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Valentine’s Day in New York City goes far beyond dinner reservations and dozen-rose clichés. From Broadway shows and live concerts to skyline views, immersive art, pop-up dining, and citywide celebrations of love, NYC offers countless ways to mark the occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, friends, or simply embracing the energy of the city, this guide brings together the best Valentine’s Day events and experiences happening across New York on February 13 and 14, 2026, all in one place.
Where: Times Square, with ceremonies on Duffy Square (Red Steps)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: Valentine’s Day in Times Square transforms the city’s most iconic crossroads into a public celebration of love, connection, and commitment. From surprise proposals displayed on towering digital billboards to weddings and vow renewals in front of a live crowd, the event captures the energy and emotion of New York at its most romantic and expressive.
Good to know: Participation in surprise proposals, weddings, and the vow renewal ceremony requires advance registration and selection. Event concludes early in the evening, leaving time for dinner reservations or a Broadway show afterward. Viewing the festivities in Times Square is free and open to the public.
Where: Restaurants across Manhattan and beyond
When: Valentine's Day Weekend
Why go: Valentine’s Day dining in New York City spans everything from cool, intimate neighborhood spots to grand, high-luxury rooms designed for a true occasion. Whether you’re planning something relaxed and stylish or going all in on a once-a-year splurge, the city’s restaurant scene offers no shortage of memorable ways to celebrate over a great meal.
Good to know: Valentine’s Day reservations tend to book well in advance, especially for prix-fixe menus and tasting experiences. Many restaurants offer limited seatings or special menus for the evening, so confirming timing, cancellation policies, and menu details ahead of time is recommended.
Where: Broadway theaters across New York City
When: Valentine's Day Weekend
Why go: A Broadway show is a classic New York way to spend Valentine’s Day, offering everything from sweeping romance and big spectacle to comedy, nostalgia, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening or celebrating with friends, Broadway offers an experience that feels special, immersive, and worth dressing up for.
Broadway Shows to See on Valentine’s Day
Moulin Rouge! The Musical
A high-energy stage adaptation of the film, set in turn-of-the-century Paris and featuring bold choreography, lavish costumes, and a pop-driven score woven into a dramatic love story.
Wicked
A reimagining of The Wizard of Oz told from the witches’ perspective, exploring friendship, power, and identity through soaring songs and spectacle.
The Lion King
Disney’s animated classic brought to life on stage with inventive puppetry, striking visuals, and a score blending pop and African-inspired music.
Death Becomes Her
A dark comedy based on the cult film, following rivalry, vanity, and immortality with exaggerated humor and musical flair.
Aladdin
A stage adaptation of the Disney film featuring lavish sets, comic moments, and classic songs centered around adventure and romance.
Little Shop of Horrors
A quirky musical comedy about a florist, a mysterious plant, and ambition gone wrong, blending humor, horror, and doo-wop–inspired music.
Hamilton: An American Musical
A groundbreaking musical that tells the story of Alexander Hamilton through a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes.
Chicago
A jazz-infused musical set in the 1920s, centered on fame, scandal, and crime within the world of vaudeville and the press.
MJ: The Musical
A behind-the-scenes look at Michael Jackson’s creative process, built around his music, choreography, and legacy.
The Great Gatsby
An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, capturing the glamour, ambition, and emotional undercurrents of the Jazz Age.
& Juliet
A pop-driven musical that imagines an alternate future for Juliet, set to contemporary hits with a modern, playful tone.
Good to know: Broadway showtimes vary by production, and most theaters recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before curtain. Performances on popular dates can sell out quickly.
Where: Observation decks and skyline experiences across Manhattan
When: Valentine's Day Weekend
Why go: Few experiences capture New York quite like seeing it from above. From outdoor sky decks and glass floors to immersive art installations and classic observatories, these viewpoints offer unforgettable perspectives of the city skyline, day or night.
NYC Viewpoints to Experience
Edge at Hudson Yards – Sunset VIP Admission
Celebrate NYC at sunset with champagne. A dramatic sky deck more than 1,100 feet above Manhattan, featuring angled glass walls, a glass floor, outdoor seating, and sweeping skyline views.
Empire State Building Observatory – 86th & 102nd Floors
A classic New York experience offering open-air and enclosed observation decks with panoramic views stretching across all five boroughs.
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt
A multi-sensory experience combining mirrored installations, contemporary art, and expansive city views high above Midtown Manhattan.
VIP Top of the Rock Pass
A premium visit to Rockefeller Center’s observation deck with priority entry, VIP Lounge access, and a guided experience to the top. Highlights include The Beam photo experience, panoramic skyline views, and an included photo package.
Good to know: Timed entry is common, and sunset hours often sell out in advance. Some experiences include outdoor areas, glass floors, or immersive elements.
Where: Museums and cultural institutions across Manhattan
When: Valentine's Day Weekend
Why go: New York City’s museums offer everything from immersive digital art and iconic masterpieces to playful, interactive exhibits and late-night experiences. Whether you’re looking to explore something classic or discover something unexpected, a museum visit is an easy way to spend a few inspired hours in the city.
