Have you found The One and are you thinking of asking them to be your partner for life? The Christmas season, when everyone is soaking up the holiday spirit, is the perfect time to start planning the perfect proposal. All you need to get started are the right Christmas proposal ideas to seek inspiration from.
Did you know December is the most popular month for an engagement with a proposal rate of 19%? So there you go, when your loved one is basking in the joy of being with family and friends, when they are on cloud nine with the festivities — you can drop a major awww-bomb with a special Christmas question.
All of this, and the fact that you will get to celebrate every year as a married couple truly makes Christmas the perfect time to pop the question. So here’s our present for you this holiday season: A list of beautiful marriage proposal Christmas ideas! It’ll help you customize your surprise Christmas proposal plans, and make them as unique as your love story.
Is It A Good Idea To Propose On Christmas?
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Wondering how to propose on Christmas day is a tale as old as celebrity news. Here’s a little glam round-up for you. In 2014, Joe Manganiello proposed to Sofia Vergara on Christmas Eve during their couple’s trip to Hawaii. On Christmas of 2019, retired Olympic alpine skier Lindsey Vonn broke gender norms and popped the question to former professional ice hockey defenceman P.K. Subban.
In 2011, on Christmas day, actor Matthew McConaughey got down on one knee for model and designer, Camila Alves, to win her heart completely. And this is the best one yet: Jerry Seinfeld and Jessica Seinfeld took it a step further and got married on Christmas day of 1999. “This is the perfect time to tell you I love you,” Seinfeld told her. See? Celebrities… They are just like us!
As for our dear reader, a note on how to propose on Christmas as you do your day countdown: You don’t have to spend on a grand vacation or visit an expensive Christmas tree farm or celebrate with an overwhelming party with an enormous Christmas tree. Unless you want to. Propose the way you wish to celebrate the rest of your life together, however, that looks and feels right for YOU.
Related Reading: Surprising Psychological Benefits Of Women Proposing To Men And 19 Ways To Do It Right
21 Most Romantic Christmas Proposal Ideas
Did you know that Christmas is the most popular time to pop the marriage question to one’s SO, followed by New Year’s and Valentine’s Day proposals? While many may have gone the safe ‘romantic Christmas dinner and engagement ring in a champagne glass’ route, several others have also pushed the envelope in making their Christmas proposals thematic and breathtaking. In the past few years, I’ve come across many Christmas proposal ideas at home too.
The most remarkable one was my friend Jeremy’s. His girlfriend proposed using #4 in the list below and everyone just swooned when they heard the story. Don’t we all know at least one such couple? The ones who can’t stop gushing about just how perfect the proposal was even years after being married. Want that to be your story too?
Then it’s time you turn to these 21 most romantic Christmas proposal ideas for inspiration and motivation. You’ll get a solid idea of how you can propose in different ways. Choose the proposal that suits your partner’s personality best. It’s time we get straight to it – drumroll please – with these Christmas marriage proposal ideas!
Related Reading: 10 Best Ways To Propose A Boy [He Will Say Yes For Sure]
Christmas Proposal Ideas At Home
Beginning your married journey and a new year from the safe space of your home is a wholesome idea. Here are some unique as well as popular ways of proposing on Christmas Eve or day, that are easy on the pocket and big on the heart. A note: If you live together, planning a surprise proposal might take more creativity and deception.
1. Gift under the Christmas tree
The Christmas proposal must reflect the festive spirit of the occasion. And what better way to do that than blending your ‘Will you marry me?’ moment with the gift-opening ritual around the Christmas tree! This is certainly one of the best Christmas proposal ideas at home, because it’s very personal, yet fancy.
Just sneak in a beautifully wrapped ring box into the heap of presents. When your partner finally discovers it, feign surprise over what it could be or how it got there. Once they open it, get down (or get up in this situation, assuming you’re sitting on the floor) on one knee and ask them to marry you. They’ll be awestruck with your question, and allow you to put a ring on their hand.
2. A customized stocking is one of the simplest Christmas proposal ideas at home
Planning your perfect proposal can be this easy. If you do stockings instead of placing presents under the tree, add a little stocking right under your partner’s main one. Get it customized with their name and keep the ring box inside it. You can also add a quirky twist on the lines of “To (insert name), for being on the nice list. Love, Santa.” Surely, this is going to arouse curiosity in the one you deeply love.
