46 of the Most Romantic Christmas Proposal Ideas
Planning to pop the big question this Christmas? Take inspiration from our round up of the most romantic Christmas proposal ideas this festive season
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Christmas and New Year are two of the most popular times of year to propose, and it’s easy to see why. There’s something magical about the festive season that makes it a perfect opportunity to pop the question, so if you're planning a festive proposal, you'll want to take note of these romantic Christmas proposal ideas.
With so many Christmas proposals happening, you’re going to want yours to feel unique to you as a couple. That's why we've put together our favourite Christmas proposal ideas, so you can do something that little bit different.
Don't worry, by 'different,' we don't mean an over-elaborate proposal set-up involving costume changes, moving between locations and an eye-watering budget. We've come up with ideas that are thoughtful and simple, and you can do many of them in private if you prefer. You can also personalise them to suit your style as a couple, too
All these proposals are easy to achieve, yet heartfelt - and won't bust your budget; after all, you're going to need that for the engagement ring!
1. Advent Calendar Proposal
What could be more romantic than creating a homemade advent calendar filled with your partner’s favourite things? These 24 hessian advent calendar bags are waiting to be filled with everything from travel minis of your partner's favourite pamper products to their sweets of choice. As the finale, you can hide a ring in the last one for the perfect Christmas Eve proposal. Pro tip: don't put the ring in the last bag until the actual day just in case your other half has a peek at what’s coming up.
2. Christmas Tree Farm Proposal
Choosing a Christmas tree together is a special activity in its own right, but surprising them with a proposal while you’re there will make it even more memorable. Suggest meeting friends at the farm to ensure there’s someone to take pictures when it happens, and pick your spot next to the best tree in the lot, as you’ll definitely want to take that one home with you!
3. Light-Up Proposal
What could be more incredible on Christmas eve than your other half walking into your living room or looking out into your garden to be greeted by this ultra-romantic set of paper lanterns? It would be the most special way to start your Christmas together.
We suggest getting a candle lighter for the set up - burnt fingers won't put you in the proposal mood - and have some champagne in the fridge (or hot chocolate ready to go).
4. Christmas Tree Proposal
If your own tree doesn't feel grand enough, head out to the most impressive tree in your city – hotels and landmarks usually go all out for the holiday season, making the most spectacular spaces to visit for one of the biggest moments of your lives.
5. Chocolate Proposal
We think this would make a beautifully romantic Christmas gift – as your partner is unwrapping these chocolates and reads the message you can be ready to get down on one knee and ask that all-important question. Way better than a selection box.
6. Christmas Lights Proposal
We can’t think of a more beautiful backdrop for a Christmas proposal than a space lit up with sparkling fairy lights. Get them to wrap up warm and make an adventure of finding the prettiest street – bonus points if it starts to snow (although obviously, that’s not entirely in your control…)
7. Christmas Lights 'Will You Marry Me?' Proposal
Alternatively, take things one step further by spelling out the question in Christmas lights, either at your own home or a place that has significant meaning to you both. Be sure to have a photographer on hand to capture their reaction to this one!
8. Promise Ring Proposal
If you know your other half will want to choose their own engagement ring, this solid gold infinity ring necklace from Chupi could be the perfect placeholder for when you propose. It features a double circle design cast from a hawthorn twig and symbolizes your infinite love and happiness together. This gorgeous gold necklace will be a gorgeous token of your love until the big ring shopping trip.
9. Balloon Proposal
This simple but effective balloon in season-appropriate red is a lovely way to pop the question - don't forget to provide a pin so they can (hopefully!) pop the balloon to say yes!
10. Christmas Decoration Proposal
Decorating the Christmas tree is such a fun part of the festive season. Why not make it even more special by handing your other half a “Will You Marry Me?” personalised Christmas decoration - maybe with the engagement ring attached in case they miss the message.
11. Ski Trip Proposal
If you and your other half are big fans of your annual festive ski trip, consider popping the question when you’re out on the slopes. It will be unexpected, and we can’t think of a more romantic setting than among snow-covered mountains.
You just need to consider how you'll get the ring through airport security without being rumbled - and in any case, we'd suggest using a temporary engagement ring in case it gets lost in the powder in all the excitement.
12. Christmas Card Proposal
Give your partner a Christmas card they’ll treasure forever by personalising it with a proposal message. As they read the front of the card, drop down onto one knee to present them with a ring! We love this design by Slice of Pie Designs.
You can personalise it with your partner’s name, and it’d look great in a frame once Christmas has passed! What a lovely reminder to one of the most special days of your life.
13. 'Marry Me' Bauble Proposal
If you’re struggling to find the words, let your bauble do the talking! Ask them early in the month while you're decorating together, or you could either wrap this bauble from Etsy up as a gift under the tree or secretly hang it from a tucked-away branch ready to pull out when you’re ready to ask them.
