Updated for Valentine’s Day 2024.
Looking for the best things to do on Valentine’s Day in Chicago?
Wondering how to sweep your Valentine off their feet this year?
Searching for the best events and activities to take your special someone to, on perhaps the most important Wednesday this February?
We got you!
Celebrating Valentine’s Day 2024 in Chicago
With its rich culture, great food, and diverse entertainment options, The Windy City is a great place to celebrate the patron saint of love - St. Valentine.
Whether you're looking for a thrilling adventure (such as an escape room?), a relaxing activity (like a spa day), or even an offbeat experience (like a spot of urban exploration)...
We've got some great options for you to celebrate Valentine's Day with your significant other in Chicago.
Attend a candlelight concert
The image is taken from their global website (https://candlelightexperience.com/#info-experience)
Want a quintessentially romantic experience for Valentine's Day in Chicago?
Attend a candlelight concert!
Part of a global event, Candlelight Concerts in Chicago is a series of unique musical events that take place amidst hundreds of flickering candles.
This year, they’re planning a range of concerts around Valentine’s Day
From a Hanz Zimmer extravaganza to love songs from classic films - the program draws from various genres of music.
A truly moving tribute to the sacrifice of Saint Valentine.
Date & Time: Different programs are on different dates. However, as of January 22nd, they don’t have any programs falling exactly on February 14th.
PSA: Swifties, take note - There’s a tribute to Taylor Swift on Friday, February 16th!
Website: Visit their Chicago website
Location: Most of the events close to Valentine’s Day 2024 will be at the Stan Mansion, but check the website before planning.
Team up for an escape room adventure at Fox in a Box
Discussing their next move…
Looking for a thrilling Valentine’s Day adventure in Chicago that’ll have your special someone saying “WOW!”?
Head for the Dearborn Station, where you'll find Chicago's best escape room - us.
As you enter our facility, you and your significant other will be briefed on your mission.
Next, you'll be led into a specially set-up room where the adventure takes place.
As the clock starts ticking, look for clues on how to proceed. Work as a team to solve puzzles, break codes, find secret panels, and open special locks to find clues.
Can you get to the final clue and accomplish your mission before you're out of time?
You have four exciting escape room missions, based on diverse themes, to choose from.
Ready to test your Sherlock skills this February 14th?
Nearby places for a post-experience dinner
Lou Malnati's on State is well-known for its deep-dish pizzas, bruschettas, and calamari.
You can also check out their famous heart-shaped pizza package (a Valentine’s special) on Tastes of Chicago.
Bar Louie on Printers Row is famous for martinis, sangrias, and quick bites.
Devil Dawgs on State is the go-to place for Chicago dogs, shakes, and sliders.
Flaco's Tacos on S Dearborn is renowned for its margaritas, sangrias, and chicken bowls.
- And if you're looking for Asian (Japanese) cuisine, head for Umai on S Clarke Street.
Website: Visit the home page
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Email: info@foxinaboxchicago.com
Phone: (312) 878-7899
Go skating
Suit up, and go for a glide on the ice!
Ready for a Valentine’s Day activity that’ll prove a good workout while giving you two plenty of opportunities to have memorable moments outdoors?
Head to a rink, suit up, and go ice skating!
Breathe in the crisp February air as you try to conquer the course.
Watch for the twists and turns, and keep up with your partner.
Whether you’re barely managing to stay up straight, or you’re gracefully gliding across the rink, skating can be an awesome activity to share with your Valentine in Chicago!
Tip: Most venues offer skate rentals, so there’s no need to carry your own.
Where to go ice skating on Valentine’s Day in Chicago
First up is the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon, lined with Alpine trees and rock climbing walls.
Then there’s the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, where you can skate with the iconic Bean as your backdrop.
Plus, you’ll find plenty of neighborhood and community rinks all over Chicago.
Enjoy a romantic dinner
Will you actually hold hands?
Want to make February 14th in Chicago an occasion you’ll really…relish? Enjoy a romantic dinner with your partner!
And you certainly have a lot of options to choose from!
Sitting in Chicago, we HAVE to mention enjoying deep-dish pizzas at one of the numerous pizza joints dotting the city.
If you're looking for a more upscale culinary experience, head for one of the renowned steakhouses.
Prefer to have a spectacular city view as the backdrop? Several rooftop restaurants fit the bill.
Whatever your desired cuisine - American, Continental, Mediterranean, or Asian - and other preferences, you're sure to find a Chicago restaurant that's right for you!
