How to Celebrate the Holidays in a Long-Distance Relationship

The holiday season can be magical—but when you and your partner are separated by miles, it can also feel bittersweet. If you’re in a long-distance relationship, you don’t have to let geography dampen your festive spirit. With a bit of creativity and intention, you can make your holidays together feel warm, memorable, and full of connection even when you’re apart.

Virtual Holiday Dates That Feel Real

Don’t underestimate the power of shared experiences—even when they’re digital. One of the most popular ways long-distance couples stay connected is by planning virtual activities together. For example, an article from Hindustan Times suggests couples can schedule movie nights using shared streaming apps or screen sharing, then chat about the film afterward to replicate that cozy “watching together” feeling.

Another fun twist recommended by Love What Matters is to join an online baking or cooking class together. Pick a holiday treat, gather the ingredients, and follow the recipe side by side over video chat. Not only does this give you an activity to focus on together, but it also ends with something delicious to enjoy!

Gift Exchanges & Surprises

Part of what makes holidays special is the thrill of giving and receiving. Long-distance couples can recreate that joy through virtual gift exchanges or thoughtful surprises. You can coordinate to send presents ahead of time and open them together on a video call, just like you would in person. Thoughtful surprises don’t have to be expensive or elaborate. Handwritten letters, care packages with favorite snacks or keepsakes, or even matched holiday outfits to wear during your call can make your partner feel cherished across the distance.

Create Holiday Traditions of Your Own

Traditions give the holidays their magic—and you can build your own unique ones as a couple, even if you’re not physically together. Couply recommends simple rituals like decorating your spaces “together” over video, sharing a holiday playlist you both contribute to, or even having a dedicated holiday photo album to fill each year, are rich ways to create meaning and shared history. These traditions become something you both look forward to annually and help make the holidays feel like yours as a couple, despite the distance.

Include Each Other in Your Celebrations

Even when apart, make sure you actually participate in each other’s festivities. That might mean FaceTiming while you’re decorating cookies with your family, opening gifts, or sitting down to holiday meals so they can be part of real moments rather than just afterthoughts. Sending photos and video snippets throughout the day helps your partner feel included, and it keeps the holiday energy alive in both places. Consistent communication like this also aligns with one of the biggest recommendations for nurturing long-distance relationships overall: make time to share your day-to-day lives and feelings, not just the highlights.

Plan for the Future

Part of celebrating the holidays well in a long-distance relationship is cultivating hope and anticipation for future shared moments. Use this time to set goals together, discuss future plans, and even schedule your next visit if possible. Knowing when you’ll be together again gives you both something real to look forward to and reduces the emotional weight of separation. Counting down the days on a shared calendar or app can turn the wait into a shared experience—and deepen your bond.

Final Thoughts on Holidays in a Long-Distance Relationship

Celebrating the holidays apart isn’t always easy, but distance doesn’t mean disconnection. Whether through creative virtual dates, surprise gifts, new traditions, or shared future planning, you can keep the spark alive and make this season unforgettable. With intention and effort, your love can feel as present as ever—even while being miles apart.