We’re already building up to the silly season, but that doesn’t mean you can spend the next two months in the pub, no. The festive period is actually prime dating time – everyone’s in a good mood and, more importantly, up for getting hammered. Honestly, it’s practically impossible for anyone to go home feeling disappointed at this time of year. Stuck for ideas about where to go, though? Leave your initiative at the door, open your diary and hand things over to us…

29 October
Christmas lights, Manchester
Take your lady to Manchester’s Trafford Centre to watch the boys from JLS flick the Christmas lights switch – and make yourself look like a man in comparison.
www.traffordcentre.co.uk

31 October
Halloween tour, Lancaster
Try to avoid crapping your pants by spending fright night at one of the UK most haunted places - Lancaster Castle. Tours for adults only run throughout the evening.
www.lancastercastle.com

4-22 November
International Film Festival, Leeds
Pretend to be a culture vulture and take in a flick at the 23rd Leeds film fest. Trash Humpers by Harmony Korine is just one of the gems on the list of screenings, but there are also Q&As and other fun stuff.
www.leedsfilm.com

4 November
Jay-Z, London
Tempt your date into going to see Jigga at London’s Alexandra Palace by suggesting that Beyonce might be there!
www.alexandrapalace.com

5 November
Fireworks, Lewes
The banger of all bangers, this East Sussex town has become legendary through the UK thanks to its epic firework displays. Men might love fire, but girls think rockets are more romantic.
Tel: 01273 484004

5 November
Burlesque invasion, London
Want a more dazzling sight than fireworks? Head to Madame Jojo’s Burlesque show. While you couldn’t take your girlfriend to a strip club (and, frankly, you wouldn’t want to), somehow burlesque is a more acceptable. Couple activity
www.madamejojos.com

14 November to 3 January
The Ice Factor, York
Get to first base (if that is holding hands) within minutes by going ice skating at York’s really rather scenic skating rink. Obviously there’s a high chance you’ll end up looking like a twat, but obviously it’s a good way to break the ice (sorry).
www.theicefactor.co.uk

20 November
New Moon, cinemas nationwide
OK, you don’t have to watch Robert Pattinson in action, but you can take your date to see the Twilight follow-up and then pretend to go out for popcorn but instead sneak into a screening of the Cohan brothers’ A Serious Man (out the same day). It’s unlikely she’ll even notice you’re gone.
www.newmoonmovie.org

Continue reading for December ideas.....