Valentine's Day 2026 in the United States

Valentine’s Day is observed on February 14 as a time to acknowledge love and affection in many forms. The observance is widely celebrated with cards, gifts, and other thoughtful gestures.

Is Valentine's Day a Public Holiday?

Even though Valentine's Day falls on Saturday, February 14, 2026, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in United States.

When Is Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day—often called St. Valentine’s Day or Saint Valentine’s Day—is celebrated annually on February 14 in the United States and many other countries.

What Is Valentine’s Day About?

In the US, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love and affection shared among romantic partners, family members, friends, and other loved ones.

Today, the holiday is largely secular in nature. It is strongly associated with romantic love and the exchange of Valentine’s Day cards and gifts.

How Do People Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the US?

• Romantic gestures: Many couples celebrate with romantic dinners, weekend getaways, or the exchange of traditional Valentine’s Day gifts, such as roses, a box of chocolates, jewelry, or Valentine’s Day cards. It is also a popular time for marriage proposals and loving gestures toward a significant other.
• School activities: In elementary schools, children often exchange handmade cards and candy. These classroom activities focus on inclusiveness, friendship, and fun, rather than romance.
• Celebrations of friendship: Beyond romantic relationships, some people choose to celebrate friendships. Events like Galentine’s Day (February 13) highlight platonic relationships—especially among women. Themes of self-care, mindfulness, and personal well-being are also gaining in popularity.

A Brief History of Valentine’s Day

The holiday’s origins may be traced back to at least two figures named Valentine, including Saint Valentine of Rome—a Roman priest—and Saint Valentine of Terni, both believed to have been executed in the third century under Emperor Claudius II. According to legend, Valentine sent a note to his jailer’s daughter, signed “From your Valentine,” inspiring a phrase still used today.

Some claim that Pope Gelasius I replaced the Roman festival of Lupercalia with a Christian feast day in the 5th century, but historians generally note that there is no strong evidence directly linking the two.

In the Middle Ages, writers like Geoffrey Chaucer helped link Valentine’s Day with romantic love, notably in works such as The Parliament of Fowls. The tradition is also reflected in the writings of the French Duke of Orléans, who famously penned Valentine messages to his wife while imprisoned in the Tower of London.

In the 19th century, Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts—sometimes referred to as the creator of the American Valentine—popularized decorative Valentine’s Day cards in the US, laying the foundation for today’s thriving card and gift industry.

Symbols of Valentine’s Day

• Hearts: The classic symbol of love and affection.
• Cupid: The Roman god of love, often depicted with a bow and arrow.
• Roses: Especially red roses, symbolizing love, romance, and passion.
• Chocolates: Often presented in heart-shaped boxes.

These symbols appear widely in advertising, seasonal décor, and merchandise, especially from brands like Hallmark, which helped popularize modern Valentine’s Day traditions.

About Valentine's Day in Other Countries

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.