How to Celebrate Valentine’s Day: Events at Navy Pier, Chicago River, Pizzas and More
Valentine’s Day, known as Día de San Valentín in Spanish, is a holiday celebrated worldwide. It’s a day dedicated to love and affection, marked by exchanges of love notes, chocolates, gifts, and special events. In the city of Chicago, there are countless ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day, whether you plan on spending it with a loved one, friends, or family. Let’s explore some of the best ways to honor the day of love in the Windy City.
Navy Pier
Every year on Valentine’s Day, the iconic Navy Pier hosts a spectacular fireworks event, free for all to enjoy. The fireworks are set off from the Lake stage at 9:00 pm, creating a magical ambiance perfect for celebrating love.
Tea at the Ritz-Carlton
For those looking for a quieter and more elegant celebration, the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago offers a splendid tea evening filled with sweets, sandwiches, cakes, champagne, and more. Tickets are available at $85 per person and can be purchased on Tock.
Vinyl Party
If dancing is more your style, then the All Vinyl, Rare Soul event at the Heart of Chicago Soul Club is a must. Taking place from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am, DJs spin soul music, R&B, and psychedelic tunes from the 60s – all on vinyl. The venue, Hideout, charges an entry fee of $15.
Heart-Shaped Pizzas
Pizza lovers can celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped pizzas from two popular Chicago pizzerias, Lou Malnati’s and Bartoli’s Pizza. Whether you prefer thin crust or deep dish, these pizzerias have got you covered. Connie’s Pizza also offers heart-shaped pizzas throughout February for carryout or dine-in.
Chicago River Cruise
Another fun way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is by taking a cruise on the Chicago River. The Chicago Galentine’s Day cruise offers a brunch with mimosas from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Tickets are priced at $125.
Sweets and Treats
On Valentine’s Day, many eateries offer special desserts. Portillo’s beloved hot dog restaurant presents its famous chocolate cake in the shape of a heart. Rainbow Cone offers a buy one, get one free ice cream cone deal at all of its Illinois locations until February 16th. Voodoo Doughnut brings back heart-shaped artisanal donuts from February 11th to the 17th. Additionally, Garrett’s Popcorn Shops offers a special mix of white chocolate and strawberry popcorn in a seasonal pink can.
Special Deals
Many restaurants and food chains offer special deals for Valentine’s Day. Chick-fil-A has heart-shaped trays with nuggets or brownies. Shake Shack has a buy one, get one free deal on SmokeShack burgers. Subway is offering a buy one, get one free deal on foot-long sandwiches. Chipotle also has a buy one, get one free deal on burritos with a $20 or more purchase from GrubHub on February 14th.
Whether you choose to spend Valentine’s Day watching fireworks, enjoying a quiet evening of tea, dancing the night away, having pizza, or taking advantage of special food deals, what matters most is that you spend it with the people you love. After all, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love in all its forms. Happy Valentine’s Day, Chicago!