14. Ring Box Bauble Proposal
For a slightly different take, add the ring to a bauble box and hang it on the tree ready for Christmas morning. If they’re sticklers for an orderly tree, they might even notice the new addition themselves, but if not you can casually draw their attention to it and then put your plan into action.
15. Winter Walk Proposal
Whether you do this on Christmas Day or just in December when everything feels festive regardless, bundle up and take a stroll through the loveliest parts of town together, ending up in front of the most jaw-dropping Christmas display you can find.
16. Christmas Candle Proposal
There’s nothing more romantic than a cosy Christmas Eve at home with your loved one. Once you’ve eaten a romantic dinner and opened a bottle of wine, turn the lights down and suggest lighting a few candles. Pop this gorgeous candle down on the table and get your partner to take a closer look.
17. Christmas Movie Proposal
Set up a screening of their all-time favourite festive film – plenty of fairy lights and cosy blankets are essential here! You could either surprise them with the ring as the credits roll or even have your proposal play out as a video message on screen.
18. Christmas Cracker Proposal
If you plan on a Christmas Day proposal and love the idea of being surrounded by your closest family, then why not lay the table for Christmas dinner and add one very special cracker? Add a sentimental note and of course, the ring, then make sure you only tug gently on your end – your partner needs to win the half with the prize in order to really pull this off...
19. Rustic Ring Box
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best – but that doesn't mean you can't add your own twist. Wrapping the engagement ring to leave as a present under the tree is a little more exciting when you use one of these rustic boxes!
20. Outdoor Christmas Proposal
We love how this couple had their very own Christmas picnic proposal – it's a classic that can work at any time of year. The wordplay on the sign is a super cute touch and will make for some excellent selfies post-proposal.
21. Christmas Proposal With Kids
There are dozens of adorable designs with questions like the one above on them – pop one on your little one on Christmas morning and sit tight until your partner reads the message. They'll be speechless but in the best possible way!
22. Christmas Proposal With Family
Or why not go one step further and get the whole gang involved? We love this photo op idea which cleverly rearranges t-shirts to deliver the message – if there are more people in your plan than there are letters, give them elf costumes and Santa hats to really hammer home the festive vibes.
23. Christmas Puppy Proposal
We'll say it loud and clear: a puppy is for life, not just for Christmas, and this is certainly not a Christmas proposal idea you should undertake on a whim. However, if you've been planning on becoming puppy parents for some time, this proposal will make all of their dreams come true in one fell swoop. It also works with your existing menagerie – just affix a similar tag to their collar on Christmas morning.
24. Ice Skating Proposal
An outdoor ice rink is a genius proposal location if you’re steady on a pair of skates – in London alone, you can choose from iconic locations including Somerset House, the Natural History Museum and the Tower of London. We especially love this idea for couples who had one of their first dates on the ice – it’d make a great callback to one of your happiest shared memories.
25. Boxing Day Proposal
If you don’t want your other half to guess that their Christmas proposal is coming, why not wait until Boxing Day to pop the question? Take the name of the day literally and give your other half a box. Let them know it is a late Christmas gift, and watch as they unwrap box after box. They’ll eventually reach the smallest box of them all, with an engagement ring inside. How romantic!
26. ‘Will You Marry Me?’ Candle Proposal
There’s nothing more romantic than a cosy Christmas Eve at home with your loved one. Once you’ve eaten a romantic dinner and opened a bottle of wine, turn the lights down and suggest lighting a few candles. Pop this gorgeous candle near a plain wall and get your partner to take a closer look. They’ll be so surprised and will treasure such a pretty ornament forever.
27. Mug Proposal
Surprise the love of your life with breakfast in bed on Christmas morning – made even more special by making them a tea or coffee in a mug that has a hidden proposal. We love this idea because it means you have the whole of Christmas Day to bask in newly engaged glory.
28. Mistletoe Christmas Proposal
Who can resist a kiss under the mistletoe during the festive season? The only difference here is that when you pull your bunch out and they lean in, you give them the shock of the season by dropping down on one knee instead. Adorable!
29. Baby Grow Proposal
Pop your little one in this super cute babygrow by Simply Colors on Christmas morning, and sit tight until your partner reads the message. The love of your life will be speechless. You decide exactly what the babygrow says, so if the whole 'mummy' and 'daddy' thing doesn't rock your world, you can always just go with names.
30. Jigsaw Puzzle Proposal
Incorporate your proposal into your Christmas gifts by wrapping up this jigsaw puzzle. Suggest you solve the puzzle on Christmas afternoon, then watch as your partner pieces together the most romantic question they’ve ever been asked.
