It’s the most romantic time of the year!
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.
1-6. 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.
7. Catch a classical music concert at the Van Gogh immersive exhibit
The Strand Theatre is currently hosting a totally unique entertainment show that is perfectly romantic for Valentine’s Day. As opposed to gazing at just one painting from afar in a museum, you’ll be able to walk inside Van Gogh’s greatest works at this exhibit while simultaneously experiencing the beauty of classical music. The vibrant colors and masterly brushstrokes will swirl around you as you experience these post-impressionist works at a surreal scale. At the same time, you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful classical music performed live by a string quintet! Talk about a dreamy date.
8. Go curling at Snowport
Although the Snowport Winter Market wrapped up at the beginning of this year, the curling lanes are still very much active. Curling’s not your typical date idea for Valentine’s Day, but it’s certainly seasonal and unique — give it your best shot! It’s completely free, but you will need to reserve a lane in advance on Seaport’s website.
9. Enjoy a candlelit concert of classical love songs
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 with flameless candles, you’ll experience an unforgettable ambiance.
10-17. Discover a speakeasy and grab some cocktails
Shhh… just between us, these bars are the city’s best kept secrets for V-Day drinks! Roughly a century ago, Boston’s speakeasies operated for the practical purpose of serving illegal alcohol on the down-low. But nowadays, modern speakeasies exist more for the swanky and mysterious aesthetic appeal of a classic bar with delicious cocktails inside. If you’re looking for a secretive speakeasy to hit in Boston, these eight spots should be on your radar.
18-23. 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.
24-30. …or depending on the weather, go sledding.
Requiring much less skill than skating, sledding can be a lot of fun (even as an adult!) if there’s snow on ground come February 14. Check out our favorite sledding hills and pick the most picturesque!
31-37. Have a fancy Italian dinner in the North End
Italian food is 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 our top 7 favorite Italian restaurants in the North End of Boston.
38. Plan a weekend getaway to Maine’s most romantic town
Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday 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.
39-46. Dine outdoors in an 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 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!
[featured image: Unsplash / Corey Bruce]