The extra mile you went to see that priceless look on their face will make the moment special for you and your partner. An important element of Christmas time proposal ideas is timing the moment of the proposal. If you manage to take them by surprise, you’ve won their heart. Go and get that stocking, to make your future spouse’s jaw drop.
3. Propose with handmade chocolates
Nothing says special like a proposal that you put great thought and hard work into. After all, anyone can order stuff off the shelf. But a labor of love can make the moment truly, well…momentous. If your SO has a sweet tooth, learn how to make chocolates from scratch. You can do this with an online class, or take the help of a friend. Who knew chocolate bars and blocks could amount to proposal ideas on holiday, right?
Etch the letters W-I-L-L Y-O-U M-A-R-R-Y M-E? on one cube each and then arrange them like a jigsaw puzzle with a bunch of plain ones. Let your partner scratch their brains a little to understand what you’re getting at. I remember, clear as day, Jeremy’s baffled face as he tried his best to get the words right. But when he finally did, it was so worth it.
Related Reading: Best Chocolate Gifts And Boxes To Express Your Love
4. Proposal on a candle
You can propose in different ways using holiday favorites. Candles fit into the holiday theme perfectly. One of the stellar Christmas proposal ideas would be to plan a grand date and do up the whole place with candles. It’ll look like the stars have descended in the room. Somewhere in between, hide the one with the words, ‘Will you marry me?’, inscribed on it. The fairy lights and romantic Christmas music will create a cozy and intimate atmosphere too.
When your partner looks around the room with astonishment, grab the moment, and get down on your knee right next to that candle. Take out your ring box, take their hand in yours, and ask them the ultimate question. Tell them that they are the right person for you, and you’ve always known so. Proposal ideas around Christmas are always aesthetic; you can only imagine how beautiful this one will be.
Proposal Ideas On Holiday
You can easily think of the best proposal ideas around Christmas day. Why? I mean, look at the festivities, the Christmas traditions, the fragrance of Christmas trees, the anticipation of a new year, the sweets, and the feasts! This is a no-brainer. Holidays are when you spend time with the ones closest to you, so when you ask your partner for a lifetime of Christmas celebrations together, the season becomes symbolic of your commitment. Ready to take the leap and melt their heart then?
5. Propose with a Christmas card
If you still do Christmas cards, this could be among the simpler yet beautiful holiday proposal ideas. If you don’t, what could be a more opportune moment to start a new tradition? Create a multi-folding one from scratch, using your favorite pictures of the two of you, and scribble some precious memories on each fold. At the center, have the words ‘Will you marry me?’ placed prominently.
While they are unraveling the card on a lovely Christmas morning, you can get the ring out of your pocket and get down on one knee to complete the ritual. I think this is one of the sweetest proposal ideas around Christmas, because of its inherent simplicity. There’s no elaborate set-up or even wrapping paper required to execute this idea. You just need a card, a few loving words, and the right timing.
Related Reading: 16 Ways To Show Affection To Your Partner
6. A Christmas manger proposal to show your dream house
Planning on proposing on Christmas Eve? This is a spectacular, authentic Christmassy idea to take note of. Set up your own manger, complete with the crib, Joseph, Mary, angel Gabriel, the three wise men. And then, place a tiny house somewhere on the scene. If you and your partner have talked about what your dream house would be like, get a miniature designed by an architect.
Otherwise, you could put your imagination to use and come up with a design where you’d like to live happily ever after with the love of your life. When they ask what it is, ask them to open it. Needless to say, there’d be an engagement ring waiting for them behind that tiny door. Top it up with “I want to spend my life with you in a home just like this.” We’re sure it’ll melt your beloved’s heart like a snowflake on a palm as you both soak up the joy of being engaged.
7. A Christmas decoration proposal can be unforgettable
Looking for Christmas proposal ideas that your partner won’t be able to see through? How about creating your very own Christmas decoration to pop the question? Get a bell with the words ‘marry me’ inscribed on top and tie the engagement ring in place of its tongue. Tell your partner to look search for something special hidden in the tree, while you sit back and wait. When they do chance upon it, be ready to get down on your knee and ask them to share this life with you.