Museums & Exhibitions to Explore
ARTE MUSEUM New York
An immersive media art exhibition featuring large-scale digital installations inspired by nature, layered soundscapes, and custom-created scents, followed by a tea and media art experience at ARTE CAFE.
American Museum of Natural History
A legendary museum showcasing everything from dinosaur fossils and space exploration to biodiversity and human history across expansive exhibition halls.
Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
One of the world’s most influential modern art museums, home to an extensive collection spanning painting, sculpture, photography, design, film, and architecture.
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
An architectural landmark designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, featuring rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art displayed along its iconic spiral ramp.
Museum of Sex
An interactive museum exploring the history and cultural impact of human sexuality, including the multi-floor “Super Funland” installation with games, exhibits, and immersive experiences.
Museum of Ice Cream New York
A playful, multi-sensory attraction featuring themed rooms, interactive installations, sweet treats, and colorful photo opportunities.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Griffins, Goblets, and Gold: A Magical Arts Tour
A themed guided experience through The Met highlighting artworks inspired by mythology, fantasy, and magical symbolism within the museum’s vast collection.
Good to know: Many museums use timed-entry tickets, especially on busy dates. Hours, age requirements, and special exhibitions vary by venue, so advance booking is recommended.
Where: Brooklyn Bowl (61 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11249)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: This special Valentine’s Day performance by The Roots blends hip-hop, soul, jazz, and funk into a live show built around groove-heavy classics and slow jams. Known as one of the greatest live bands in hip-hop, The Roots bring their signature musicianship and improvisational energy to an intimate venue, making this concert feel both celebratory and deeply rooted in musical craft.
Good to know: Brooklyn Bowl combines a concert venue with a relaxed, social atmosphere. Arriving early allows time to settle in and enjoy the venue before the set begins.
Where: Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10019)
When: Friday, February 13, 2026
Why go: This Valentine’s weekend concert brings the timeless sound of R&B to Carnegie Hall, performed by The New York Pops under the direction of Steven Reineke. Featuring a soulful lineup of love songs and anthems made famous by artists like Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Prince, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey, the program blends romance, nostalgia, and powerful vocals in a grand concert-hall setting.
Good to know: The performance runs approximately two and a half hours, including one 20-minute intermission. Guest artists include Aisha Jackson and Avery Wilson.
Where: Pier 36 NYC (299 South Street, New York, NY 10002)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: This Valentine’s Day dinner cruise offers a classic New York experience with a romantic twist. Sailing past the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, and the illuminated Manhattan skyline, the evening combines a refined five-course plated dinner, live music, and an open bar in a polished, upscale setting.
Good to know: Tickets include a three-hour cruise. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to allow time for boarding at Pier 36 NYC.
Where: Pearl Studios NYC (500 8th Avenue, 3rd Floor, Manhattan, NY 10018)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: This Valentine’s Day tango party is a fun, interactive way to celebrate romance through movement, music, and wine. Designed for both first-timers and experienced dancers, the evening blends a guided tango class with live performances and Argentinian wine, creating a relaxed yet intimate atmosphere.
Good to know:
The experience lasts approximately two hours and is for ages 18 and up with valid ID. Each couple receives a gift voucher toward future tango classes at the school.
Where: 420 West 203rd Street, New York, NY 10034
When: Friday, February 13, 2026
Why go: This intimate Valentine’s pop-up dinner pairs bold, expressive cuisine by award-winning Kelvin Fernandez with live music from Latin recording artist Grizel Del Valle. Designed as a one-night-only experience, the evening blends elevated flavors, performance, and atmosphere into a dinner event that feels personal, energetic, and thoughtfully curated.
Good to know: The evening features a four-course menu that includes beef short rib arepas, rigatoni alla vodka, a surf-and-turf main course, and a chocolate molten cake for dessert.
Where: Courtyard by Marriott (1717 Broadway, New York, NY 10019)
When: February 14 &15, 2026
Why go: This Valentine’s Day cookie decorating class is a fun, hands-on experience that works just as well for couples or friends. Led by an expert instructor, the class walks guests through professional decorating techniques while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and social. It’s a creative alternative to a traditional night out and a great option for anyone who enjoys baking, crafting, or bringing home something sweet they made themselves.
Good to know: Each guest decorates six pre-baked Valentine-themed cookies, including hearts, love letters, and lips, and learns how to make royal icing from scratch. Techniques covered include piping, flooding, wet-on-wet, and texturing. The experience is 21+ with valid ID, and drinks are available for purchase on-site.
Where: Church of the Heavenly Rest (1085 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128)
When: February 13, 2026
Why go: This Candlelight Valentine’s Day concert offers a romantic and atmospheric way to celebrate through live classical music performed by a string quartet. Set inside the Church of the Heavenly Rest and illuminated entirely by candlelight, the evening pairs timeless love-themed compositions with an intimate, visually striking setting.
Good to know: The concert runs approximately 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes before showtime. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each ticketed zone.
