Whether you’re celebrating this Valentine’s Day with a significant other or friends, there’s many options for celebrating and having fun on this lovely holiday. From classic dates like a nice Italian dinner for two, to more unconventional ideas like curling and arcade bars, you can find the best things to do in the city here.
1. Enjoy a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ spin on a classic Candlelight Concert
What’s more romantic than classical music and candlelights? We honestly don’t think anything can beat the Candlelight Concerts’ relaxing and romantic atmosphere for Valentine’s Day. Calm your mind and experience classical music in a whole new light with this sensational concert featuring a wide variety of heartwarming musical melodies.
With the venue illuminated by thousands of flameless candles, you’ll experience an unforgettable ambiance. Some favorite tunes playing at the concert include:
- My Heart Will Go On from Titanic – James Horner and Céline Dion
- Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Henry Mancini
- Fantasy Overture from Romeo and Juliet – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
If you can’t make it to the concert, a Candlelight gift card is another great way of saying “I love you” this Valentine’s Day in Boston. Afterall, there are 365 days a year to say so.
Find it at Temple Ohabei Shalom 1187 Beacon St, 02446 get your tickets here before they sell out
2. Romanticize Boston and take a walking tour of the city’s loveliest spots
Explore Boston with yourself, a friend, or your partner and explore the spellbinding charm Boston has to offer with your personal local romantic tour guide! This is a great one for the history buffs and old romantics. Plan ahead and reserve this lovely date for a special someone!
Tours begin at 45 School St, Boston, MA, 02108
3. Reserve a private Artic Alcove for a romantic winter date
Located inside a 30-foot-tall ice castle, is a private alcove closed off for a winter picnic, date or even over-the-top proposal! The LED lit cove is perfect for those who love nature and privacy.
Find the Ice Castles at 24 Clark Farm Road North Woodstock, NH 03262
4. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a staycation in the heart of Boston
Hotel Commonwealth & Pescador’s Sweet Specials offer a sensual Valentine’s Day experience for Bostonians. This swoon-worthy “Sweethearts Stay” offers breakfast in bed for two, a fresh box of locally curated chocolates and most importantly, late checkout at 2 PM so you can take full advantage of the city!
In between enjoying your hotel stay, you can head downstairs to the newly opened Pescador, a lively coastal-inspired restaurant helmed by acclaimed Chef-Owners Bruce and Eric Bromberg. The special choose-your-journey “Dia de San Valentin” menu kicks off with a Caviar Egg Shooter and ties together with a Red Velvet Surprise. The 4-course dinner is $125 per person.
If you prefer a romantic sushi dinner, Blue Ribbon Sushi is the second restaurant located in the hotel, and makes for another lovely option!
Find Hotel Commonwealth at 500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
5. Gift a box of chocolates from a local business
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to stop by a local gourmet chocolate shop and get something special! Whether you’re looking for something simple and sweet or decadent and rich, these local chocolatiers have the finest selections of bon-bons, truffles, and chocolates that you can find in Boston. Some of our all-time favorite local Boston chocolates are from:
- Petrova Chocolate– whimsicle flavors for the curious
- Choc Allure– elegantly crafted for the refined palate
6. Savor a romantic chef-crafted menu from the warming comfort of home
Sometimes staying in and cooking can be just as romantic as a night out. If you want the yummy home cooked meal without all the extra labor of prep and cleanup, Boston local meal delivery service, WECO, has you covered.
WECO delivers chef-crafted dinners made from wholesome ingredients straight to you! The special Valentine’s Day menu includes:
- Beef tenderloin
- Lobster ravioli
- Heart “beet” salad
- BF BF (Boyfriend burrata flatbread)
- Truffle potato leek soup
- Kids breakfast for dinner (if you’re dining as a family!)
- 2 desserts! Flourless chocolate cake + cherry crostata
- Love potion cocktail mixer
To reserve your Valentine’s dinner visit WECO
7. Plan a weekend getaway to Maine’s most romantic town
The 2nd best Christmas town in America is not surprisingly also one of the most romantic.
Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, so it’s completely understandable to postpone your celebrations to the weekend and go all out on a winter weekend getaway! We recommend Kennebunkport, a tiny town in Maine that literally paints the town red for the month of February and has all kinds of festive celebrations planned for the weekend.
8. Turn up the heat with a fireplace dinner
Shhh… just between us, these restaurants are the city’s best kept secret for fireplace dinner! If you’re looking for a sweet spot with a fireplace to dine by, these should be on your radar. Make sure to reserve early and request a table with the most romantic view!
9. Go ice skating!
If you’re looking for fun outdoorsy activity on V-Day, look no further than the ice rink. This is an especially good option if you’re a talented skater, but even if you and your date are both trying it out for the first time, it’s a fun (and humbling!) learning experience. Check out our favorite indoor and outdoor rinks to get skating.