Everyone is always looking to propose in different ways to show they are ready to commit, but this idea definitely takes the cake. It is so unexpected and difficult to predict. No amount of guessing will lead your partner to conceive of such a proposal. However, be sure to not crowd the tree with too many bells and Christmas ornaments, or your partner will get exhausted trying to find the one that matters.
8. Recreate the Love Actually confession
When you think of holiday proposal ideas, that placard-based confession scene from Love Actually is bound to cross your mind. If you and your SO are both fans of such classic romcoms, recreating it could be your perfect proposal idea. Prepare a series of placards that say why and how much you love your partner, and seal the deal with the “Will you marry me?” question.
Of course, you HAVE to do it at your front door, with Christmas lights and décor in the backdrop. Super thoughtful, and just a tad over-the-top, Christmas proposal ideas like these can work like magic. They will create a special aura and make your partner feel amazing!
Related Reading: 32 Best Gifts For Movie Lovers & Film Fans
9. The mistletoe proposal is one of the simplest Christmas proposal ideas at home
Are you looking for cheesy Christmas marriage proposal ideas? Look no further because I have for you… mistletoe! A kiss under the mistletoe followed by getting down on your knee and asking the love of your life to marry you is as perfect as a Christmas proposal can get. It has all the right thematic elements and brims over with romantic overtones.
If your SO loves everything about Christmas, this one is bound to melt their heart. I’ve found that a kiss can do wonders before you go forth and ask them to marry you. Propose when no one is around — This way, you can keep your love life private and preserve this adorable moment between you two. It’ll be all the more precious when it’s just a memory you two will share.
Christmas Proposal With Family
To execute your Christmas Eve proposal ideas perfectly, get your family and friends to pitch in. Mission ‘Marriage Proposal Christmas Extravaganza’ might need you to throw a big Christmas party with your boo, or host an intimate gathering of loved ones, or go on a holiday trip with family, or stealthily call them over to help you plan one of your grand December proposal ideas – behind your partner’s back.
Associate Professor of Sociology at the Appalachian State Institute, Ellen Lamont, says here, “Holidays create a sense of family because of the rituals and family traditions of the celebration. You literally feel during the celebration that you are a family, and by proposing marriage, you symbolically create a new family.”
Imagine having your biological and chosen family in one place on Christmas day, with your other half and an engagement ring in waiting. Your blended family would cheer you on and tear up, as you woo your forever love with these proposal ideas:
10. Propose with your loved ones around
If you and your partner have close-knit families who enjoy spending Christmas together, invite all your loved ones over for a Christmas dinner. You can do something offbeat like getting festive Christmas crackers for everyone but ordering a customized one for your partner. Or use the time-tested ring in a champagne flute or cake approach to pop the question. Or get Santa hats with the four golden words embroidered on them.
With everyone you love and hold dear cheering you on, the moment will become that much more special. And it won’t matter how you propose. The presence of everyone important to you will enrich the atmosphere.
Related Reading: 10 Proven Ways To Show Someone You Love Them
11. Propose with customized fireworks
This one has the potential of panning out as one of the most breathtaking Christmas proposal ideas, that are both, innovative and charming. Get Christmas crackers and fireworks customized to pop with the words, “Will you marry me?” in the sky. As your partner gazes spellbound, you know what you have to do next – put a ring on it!
While this is one of those Christmas marriage proposal ideas that are heavy on the pockets, you really can’t put a price on love. Besides, this proposal can be a great collaborative Christmas gift from your loved ones. They would be right there with you both, looking at your lit-up smiles with tears and fondness. You might be a hopeless romantic, just make sure your partner appreciates grand gestures like these.
12. Set up a treasure hunt party
The festive spirit and the excitement of a good surprise make for a great mix. So, tap into this classic to plan your surprise Christmas proposal. Tell your partner that they’ll have to earn their gift this year by solving a treasure hunt. This is not that uncommon, and they won’t suspect anything. Create a series of clues and riddles that take them to the spot where a dazzling ring awaits them.
You can make this one as elaborate as you like with couples gifts, inside jokes, and memories. Involve friends and family to help your SO reach their destination. Let the final place look very discreet and unremarkable. For a split second, your other half will feel underwhelmed when all they see is a Christmas card. But little do they know what’s inside the ring box! In my opinion, this idea is suitable for fun couples who are outgoing.
