Valentine's Day 2023: Events and Things to do

Valentine’s Day is celebrated every February 14 in the U.S. (and many other countries). Gifts are often exchanged between loved ones. Couples often share a romantic dinner at home or at a special restaurant. Some families like to celebrate together, adults and children.

Valentine’s Day is a holiday for family, friends, and lovers – DepositPhotos.com

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About Valentine’s Day

The history of the holiday is complex and murky. There are several Saint Valentine’s in Christian religions, but otherwise the holiday is not a Christian tradition and in fact has pagan roots. Other vestiges of the Feast of St. Valentine occurred in the European Middle Ages as a celebration of early spring, when birds begin mating.

Today, Valentine’s Day is strictly a retail holiday, when consumers are coaxed into buying flowers, candy, perfume, cards, or other gifts, and making memories with special dinners.

Before Valentine’s Day, you might want to get in the mood by making Valentine’s cards and other “lovely” arts and crafts.

To celebrate the day with the ones you love, there are often special concerts, movies, and other events and entertainment. Some of it is irreverent, because not everyone likes to celebrate the day or be reminded of the lack of love in their life.

Whatever your inclinations, we peruse local venues and event calendars for fun events to mark the day. You can find all kinds of suggestions in the event calendar below. We’ll update this list in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day, so check back from time to time for all sorts of Valentine’s Day ideas.

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Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

Chocolates and roses are traditional Valentine’s Day gifts – DepositPhotos.com

Best retailers for gifts, party supplies, holiday decor. Our list of the best places to buy gifts in the Puget Sound region. Our list focuses on local retailers with a variety of products for every occasion and gift recipient on your list. These shopping sources feature unique gifts for every special occasion, from Valentine’s Day to Christmas and graduation to retirement. Many of the brick-and-mortar stores also offer gift certificates and online shopping with delivery directly to your recipient for last minute gifts or when you aren’t sure what to give.

Valentine’s Day Dining Ideas

For Valentine’s Day some couples like to share a romantic dinner – DepositPhotos.com

Fine dining loyalty programs & restaurant gift cards. Our list of local dinging loyalty programs and restaurant gift cards is a great way to save money while dining out for special occasions. We have a few tips for choosing a restaurant loyalty program that best suits your restaurant dining style. These tips can help maximize your savings.

Here’s a selected list of dining out deals for Valentine’s Day:

Capital Grille (downtown Seattle) welcomes guests for Valentine’s Day February 12-14, 2023 with a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Order a Chef-prepared meal from the full dinner menu featuring Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tails along with other selections. Choose from more than 350 wines. Finish with a sweet dessert, made each morning by the pastry chef. Reservations recommended. More info: The Capital Grille | Fine Dining Restaurant & Steakhouse

Valentine’s Day events and things to do

Make your own Valentine’s Day cards for a special personal touch – DepositPhotos.com

The following events feature a variety of entertainment and crafts to celebrate Valentine’s Day romance and love in traditional and unique ways throughout the month of February.

(If no events are listed below, there are no upcoming Valentine’s Day events in our calendar. We usually update this list in January.)