Where: Arlo NoMad (11 East 31st Street, New York, NY 10016)
When: February 13
Why go: Dining in the Dark strips away visual cues and shifts the focus entirely to taste, texture, and aroma. Guests are served a three-course menu while blindfolded, encouraging a slower, more attentive way of eating that often leads to surprising reactions and conversation at the table.
Good to know: Menu options include meat, seafood, or vegan selections, and dietary requirements must be submitted after ticket purchase. Drinks and gratuity are not included and are paid separately at the end of the evening.
Where: Kaye Playhouse (695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10065)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: This glowing reinterpretation of Sleeping Beauty offers a visually enchanting way to celebrate Valentine’s Day, especially for families, couples, or anyone drawn to the performing arts. Combining classical ballet with glow-in-the-dark costumes and modern lighting technology, the production transforms every movement into a radiant spectacle.
Good to know: The performance runs approximately 60 minutes with no intermission, and doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Seating is first-come, first-served within each ticketed zone, so early arrival is recommended.
Where: Classic Harbor Line (62 Chelsea Piers, New York, NY 10011)
When: February 13, 2026
Why go: This evening jazz cruise offers a relaxed way to experience Manhattan from the water aboard a 1920s-style yacht. Live jazz performed by a trio sets the tone as the boat glides along the Hudson River, passing iconic Lower Manhattan landmarks. With private tables, classic tunes, and city views, the experience feels intimate, atmospheric, and distinctly New York.
Good to know: The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Complimentary beverages are included. Guests must be 21 or older with valid ID to consume alcohol.
Where: Church of the Heavenly Rest (1085 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10128)
When: February 13, 2026
Why go: This Candlelight concert reimagines iconic 1990s hip-hop tracks through live string arrangements in an atmospheric, candlelit setting. Performed by a string quartet, the program blends classical instrumentation with legendary songs from artists like Lauryn Hill, Nas, Jay-Z, and The Notorious B.I.G., creating a genre-crossing experience that feels both nostalgic and elevated.
Good to know: The concert runs approximately 60 minutes, with doors opening 45 minutes before showtime. Seating is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis within each ticketed zone.
Where: The Kosciuszko Foundation (15 East 65th Street, New York, NY 10065)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: This intimate Valentine’s Day concert pairs the timeless piano music of Frédéric Chopin with a champagne reception in a historic Upper East Side salon. Performed by internationally acclaimed pianist Vladimir Rumyantsev and hosted by conductor and impresario Daniel Zinn, the evening blends live performance with personal anecdotes and storytelling, creating a refined yet welcoming classical music experience.
Good to know: The evening includes a Moët & Chandon champagne reception, a 50-minute piano recital featuring Chopin’s most beloved works, and time for audience discussion at the end of the program.
Where: Madison Square Garden (4 Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, NY 10001)
When: February 13 & 14, 2026
Why go: Brandi Carlile brings her powerful vocals and emotionally rich songwriting to Madison Square Garden for two nights as part of The Human Tour. Blending folk, rock, country, and soul, her live performances are known for their intimacy at scale, pairing soaring anthems with quieter, deeply personal moments that resonate across the arena.
Good to know: Both performances begin at 7:30 PM, with seating and floor options available throughout the venue. Expect a full concert set showcasing Carlile’s catalog alongside newer material from The Human Tour.
Where: Radio City Music Hall (1260 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020)
When: February 14, 2026
Why go: Yandel brings his signature reggaeton sound to Radio City Music Hall with SINFÓNICO, a performance that blends his chart-topping hits with symphonic arrangements. The concert reimagines familiar tracks through live orchestration, offering a polished, large-scale take on his music in one of New York’s most iconic venues.
Good to know: The show begins at 8:00 PM, with reserved seating throughout Radio City Music Hall. Expect a full-length concert featuring orchestral interpretations of Yandel’s solo catalog and classic hits.
Where: Carmine’s Italian Restaurant (200 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036)
When: February 13 & 15, 2026
Why go: This immersive murder mystery dinner show brings Roaring Twenties drama to Valentine’s weekend with live music, theatrical storytelling, and a classic Italian feast. Set inside a vintage speakeasy, the experience blends comedy, suspense, and audience participation, turning dinner into a fully interactive night out where guests help unravel the mystery as it unfolds.
Good to know: The experience lasts includes a three-course, family-style Italian dinner featuring Caesar salad, penne alla vodka, chicken parmigiana, shrimp scampi, tiramisu, and cannoli. Guests are encouraged to dress in 1920s-inspired attire, with awards given for Best Dressed, Best Actor or Actress, and Detective of the Night.
However you choose to celebrate, Valentine’s Day in New York City is ultimately about shared moments, atmosphere, and memory-making. Whether that means a candlelit concert, a Broadway curtain call, a skyline view at sunset, or a late-night jazz cruise on the Hudson, the city offers endless ways to shape the evening to your own version of romance. Plan ahead, leave room for spontaneity, and let New York do what it does best: turn an ordinary date on the calendar into something unforgettable.
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