25 Winter Date Ideas in Lodi
Winter in Lodi may be cooler, but don't let that stop you from stepping out of the house for date night. With cozy tasting rooms, festive downtown events, and plenty of spots to explore between sips and bites, this season is packed with fun and unique ways to spend time together. Whether you are into wine, food, fresh air, or just looking for a way to get out of the house, Lodi has got you covered. Here are 25 winter date ideas to keep the spark alive!
1) Tasting Tour in Wine Country
Head out together to explore Lodi Wine Country. Stop by our downtown visitor center or connect with our on social media, and we can recommend a few wineries that would fit your style best! Or book a tasting tour with one of our 3 wine tour services, this way you can safely hop between a few wineries and no one has to miss out on tasting!
2) Wine and Chocolate Pairing at Calivines Winery
Calivines has brought back their Chocolate & Cabernet Sauvignon Pairing for the holiday season! This luxurious tasting features rich chocolate pairings with select Cabernet Sauvignon vintages, plus a pour of sparkling. Be sure to make a reservation because this tasting won't be around for long.
3) Book a spa day and unwind together.
There's no better way to wrap up the year than a couples massage. Luckily in Lodi, we have plenty of options. Check out Wine & Roses Spa or Perfect Balance for a massage or head over to Salon Two Twenty for a viral head spa.
4) Create your own holiday candle.
Want to get creative? Stop by Soy Into You and create your own festive scented candle. This hands on experience is such a fun and unique way to connect with your loved one. You can also stroll Downtown Lodi as your candle cools.
5) Grab your morning coffee at a local coffee shop.
Our local coffee shops will have you feeling like you are starring in your own Hallmark Christmas movie. Morning dates need to be appreciated more because the fresh air, a freshly baked pastry and a warm cup of coffee should be its own love language.
6) Go thrift shopping.
Don't even question it... YES, we want to go thrift shopping. You can find a handful of unique thrift/vintage shops in Downtown Lodi.
7) Enjoy a free Downtown Historical Walking Tour.
If you haven't taken a walking tour, you are missing out. Teleport to the past with your partner as Lodi docent, Alane Dashner teaches you about the history of Downtown Lodi.
8) Check out Coloring Club Sundays at Scotto's
Every Sunday, Scotto's Wine & Cider brings the nostalgia by offering festive coloring pages. Enjoy some local wine and create your masterpieces as you sip!
9) Experience live music at a winery.
Dancing under the stars to live music with a glass of wine in hand? YES PLEASE. Check out our events calendar to stay updated upcoming events.
10) See the Sandhill Cranes
Every fall, thousands of Sandhill cranes migrate to the California Delta and stay throughout winter. Lodi has great viewing points to see them fly in and out each morning and evening. This is such a beautiful sight to see. If you are new to birding, we explained everything you'd need to know in our blog, "Witness the Majestic Sandhill Cranes".
11) Paint festive pottery.
Painting each other pottery is the cutest date that everyone should experience once in their life. The Mudmill always has festive pottery for the holidays. You can also check out Meet the Maker, where you can create & paint your own pottery.
12) Grab some holiday cocktails.
Enjoying some holiday cocktails on a cold winter night hits different. Check out Americana House and Know Place for their festive drinks.
13) Paddle the Mokelumne River.
Even though it's winter, it's actually a great time to paddle the river. Head to the Lodi Boat House and rent a tandem kayak. View the foliage and wildlife that comes alive through the winter season.
14) Try out a new local restaurant.
We have so many local gems here in Lodi, if you haven't tried them all you are missing out. Make reservations at the new Market Tavern Lodi or visit the new location of Pietro's. The Lodi food scene is buzzing with delicious, farm to fork flavors.
15) Check out the Golf Simulator at Five Window Beer Co.
Five Window Beer Co. is always a good time. Book some time with a group of friends and check out their golf simulator. You'll enjoy local beer, delicious food, and spend quality time together.
16) Visit the Lodi Bowling Lounge & Bar.
Bowling will forever be a fun date night. The Lodi Bowling Lounge makes it even better with their food and cocktails.
17) Enjoy a night out at Q25.
Not an arcade, but a BARcade! Now this is a perfect night out. Get competitive with some of the most iconic games while enjoying handcrafted cocktails.
18) Visit Micke Grove Park.
At Micke Grove Park, there are so many fun and cost friendly things to explore. Check out the beautiful Japanese Tea Garden, visit the San Joaquin Historical Museum or the Micke Grove Zoo.
19) Take a walk through the Lodi Lake Nature Trail.
This 1 mile loop is the perfect way to disconnect from technology and reconnect with eachother. You'll feel so much better spending time outside, moving your body, and checking out wildlife.
20) Explore Lodi's Beer Scene.
Not a wine fan? Don't worry, we got you covered. We have a selection of local breweries that everyone will love.
21) Enjoy a wine pairing.
The only thing better than tasting Lodi wine, is tasting Lodi wine that is paired perfectly with a small bite. Check out our list of wineries that allow outdoor food so you can bring your one pairings. You can also schedule fun and unique wine pairing experiences at Calivines, Bokisch, Harney Lane, and Acquiesce.
22) Catch a horse carriage ride through Downtown Lodi.
Free horse carriage rides are back in Downtown Lodi. Starting on Small Business Saturday, enjoy free horse carriage rides through Downtown Lodi. They will be available each Saturday until Christmas Eve, from 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
23) Stroll Downtown Lodi.
Downtown is lit up beautifully during this time of year. Explore the lights, window displays and shop local businesses.
24) Light Light Parade.
This holiday tradition is a must every year! Cozy up together with hot chocolate in hand and watch over 70 floats light up the streets of Downtown Lodi.
25) Make it a romantic getaway.
We've already given you 24 date ideas. The only way to fit your favorite dates in, is to make it a multi-day trip. We have the cutest vacation homes, familiar hotels, and a luxury resort to fit each traveler's taste.
Whether you’re planning a laid-back afternoon or a full day of exploring, winter is a great time to experience Lodi in a whole new way. From cozy tastings to downtown adventures, there’s no shortage of fun, simple ways to spend time together this season. Pick a few favorites, bundle up, and make the most of winter in Lodi — it’s the perfect backdrop for your next memorable date.
