The holiday dating season is officially here — and finding love is easier than you think. I recently joined Thalia Hayden on NBC TV to share why this time of year is the sweet spot for meeting someone new.
The holidays bring nostalgia, warmth, and a renewed sense of possibility. And when the holiday season intersects with cuffing season, it creates one of the best windows of the entire year for romance. Sprinkle in a little digital magic, and it becomes the perfect recipe for holiday dating.
As I said on-air:
“When cuffing season and the holidays intersect, it creates the perfect recipe for romance.” —Julie Spira
So how can we fast-track your dating life during the height of cuffing season?
Here are the holiday dating tips I shared on NBC News — plus a few extra — to help you fill your date card with confidence, compassion, and a little digital magic.
Watch the NBC Palm Springs Interview
Transcript Summary: This NBC Palm Springs segment features Julie Spira, The Digital Matchmaker®, sharing holiday dating tips with anchor Thalia Hayden — including why cuffing season is the ideal time to meet someone new, the rise of online dating, profile updates, mini-dates, and how to reconnect during the holidays.
1. The Magic of Holiday Dating
Something truly shifts this time of year. The weather cools down, lighting displays pop up, and sweater weather + music sets the scene.
It’s also a reflective time — especially coming off Thanksgiving with friends and family.
Singles become more emotionally available. Add in festive gatherings, tree-lighting ceremonies, and a universal craving for companionship — and suddenly, the abundance of date ideas makes connecting easier…and more intentional.
Curious why cuffing season is like football season? Read my full timeline guide here:
Below are the holiday dating tips I discussed on-air — plus a few extras to help you fill your date card this season.
2. Online Dating Plays a Bigger Role Than Ever
Online dating is still the #1 way couples meet.
(53% online—only 15% through friends.)
One of the most significant dating facts I shared on NBC:
More than three times as many couples now meet online as through friends.
Dating apps shouldn’t be your last resort — they should be at the top of your list.
3. Dating Fatigue Is Temporary
Dating fatigue is real — but it’s not permanent.
A short pause means pressing the pause button, taking a breath, and then pressing the restart button.
And because thousands of new people join dating apps every day, your next great match may not have been online last week.
Holiday dating is about creating light, fun opportunities to expand your circle — including phone dates, coffee dates, or meeting IRL with a festive backdrop.
Need a Dating Detox? Read: Dating App Burnout? Try a Digital Dating Detox, Then Refresh
4. Meeting Friends & Family — Without Pressure
Holiday gatherings make it easy to meet someone’s inner circle — or introduce them to yours.
My top on-air reminders:
- Skip the PDA in front of family
- Don’t overanalyze “the meaning” of the meeting
- Focus on warmth, kindness, and being present
Dating someone with adult children? Read: Holiday Tips for Meeting Adult Children
5. Say Yes to Holiday Invitations
Dating doesn’t only happen online — and this season is packed with built-in opportunities:
- Tree lighting events
- Charity toy drives
- Holiday markets
- Fundraisers
- Office gathering
- Volunteer events
- Cozy at-home get-togethers
- Tree lighting events
- Charity toy drives
- Holiday markets
- Fundraisers
- Office gathering
- Volunteer events
- Cozy at-home get-togethers
Even showing up for one hour increases the chances of a real connection
6. Try a Mini-Date
Mini-dates are the sweet spot — enough time to feel the chemistry, without the pressure of a long commitment.
Try:
- A quick coffee (eggnog latte or peppermint mocha)
- A dessert date (crème brûlée or flourless chocolate cake with raspberries)
- A walk to see holiday lights
Dating Duration Defined
- Micro date = 20 minutes
- Mini date = 45–60 minutes
- Marathon date = all night (save those for January!)
7. Reach Out & Reconnect
The holidays bring nostalgia — which means reconnection works beautifully.
If someone pops into your mind (an old match, someone you dated briefly, someone you never met), send one of these:
Nostalgic + charming
- “Ran across something that reminded me of you… so here I am saying hi again.”
- “Tis the season for second chances… should we try this again?”
- “Holiday hello… couldn’t resist sending you a little sparkle.”
Warm. Genuine. Low-pressure. Effective.
8. Avoid Early-Date Pitfalls
Holiday excitement can make relationships accelerate too quickly.
Before sprinting ahead, watch out for these early-date mistakes: 9 First Date Mistakes That Can Ruin Your Chance of a 2nd
A little clarity goes a long way.
The Digital Matchmaker® Experience
We wrapped the NBC segment with one of my favorite questions:
What exactly is The Digital Matchmaker® Experience?
This is where the magic happens. I guide clients through:
- A deep dive into past patterns
- Defining dating intention
- Wardrobe styling for the photo shoot
- Selecting and curating their best photos
- Crafting an irresistible, authentic profile
- Personalized Digital Matchmaker® searches
- Messaging support and early-date strategy
- A confidence-building roadmap
This year alone, this process contributed to three weddings and one engagement.
Ready to find love with clarity, confidence, and a proven strategy? Explore the Digital Matchmaker® VIP Experience — my personalized, concierge-level program for singles serious about meeting their match.
Watch the full NBC Palm Springs segment and read their coverage here.
Final Flirts
Holiday dating is one of the most exciting times of the year — and with the right guidance, it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Your next great connection may be just a click or swipe away.
Julie Spira is the Digital Matchmaker® and America's Top Online Dating Expert. She's an award-winning certified dating coach who's been helping singles find their perfect match for over three decades. Follow @JulieSpira on IG and @digitalmatchmaker on TikTok.