Related Reading: How To Plan The Perfect Romantic Scavenger Hunt – 11 Tips and 7 Ideas
13. The gingerbread proposal
Speaking of Christmas classics, it’d be an oversight to not mention the gingerbread house. There is ample scope to use this to craft one of the most memorable Christmas proposal ideas. Depending on your baking skills, either make a gingerbread house from scratch with your family and friends or ask a professional for help. After all, you want every element of this milestone moment to be perfect.
Place an emotional Christmas proposal letter on the balcony of your gingerbread house. Then join your partner and loved ones in eating your way through to the ring. Don’t try too hard to act normal, because you will let the cat out of the bag. Let your partner eat away innocently until they reach the ring box. They’d least expect to find a shiny rock inside their dessert, which makes it the perfect surprise Christmas proposal idea!
You can read out a romantic letter to your partner in front of everyone if you want to. A tummy full of gingerbread and a heart full of love, this is yet another instance of sweets and chocolates making relationships sweeter.
Unique Christmas Proposal Ideas
Not all Christmas Eve proposal ideas work out with family. Ask Kristen Stewart’s character, Abby, from the Christmas movie Happiest Season. Harper told Abby that her parents didn’t know about their relationship… ON THE WAY to Harper’s family home for the festive celebrations! Abby couldn’t propose on Christmas day the way she wanted to. But you can. Just make sure you include people who support you completely. Or make it an intimate occasion, with just the two of you.
14. Customized Advent Calendar
Advent Calendars have been a big part of traditional Christmas celebrations and festive season. Bring them back by customizing one for your proposal. You need a wooden rack and 24 small hessian sacks to put one together. Or you could even buy one off the shelf and customize it by adding notes about different memories and relationship milestones in each sack.
Then, on the final day, slip the engagement ring into the last sack and wait around for your partner to open it. Make sure you get your partner’s ring size right without arousing suspicion. Pro tip: holding off on adding the ring to the mix till the last day is a good idea because you don’t want your surprise Christmas proposal to come unraveling on account of your curious partner sneakily peeking into all the sacks at once.
15. Say it with balloons
Want to know how to propose in different ways? A trail of red balloons will blend in perfectly with the Christmas décor at your place. Even if your other half finds the choice odd, you can pass it off as celebratory excitement. So, get a giant heart-shaped balloon and hide the ring and a special proposal scroll in it. Then create a trail of tiny heart-shaped ones, each containing a romantic love note for your beloved.
Ask them to pop each and read the message inside as they go along, all the way up to the final balloon. Watch their expression change with the handwritten notes that are so heartfelt. With the final pop of the balloon, pop your question too! Isn’t this one of the most novel Christmas marriage proposal ideas?
Related Reading: How Long Does It Take A Man To Know He Wants To Marry You?
16. Propose with ‘marry me’ Christmas lights
(Heads-up: This is one of the most romantic Christmas time proposal ideas EVER.) Fairy lights and Christmas go hand-in-hand. So, why not use this already perfect combination to propose marriage most creatively? Find some alone time to set up these lights on a wall in your living room. Preferably, right around where you keep the Christmas tree.
Turn off all the lights when you know it’s time for your soulmate to walk in. As they switch them back on, watch their jaw drop to the floor once their eyes fall on the words ‘Will you marry me?’ tinkling on the wall. Of course, keep the ring, champagne, and a special Christmas dinner ready. This will work best if you’re proposing on Christmas Eve. I’m smiling just thinking of your picture-perfect moment!
17. December proposal ideas for adventure lovers: Take a Christmas hike
If you and your partner love the outdoors, suggest a cozy winter date outside. A morning hike or even a short walk into the woods can turn out to be the perfect setting for a proposal. Do your homework and find the perfect spot where you’d like to pop the question. Seek help from your friends to set up the place with a blanket and a picnic basket. After you’ve spent some time cozying up to each other on a chilly winter morning, pull out the ring from your pocket and propose.
Cuddles on a chilly morn, yummy warm food, and a million-dollar question. Could it get any better? I don’t think so. If you’re looking to propose around Christmas without making it too festive or on-the-nose, this is the best option you can pursue. It has that subtle holiday theme without screaming ‘Jingle Bells.’
