The best fall date ideas in NYC

If you’re looking for an outdoor activity that is fun and date-friendly, we can’t think of anything more romantic than ice-skating on the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center at night. Also, gliding on the slick stuff is a surefire way to get your date to give in and hold your hand, too. (Not that you need to trick him or her into it.) Dates for the 2022-2023 ice skating season have yet to be announced, but in the meantime, enjoy roller skating at the same iconic rink.

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New York’s newest food hall is an epically renovated historical site with more than enough to eat and sip your way through on a date. Jean-Georges’ Vengrochtin’s Tin Building at the South Street Seaport includes two stories of bakeries, bars, restaurants and more to browse and linger in. 

Celebrating a special occasion or anniversary this autumn? A sunset sail aboard the Schooner Adirondack certainly fits the bill for a romantic evening on the water. The gorgeous 80-foot schooner will take you away from the noise of the city, so you can admire all the stunning fall foliage before the sky turns pitch black. You can even bring your own picnic aboard! The bright city lights will welcome you home after a night of conversing and sipping complimentary champagne with your significant other.

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Scoring a super coveted seat at a highly anticipated new restaurant is the ultimate New York date night move, whether it’s a first offline meeting or a treat for your S.O. Check out some of this fall’s most exciting restaurant openings to reserve a table at a romantic West Village Carriage House, to go out for seafood on a luxurious boat, taste aristocratic Thai food and more. 

Fall is arguably the best time to book a hiking date – the crisp air, foliage, apple cider doughnuts you can pack as a romantic surprise to share at the summit. Check out some of our favorite hikes in the New York City area, many of which are easily accessible via train or bus for a day trip.  

Is there anything more picturesque than the beautiful autumnal colors on display at one of New York’s prettiest parks? (We would argue that nature is indeed a major aphrodisiac.) Take a moment to enjoy the great outdoors, and peep at all the multicolored leaves at parks such as Prospect Park, Central Park and Fort Tryon Park. And you could always up the romance factor by packing a picnic for two.

While a trip to Munich may not be in the books, a fall date celebrating Germany’s favorite pastime - drinking beer – is perfect. Check out some of the best Oktoberfest events in New York City for plenty of brews, live music, pretzels, sauerkraut and much more. Day drinking on a date is acceptable for Oktoberfest.

Combat cold, autumn nights by warming up next to a brick pizza oven. Why not? At Pizza A Casa (pizzaschool.com), you can sign up for a couple’s pizza-making class with your sweetheart. You’ll learn how to master the perfect crust and sauce, including how to properly place toppings, while getting creative (and a little messy). Note: Tickets are $325 for couples, virtual options are available too for an at-home pizza-making date night.

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is one of the best things to do in the fall in New York, and it's also a great fall date idea. Admire the beauty of your S.O. in the crisp, open-air with nothing but the romantic glow of over 7,000 jack o'lanterns to light his or her face. Ogling your honeybear and all the pretty gourds isn’t the only draw. Snuggle up with some hot cider or hot chocolate, and take advantage of the stargazing opportunities inside the Pumpkin Planetarium.

No other activity screams, “hold me,” as much as the spooky ghost tours offered in New York during the Halloween season. Take a candlelit stroll through haunted venues such as the Merchant’s House Museum (merchantshouse.org), or explore 'hoods bursting with paranormal activity (i.e. Brooklyn Heights and Astoria) with the folks behind Boroughs of the Dead (boroughsofthedead.com). Your date will be latched onto you so tight, your circulation may suffer—but, like, in a sexy way.

The best way to entertain a date is to make them laugh, right? One of the biggest fall events in Gotham—the New York Comedy Festival—brings some of the best comedians to popular clubs such as the Beacon Theatre and Carolines on Broadway. See stand-up legends (past acts include Tracy Morgan and Bridget Everett as well as Dane Cook and Trevor Noah) kill it in the spotlight.

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Out of all the beer gardens and beer halls in New York, Spritzenhaus offers a romantic ambience, especially during the colder months (the haunt is craftily decorated with white twinkle lights and pine). Rather than plop your keisters at one of the long, wooden picnic tables, opt for more intimate seating by the bar. You and your date can snack on hearty traditional German processions such as pretzels and brats and sip spiked cider, mulled wine or a stein filled to the brim with suds.