A few Chicago restaurants that you can look at for Valentine’s Day dinner
Lou Malnati's on State has a tradition of offering special heart-shaped pizzas to mark the day.
Geja’s Cafe is famous for its food-wine pairings…need we say more?
They’re also offering a Valentine’s Special Dinner Package.
Boka will be offering a specially crafted 7-course tasting menu on the occasion.
Venteux in the iconic Carbide & Carbon building is well-known for its French classics with a contemporary twist, especially its oysters, mimosas, and baked brie.
- And finally, Komo (known for its Japanese cuisine) has a 'decadent 4 course menu' lined up for the day.
Dine in the dark
Looking for a unique twist on the classic romantic dinner? Try this on for size - dining in the dark!
And no, we're not kidding!
This is a singular Chicago event where you're blindfolded before being served a full three-course meal (paired with wine)!
They don't even reveal the menu in advance. While you can make a basic choice amongst vegan food, seafood dishes, and meat-based cuisine, the rest is kept under wraps till you take the first bite.
Ready to experience culinary mastery as you've never experienced before?
Website: Visit the website
Location: Choose from Fulton Market Kitchen and Sushi By Bou.
Take in breathtaking views of the city
Gazing at the Chicago skyline with your significant other, especially at nighttime, is a perfect way to take in the beauty of our city while enjoying time as a couple.
The sheer diversity of architecture spread out all over Chicago, lit up by thousands upon thousands of sparkling lights, are sure to prove the perfect backdrop for an intimate, romantic moment.
The best ways to behold Chicago’s skyline with your Valentine
Skydeck in the Sears (a.k.a. Willis) Tower offers sweeping views of the city and beyond from inside clear glass observation boxes.
They’re offering Valentine’s Dinner on the Skydeck in partnership with Kindling.
360 Chicago in the former John Hancock Tower affords you dazzling views of the city looming over the gleaming waters of Lake Michigan.
The Centennial Wheel at the Navy Pier is another way to take in the Chicago panorama.
Finally, you can book a couple's helicopter ride over Chicago.
Have a spa day at AIRE Ancient Baths
The image is taken from their website (https://beaire.com/en/aire-ancient-baths-chicago/experiencias/541/escape-together-60)
Want to mark Valentine’s Day by sharing a relaxing and rejuvenating experience with your significant other?
Book a spa day at AIRE Ancient Baths!
Spend quality time in each other's company as you share refreshing massages and exfoliating facials.
Soak in the goodness in a sauna or a thermal pool, inspired by ancient traditions from Rome and Greece.
AIRE has a special Valentine's Day package that should leave you feeling refreshed and connected with each other.
Celebrate your love with a luxurious spa day at AIRE Ancient Baths!
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit their contact page
Phone: (312) 312-9610
Cuddle the bunnies at Cuddle Bunny
They make everything better, don’t they?
Want a uniquely adorable experience on February 14th?
Head to Cuddle Bunny with your special person.
Bond with one another over a shared love of cute and fluffy creatures.
Pet the lovable rabbits, get a picture taken with them, and even get to feed them.
If you want to keep Valentine's Day low-key, a visit to Cuddle Bunnies is just what you're looking for!
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Scroll down their home page
Phone: (773) 687-9253
Have a cozy dinner inside a rooftop igloo at The Godfrey
The image is taken from their website (https://iogodfrey.com/winter-wonderland/).
Looking for a Valentine’s Day dinner where you can get a little cozier than at a typical restaurant/cafe?
Book a rooftop igloo at The Godfrey!
Imagine yourself snuggling up against your special someone, even as you watch the snow fall all around you.
Nope, this isn’t a scene from a survival movie - it’s the rooftop igloo dining experience you can expect at the Godfrey Hotel!
Sip on a relaxing cocktail and bite into gourmet creations while soaking in each other’s company.
Rooftop dining is a great way to celebrate the festival of love in Chicago!
Pro tip: Even their small igloos can accommodate 8-10 people, so if you’re looking to spend Valentine's Day with your couple friends, book a spot at The Godfrey!
Website: Visit the website
Location: Check address/Plan route on Google Maps
Inquiry form: Visit the contact page
Email: info@iogodfrey.com
Phone: (312) 374-1830
Attend a class
Discover a mutual interest!
Few experiences will bring you together as trying something new as a couple.
Which is what makes attending a class such a good way of enjoying the Valentine’s Day spirit.
Share in the joy of picking up a new skill, or learning a new subject. Support one another through the ups and downs as you try to navigate your class.
