Winter Date Night Ideas In Oxford, Ohio

We've had a pretty mild winter here in southern Ohio so far this year but now it's officially starting to get cold. Lucky for us, Oxford has plenty of date night options you can enjoy even as the temperature drops. Now you don't have to wait until spring to go out and do something fun with your partner. Below are some of our suggestions on where to go and what to do in these chillier months, from ballroom dancing to board games.

Paint Pottery at You’re Fired

Find it here: 6 N Beech St.

Try out Oxford’s only paint your own pottery studio in the Uptown district. You can choose from a variety of pieces to paint, including bowls, vases, mugs, and strictly decorative pieces like animal figurines and geometric shapes. Pick out your pieces, pick out your paint, and get started! The process will provide you the perfect opportunity to slow down a little, enjoy a conversation with your date, and make something tangible to remember the experience by. You can also register the two of you for a You're Fired class to get some instructions from one of the friendly artists on staff.

For more information about You're Fired's hours, pricing, and special classes please visit the You're Fired website.

Play Games at Books and Brews

Find it here: 107 E. Church St.

Books and Brews may be the new kid on the block but they've already established a reputation here in Oxford as the place where everyone can go whether you're a townie or Miami University student. Along with walls of books they also have a ton of games to choose from. You and your date can share a plate of food, have a drink, and play everything from classics like Sorry and Battleship to newer games based on TV shows like Game of Thrones.

Books and Brews also has open mics, trivia nights, and other fun events year-round. Stay updated by following them on Facebook.

BONUS: Books and Brews is also the start/end location for our Pub Runs every Tuesday night! Grab your running shoes and go for a brisk 3 mile run with your date, then meet back at the restaurant and get warm while enjoying a beer and a hot meal.

Go Bowling at Oxford Lanes

Find it here: 4340 Oxford Reily Rd.

Challenge your date to a few games of bowling at Oxford Lanes! This family-owned and operated bowling alley has 12 synthetic lanes and bumpers available for any beginners. Work up an appetite and order a meal or some snacks off Oxford Lanes' own food menu. For open bowling hours and pricing, please visit the Oxford Lanes website.

Dine at a Local Restaurant

A dinner date is, of course, a classic option and Oxford is the perfect place to do it. Our town's dining options include a range of flavors including Mexican, Indian, pub grub, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese. You name it and we've got it. Fill your tabletop with small dishes to share at Dim Sum (313 S. College Ave.) or grab a basket of Mac Bites from Mac and Joe's at 21 E. High St. (just be prepared to fight over who gets the last one).

For a full list of locally owned dining options in Oxford, please click here.

Visit the Oxford Community Arts Center

Find it here: 10 S. College Ave.

The Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) consistently has a full calendar of events so there's bound to be something you and your date can enjoy together. There are ballroom dances, painting classes, live performances, and more. Before or after your event at the OCAC, make sure to check out the back of the building where new outdoor seatings areas and fountains have been installed. It's the perfect place for a romantic stroll.

Ice Skate at Goggin Ice Center

Find it here: 610 S Oak St.

Challenge each other to some hyper-competitive laps around the ice rink at Miami University’s Goggin Ice Center! Or just hold hands and skate sweetly side by side. That's fine, too. You can also add to the adventure by taking in a Miami University hockey game first (full schedule here).

For more information about open skate hours and skate rental, please click here.

Take a Snowy, Winter Hike

Sure, it's cold outside, but that doesn't mean you can't still be a little active in the great outdoors. So bundle up, get out your snow boots, and check out one of the many hiking trails Oxford has to choose from. The trails are especially pretty in winter with a fresh layer of snow on them. And hey, when you're done you and your date can go home and snuggle with some hot chocolate. Talk about a perfect day.

For a list of some of our favorite winter hikes, please click here. For a full list and map of the Miami University Natural Area trails, click here.

Win Prizes at a Trivia Night

Oxford has an abundance of trivia nights, especially through the Uptown district. Check out our blog all about the different locations, dates, and times then partner up with your date for a two-team powerhouse, or grab another couple for a double date night and more chances to get the answers right. Right now the trivia schedules may be a little different than usual because it's January Term for Miami University students, so give the bars a call ahead of time to double-check!