Column: 6 ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Boston

Lily Cooper, news staff

February 12, 2025

Valentine’s Day: The only holiday that’s as divisive as a presidential election.

On one side, the smug happy couples celebrate their love with a romantic dinner, chocolates and flowers. On the other side, the singles watch bad rom-coms while they aggressively refresh their ex’s Instagram story.

But whether you’re celebrating a long-term relationship, losing your mind over a situationship or prioritizing friendship this year, there’s always an excuse to celebrate, and The Huntington News has you covered. Here are the best things to do around campus this Feb. 14.

Paint pottery at The Clayroom

Cost: $10 plus price of item painted, Accessibility: 7/10, Perfect for: couples, friend groups or just you!

The front of The Clayroom. (Margot Murphy)

The Clayroom, a pottery studio located in Brookline, is the perfect place to sit and chat with your date while you get creative. Drop in any day and pay a $10 studio fee plus the price of the item you paint (ranges from $10 to $50), or book a Valentine’s Day slot and enjoy an extended session with free champagne and charcuterie.

After you paint, explore the surrounding area of Coolidge Corner for thrifting and food, and make sure to stop by Brookline Booksmith, the neighborhood’s cute and cozy bookstore, to find the perfect Valentine’s Day romance read.

Watch a candlelight concert

Cost: $33 to $60, Accessibility: 8/10, Perfect for: couples

The Beacon Hill Quartet plays a candlelight concert in First Church. (Heidi Ho)

If you’re searching for an ultra-romantic date, look no further than a candlelight concert at the First Church in Cambridge. The next show is Feb. 21 and will be a tribute to Taylor Swift. If you’re not a Swiftie, don’t despair. Other upcoming shows include music from Antonio Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and a “90’s Unplugged” concert.

Soak up the sound of live classical music in soft candlelight while you take in the stunning architecture of the church, located just off of the Harvard stop on the Red Line.

Tickets start at around $35, depending on the show you choose to attend.

Celebrate “Galentine’s” with jewelry-making

Cost: $15 to $60, Accessibility: 7/10, Perfect for: friend groups

Signs line the outside of the Boston Public Market. (Jessica Xing)

If you’re more focused on hanging out with your gals this year, Oohjacquelina Jewelry in Boston Public Market has the perfect activity for you. Its Galentine’s Day Custom Jewelry Making event, taking place Feb. 14 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., invites you to design and make your own necklace, earrings or bracelet with prices starting at $15. After you’re done creating, take the opportunity to browse the market and grab food from one of the vendors.

Attend a comedy show

Cost: $10 to $15, Accessibility: 4/10 or 8/10, Perfect for: friend groups

The entrance to All She Wrote Books. (Elizabeth Scholl)

Another perfect Galentine’s event — Men in Comedy is hosting “Pulp: A Valentine’s Day Show” Feb. 14 from 8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. featuring “Boston’s funniest femme comics.” The show will be hosted at All She Wrote Books, “a queer feminist bookstore” in Somerville. It’s a slightly longer commute, but you can grab a ticket for just $10.

The first half of the event will be a comedy show, and the second half will be a poetry open mic, where audience members will have the opportunity to share their favorite love poems or song lyrics.

If you’re looking for something closer to home, head to Trident Booksellers & Cafe on Newbury Street for its “Laughing Through the Pain” relationship-themed standup night, hosted by Emily Goldstein and featuring five additional comics. The show will take place Feb. 15 at 7 p.m., and tickets are $11 if purchased online in advance or $15 in person.

The entrance to Trident Booksellers & Cafe. (David Martínez-Dimnet)

Catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Cost: $14, Accessibility: 5/10, Perfect for: couples, friend groups

The interior of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. (Jessica Xing)

For a new take on a classic date, check out the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Seaport. This new venue elevates the traditional “dinner and a movie” date with draft beers, delicious cocktails, milkshakes and a full food menu available to be ordered right to your seat.

Wave goodbye to stale Milk Duds and Red Vines, and enjoy the fried chicken sandwich, pizza or chopped kale salad as you watch. Of course, the theatre still has popcorn, which comes with five different topping options or, if you opt for butter — free refills.

Head to an Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash at Time Out Market

Cost: free, Accessibility: 8/10, Perfect for: friend groups

If all you really want to do this Valentine’s Day is scream into your pillow and watch “The Notebook” 15 times, I get it. But, if you’re willing to step outside, why not revel in your rage at the Anti-Valentine’s Day Bash hosted by Time Out Market Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. Entry is free, but you have to reserve a spot online. The party will feature a DJ, “fun, themed cocktails” and of course, you’ll be surrounded by the market’s 15 food vendors.

About the Contributors

Lily Cooper, Deputy Campus Editor

Lily Cooper is a third-year biochemistry major with a minor in journalism, and one of the deputy campus editors for The News. She has previously served as news staff, where she reported on the university’s planned expansion in the town of Nahant, the potential presence of asbestos in Northeastern buildings and other campus-related stories, and she is excited to continue covering similar issues.

Margot Murphy, Deputy Photo Editor

Excited to begin her second year, Margot Murphy is a journalism major with a psychology minor and is a deputy photo editor at The News. Her first year she worked as a staff member and photographer, competing in ballroom dancing on the side. Margot is looking forward to photographing events, chatting at print nights and meeting everyone. You can check out her work @murph.photo.

Heidi Ho, News Staff

Heidi Ho (high-dee-hoe) is a second-year student at Northeastern University pursuing a combined degree in public health and journalism. She is passionate about science, storytelling and social justice. In her free time, she can be seen at restaurants trying new cuisines, dancing or reading.

Elizabeth Scholl, Deputy Photo Editor

Elizabeth Scholl is a third-year pharmaceutical sciences major with a minor in business administration. She currently serves as one of the deputy photo editors for The News. Her favorite events to photograph include sports, concerts and anything The News needs last minute.

Jessica Xing, Photo Editor

Jessica Xing is a fourth-year graphic design major with a minor in journalism. This will be her fourth semester as photo editor, after having served as deputy photo editor and design editor. She is excited to continue working with photographers to create dynamic and engaging photos for The News in her final semester. You can follow her on Instagram @jessx.photo.