Even the discovery of a mutual interest will be a moment you’ll remember fondly for years.
Some classes you can sign up for
Wine tasting and food preparation at The Chopping Block.
Winemaking and wine tasting at Mead Blossom Meadery.
Dance classes at Duet Dance Studio.
Art classes at AARTWERK Studio.
Catch a show
Capture the February 14th spirit by attending a performance with your significant other.
From wine tours to music shows - Chicago offers you a vast variety of shows to choose from.
This could be the experience that brings you two closer than ever!
Valentine's Day Guided Wine & Antipasti Tasting Tour of Italy
Feel the romance at Eataly Chicago with a guided wine and antipasti tasting tour.
Explore a variety of Italian wines and learn how to create the perfect antipasto board with your sweetheart.
End the tour with a sweet touch from Eataly's pastry department, making it a perfect date night for Valentine's Day 2024.
Dee Alexander Quartet - Valentine's Day at the Jazz Showcase
Immerse yourselves in the soulful jazz melodies of the Dee Alexander Quartet this Valentine's Day at the Jazz Showcase.
With John McLean's guitar mastery adding depth, this event is a perfect blend of romantic ambiance and musical excellence.
Experience a night of love and jazz in one of Chicago's most iconic venues (which also happened to be right around the corner from our escape room!)
Galentine's Just Wanna Have Fun: Beyoncé, Whitney, Taylor & More at Teatro ZinZanni
Embrace the spirit of Galentine's Day at Teatro ZinZanni with a vibrant celebration of iconic female artists.
This event promises an exhilarating atmosphere, where you can sing along to a curated playlist of power anthems from stars like Beyoncé, Whitney Houston, and Taylor Swift.
It's an opportunity to let loose and revel in the empowering music, making it a perfect outing for you and your friends.
Love Struck - AirOtic Soirée
This immersive and sensual experience blends stunning aerial acrobatics with seductive performances, creating a unique celebration of love and fantasy.
Perfect for a February 14th date night, Love Struck invites you to indulge in interactive photo sessions, enjoy exquisite cocktails, and be enthralled by world-class acrobats in an intimate setting that promises to captivate and allure.
Some lesser-known Valentine’s Day attractions in Chicago
Not a fan of the madding crowd?
Prefer to plan your February 14th itinerary away from the top attractions in Chicago?
Looking for offbeat ideas on how to celebrate your relationship with your significant other?
We got you!
Here are some of the lesser-known and unique Valentine’s Day destinations in our city.
Myopic Books
Representational image.
For a book-loving couple, a visit to this bookstore on N Milwaukee Avenue would certainly make for an awesome ode to St. Valentine.
Inadvertently or otherwise, they’ve designed the layout so the store looks and feels like a maze, with stairs and walkways and piles of books.
The store is near the Wicker Park Farmers’ Market.
Website: Visit their website
Dusty Groove
Representational image.
Music-loving couples - especially those that like dabbling with old-school formats like vinyl records and/or listening to genres like jazz and soul - should find this a great spot to celebrate their love for each other.
In addition to records procured from within the United States, they also import from Europe.
No matter how rare the album you’re looking for is, there’s a good chance they’ll either have it or know how to get it for you.
Website: Visit their website
The Violet Hour
Representational image.
With a wooden mural that frequently changes as its facade, The Violet Hour is a great destination for couples that are selective about their libations.
With cocktails created by celebrated mixologist Toby Maloney and an interior that can be described as “ethereal”, this establishment can be an excellent place to drop in on Valentine’s Day.
Website: Visit their website
Wabash Arts Corridor
Representational image.
Are you and your partner lovers of street art? Then the Wabash Arts Corridor, an open-air ‘museum’ hosting some of Chicago’s best street art, should be a great place to celebrate your relationship.
When you bring up Chicago, most people think of places like the Mag Mile - but the Wabash Corridor can be just as interesting, displaying a whole different side of our city.
Website: Visit their website
Celebrating Valentine’s Day 2024 in Chicago - a final word
In conclusion, Chicago is full of exciting options for Valentine’s Day.
From concerts held in candlelight to dining while blindfolded, from teaming up to race the clock in an escape room to sharing a relaxing experience in a spa,...
And even offbeat activities like exploring an old bookstore to checking out our street art…
There’s something to meet every preference.
Start making your plans now - or you’ll find yourself scrambling to make plans on Tuesday, February 13th - and find that everywhere’s full!
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