A guide to Galentine’s Day

A guide to Galentine's Day

How to celebrate Valentine's Day with your friends before or after but not necessarily on Feb. 14.
Published: February 14, 2023
Galentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is one of the more controversial holidays in the United States. Some can’t wait to shower their loved ones in chocolate and flowers, while others believe it’s a holiday made to keep the economy in check.

Regardless of where on the spectrum you stand, Valentine’s Day isn’t very fun alone. So, if you’re unable to spend time with your significant other this Valentine’s Day, or there is no significant other in your picture, here is a lovely list of activities for celebrating Galentine’s Day.

Make each other Galentines.

Get together, put on a rom com, and make each other Galentine cards. All you really need is paper and something to draw with. Of course, stickers and glitter definitely make a Galentine better. A craft night with friends is good for the soul.

Eat at your favorite restaurant.

If you have a favorite restaurant in Syracuse, bring some of your girl friends and enjoy a nice meal. Treat yourself. And when in doubt, share a marg tower at Margarita’s.

Make a gourmet meal.

Depending on your living situation, a gourmet meal might not be possible. But cooking with friends is always fun. And for those who prefer baking, here is an Anti-Valentine’s Day Cookie Recipe. If you’re not into baking, there’s always Insomnia Cookies.

Stop by Pet Therapy.

Pet Therapy is open at the Barnes Center from 5:30-7:00. It’s not a coincidence. Take advantage of it! Sometimes all you need is a furry friend, but it’s way more fun if you bring your human friends along.

Throw a themed party.

Themes make any gathering feel more special. TikTok has great recommendations for funny party themes, such as White Lies, where you write a lie about yourself on a white t-shirt. A dorm party with doordash-ed Popeyes and bubble tea beats a sticky fraternity house anyday.

Host a board game night.

Board games are extremely underrated. There’s always Clue, but for Galentine’s Day we would definitely recommend For The Girls. It’d be a good way to get to know everyone more, and it’s a little more lighthearted than Clue. Another option if you want to get deep with your friends is No Longer Strangers.

PowerPoint Night!

In case you are not familiar, PowerPoint night is where everyone makes a presentation about any topic they want, and they present it to the group. Get together, set a timer and have everyone make a PowerPoint during that time. Add some wine to the event, and you’re set for a great night full of laughs.

Take a trip to Destiny USA.

Destiny has literally everything. Eat a good meal at the Cheesecake Factory, or a bad meal at the Cheesecake Factory. Then you can go to WonderWorks and play with bubbles, to Dave & Buster’s and compete in Mario Kart or surround yourself with your beautiful face in the mirror maze.

Go to the movies.

Right now Magic Mike’s Last Dance is in theaters…do with that information what you will. Or stay in and watch something from the comfort of your living room. Might we suggest Silence of the Lambs?

Watch The Notebook and cry.

If you’re not really the most optimistic person when it comes to Valentine’s Day, there’s no reason to pretend. Grab some tissues, your other angry single friends, and watch Allie and Noah struggle with their strong, intricate and honestly toxic relationship.

Regardless of what you decide to do, Valentine’s Day is an excuse to show your loved ones that you love them. So if you aren’t in a relationship, don’t beat yourself up about it. The holiday is the chance to celebrate the people you love– not one restricted to romantic partners. Hang out with your friends and any of these 10 tips, and you’re sure to be feelin’ the love!