Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s Day

Written by: Bella Kats, 2nd Year, BMOS

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—it’s the perfect excuse to spend time with friends, treat yourself, or enjoy a fun night out. Whether you’re planning something special or keeping it low-key, here are some ideas to make the day fun and worth celebrating <3

1. Brunch Date

Start your day with a cozy brunch at your favorite café. Whether you’re craving eggs benedict, fluffy pancakes, or a classic breakfast sandwich, brunch is always a great excuse to indulge. Pair it with a latte or mimosas for a little extra treat.

Recommendations: Campus Hi Fi, Pür & Simple, Reset Cafe, Black Walnut.

2. Skating Date

Hit the ice for a classic winter date! Whether you're a pro or just there for fun, skating is a cute way to spend time together. End with some hot chocolate or coffee to warm up.

3. Thrifting

Skip the fast fashion and spend the day exploring thrift stores and vintage shops. You never know what you’ll find—unique accessories, timeless pieces, or even the perfect Valentine’s outfit. Thrifting isn’t just a fun way to shop; it’s also a great way to reduce waste and give pre-loved items a little extra love. By choosing second-hand, you're making a more sustainable choice and showing love to the planet, too.

Recommendations: Value Village, Goodwill, Plato’s Closet, vintage shops downtown.

4. Dinner Out

For a classic Valentine’s celebration, go out for a special dinner. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy bistro, a fancy steakhouse, or your go-to sushi spot, a great meal sets the perfect tone for the night.

Recommendations: Lucy's Pizza & Cocktails, Dimi's Greek House, La Cucina Ristorante, Moxies, The Keg, Scaddabush, Dolcetto.

5. Dessert & Movie

After dinner, stop by a dessert bar, bakery, or ice cream shop for something sweet—think gourmet pastries, molten lava cake, or handcrafted gelato. Then, either head to the theater for a new release or have a cozy binge night at home with a rom-com or your favorite series.

6. Stargazing Date

Looking for something peaceful and unique? Grab some blankets, make hot chocolate, and find a quiet spot like a park or campus field. Use a stargazing app to find constellations or just enjoy the night sky together.

7. Paint & Sip Night

Get creative with a fun at-home painting session! Grab some cheap canvases, put on your favorite playlist, and make your own masterpieces. Whether you're painting seriously or just goofing around, it’s a great way to bond. Add wine, coffee, or mocktails to set the mood.

8. Make a Memory Album

Instead of scrolling through old photos, why not turn them into something special? Gather your favorite pictures and keepsakes to create a scrapbook or a digital photo album. If DIY isn’t your thing, just make a shared Google Photos album or a fun Instagram Close Friends photo dump.

9. Host a Palentine’s Party

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for couples—celebrate with friends by throwing a “Palentine’s” party! Here are some fun ideas to make the night special:

  • Game Night – Play board games, card games, or trivia for some friendly competition.
  • Movie Marathon – Watch rom-coms, childhood classics, or even some hilariously bad reality TV shows.
  • Potluck Dinner – Have everyone bring a dish to share for a cozy, homemade meal.
  • DIY Crafts - Blindfolded painting, paint, sip & swap (swap canvases every few minutes and see what you get), make custom candles, paint ceramics, make beaded bracelets.
  • Baking Night – Attempt viral Valentine's desserts—heart-shaped cinnamon rolls, overstuffed cookies, or those aesthetic chocolate-covered strawberries (that might turn out ugly but still taste great).
  • Karaoke Night – Sing your hearts out to your favourite songs at a Karaoke bar or in front of your TV at home.

10. Give Back to the Community

Spread love in a meaningful way by giving back. Volunteer at a local charity, donate warm clothes, or do a random act of kindness. Even small gestures—like buying coffee for a friend or leaving a kind note—can make someone’s day.

No matter how you choose to spend Valentine’s Day, the most important thing is to celebrate in a way that feels right for you. Whether you’re with a partner, friends, or taking time for yourself, there’s always a reason to enjoy good food, good company, and a little extra love.

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