Whether it’s at the foot of Rockefeller Center’s massive spruce or in the presence of loved ones in front of your more modest Christmas tree, there’s just something so undeniably magical about a Christmas wedding proposal.
Yes, proposals actually do happen on Christmas—in fact, this is precisely when the wedding planning season usually kicks off. Christmas is by far the most popular day of the year to get engaged, along with a half-dozen other days in December, according to Wedding Wire’s 2019 Newlywed Report.
And it’s easy to see why, as the Christmas season is one of the most celebratory times of the entire year and is the prime gift-giving season, while also being the holiday that typically brings the most family and friends together in one spot. As all these factors and more come together on a Yuletide sleigh ride, engagements seem practically gift wrapped for the most magical time of year.
Of course, there are some scrooges who want you to believe the misguided thought that holiday wedding proposals are overdone and cliché—well, to them you should deliver a hearty “bah humbug!” Deciding to propose to the love of your life is one of the most romantic gestures anyone can pull off and when it’s done during the most wonderful time of year, it’s truly a tender moment that neither you nor your loved ones will soon forget.
Now that you’ve decided on a Christmas engagement, the question still remains: How should you pop the question this holiday season? Let’s take a look at the five best possible wedding proposals to light up the Christmas season.
Make Christmas Trees The Backdrop
It might seem like a familiar tune, but the old chestnut of dropping down to one knee in front of a Christmas tree is perhaps the most iconic image related to holiday proposals. For starters, a decorated Christmas tree festooned with twinkling lights makes a wonderful background for any eagle-eye photographers who happen to snap the perfect picture at just the right time. What’s more, there’s no shortage festive trees this time of year so you’ll have your pick of wedding proposal locations. There’s, of course, your home or family’s tree, as well as landmark trees like the aforementioned Rockefeller Center Christmas tree—just remember that particular one is quite the popular spot this time of year, so you’ll have to contend with the crowds. And for something a tad different, you could always stage your proposal among numerous spruces, firs, and pines at a Christmas tree farm. Your partner likely won’t expect to see you holding an engagement ring while you’re out tree hunting.
In A Winter Wonderland
What could be more whimsically wintry than a wedding proposal in the snow? In the right amount of sunshine, snow provides the perfect light for photos, while also inspiring a certain tranquility that serves to enhance the sense of romance in your private moment. Although you can’t control the weather, you can take advantage of a good snowfall when one avails itself. If flurries do blanket your neighborhood in pretty snow, perhaps suggest that you and your partner go for a walk together in one of your favorite outdoor spots for a spontaneous proposal. You can even drive somewhere that’s visually appealing and plan a fun day in the snow, popping the question at an opportune moment. Just don’t drop that ring!
Plan A Series Of Gifts
Everyone loves getting presents, especially this time of year. For your wedding proposal, you could present your partner with a series of thoughtful gifts that reflect the different stages of your relationship. Each gift could be a token of love that’s related to the varying moments you’ve shared as your love has evolved from your initial meeting to the threshold of wedded bliss—and the very last gift you hand your partner to be unwrapped will be an engagement ring. Can you imagine the reaction? You can also try a more playful approach that involves placing the engagement ring in a series of boxes that increase in size, like a Russian doll. Each time they unwrap a present, it reveals a slightly smaller box, and this happens over and over again until your partner reaches the final box—and within that one is the surprise of a lifetime!
The Ultimate Holiday Night Out
This is an especially great plan when you live on Long Island and have access to the cultural bounty that is New York City. First, get dressed to the nines—your best suit or a full-length gown. Make your way into New York City for dinner at a high-end restaurant, then take in a Broadway show or the Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall, and close it out with ice skating at Rockefeller Center in the shadow of the world’s most famous Christmas tree. Along the way, you can even stop at the Union Square Christmas Markets for a stroll through the festive vendors or visit the holiday window displays at Macy’s Herald Square. Choose any stop along the way to get down on one knee and pop the question, just be sure to have a place in mind where you can grab a glass of bubbly—like maybe Tavern on the Green—and celebrate with the entire city!
Keep It Cozy
For a serene Christmastime proposal, you don’t even have to leave the house. Simply plan a night where you and your love have hours alone together to watch Christmas movies, listen to Christmas songs, and enjoy Christmas drinks like eggnog or mulled wine. Maybe it’s the night when you decorate your tree or perhaps it’s simply a random evening in the month of December—either way, cook a romantic dinner, enjoy some alone time, and find the perfect moment to pop the question. After all, you don’t need crowds or a photographer or an expensive night out to ask for the love of your life’s hand in marriage—you just need each other and the spirit of the holiday season to plan the ideal wintertime wedding proposal.
