Unique ways to propose this holiday season in the Texas Panhandle!
Proposing over the holidays is a romantic and memorable way to create a special moment surrounded by the festive spirit. Here at Cornerstone Ranch Events Center, we see the biggest increase in wedding venue tours and bookings during and after the holiday season! Did you know that 40% of all engagements happen between Christmas and Valentine's Day?! We researched some of the most fun ways to propose this holiday season in Amarillo, Texas!
1. Holiday Lights Display Proposal
Idea: Many cities and neighborhoods boast elaborate displays of holiday lights. Here in Amarillo, you can't go wrong with Candy Cane Lane, Tangled Lights Productions, or the Bishop Hills Neighborhood lights display. Escort your partner to view these lights, and when the moment seems right, ask the big question. You might also consider scheduling a private light viewing, sleigh ride, limo ride to view Christmas lights, or proposing beneath a beloved holiday tree, using the shimmering lights as a romantic backdrop. Another favorite Amarillo tradition is the Amarillo Center City lights parade that takes place every December! Check out the City of Amarillo events page for more fun ideas around Amarillo this time of year!
Why It Works: The sparkle of lights and festive decorations adds an extra element of joy and magic to the proposal.
2. Winter Wonderland Outdoor Proposal
Idea: Catch one of those winter snowfalls here in Amarillo and propose during a walk through a winter wonderland. Choose a scenic spot like Palo Duro Canyon State park, Lake Meredith, Candy Cane Lane, or set the mood with candles or fairy lights in your own backyard or park. Call up one of our favorite Amarillo florists and bakeries to top it o! A perfect winter day, complete with a picturesque snow-covered landscape, will make the moment even more magical.
Why It Works: A winter proposal creates an intimate and dreamy setting, especially if it’s a rare snowy day.
Tree Proposal
Idea: Decorate your Christmas tree with ornaments that hold sentimental value or symbols of your relationship. You could also hide the ring inside a beautiful ornament and ask your partner to place it on the tree. When they open the ornament and discover the ring, that’s your cue to propose.
Another way to incorporate trees would be to visit a Christmas tree farm in your area. Hire a photographer to take pictures during your proposal for memories to cherish for years to come! (Think Hallmark Christmas Movie setting!)
Why It Works: Christmas trees are a symbol of tradition and togetherness, making it an intimate and cozy setting for your proposal.
4. New Year’s Eve Countdown
Idea: If you're planning to celebrate New Year's Eve together, consider timing your proposal to coincide with the moments just before midnight. As the final seconds of the year count down, express to your partner how much they mean to you, and propose as the fireworks illuminate the sky or as the ball makes its descent. This will ensure you both begin the new year with an unforgettable and romantic milestone. Photos will be bomb since you both are already dressed up for the occasion!
Why It Works: New Year's Eve is already filled with excitement and anticipation, and proposing at the stroke of midnight makes it an unforgettable way to ring in the year.
5. Holiday Baking & Movie Marathon
Idea: Plan a fun date night of baking holiday cookies, then settling in for a cozy holiday movie night with all your cherished romantic Christmas classics. At a quiet, perfect moment, surprise your partner with a proposal, perhaps during a favorite romantic scene or right after watching a heartwarming holiday movie.
Why It Works: The familiarity of holiday movies and a cozy environment create a relaxing and intimate space for the proposal.
6. Christmas Morning Surprise
Idea: On Christmas morning, as you exchange gifts, delight your partner with a proposal concealed within a present. Whether it's nestled in a wrapped box or hidden beneath the tree with a heartfelt note, the surprise element combined with the festive joy will create an unforgettable moment. Many jewelers here in the Amarillo area will even help wrap your ring and make it extra special!
Why It Works: Christmas morning is often filled with excitement and joy, making it the perfect time to add even more magic to the occasion.
7. Holiday Vacation or Getaway
Idea: What better way to celebrate your engagement than while on vacation!? Whether it's a ski resort in New Mexico, tropical getaway, or cozy cabin by the fire in Colorado, a vacation always adds an extra special touch to your proposal!
Why It Works: Traveling together creates a sense of adventure, and proposing on a getaway makes the moment even more unforgettable. (Just don't forget to pack the ring!)
8. Ice Skating Proposal
Idea: Consider taking your partner ice skating at a nearby rink and planning your proposal while you're both gliding on the ice or during a serene pause. While there aren't many natural ice skating rinks around the Texas Panhandle, Amarillo Ice Ranch offers ice skating year round! Alternatively, you could propose after skating,while warming back up over hot cocoa or coffee at a snug café.
Why It Works: Ice skating is a fun and festive winter activity, and proposing on the rink adds an element of playfulness and surprise.
9. Family Holiday Celebration
Idea: If you’re with family for the holidays, propose during a family gathering, like a holiday dinner or Christmas Eve celebration. You can gather everyone together, thank them for their support, and then ask your partner to marry you in front of those closest to you both. Consider how your partner feels about such a public engagement before doing this. Some would rather celebrate your engagement privately before sharing with family and friends.
Why It Works: Family can add a special touch of warmth and shared joy to the moment, making it a collective celebration of love, just make sure you're partner will be ok with this!
10. Advent Calendar Proposal
Idea: We absolutely love this idea here at Cornerstone Ranch! Make a custom advent calendar leading up to Christmas, with small gifts or notes in each compartment. You could even include your favorite dates you've been on, special memories, or ideas to create new ones each day! For example, On December 10 you could suggest baking Christmas cookies and on December 18 you could reminisce about how you met in a special note. On the last day (December 25th), the final “gift” will be the proposal ring, complete with a heartfelt note and the big question. Wouldn't this be so adorable?!
Why It Works: It adds an element of surprise and suspense, building up to the perfect moment for the proposal.
11. Christmas Card Proposal
Idea:Give your partner a heartfelt Christmas card containing a special message. As they unfold and read the card, your proposal will be revealed, creating a cherished keepsake for years to cherish.
Why It Works: The simplicity of a handwritten card can be incredibly meaningful and personal, adding to the sentiment of the proposal.
12. Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt
Idea: Design a holiday scavenger hunt that guides your partner to various locations significant to your relationship, offering clues or small presents at each. The ultimate destination will be the spot where you plan to propose. Adorn the area with candles, fairy lights, hot cocoa, a blanket, and maybe even a small picnic!
Why It Works: A scavenger hunt adds fun, adventure, and anticipation to the proposal, and it allows you to reminisce about your relationship’s milestones along the way.
No matter the method you select, make sure it mirrors the nature of your relationship and the character of your partner. Proposing during the holidays can add a touch of enchantment to the season and signify the start of a new journey together.
Once you've proposed and settled in to your engaged life of wedding planning, give our Amarillo wedding venue a call and come tour our venue! January is our busiest month for new bookings! Also, be on the look out for our Amarillo bridal show every January! We showcase wedding vendors in the Amarillo area to help you with wedding planning! Our bridal show at Cornerstone in Amarillo draws quite the crowd and is always a great time!
XOXO--Ally
Special thanks to many wonderful locally owned and operated wedding venues from across the country who continue to inspire us and support our small business daily. Without their support, we wouldn't be where we are today.
I love the idea of a holiday proposal! www.willowoaksvenue.com