10. Take a romantic Italian cooking class together
If you crave an interactive date but still want a nice meal, a romantic Italian cooking class is where the pasta meets the sauce (our fancy metaphor to mean you get the best of both worlds)! Learn how to make pasta from scratch and maybe even dust some flour on your lover’s nose and recreate a scene from your favorite Hallmark film.
Find it at 19 Kingston Street Suite 1, 02111
11. Have a fancy Valentine’s themed dinner at Pazza on Porter or Next Door
Even if you’re not the ones cooking it, Italian food is still perhaps the most romantic cuisine out there in the world. If you’re looking to share a Lady and the Tramp-inspired moment with a special someone this Valentine’s Day, look no further than Eastie’s Next Door who will launch a monthly brunch series starting on Sunday, February 12.
The brunch menu includes Burrata Toast, Banana Puff, a Hummus Trio, Not Your Average Coffee Cake, a Bagel Board, Salmon Bruschetta, a Tea Sandwich, and a Steakhouse Caesar in addition to Valentine’s themed specials!
Pazza on Porter will also host a festive Galentine’s Day Party on Sunday, February 12! You’ll fall in love with the adorable menu which includes creative bites like heart shaped raviolis! If you prefer to stay traditional and have a Valentine’s dinner, Next Door will also host a special menu on February 14.
Find Next Door and Pazza on Porter at 107 Porter Street, Boston, MA, 02128
12. Dine outdoors in a private igloo
New Englanders don’t shy away from the cold weather—we embrace it! Which is why you should consider hanging out in an upscale igloo or greenhouse for Valentine’s Day. Restaurants like the Lookout Rooftop (which was also named one of the best date night spots in the country) and Woods Hill Pier 4 set out innovative, igloo-like tents for guests to comfortable dine in the elements this time of year. Although they’re in high demand right now, it’s well worth the reservation!
13. Enjoy a solo date at a wholesome spa in a cute New England town
Just a 45-minute train ride from the city is Hopkinton, Massachusetts, the start of the Boston Marathon. This town is pretty similar to Stars Hollow for the Gilmore Girls fans out there and it is also home to a “Best of Boston” award-winning organic spa, Haven Beauty.
Book a facial, massage, sauna, or hair transformation for an incredible day of self-love. After, treat yourself to one of our all-time favorite ramen spots, Doragon Ramen which is just a ten-minute drive away.
14. Take a romantic getaway vacation at a tranquil treehouse or cozy cabin
Concentrate on your love away from the bustle of the city. These 5 tranquil romantic winter weekend getaway destinations will let you slow down and connect. No matter how you’re celebrating, a local New England trip is the optimal way to recharge.
15. Celebrate with a dinner at one of Boston’s prettiest restaurants
Boston is full of breathtaking restaurants from the rooftop at Contessa to the chic coastal French-inspired brasserie setting at Coquette. We’ve curated a list of restaurants great for date night and included some favorites below:
- Coquette, Seaport
- Contessa, Back Bay
- Ruka, Downtown
- Si Cara, MIT
You can also find special Valentine’s Day menus at:
- Bambara Kitchen & Bar in Cambridge, MA from February 10-14
- Special a la carte Valentine’s Day menu with juicy steak and scrumptious desserts such as – Steak tartare, caviar, crème fresh, shallot, parsley, crostini; and Chocolate pots de crème, brûlée banana half, mini oatmeal cookies, whipped cream
- Artisan Bistro at The Ritz-Carlton in Back Bay from February 10-14
- A $77 per person Valentine’s Day 4-course prix-fixe dinner menu where Butter Poached Lobster or Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon is the main attraction, and a delicious banana split is the absolute perfect dessert to culminate your celebratory romantic night on the town.
16. …and a movie?
Dinner and a movie is a classic date for a reason. Especially on those chilly February nights, a cinema is the perfect place to cozy up with your lovebird. Find discounted AMC tickets here to help sweeten the deal! Let’s not forget, 80 For Brady just hit the big screen.
17. Brighten a patient’s day at Boston Children’s Hospital with a virtual Valentine
In 3 easy steps you can send a virtual Valentine to a patient at Boston Children’s Hospital. These patients have it especially hard since they are separated from their friends and family for prolonged periods of time while receiving treatments. Each message will be personally delivered to each patient’s screen for them to read and feel the love!
18. Enoy a romantic ‘Monologue’ staycation in Seaport
Romantic getaway for one? Yes, please!
This Valentine’s Day, Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport is offering a “Monologue: Valentine’s Day” Package for those looking to take some time for themselves.
Book by February 28 to claim this deal in which solo guests can enjoy luxe studio accommodations in an Artist Tower Studio, a $35 food and beverage credit for one, and a complimentary in-room movie to make the most of their “me” time. Solo guests are also encouraged to enjoy breakfast in bed from the “Off The Script” in-room dining menu, soak in the heated outdoor rooftop pool, bring their furry friend to tag along on the fun, and more!