The bleak mid-winter is upon us (at least where we live). So it's definitely time for some romantic, cozy and adventurous date nights to help with the winter blues. Any of these 10 great winter date night ideas below are sure to spice up your marriage, help you and your spouse have fun together and create happy memories.

(Oh, and the popcorn recipe below is a MUST-TRY. Like, tonight. Make it. You won't regret it.)

1. Go on a horse-drawn carriage ride

This just screams romantic. Google "carriage rides" in your area, then surprise your spouse with a romantic trip around town. Finish off with a stop at a fancy restaurant for just desert, and you'll be good to go. Don't forget to stare into each other's eyes for 4 minutes straight on that romantic ride ... It will do wonders for your marriage.

2. Ice skating + hot chocolate

Kind of typical for a winter date night but also super fun. And you have to hold hands the whole time. We like to ice skate and ask each other questions like these 36 questions that will help you fall in love with your spouse again. If you aren't in the chatty mood, spice it up by having some speed contests or by learning a simple little routine together. Then, enjoy some hot chocolate together afterwards. Fun.

3. Attend a sports event

Maybe you can grab tickets to a professional hockey or basketball game, or maybe you would prefer to just support the local high school basketball team. Whatever your preference, get tickets in advance, ask your spouse out and enjoy some great food while cheering on your favorite team.

4. Attend the symphony + dress up fancy

Whether or not you consider yourself the symphony-attending-type, fancy dates to refined events like the symphony or the theater are definitely romantic and fun. So mix up your date night ideas, and go somewhere you are a little hesitant to go. Oh, and make sure to dress up a little, and maybe even go to a fancy restaurant beforehand.

5. Order take-out + play board games

We are all for date nights in when it is cold outside, especially when you don't have to dress up and can just wear pjs! So get some blankets, order take-out and play your favorite board games (We love Bananagrams and Canasta!).

6. Go snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing

You can be adventurous. It isn't hard to find a place to rent snowshoes or cross-country skis and to perhaps even pay for a guide. Pack some water and beef jerky and go have an adventure together enjoying the great outdoors.

7. Make homemade pizzas + watch a movie

Doesn't this just sound yummy?! Make mini homemade pizzas with all your favorite toppings, then eat them by candlelight. Cuddle up afterward with the amazing popcorn recipe below, and watch a winter-esque movie. Or an action/adventure film. Whatever floats your boat.

8. Go skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling

Now these kinds of activities are more like all-day dates, but who doesn't love an all-day date in the thick of winter?! In fact, we suggest if you haven't taken a getaway in the winter, at least go on a few all-day dates. Plan them in advance, make sure you have a sitter lined up if your kids are still young and go have a blast together. Ski, snowboard, snowmobile or visit a nearby town and do a few of the activities listed in this post in one day. You'll have a blast, guaranteed. Plus, adventurous activities like these really get your adrenaline pumping, which research shows is important for your relationship.

9. Learn to paint, sculpt or dance

Yes, you. Your local recreation center is bound to have all kinds of activities that you maybe wouldn't consider at a first glance. Sign up for that painting class or that dance class, then show up. You are going to be surprised by how much fun you two have doing something you normally wouldn't do. Novelty brings back the butterflies, folks.

10. Go sledding and have a snowball fight

Act like kids again. Go sledding at a local sledding hill and race each other. Build a snowman or snow fort and don't forget to flirt and throw a few snowballs. So. Much. Fun.

What are some of your favorite winter date night ideas? Please share in the comments below!

Salted caramel popcorn by Janene Goubert

Ingredients:

• 3 bags of microwave popcorn (butter flavor)

• 1 cup butter

• 1 cup brown sugar

• 1/3 cup light Karo Syrup

• Kosher Salt

Instructions: "‹

Preheat oven to 300°F. Make 3 bags of microwave popcorn, take out unpopped kernels. Add butter, sugar and Karo Syrup to pot and cook to boiling. Pour over popcorn. Sprinkle with Kosher Salt. Mix. Pour in cookie pan lined with parchment paper and bake 30 minutes at 300°F. Return to large bowl. It WILL be eaten!!

This article was originally published on Nurturing Marriage. It has been republished here with permission.