Valentine's Day is the day to celebrate love, whether that means a romantic dinner, a handwritten card, or a box of chocolates for your best friends. Restaurants book up fast and flowers sell out, so this live countdown helps you plan ahead for February 14.
Valentine's Day at a glance
- Next date
- Sunday, February 14, 2027
- Day of the week
- Sunday
- How the date is set
- Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14
- Category
- Holidays
Valentine's Day dates for the next 5 years
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 | Sunday | |
| 2028 | Monday | |
| 2029 | Wednesday | |
| 2030 | Thursday | |
| 2031 | Friday |
The story behind Valentine's Day
The holiday is named after Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr from the Roman era, although historians are not sure which of several early saints with that name it honors. The link between February 14 and romantic love came much later, in the 14th century, when the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote about birds choosing their mates on Saint Valentine's Day.
By the 1700s, friends and lovers in England were exchanging handwritten notes and small gifts. In the United States, Esther Howland began selling mass-produced valentine cards in the 1840s, helping turn the day into the card-giving holiday we know today.
How people celebrate
Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days of the year for flowers, chocolate, and greeting cards, and red roses are the classic gift. Couples often go out for dinner, while schoolchildren swap cards with their whole class.
Many people also celebrate "Galentine's Day" with friends, or simply use the day to show appreciation for the people they love, partners or not.
Plan ahead
Popular restaurants often take Valentine's Day reservations weeks in advance, and flower prices rise as February 14 approaches. Booking dinner and ordering flowers or gifts two to three weeks ahead gives you the most options.
Frequently asked questions
When is Valentine's Day 2027?
Valentine's Day 2027 is on Sunday, February 14, 2027. Valentine's Day is celebrated every year on February 14.
How many days until Valentine's Day?
The live countdown at the top of this page shows exactly how many days, hours, minutes, and seconds are left until Valentine's Day, calculated for your local time zone.
Is Valentine's Day always on February 14?
Yes. Valentine's Day falls on February 14 every year, no matter which day of the week it is.
Is Valentine's Day a federal holiday?
No. Valentine's Day is not a federal holiday, so schools, banks, and businesses keep their normal schedules.