A box of chocolates. A bouquet of red roses. A romantic candlelit date. These are the images of a stereotypical Valentine’s Day. But that’s not all the holiday has to represent.
With the long list of December and January holidays behind us, it’s officially Valentine’s Day season. As a day intended to celebrate love in your life, Valentine’s Day doesn’t only have to be about cherishing romantic relationships. Here at Princeton, we are all constantly surrounded by friends who love us. So, why not celebrate having those people in our lives? Here are 10 recommendations for how to spend Valentine’s weekend with your friends.
1. Watch a romantic comedy at the Garden Theater
What better way to spend the day of love than watching a movie about love? I find myself turning to the classic 90s films like ”10 Things I Hate About You” or “Clueless” when looking for a comfort movie. But you could also head to the Princeton Garden Theater, where they’ll be doing a “Pretty Woman” Galentine’s screening on Feb. 13 and “Wild at Heart” on Feb. 14.
2. Have a candlelit dinner on Nassau — or in your common room
While traditionally reserved as a couple’s activity, nothing is stopping you from having a candlelit dinner with your friends! Head to Pinterest for inspiration on how to set a table worthy of a Galentine’s party, and make it a potluck so that no one person has too much responsibility — food is love, after all. Or, go to Nassau Street and have someone else do the cooking for you. You could splurge on a nicer restaurant like Mistral or La Mezzaluna, or go to student favorites like PJ’s Pancake House — just make sure you check if you’ll need a reservation for the holiday.
3. Five-minute paintings
This popular TikTok craft has each person paint for five minutes on a canvas before swapping with someone else to complete the painting. You can do this with as many or as few friends as you’d like. If you want, you can add a theme to the paintings, like “love” or “friendship” or let your creativity run free. In the end, you’ll have a unique painting for everyone in the group to add to their dorm decor.
4. Friendship bracelets
This is one of the most classic activities to celebrate your friendships. Whether you go old-fashioned and use string and knots or choose to use beads instead, the possibilities are endless. Pair it with another idea on this list like a movie, and you’ve got a fun night with friends!
5. Make playlists
Crafting a perfect playlist takes time — why not set aside some with your friends to curate your own favorite list of love songs, complete with a catchy playlist name and cover? You could even make it a game and have everyone vote on their favorite playlist at the end of the night.
6. Bake brownies
Chocolate is one of the most classic symbols of Valentine’s Day, and what has more chocolate than a batch of gooey brownies? You can go as simple or as complex as you want with this one. I once used a recipe that had me whip egg whites for ten full minutes, and on other days I grabbed a box mix from the store and ate spoonfuls of the batter raw. Find a friend with a key to one of the communal kitchens and get baking. The important part of this activity is the fun you’ll have while baking together!
7. Valentine’s card swap
Channel your inner little child and make cut-out heart cards for all of the people in your life. If you have the time, write a personalized message for each person about a good memory you had together. On Valentine’s Day, swap cards with all of your friends. To bring in more childhood fun, tape a piece of candy to each of your cards or decorate a shoe box to store the cards you receive. To find craft or coloring materials, check out residential college common areas or the Lewis Library Makerspace.
8. Go to the city
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, why not hop on New Jersey transit to have some weekend fun on a trip to New York City with your friends? Once there, the possibilities are endless: visit a museum, see the attractions, eat at a nice restaurant, etc.
9. Get dressed up together
Even without an event, it can be fun to get dressed up with your friends. Wear your best pinks and reds, and if you are looking for a destination, walk up to Nassau Street in your fancy clothes and get a sweet treat together. Maybe do a photoshoot at one of the classic campus locations like Blair Arch or East Pyne.
10. Karaoke party
Everyone has a favorite love song, whether it be a classic like “I Will Always Love You” or dedicated to friends like the Spice Girls’ “Wannabe.” Find a karaoke version of your song of choice, blast it in your room, and sing along with all of your best friends. If one of your friends plays piano, head to Rockefeller or Addy Hall to perform a love song.
Whether or not you’re in a relationship, Valentine’s Day is a chance to celebrate all of the love that fills your life, including your friends. These are some of my favorite ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day, but no matter how you choose to celebrate, your Valentine’s weekend will be filled with love.
Lulu Pettit is a member of the Class of 2027 and a staff writer for The Prospect from the suburbs of Philadelphia. She can be reached at lp3153@princeton.edu or her Instagram @itslulupettit.
Please send corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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