Festive activities that aren't overly festive

[KeepYourCup]

DP doesn't "do" Christmas, it's been a difficult year culminating in some really difficult news for us and his family.

We haven't done anything special together for a while, and I know I can't cheer him up as such but I'd like to try and organise a couple of days out together to keep the blues at bay.

Nice wintery walks and a drink or two is the obvious choice, is there anything else you like to do at this time of year that feels special without being full-on sleighbells and flashy lights?

We have a steam railway not too far from us. It’s only about 9 miles long but it’s through really pretty countryside and there’s a nice little pub next to the station at the other end.
Gremlins 3D is festive without being too full on and it’s out in cinemas soon.

I was going to suggest something similar to @Ricekrispie22. Is there a nice town that you'd normally visit by car but you could go by steam train instead for a change? Or sometimes it's nice to take the ferry for a change. I'm in Cornwall and there are loads of places round here you can actually get to by boat although I don't usually bother - anything like that near you?

Theatre trip? Something funny.

Carol service in a cathedral? Nice weekday visit to a Christmassy garden centre with a cafe?

Going for dinner together.
Cinema and theatre have lots of non- Christmas options.
Going for a coffee- there are usually special festive flavours which can be nice to try.
If you can get beyond city lights it’s nice to try some star gazing and this time of year you don’t even have to stay up late.
Similarly it’s easy to catch a sunrise/sunset
If he’s open to it, there may be a solstice activity near you.

Btw Going for walks is a really good one! Outdoors, nature, rhythmic, and side-by-side talking can be easier for men. It’s an excellent therapeutic choice.

National Trust membership all the way. Very reasonably priced as an annual card for singles, couples or families. Great for walks and views, nice cafes or take flasks and a winter picnic. I can’t recommend this enough.

Sorry, you did ask for anything else, with the NT there are lovely houses to look over, and most have second hand bookshops!

That's a lovely thought.

Walking and talking good. Finishing up with a nice meal in a cosy pub.

I really like the NT idea, I only know of one near me though.

He's very set in his ways but definitely would enjoy a walk somewhere picturesque.

Carol services might be pushing it a bit, but that's a good one to take DS too.

He also loves the Gremlins so a night at the cinema to see that will be good too.

We are actually lucky enough to live near a dark skies park and an observatory so the stargazing idea is brilliant.

Ice skating.

NT house that is decorated in tune with a bygone era.

Christmas Market

Countryside walk

English Heritage?

Thanks Duchess we're not in England though!