Non-Traditional Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
As an expat in Spain, I’ve had plenty of practice reinventing holidays far from family and home traditions. Valentine’s Day is no exception. Every culture has its own way of recognizing (or not recognizing) this sometimes controversial holiday. Is it a celebration of love or a capitalist trick? Perhaps it would be easier to decide if not for the fact that it takes two to tango. Maybe you don’t celebrate, but your partner does and drags you straight in!
This year, I’m inspired to think outside the box again. Whether you’re coupled up, single, or celebrating with a group of friends, there are so many ways to make Valentine’s Day special. Here’s a list of fun, creative, and maybe even a little unconventional ways to celebrate love (and self-love!) this February 14th.
Non-Traditional Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
Different Ways to Celebrate Love
Tired of flowers, cards and crowded restaurants? Ditch the cookie-cutter Valentine’s Day. Instead, try one of these alternative ideas:
Have a No-Spend Valentine’s Day. Declare a financial break and focus on the things money can’t buy with your honey. Write heartfelt letters, spend time together outdoors, or cook a meal with whatever’s already in the pantry.
Throw a Cocktail Party for Two (or More). Craft signature cocktails, dress up, and enjoy a fancy drink in the comfort of your own home. Make it romantic with loads of candles and your favorite playlist.
Write a Love Letter. Take a moment to pen a heartfelt note to your partner, a friend, or even yourself. Save it as a keepsake or send it as a surprise.
Take a Scenic Walk. Spend quality time outdoors, exploring a local park, beach, or trail. Fresh air, nature, and movement can be just as romantic as candlelight.
Create a Memory Scrapbook. Print out photos, and with your partner jot down your favorite shared moments. Use it to craft a book you can flip through together for years to come.
Have a Movie Night—With a Twist. Instead of the usual romantic comedies, pick a theme like nostalgic favorites, thrillers, or documentaries you both love.
Plan a Luxury Experience. Spend Valentine’s Day treating you and your partner to something really indulgent, like a spa day, a wine tasting, or a fancy dessert bar.
Have a Kid-Free Night (Even at Home). If you have kids, swap babysitting duties with friends so you can have a full night to yourself—eat dessert for dinner and wear pajamas unapologetically.
Plan a Virtual Art Tour. Explore the Louvre, Prado, or Uffizi online while sipping espresso or a yummy European wine.
Read and Toast to Great Literary Love Stories. Read excerpts aloud (get dramatic) from iconic romantic works like Pride and Prejudice, Anna Karenina, or The Lover. Pair with a themed drink from the setting of the story.
Go Ice Skating Under the Stars. Find a nearby outdoor skating rink and make it magical with fairy lights and hot cocoa. Bonus points if you pull off a romantic spin (think Jack and Rose in the dance scene of Titanic).
Book a Local Hot Air Balloon Ride. For a truly unforgettable experience (seriously, I did this last year and it was a life highlight!), float above your city or countryside at sunrise or sunset, sipping champagne while taking in the view.
Take a Scenic Train Ride. Many regions have picturesque train routes, whether it’s through mountains, along the coast, or past historic landmarks. Pack an in-train picnic with real stemware and enjoy the romance of the journey.
Visit a Botanical Garden or Flower Farm. Spend the day wandering through lush greenery and colorful blooms. Many botanical gardens have special Valentine’s events or evening lighting displays.
Go Stargazing in a Remote Spot. Drive to a place with minimal light pollution, set up a blanket, and bring a telescope (or just your eyes). Download a stargazing app to help spot constellations. Romantic and totally free!
Valentine’s Day if What You Really Love is Food
A dinner out is a classic Valentine’s day activity, but there are other ways to do something romantic around food.
Host a Themed Dinner. Skip the clichés and plan a themed meal instead. Love Italy? Go full pasta night with a big red-checkered tablecloth, candles, and a bottle of Chianti. Obsessed with Spain? Whip up some pintxos and sip cava to the tune of romantic flamenco guitar.
Go Big with Takeout. Not in the mood to cook? Splurge on takeout. Order from the fanciest restaurant around, set a beautiful table, and enjoy fine dining at home—without the waitlist or crowd. Or go low and get one of everything off your favorite casual spot’s menu.
Make Homemade Pasta Like an Italian Nonna. Roll out fresh pasta by hand, simmer a rich ragù, and sip Barolo like you’re in Tuscany. Don’t forget to put on some Italian music!
Do a Parisian Picnic Indoors. Ok, along the same vein but totally different: Lay out a blanket, serve baguette, cheese, pâté, and champagne, and watch a French film like Amélie.
Recreate a Famous European Dessert. Romance is so sweet. So why not master a French tarte tatin, Spanish torrijas, or Austrian sachertorte—it’s a sweet way to celebrate!
Bake a Fancy Galette for Breakfast. Start off on a romantic note. Wake up early, make something rustic and stunning (apple-walnut with honey drizzle, anyone?), and enjoy it together with a perfect cup of coffee in bed.
