Valentine’s Day is today, which means it’s important to lock down plans for the perfect night of romance. If the love between you and your other half has only flourished during some of the most restrained, anxiety-inducing years in recent history, congratulations. Of the nearly 8 billion people currently orbiting the sun, it sounds like you’ve found a keeper and that is a reason to celebrate.
If there’s a new flame in your life then congratulations all the same, here’s to a brighter future!
Chicago is full to the brim with heart-fluttering activities and there are many ways to celebrate your relationship this year despite restrictions and closures. Here are some of the most romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Chicago.
1. Marvel at the magic of a candlelit concert
There are few things that pull at the heartstrings with more power than live music in its purest form. Add to that the tender flicker of one hundred candles and the charm of the iconic spellbinding concert series returns to Chicago this February for a series of romantic Candlelight Valentine’s Day specials and they present the perfect night of romance.
Enjoy some of history’s greatest love songs played out masterfully in front of your eyes as the gentle flicker of flames dance around you and the strings soothe and swoon you. Worry not, the candles are fireproof, so the only sparks flying will be the metaphorical sparks between you and that special someone. These romantic concerts might not fall on actual Valentine’s Day, but they make the perfect gift.
Grab tickets to the Valentine’s Day Candlelight concert here.
2. Enjoy a meal blind-folded at Dining in the Dark
Take your date night to the next level, tempting your senses with dark surroundings to focus on more important things like the delicious three-course meal and wine pairing you’re about to have at Hubbard Inn.
This unique experience allows diners to choose vegan, seafood, or red meat options, enjoying a starter, main entree, and dessert– all in the dark! Upon arrival, guests are provided with disposable blindfolds, and a guide will lead guests over to the dining environment. Lit by the gentle glow of candlelight, you and your date will enjoy your meal in an exciting atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.
Grab tickets to Dining in the Dark here.
3. Enjoy a spectacular cabaret show at a hidden speakeasy
Valentin’s Day just got a little sexier at The Grand Cabaret’s series of tempting burlesque and drag performances. Sure to head up your Valentine’s Day, experience a tantalizing spectacle of top-rated Grand Cabaret shows taking place in a hidden back room.
Prepare for an elegant evening of vintage cabaret, with live music by Chris Ussery Trio, performing everything from classic and contemporary jazz to bluegrass and country. Taking place in the West Loop’s Porkchop restaurant at 1132 West Grand Avenue, the experience also includes a delectable pre-fixe three-course dinner to round out the unforgettable night.
4. Discover the hundreds of love stories that took place in Chicago throughout history
If you’re keen to go out and about despite the winter weather and your love for Chicago is bettered only by your love for your other half, this might be the perfect date for you.
On this exclusive tour, you will visit the most romantic places in the city together with a professional local guide who will tell you about love stories hidden in the streets, buildings, and parks of the city whilst explaining the best places for dates and where to take the most romantic photos.
You will be surprised how many historical anecdotes exist within the makeup of the Windy City. From heartbreaking and tragic tales to hilarious and spicy sagas. The Guided Tour “Love Stories of Chicago” is a surefire way to have the romance resonating between you and your partner.
Grab tickets here.
5. Relax and unwind at AIRE’s Ancient Baths
There is simply no better place in Chicago for some rest and relaxation than AIRE’s Ancient Baths and this Valentine’s Day they are offering exclusive Couples Specials that are perfect for the most romantic day of the year.
Located in a restored historic River West factory dating back to 1902, the baths are inspired by the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman ancient experience of bathing. This preserved structure has been restored to its original splendor and you can now find optimum relaxation within the exposed brick, wooden beams, and industrial columns of the building.
The unique body and mind experience offers baths of different temperatures, relaxing massages, and couples experiences. It’s almost impossible for anything to go wrong at a place where all stress and pressure evaporates into thin air!
Head over to beaire.com for more or check out other incredible spas here.
6. Fall in love surrounded by amazing aquatic animals
On the topic of aqua-related activities, the Shedd aquarium offers a brilliant chance to enjoy extraordinary exhibits in a magical atmosphere. There is something so soothing about aquariums and they have actually been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Watching fish can lower blood pressure similar to meditation and consequently makes for a relaxed, no-fuss date.
To make it an even more enticing activity this Valentine’s Day, the beloved aquarium has announced weeks of free admission beginning Monday, February 7th, and Monday, February 14th with free admission for Illinois residents from Monday to Friday both weeks including Valentine’s Day!
You can also treat your other half to some romantic virtual encounters like the sea lion kiss, or a number of other Valentine’s Day gifts perfect for aquatic animal lovers.
7. Go for a classic date night with dinner & a movie
The age-old recipe for romance just doesn’t fail. A meal and movie night is always a winner and there has never been a better time to go to the movies after these turbulent years. Book tickets to a showing, watch that screen light up filling you both with excitement, and snuggle up for a cinematic experience like days of old.
You can find an array of wonderful flicks at exclusively low prices by downloading the Fever app.
8. Hold hands on the romantic ice skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
Ice skating in Maggie Daley Park is one of Chicago’s most beloved winter-time activities but it can also offer a guaranteed night of romance for long-term couples and blossoming romances in equal measure. There is something extra special about gliding around the quarter-mile winding ribbon of ice with the city skyline in the backdrop and the stars above. Whether you’re showing off your skills or hysterically struggling to stay on your feet, you can be sure you and your special someone will be having fun.
9. Head to the rooftops for a snazzy drink and dinner
Of all the social spots and watering holes across Chicago, it’s up among the rooftops where the most romantic nights can be had. When indoor dining was off the table, many hotels, bars, and restaurants winterized their outdoor spaces providing wonderful winter wonderland setups up among the Chicago skyline. This year many of these inaugural experiences are returning and you’ll struggle to find a more memorable Chicago evening than one spent sipping cocktails under the stars.
You’ll find rentable igloos and winter decor at both River North’s verdant Joy District rooftop and the lavish Godfey Hotel rooftop. Meanwhile, London House Chicago offers stunning vistas of the Chicago River and Michigan Avenue and Cindy’s Rooftop in the Loop has sweeping panoramic views of Millennium Park.
10. Share a heart-shaped pizza with the one you love
If you’re at that stage where you can happily tuck into some fast food without a care in the world these famous heart-shaped, deep dish pizzas are the perfect way to literally eat your heart out. You can find delicious heart-shaped pizzas at Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s, My Pi Pizza, Eataly, and many other pizza restaurants in Chicago. Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Chicago way by slicing into cheesy heaven!
11. Peruse the many magnificent murals only found in Chicago
If you and your other half are interested in street art wrapping up warm and embarking on a scavenger hunt of Chicago’s best murals is another wonderful Valentine’s activity. This is an activity that will have you lost for words but never lost for conversation.
The caliber of street art in Chicago is constantly astounding and the latest masterpieces to have gone up in Chicago over the past year are even more poignant than ever before. Murals we saw emerge in recent years have become important in helping to fight for racial equality, celebrate different heritages, and honor the essential workers of our societies. They’ve now embedded themselves in the fabric of our city and offer an insightful, intimate, and interesting experience. Wrap up warm, research some of the backstories of the most famous murals, and take your pick.
Check out Chicago’s 25 must-see street art murals here.
Looking for more date ideas? Browse Valentine’s Day plans here.
[Featured image from Pexels]