that can cinnamon-spice up your relationship.

Enjoy the beautiful weather

There are a number of enjoyable outside dates in the wonderful crisp weather. Scenic areas like the grassy knoll near the Jack K. Williams Administration Building or the Sul Ross statue in front of the Academic Building provide the perfect place to have a picnic between classes. For the truly daring, sit under the Century Tree and see if a marriage proposal magically follows.

"I love the weather during this time of year and love to be outside to enjoy it," said Ashlyn Gibbens, a senior horticulture major. "Since [my boyfriend and I] are so busy because of finals, it's nice to meet up and have lunch outside between classes."

Or, throw on a hat and scarf and head outside to see some Christmas lights. Take a stroll around College Station Central Park off Krenek Tap, which is always decked out in Christmas displays, to have a romantic rendezvous where you can hold each other close to stay warm as you walk. Make a memory by taking some funny pictures with the lit-up elves and gingerbread cookies.

Another romantic way to enjoy the holiday lights is Santa's Wonderland, a dazzling display of lights that you and your date can take a drive through located off Highway 6 toward Houston. The tour not only has millions of Christmas lights that you can see from your own vehicle, but also has many other attractions such as a hayride and live entertainment.

"Going to check out the Christmas lights at Santa's Wonderland is pretty cool," said Craig Priesmeyer, a senior management major. "You get to cozy up with your girl because it's cold out. Or if you just go drive around town to see lights, it's a pretty cheap date and the girls just eat it up."

Stay warm inside

If you are not into the whole "outdoorsy" thing, the indoors boast activities that are equally romantic and enjoyable. Check out Arctic Wolf Ice Center and go ice skating or make it a double or triple date and play broomball.

And of course, there are the movies.

"Craig and I do go to movies a lot," said Sierra Reed, Priesmeyer's girlfriend and a senior architecture major. "It's kind of our thing. So, with Christmas coming up, I'm excited to see that "Four Christmases" movie with Vince Vaughn. It looks pretty good."

Want a different theater experience? Memorial Student Center Opera and Performing Arts Society has some great shows lined up for the holidays. Also, the community theater in downtown Bryan has several productions this season.

With basketball season starting up, head over to Reed Arena and watch a Fightin' Texas Aggie basketball game. Even if you aren't a huge sports fanatic, the atmosphere is incredible. Can't get a ticket? Head over to a sports bar like Buffalo Wild Wings, The Corner or The Tap and watch the game there.

Make dinner for each other at one of your houses. Try to make it a little more romantic than Hamburger Helper. Look up some interesting recipes online. Add a twist by picking a movie. Working together to create something can bring you closer together.

Lazy after a long week and need a date that requires little effort? Rent some Christmas movies that suit your mood. Pop some popcorn and make some hot chocolate. For the romantics, a few good ones are "The Holiday," "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Love Actually." For some laughs, rent "A Christmas Story," "Home Alone," "Home Alone 2" (the other ones are lame) or "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Nothing beats snuggling up with your loved one on the couch.

Have a Merry Christmas!