Top things to do for Valentines Day in Chicago

Valentine's Day in Chicago offers a plethora of activities catering to diverse interests and budgets. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you plan a memorable celebration in 2025:


  1. Romantic dining experiences
  2. Unique events and activities
  3. Entertainment and shows
  4. Cruises and scenic views
  5. Creative workshops
  6. Romantic getaways
  7. Outdoor activities
  8. Live music and performances
  9. Culinary Delights
  10. Budget friendly options
  • Le Colonial (Gold Coast): Celebrate in this charming French-Vietnamese restaurant with its lush, vintage-inspired decor and flavorful, exotic dishes.
  • Mon Ami Gabi (Lincoln Park): Enjoy a classic French bistro experience with dishes like steak frites and escargot paired with fine wines.
  • Piccolo Sogno (West Town): This romantic Italian eatery offers house-made pasta and an extensive wine list in a cozy setting, complete with a dreamy indoor patio.

Unique Events and Activities

  • Valentine's Day "Dirty Dancing" Class: Duet Dance Studio offers a fun and interactive dance class inspired by the classic film, allowing couples to learn iconic moves together.
  • Candlelight Concerts: Experience a romantic evening with classical music performances by candlelight at venues like Salvage One, featuring pieces from renowned composers.
  • Eataly's Valentine's Day Festa: On February 13, indulge in a tasting event featuring over 10 stations and regional Italian wines, providing a delightful culinary journey.

Entertainment and Shows


Cruises and Scenic Views

  • City Cruises Chicago: Choose from various Valentine's Day cruises, including the Premier Plus Dinner Cruise and Galentine's Brunch Cruise, offering dining with panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline

Creative Workshops


Romantic Getaways

  • Sophy Hotel Hyde Park: The "Love Luvv Bubbles & Brunch" package includes a dreamy brunch for two and a bottle of champagne, perfect for a romantic escape.
  • The Gwen: Their "Love in the Windy City" package offers late checkout, a $50 dining credit, and prosecco at check-in, ensuring a luxurious stay.

outdoor activities

  • Ice Skating at Millennium Park: Embrace the winter season by ice skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, offering a picturesque setting beneath the city's skyline.
  • Lincoln Park & Gangster Tour: Explore Chicago's rich history with a guided tour through Lincoln Park, delving into tales of the city's infamous past.

Live Music and Performances


  • Moody Tongue: This establishment offers two options for celebrating Valentine's Day, featuring a hyper-seasonal menu in an intimate setting.
  • Barilla's Heart-Shaped Pasta: For a cozy night in, consider cooking with Barilla's limited-edition heart-shaped pasta, adding a romantic touch to your homemade meal.

Budget-Friendly Option

  • DIY Valentine's Day Baskets: Create personalized gift baskets using affordable items from stores like Dollar Tree and Walmart, inspired by viral trends.
  • Chick-fil-A Heart-Shaped Trays: From January 27 to February 22, Chick-fil-A offers heart-shaped trays filled with nuggets, Chick-n-Minis, brownies, or cookies, providing a festive and budget-friendly meal option.