Related Reading: 17 Romantic Camping Ideas To Cozy Up To Your SO
Winter Proposal Ideas
Don’t Christmas tree farms look like magical places? Especially if it’s snowing. But whether you have a snowy background or ice-skating for the festive season or not, the term ‘winter proposal’ sounds like something you can lean into years later, and still feel the cozy nights tingling inside. The following ideas encapsulate the warmth, calm, and togetherness that the cold weather brings with it.
18. Say it with a snowman
If your Christmas is snowy, this can be a fun way to pop the question to your sweetheart. Head out to build a snowman together on Christmas morning. When you get a chance, slip the engagement ring onto its stick finger. Then, either wait for your other half to chance upon it or draw their attention to it by saying, “Look what I found here.” As they’re trying to make sense of what a beautiful ring is doing on a snowman’s finger, ask them what you’ve been dying to.
If they are a Disney fan, you can use the famous reference from Frozen and quote Olaf: “Some people are worth melting for.” This will add that special touch to one of the most brilliant proposal ideas around Christmas. Bonus points if you’ve already asked a friend to snap photos of your fairytale moment so you can cherish it forever.
19. A cozy breakfast-in-bed proposal
Christmas gifts for your girlfriend or boyfriend aren’t the only way to build up to the big moment. Pamper your beloved with breakfast in bed before you ask the question of the hour. Then, pull off the classic ring-inside-the-egg-holder trick. To take things a notch higher, get a “Will you marry me?” cup and pour some delish hot chocolate in it.
Serve the hot chocolate first and bring the breakfast tray later. So that they get to the egg holder just as they take that final sip and their eyes will fall on the words printed at the bottom. It’ll tie the whole thing together beautifully. If you are a private person, then Christmas proposal ideas at home like this one should be the way to go. You can watch a Christmas movie, all snuggled up in blankets, right after this.
20. Take a trip to Central Park
No, we aren’t putting this idea out there only for those of you who live in New York. If you have the means for it, fly out with your partner to New York a day before Christmas. Perfect for people who have expensive taste and love the high life. You can use an avoidable work commitment as an excuse and say you want them to come along because you’d hate to be apart on Christmas. Or tell them it’s a weekend trip for the holidays; a much-needed break from routine.
Book a horse carriage ride through Central Park on Christmas Eve and then, at the end of the ride, step down. Slowly get down on your knee and pull that ring out. Your partner will be swept off their feet with your vacay proposal.
21. Plan a big night out this festive season
Here’s the last of our Christmas proposal ideas. Why not paint the town red in the run-up to the most special relationship milestone yet? If you’re proposing on Christmas Eve, plan an elaborate night out where you both visit all your favorite spots in the city. Save the one that holds the most special meaning for you as a couple – perhaps the ice-skating ring you kissed or said ‘I love you’ at for the first time – and ask them to marry you there.
A trip down memory lane will have your emotions running high, preferably with plenty of breaks for hot chocolate and a filling Christmas dinner on a picnic blanket. I wouldn’t be surprised if you were a happy, sobbing mess. You will have looked back on how far you have come, before embarking on a new chapter of your lives. It’ll make for a truly unforgettable moment.
We hope you’ve found your perfect plan in this list of Christmas proposal ideas. Get cracking on putting it together, because before you know it the big day will be just around the corner. Write to us and tell us how you fared with your big question — We’re always glad to hear from you!
FAQs
Christmas Day is the most popular day to propose, followed by New Year’s and Valentine’s Day. You can take out your ring box and pop the question to your soulmate on any one of these special days!
Yes, Christmas is the perfect time to propose. The festive mood and upbeat spirits, the Christmas gifts, and the colorful wrapping paper, can all make the moment all the more magical. If you’re a couple who get into the festivities with enthusiasm, you will remember the proposal forever.
From hiding the engagement ring in a gift box under the Christmas tree or stocking to making an Advent Calendar, from using candles to ‘Marry me!’ Christmas lights, there are just so many innovative ways to pop the question during the holiday season. Check out our list above for some serious inspiration on Christmas proposal ideas!
To make a proposal Christmassy, try to incorporate festive elements such as fairy lights, candles, a Christmas tree, stockings, and maybe even hot chocolate and a gingerbread house in your plan. The theme of Christmas includes a wide variety of objects and activities. Any one of them will work wonders for you and your loved one!
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