If you didn’t think Philadelphia would go all-out for Valentine’s Day, you’d be sorely mistaken. (It is called the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection, after all.)
Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year, which gives you an excuse to spread the love all throughout the week. Whether you’re single, coupled or want to celebrate with a group, the Greater Philadelphia area is rife with events that’ll make your heart swell.
Skate with your sweetheart at Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest or scream your heart out at the special Valentine’s-themed Lincoln Mill Haunted House. Get crafty with couples screenprinting at The Fabric Workshop and Museum or enjoy a romantic dinner cruise at Penn’s Landing. And folks looking for laughs can see a totally improvised rom-com courtesy of the comedians at Play & Players Theatre.
Read on for the special events, activities and places to check out on and around Valentine’s Day in Philadelphia for 2023.
Through Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Jumpstart the season of love with that special someone by absolutely embarrassing them on the mini-golf course. Franklin Square’s putt putt course — dotted with recreations of iconic Philly landmarks — undergoes a romantic makeover this month with special Valentine’s Day lighting, décor and music. Make it interesting: Loser buys Cake Shakes at the on-site Square Burger.
Where: Franklin Square, 200 N. 6th Street
Skip the cheesy flicks at home and watch a never-before-seen and never-to-be-seen-again romantic comedy performed right before your eyes. The comedians of Not Yet Rated take all the common tropes of rom-coms to create a totally new story on the spot. Take that, Hollywood.
Where: Plays & Players Theatre, 1714 Delancey Place
What would you do for love? Enjoy a complimentary “love potion” cocktail as a young Betsy Ross tells a story of true love — and how her illicit marriage upended her Quaker community. Tipsy History wraps up with a tour of the Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag. Advance ticket purchase is required.
Where: Betsy Ross House, 239 Arch Street
The folks at New Hope’s Peddler’s Village give themselves up to the powers of Cupid for a weekend of special deals and treats. Don’t miss delicious specials at Earl’s New American and Cock ‘n Bull. Plus, enjoy shop discounts, live entertainment and Galentine’s Day Happy Hour.
Where: Peddlers Village, 100 Peddlers Village, New Hope
February 11, 2023 | 6:15, 8 & 9 p.m.
All’s fair in love and horror. With only a candle and your sanity, brave the pitch-black corridors of the Lincoln Mill Haunted House and learn the legend of Viktor’s Valentine. The event tells the story of the mill’s sinister owner, whose reign of terror ended February 14, 1939, when one of his admirers decided they should be together — permanently. Ghosts and other terrifying “inhabitants” guarantee you a date to remember.
Where: Lincoln Mill Haunted House, 4100 Main Street
The Cure, Psychedelic Furs, Tears For Fears. Plenty of great love (and heartbreak) songs were written in the New Wave era of the ‘80s. Come dance your heart out to it all at Manatawny Still Works’ Pottstown location, complete with sweet treats, throwback Polaroids and a special menu of Valentine’s Day-themed cocktails.
Where: Manatawny Still Works, 320 Circle of Progress Drive, Pottstown
With tunes like I’ll Make Love To You and On Bended Knee, Philly’s hometown heroes of R&B ballads Boyz II Men perform a romantic weekend show for all the lovers. While you’re on North Broad, grab a pre-show dinner and drink at SOUTH.
Where: The Met Philadelphia, 858 N. Broad Street
Step back to the turn of the century for an hour-long romantic train trip through Bucks County’s foothills. Step aboard the first class parlor car, nibble on sweet and savory charcuterie with your sweetie, and wash it down with a wine, beer or whiskey flight.
Where: New Hope Railroad, 32 W. Bridge Street, New Hope
February 11-12 & 14, 2023
Treat your valentine to a moonlit banquet on the water on City Cruises Philadelphia’s Valentine’s Signature Dinner Cruise. On offer: a full dinner and dessert buffet, an onboard DJ and, of course, nighttime views of the exceptional Philly skyline. Upgrade your cruise with packages that include roses, sparkling wine and souvenir champagne flutes. That’s amore!
Where: City Cruises Philadelphia, 401 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
February 12 & 18, 2023
Even death didn’t stop the stories of these lovers. Laurel Hill Cemetery hosts two loved-themed tours of the grounds to honor the holiday, starting with a Love Stories of Laurel Hill walking tour (February 12, 2023), where guests get to visit the final resting places of romantics buried on the grounds and hear their tales. The following weekend, tourgoers can learn about love gone wrong during the All Thorns, No Roses tour at West Laurel Hill Cemetery (February 18, 2023).
Where: Laurel Hill Cemetery, 3822 Ridge Avenue
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West Laurel Hill Cemetery, 225 Belmont Avenue, Bala Cynwyd
Be under no illusion: Valentine’s Day is for everyone! Mesmerize your favorite person with mind-bending exhibits at the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia. On Galentine’s Day (February 13, 2023), expect complimentary wine and sparkling juice, and for Valentine’s Day (February 14, 2023), the museum offers a two-for-one special on all tickets.
Where: Museum of Illusions Philadelphia, 401 Market Street
Challenge your beloved to a round of indoor mini-golf at this singular Valentine’s Day event in Francisville. Donut holes, spring rolls and stir fry pair nicely with the spot’s nine-hole course. Fore!
Where: Libertee Grounds, 1600 W. Girard Avenue
When your date asked you to get creative, this is exactly what they meant. Inspired by the work of Betye Saar, Pillow Talk at The Fabric Workshop and Museum teaches attendees how to screenprint their own pillowcases using expressive printmaking techniques. Wine and light refreshments are on offer and advance registration is encouraged.
Where: The Fabric Workshop and Museum, 1214 Arch Street
February 14, 2023 | 6:30 & 8 p.m.
Love is at the heart of this mosaicked space. Hear the love story of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens creator Isaiah Zagar and his wife Julia during this tour, which also touches on other romantic details of the only-in-Philly indoor/outdoor gallery.
Where: Philadelphia's Magic Gardens, 1020 South Street
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is open all season long for skating, lodge lounging and games, but the Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Skate provides the ultimate couples-skating experience, including admission, ice-skate rental, a rose, a keepsake photo and a live DJ. (Plus, all that chill air will give you plenty of reasons to warm up by the firepit.)
Where: Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, 101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Alterra Productions is celebrating every form of love with a risqué Valentine’s Day Variety Show. Experience circus acts, drag, burlesque, live music, and much more. This is an 18-plus event, and ID and proof of vaccination are required, with ticket discounts available for students.
Where: Alterra Productions The Cube™, 4700 Wissahickon Avenue
For 90 minutes at this Fishtown comedy club, comedians wax poetic about their most cringeworthy romantic encounters, breaking barriers about sex, relationships and dating taboos.
Where: Punch Line Philly, 33 W. Laurel Street
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
A guide to dates for foodies, adventurers, history buffs and more...