What to Do on Valentine’s Day Without a Partner
Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples. Celebrate love in all its forms with these ideas:
Book a Solo Spa Day. Pamper yourself with a massage, facial, or even just a long bubble bath at home. It’s the taking time out, the intention, and the act that count.
Take Yourself Out. Go to that fancy restaurant, see a movie, or explore a museum—because who says you need a date to enjoy Valentine’s Day?
Do Something for Others. Spread love in your community by volunteering. Or, bake something homemade and drop it by a neighbor’s house. This will shift the vibe and attention, big time.
Crash a Singles Event (or Make Your Own) Forget awkward swiping—show up to a speed dating event, trivia night, or karaoke bar for singles. If nothing else, you’ll leave with a good story and feeling on top of the world. Or maybe you’ll meet the love of your life!
Book a “You Day” at a Luxury Spa Not just a massage—go for the whole experience. Facials, saunas, a gourmet lunch, and lounging in a robe while someone refills your champagne.
Take a Day Trip Somewhere Unpredictable Hop on the first bus, train, or flight to a nearby city or countryside spot. Explore it with fresh eyes, hit a random café, and embrace the unknown.
Go to the Movies Alone—But Make It Luxe Find a theater with plush seats, wine service, and gourmet popcorn. Watch a rom-com or an action flick and laugh (or cry) with zero judgment.
Hire a Photographer for a Self-Portrait Shoot Ok, I love this one! Because when was the last time you did this. Forget selfies. Book a pro photographer to capture you looking fierce in the golden hour or in your favorite places. Valentine’s glow-up secured. Or, at the very least, some nice pics for your Mom and Dad’s wallets.
Plan a “Revenge ” Walk in the City Put on your best outfit, crank up your headphones, and strut through the busiest part of town like it’s your personal runway. Bonus: Smile at strangers and see how many smile back.
How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day By Yourself
So you are feeling like you really just want to be alone? Here are some ways to deal with the day without any socializing whatsoever.
Send Yourself Flowers. Not just any flowers—splurge on a dramatic bouquet with a card reading, “To the hottest person I know.” Post it online with no caption.
Host a “Love Letter to Myself” Party Write yourself the kind of passionate, over-the-top letter you wish you’d get. Fancy stationery, wax seals, the whole thing. Read it out loud with a glass of wine and maybe even mail it to your future self. Bonus points because manifestation!
Do an “Epic Meal” Cooking Challenge Conquer that three-hour recipe or bake something ridiculously elaborate you’d never tackle for someone else. A 7-layer caramel cake or homemade ramen from scratch.
Write Gratitude Letters. Spend the day reflecting on the people and moments you’re grateful for, and write them notes to let them know. Don’t forget to distribute them or mail them! You can even scan and email…spread the love!
Spend the Day Organizing Your Pantry. Color-code your spices, decant your beans, and make those shelves so Instagram-worthy you actually feel at peace.
Watch Only True Crime. Who needs romance when you get lost in Dateline episodes and speculate wildly about motives?
How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day with Your Friends
Celebrating with girlfriends instead of by yourself or with a partner can make for a very memorable February 14.
Write Roast-Style Love Notes. Gather your single friends and write hilarious “burn letters” to past crushes or exes. Start with “I loved you, but...” and go wild. Bonus points for sharing them aloud.
Rent a Karaoke Room and Go Wild. Get a group of single friends together and head to the karaoke bar. Pick only love songs or breakup ballads, and perform them as dramatically (or hilariously) as possible.
Host a Galentine’s Day. These are the people who really get you through life. Gather your friends for a potluck, movie night, or wine-tasting party to celebrate friendship.
Host a ‘Garlic and Onions’ Party. Forget breath-freshening foods. Dive into caramelized onion tarts, roasted garlic dips, and all the alliums, unapologetically.
Do a Vintage Cocktail Hour. Research old-school cocktails and make classics like a Hanky Panky or French 75. Pair with finger foods like anchovy-stuffed olives or caviar toast.
Make It a Rant-and-Ravioli Night. Get your closest friends, vent about life, and make fresh pasta together—cursing every ex or bad boss as you knead dough.
Host a Personal Nostalgia Party It’s 2025, but pretend it’s 1999. Make a playlist of your favorite throwbacks, order pizza, watch old rom-coms, and dive into the things that made you feel alive back then. Remembering life in simpler times can feel really good.
Host a Bad Date Costume Party. Dress up as the worst date you’ve ever had and act it out—it’s group therapy meets stand-up comedy.
Do an Anti-Valentine’s Comedy Show. Find or host an open mic night where everyone can share their most awkward love stories.
Watch the Most Ridiculous Rom-Coms. Think over-the-top cheesy Hallmark films or 2000s-era rom-coms that are so bad, they’re amazing.
I hope you guys find this list useful and enjoyable. Just making life a little happier on a day that not everyone loves. If you have any extra ideas, leave them in the comments!
And remember: Skip the pressure, have fun, and celebrate love in a way that feels meaningful to you. ❤️