Valentine’s Day isn’t just a Hallmark holiday. It’s also a time for creativity! Couples and singles can find unique Valentine’s Day celebrations EVERYWHERE.
Perfectly unique Valentine’s Day celebrations for couples and singles
It’s the only holiday dedicated to love and romance. Whether you’re in a longstanding marriage, are swooning in puppy love, or you’re happily single, this day is worth unique Valentine’s Day celebrations.
Be a tourist in your own town
Sometimes when you’ve lived somewhere for a long time you start to neglect it. Make a list of the places you’ve never been to but that attract visitors. Spend the day at new museums, check out shops you’ve never been in, try the specials at neighborhood restaurants, etc. You can do this solo, with your main squeeze, or even on a group date.
Book a once-in-a-lifetime trip
If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to book that trip to Italy, there’s no better time than the present. If you really want to make this a Valentine’s Day to remember, don’t just get the flight and hotel set up; actually go and have your vacation now instead of later. The winter isn’t prime travel time, so you may be able to find some great deals.
Get spooked on a ghost tour
Every couple has their own idea of romance. If yours is cuddling together while hearing ghost stories, see if your town is holding a nighttime ghost tour. If you’re in an urban or populated area, you may be lucky enough to find one that doubles as a pub crawl. Like many of the suggestions on this list, this works great whether you’re happily coupled up or trading horror stories from singledom with your friends.
Go glamping
Few things feel as luxurious as breaking away from your normal routine. If you’re not into roughing it, go glamping instead. Even if it’s chilly in your neck of the woods, you can look for a glammed-out tent or cabin that has heat. There are a range of glamping spots to choose from, starting at comfy but bare bones all the way up to total luxury.
Have a beach date
Spoiler alert: You can do this even if it’s chilly. Stock up on s’mores ingredients, grab a lot of blankets, and head to the beach for a bonfire. Don’t live near the ocean or a lake? Check with your pals to see if anyone has a fire pit in their backyard or buy your own! A fire couldn’t be more romantic, but if you’re single, it also makes for a rowdy night with your single friends.
Laugh your head off at a comedy show
If you’ve both had a busy, stressful winter so far, get tickets for a comedy show or head to an improv show to let loose. If you want to see a big comic, see where your favorite one is performing and consider traveling to take in the show. Heading to a comedy show is equally as good if you’re single and going out with pals, and it’s also a great way to meet other people.
Stroll down Memory Lane
Have you two been together for a long time? If you like spending a cozy night in, change into your pajamas and take a walk down memory lane. Watch your wedding video, look through old photos, and trade memories from when you first started dating. If you’re up for a little DIY, you can turn some of your keepsakes into a scrapbook or wall display. Create a playlist with songs from your relationship and play it in the background. Music’s been shown to be good for the body and soul, and it can help spark romantic memories from your past.
Take a cooking class
On any “things to do on Valentine’s Day” list, you’ll see a suggestion to have a homemade meal. Frankly, that doesn’t seem like a treat, especially if you ordinarily cook the rest of the week too. On the other hand, everyone in town is going to be making reservations, so dining out may not be enjoyable, either. Pick something in the middle by signing up for a cooking class. You can look for a couple’s class or one that’s geared toward singles — you may even meet your next date!
Theme your night at home
Can’t get out of the house for the evening? Once you’ve had a mini Valentine’s Day with the kids, put them to bed, and have a theme night with your S.O. Pick a movie, dress up in themed outfits (just make your own from whatever you have in the closet), and order food or cook a meal that goes with the theme. Bonus points if you also choose a movie that has food as a character, like “Spanglish.”
Travel back in time
Whether you two were high school sweethearts or you met later on but are still young at heart, get in your time machine and do the things you loved as a kid or teen. Hit up the candy store, challenge each other to air hockey at the arcade, go to a silly comedy at the movie theater, get a lane at the bowling alley, or lace up your roller skates at the rink.
Vacation in a totally different area from where you live
If you live in a warm area, head somewhere snowy. Do you trek over ice every day, then head to a warm, sunny beach. If you’re in a city, go to the mountains. If you’re in the mountains … you get it. The point is to get out of town, get a new vantage point, and get to know your significant other in a totally different way. While you’re away, consider having a “no smartphones allowed” rule. Technology definitely has it perks, but taking a few days away from it may help you two bond.
Visit a psychic
Wondering what your future holds? Find out if you two are meant to be. If you’re single, ask if you can expect to find true love this year. You don’t even have to be a believer to enjoy a tarot card reading. Take what the psychic says with a grain of salt and enjoy doing something out of the ordinary for the evening.
Wine bar crawl
If beer isn’t your thing, elevate the basic pub crawl to a wine bar crawl. This is an especially good idea for new parents who never get a night off. See if grandma will take the kiddos for the night, find an area of town with a few wine bars within walking distance of each other, and book a hotel room nearby.
Some people love to hate Valentine’s Day. Instead of joining in on the hate, take advantage of what this day is truly about: love, in all its forms. And plan unique Valentine’s Day celebrations.
About the Writer: Brooke Faulkner is a writer and mom in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. You can check out more of her writing on twitter, @faulknercreek
