Dallas couples, the holiday season is upon us! If you’re feeling festive and racking your brain for a date idea filled with holiday cheer, the Arboretum’s fabulously ornate “12 Days of Christmas” exhibit is up and running! A stroll through the Arboretum at night, sipping hot chocolate or apple cider as you go, makes for a fun and memorable evening out, especially this time of year. For a few suggestions on what to eat and drink on your next Arboretum date night, keep reading.

Eat:

Cane Rosso

Home to some of the tastiest and most inventive (sopressata marmalade, anyone?) pizzas the metroplex has to offer, the White Rock location of Cane Rosso is a convenient and delicious dinner destination either before or after visiting the Arboretum. They also have a dessert item called a “S’mores Calzone”, and that really tells you all you need to know. (Photo via Cane Rosso’s Facebook)

20 Feet Seafood Joint

Don’t let the name fool you, this casual BYOB spot sports an eclectic menu that features plenty more than just seafood. The ramen, for instance, is surprisingly good. The real star of the show, though, is 20 Feet’s Dallas best lobster roll. Even the pickiest of New England lobster elitists will be impressed by its buttery excellence. After the arboretum, make your way down the street, pick up a case of your favorite beer, and knock back some oysters on 20 Feet’s patio, you’ll be glad you did. (Photo via 20 Feet Seafood Joint’s Facebook)

At The Arboretum

Perhaps you would prefer to eat while taking in the scenic beauty of the Arboretum grounds, or maybe you’re just feeling a tad lazy and prefer an all-in-one dinner/date solution. Whatever the case, we won’t judge, and if you want to eat at the Arboretum, you’re in luck! During the holidays, the Arboretum offers dining options at the Café on the Green from 6pm-9pm. While the choices are fairly limited, and you’re unlikely to be blown away by any particular offering, there are some perennial classics to be enjoyed. Opt for the roasted chestnut soup with a mulled apple cider to really lean in to the spirit of the season.(Photo via The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s Facebook)

Drink:

On Rotation

Whether stopping in for a beer beforehand or enjoying a nightcap on your way home, On Rotation is ideally located, right down the street from the Arboretum. Plus, since it’s right next to Canne Rosso, lots of folks like to take their pizza to-go, and then head next door to pair it with one of On Rotation’s phenomenal craft brews. Check out our video on this delightfully creative brewpub here. We’re quite partial to the Jalapeño Saison and the Cafe Au Lait Milk Stout.

Lakewood Brewing Company Taproom

One of DFW’s most beloved craft breweries also houses a lovely taproom space. This time of year Lakewood begins tapping their unique and delicious porter, “Holiday Bonus”. If they’re fresh out of this seasonal offering, Lakewood also offers a number of sinfully delicious permutations of their flagship stout, “The Temptress”. We recommend the decandent “Sin Mint”. Trust us, it’s well worth the 15 minute or so drive from the Arboretum to conclude your evening with one of these. (Photo via Lakewood Brewing Company’s Facebook)

Cultivar Coffee Bar And Roaster

If craft beer isn’t your bag, then maybe you and your special someone would enjoy ending the evening with a handcrafted espresso and a fresh pastry from Cultivar instead. Right down the road from the Arboretum, Cultivar makes a wide variety of drinks, and their commitment to quality ingredients and processes means they make them well. (Photo via Cultivar Coffee and Roaster’s Facebook)

Of course, there are loads of excellent choices for eating and drinking on a holiday date night to the Arboretum. Tweet at us with some of your favorites: @hewinesshedines