Life

9 Places To Meet Someone During The Holidays

by Kristine Fellizar
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If you're single, pulling up your favorite dating app can make it easy to find someone to go out with around the holidays. But if you really want to make some holiday love magic happen, why not try getting out of the house? There are tons of places to meet people during the holidays this year, from singles parties to themed pop-up bars to food events.

"The holiday season is one of the best times to find love because singles are out and about more this time of year — more time off and tons of holiday parties and functions," Michal Naisteter, a Philadelphia-based matchmaker with Three Day Rule tells Bustle. "It's the time of year when we reflect on the connections and relationships we have in our lives and think about what we want for the upcoming year."

If you're looking to find love or just looking to have a good time out, Naisteter's best tip for singles during this season is this: Do not hibernate. "This is your golden opportunity to do something that is out of your comfort zone," she says. "Meet with someone you normally wouldn't or ask a friend to invite you to their holiday party at work. You never know what could happen!"

So here are some parties and events to check out around the country if you're single and looking to meet someone this holiday season:

1

Young Involved Philadelphia's Holiday Bash

Young Involved Philadelphia (YIP), an organization made for Philadelphians between the ages of 22 to 35-years-old, has been on a mission to get young adults more involved and connected in the community since the early 2000s. On Thursday, December 7, YIP will be throwing a Holiday Bash at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

As a Philadelphia-based matchmaker, Naisteter suggests attending this event if you're single. There's an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and the opportunity to mingle with locals around your age. They're even doing a toy drive for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. So you can do some good, have fun, and potentially meet a bunch of new people. Tickets are available online right now for $40.

2

The Latkepalooza

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The Latkepalooza is another Philly event to go to if you're a fan of the potato pancake. It's a popular even that takes place every year, so there's plenty of opportunity to meet people. This year, it takes place on December 10 at The Gershman Y. There'll be a variety of local retaurants there offering up their version of the latke, as well as other activities and entertainment for you to enjoy.

If you're in the Boston-area, there's another Latke-centered event that matchmaker Andrea Leiser highly recommend. The Everyone Loves Latkes Party in Harvard Square takes place on December 20. "It's a huge public event and eating freshly friend potato pancakes is sure to put every single person in a good mood," she says.

3

Everyone Loves Latkes Party

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If you're in the Boston-area, there's another Latke-centered event that matchmaker Andrea Leiser highly recommend. The Everyone Loves Latkes Party in Harvard Square takes place on December 20. "It's a huge public event and eating freshly friend potato pancakes is sure to put every single person in a good mood," she says.

4

Sampling Downeast Cider In Boston

If you're in the Boston area and are looking for something a little more chill, Leiser suggests sampling the seasonal Winter Blend at the Downeast Cider in East Boston. "The bar staff and customers are among the friendliest in the city, so starting conversations will be easy."

5

The Miracle On 7th Street "Christmas Bar"

For those near the Washington D.C. area, senior matchmaker Callie Harris suggests looking for love or a good time at the Miracle on Seventh Street Christmas Bar pop-up. Everything is holiday themed, so you'll be treated to gingerbread-flavored treats, egg nog shots, and spiked hot cocoa. For you pop culture junkies, there are even fun drinks like "Gretchen, Stop Trying To Make Fetch Happen" and the Elf-inspired, "Francisco, That's Fun to Say." Those can make for great conversation-starters if you're looking to meet someone at a bar. Keep in mind, it is a pop-up, so it won't be around for long. Definitely check it out if you're in the area.

6

A MatzoBall Party

MatzoBall events on Christmas Eve have been going on for over 30 years now. It's become one of the go-to events for Jewish singles around the country. If you want to attend, MatzoBall parties will be taking place in the following cities and venues on December 24:

  • New York City, Capitale
  • Miami, Story
  • Ft. Lauderdale, The Vibe-Las Olas
  • Delray Beach, Il Baccio
  • Philadelphia, Rumor
  • Boston, Royale
  • Dallas, Stirr
  • Los Angeles, TBA
  • Washington, DC, Decades

One Cosmopolitan writer said her parents met at the first MatzoBall back in 1987. So there's one success story for you. Who knows? You could be another.

7

The Elf Party

If beers, bros, and a bit of debauchery are more your thing, Tina Wie, the COO of Three Day Rule suggests to check out The Elf Party in San Francisco. "It's an annual party where guests dress up in their favorite elf and Santa costumes to raise money for local charities," Wie says. "It's usually a 20s and 30s crowd that attends and is always a great time!" The party takes place on December 2 and tickets are on sale now.

8

Charmaine's Rooftop Bar

According to Wie, San Francisco's newest rooftop bar at the Proper Hotel is the spot to be if you're in the area. "The fire pits keep will keep you warm as you sip on creative holiday cocktails like 'Christmas and the Beads of Sweat,'" she says. "It's also a great place to mingle with other singles who are there enjoying the view."

9

NYC's Largest New Year's Eve Singles Party

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On Sunday, December 31, New York City-based dating service, Single and the City, will be hosting a New Year's Eve Singles Party. The event will take place at the Stitch Lounge in the Garment District, and is open to singles between the ages of 21 and 45. If you choose to attend, there's an hour open bar, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast at midnight and a light continental breakfast served in the morning. Tickets are on sale now and go up as the event gets closer.

While these are all really great options, you don't have to attend any major events to find someone special this holiday season. "Gyms are usually full of singles this time around," matchmaker Jaime Bernstein tells Bustle. Matchmaker Alicia Kenworthy also suggests crashing a friend's holiday office party.

The holidays are just a really great time to be single, whether you're looking for someone special or not. So take advantage of the season.