Valentine's Day 2026 Date and Week Calendar

In 2026, the Valentine's Week "Season of Love" offers a unique scheduling perk: the week begins on a Saturday (Rose Day) and concludes on a Saturday (Valentine's Day), making it a weekend-heavy celebration. This provides two full weekends for celebrations, making it the perfect year for getaways or extended quality time.

Why February 14? The History Behind the Valentine's Day Date

The reason Valentine’s Day is permanently marked on February 14 is rooted in both ancient history and legend, commemorating the execution of St. Valentine, a Roman priest, around 270 AD. According to popular lore, Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage for young soldiers, believing that single men made better warriors. Valentine defied this decree by performing secret weddings for lovers, which eventually led to his imprisonment and beheading on February 14. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I established the Feast of Saint Valentine on this date, likely to overshadow the pagan fertility festival of Lupercalia. However, the day didn't become associated with romantic love until the 14th century, when English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote that February 14 was the day "every bird cometh to choose his mate," transforming a martyr's remembrance into the global celebration of romance we know today.

Here is your in-depth guide to: When is Valentine's Day in 2026, the significance, activities, and gifting strategies for each day of Valentine's Week 2026.

When is Valentine's Day? Valentine's Week 2026 Calendar:

Note: "Galentine’s Day," a popular trend celebrating female friendship, is often observed on February 13 (Friday).

Valentine's Week Day-by-Day Guide: Significance, Activities & Gifts

Feb 7: Rose Day (Saturday)

Significance: The week begins with the classic symbol of love. The color of the rose sets the tone for the relationship you wish to pursue or celebrate.

• Red: Passion and romantic love.
• Yellow: Friendship and joy.
• Pink: Admiration and grace (great for crushes).
• White: New beginnings or peace.

What to Do: Since this falls on a Saturday, do not just hand over a rose. Visit a botanical garden or a flower show. If you are staying in, create a "rose petal pathway" leading to a breakfast-in-bed setup.

Gift Idea: A "Forever Rose" (preserved rose in a glass dome) that lasts a year, symbolizing enduring affection, or a potted miniature rose plant for sustainability.

Feb 8: Propose Day (Sunday)

Significance: This is the day to confess feelings or move a relationship to the next level. It doesn't always have to be a marriage proposal; it can be asking someone to be your boyfriend/girlfriend or simply renewing vows.

What to Do: Use the Sunday to plan a "sunset proposal." Take a drive to a scenic viewpoint. If you are already married, write a letter "proposing" a new adventure you want to take together in 2026.

Gift Idea: A promise ring, a personalized "Will you be mine?" puzzle, or a scrapbook documenting your journey so far with the final page asking the big question.

Feb 9: Chocolate Day (Monday)

Significance: A celebration of the sweetness in your relationship. It’s a stress-buster for the start of the work week.

What to Do: Host a mini chocolate-tasting session at home after work. Buy 3-4 exotic chocolate bars (e.g., chili, sea salt, high cocoa %) and rate them together.

Gift Idea: A custom chocolate box with messages printed on the wrappers, or a "chocolate bouquet" where Ferrero Rocher or Lindt balls are arranged like flowers.

Feb 10: Teddy Day (Tuesday)

Significance: This day represents comfort, warmth, and the playful side of love. It reminds your partner that you are there to comfort them.

What to Do: Watch a comforting, nostalgic movie (like a Disney or Studio Ghibli film) together. If you are long-distance, send a "care package" that arrives on this day.

Gift Idea: Move beyond the generic store-bought bear. Gift a weighted plushie (for anxiety relief and comfort) or a custom plush that looks like their pet.

Feb 11: Promise Day (Wednesday)

Significance: The most serious day of the week, dedicated to making commitments, big or small, that strengthen the relationship's foundation.

What to Do: Write down three promises to each other on nice stationery and seal them in a "time capsule" (or a simple jar) to be opened on Valentine's Day 2027.

Gift Idea: Engraved jewelry (bracelets with coordinates of where you met) or a "Cheque Book" of coupons (e.g., "Promise to do the dishes tonight," "Promise to listen without fixing it").

Feb 12: Hug Day (Thursday)

Significance: Physical touch is a powerful love language. A hug releases oxytocin, reducing stress and increasing trust.

What to Do: Adhere to the "20-Second Hug" rule. Science suggests a hug lasting 20 seconds maximizes the bonding hormone. Make a conscious effort to hug your partner immediately upon seeing them.

Gift Idea: A high-quality weighted blanket, a cozy oversized hoodie ("wearable hug"), or a spa voucher for a massage.

Feb 13: Kiss Day (Friday)

Significance: Celebrates intimacy and passion. Note: This is also widely celebrated as Galentine’s Day, a time for women to celebrate their female friendships.

What to Do: For Couples - A romantic dinner date to kick off the weekend. For Friends - A "Pal-entine’s" pizza and wine night.

Gift Idea: High-end lip care (balms, scrubs, or lipstick) or a framed print of a soundwave recorded from a voice note saying "I love you."

Feb 14: Valentine's Day (Saturday)

Significance: The global celebration of love.

What to Do: Since it is a Saturday, you have the luxury of an all-day celebration.

• Morning: Couples' yoga or a hike.
• Afternoon: A pottery workshop or cooking class (making something together).
• Evening: A candlelit dinner. Avoid the crowded restaurants by hiring a private chef for a few hours or cooking a luxury meal (steak, lobster, truffle pasta) at home.

Gift Idea: For Him: Tech gadgets (noise-canceling headphones), a cologne he loves but won't buy for himself, or a leather weekender bag.

For Her: Tech gadgets (noise-canceling headphones) for her too. Fine jewelry, a designer handbag, or an "experience gift" (concert tickets or flight vouchers).

Personalized: A star map showing the alignment on the night you met.

Post-Valentine's: The "Anti-Valentine's" Week

For those who prefer humor or are healing from heartbreak, the week immediately following is also observed as Anti-Valentine's Week:

• Feb 15: Slap Day
• Feb 16: Kick Day
• Feb 17: Perfume Day
• Feb 18: Flirt Day
• Feb 19: Confession Day
• Feb 20: Missing Day
• Feb 21: Breakup Day

Valentine’s Week 2026 is rare in its perfect alignment with the calendar, starting and ending on a Saturday. This "weekend-to-weekend" structure offers a unique opportunity to slow down and savor every moment, rather than rushing through celebrations after a long workday. Whether you are in a long-term relationship, navigating a new romance, or celebrating self-love, use this week not just for gifting, but for creating intentional memories. Ultimately, the price tag on the gift matters far less than the thought behind the gesture and the time spent together.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 22, 2026 12:44 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).