31. Christmas Treasure Hunt Proposal
Plan out the perfect Christmas morning surprise by creating your very own festive scavenger hunt – all of your clues will lead to the ring as the treasure. This printable treasure hunt kit is the perfect way to make the game even more fun and provides the cutest festive clues to help guarantee that yes.
32. Christmas Dinner Exploding Proposal Box
Put this elegant box at your partner's place setting for Christmas dinner - when they take off the lid, the walls come down to reveal an explosion of personal photos and ring proposal box.
33. Personalised Word Search Proposal Poster or Card
Have a cool print or card personalised with your special someone's name and the big question "Will You Marry Me?" and let the fun begin. Once you've had it framed, all you have to do it wrap it up and put it under the Christmas tree - happy tears all but guaranteed!
34. Scrapbook Proposal
Make a scrapbook about your relationship - this can include photos and any mementos of time spent together (plane tickets, receipts for romantic dinners, print-outs of your favourite emails etc). Present it to your partner on Christmas Eve and suggest you go through it together. Just wait until they see the last page, where you've written, of course, 'Now for our next adventure - will you marry me?'
35. Christmas Toast Proposal
If you both like bubbly, put aside a special bottle to enjoy together on Christmas Eve. When you bring it out, decorate it with this bottle charm, which you can have personalised to say, 'Will you marry me?' Hopefully your partner won't take too long to notice...
36. Mince Pie Proposal
You've heard of those (slightly precarious) ring in the dessert proposals. Well, why not add a festive twist with everyone's favourite Christmas treat. Present your partner with a mouth watering platter of festive mince pies, add a smattering of icing sugar and berries if you really want top marks for presentation, and then place the wedding ring box on top of the pies like the Christmassy cherry on top.
37. Christmas Table Setting Proposal
Some family's are very particular about their seating plans when it comes to the dinner table - especially at Christmas. This romantic Christmas proposal idea can really fit well into that tradition, playing on the place settings.
Offer up your services to set up the dinner table and lay out the place settings and place a little something extra special, the ring box or a 'will you marry me?' message at your partners seat. You'll want to find away to ensure your partner is the last person to sit down (you may want to recruit some help for this one) so that your loved ones can already be at the table when it's time to pop the question.
The Best Places to Propose at Christmas
Christmas is the season of love and romance, so we really can't think of a better time to pop the big question. It's also a lovely time to take a trip to some of the most romantic cities around the world. If you're planning on marrying up your winter city break with a romantic Christmassy proposal then we recommend taking note of these top destinations
Top Places for a Christmas Proposal in Paris
1. Under the Eiffel Tower
Picture the scene: it's night time in Paris, you've spent the evening strolling along the River Seine after a romantic meal at a classic French bistro, you pass by the iconic Eiffel Tower and just as the twinkling light show begins you pull out a dazzling ring. Who could say no to that?
2. In Front of the Sacré-Coeur
Another iconic Paris landmark, the Sacré-Coeur is a steeped in history and boasts legendary views over Montmartre and the rest of Paris. Proposing against the back drop of the basilica on top of the steps is a picture perfect moment.
3. On a bridge Over the River Seine
The Seine is punctuated by 40 bridges and footbridges, from the gilded Pont Alexandre III to the Petit-Pont leading to Notre Damn. Each bridge has its own unique story and it could be the perfect place for your to start yours.
Top Places for a Christmas proposal in London
1. On the London Eye
Promising amazing views over London, the pods of the London Eye also provide privacy for the perfect intimate proposal. You can even order champagne to your pod ahead of time to make this Christmas proposal extra festive.
2. The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
London is known for it's beautiful gardens and parks, but there's extra special and romantic about this Japanese-style garden with it's tiered waterfall and koi pond. It's a gorgeous, flora-filled backdrop for getting one knee in the heart of the city.
3. Sky Garden at the Walkie Talkie
The Sky Garden is London's highest public garden, and to add more kudos it promises 360-degree skyline views from the comfort of a glass atrium. Perfect if your planning to propose at winter time but don't want to battle the elements outside.
Top Places to Propose in New York
1. By the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
When we think of Christmas, the giant, illuminated Christmas tree and ice rink outside the iconic Rockefeller Centre is one of the first things that comes to mind. Finish up a perfect New York date night on Broadway with a short stroll over to this iconic New York proposal destination.
2. In Central Park
Come rain or shine, as a haven of green space in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park is one of the best places to propose in New York. Throw in the famous ice rink and a dusting of snowfall and you've got yourself a romantic Christmas proposal hotspot.
3. On a Ferry to the Statue of Liberty
OK, so proposing on a ferry might not sound like the most romantic scenario, but when that ferry is New York's famous Staten Island ferry, and the back drop is the Statue of Liberty, we can make an exception.
Once your other half has said yes, you’ll want to announce the happy news to all of your family and friends! Check out our list of engagement announcement ideas so you can share the news in a fun and creative way.
