When is Valentine’s Day?
February 14. Here is the date, the background and what to know before you make plans.
Next Valentine’s Day
Sunday, February 14, 2027Valentine’s Day dates, 2026–2031
Rule: February 14.
What’s open on Valentine’s Day
| Service | Typical status |
|---|---|
| Banks | Open Open (regular hours) |
| Post Office / Mail delivery | Open Open (regular delivery, often a peak volume day for cards) |
| Stock market (NYSE, Nasdaq) | Open Open (regular trading day) |
| Federal & most state government offices | Open |
| Public schools | Open Open (many hold in-class parties) |
Valentine’s Day is not a federal holiday, so banks, the post office, the stock market and government offices all operate on their normal schedule. Individual banks, school districts and employers can still make their own call, so confirm directly if a closure affects an important errand or appointment. Check any date with the holiday status checker.
The story behind Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day traces back to at least the 5th century, tied to St. Valentine, a name shared by several early Christian martyrs. The romantic association solidified centuries later, popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer’s 14th-century poetry linking the date to courtly love and the mating season of birds.
The exchange of handwritten valentines became widespread in the 1700s, and by the mid-1800s, mass-produced cards made the tradition accessible to nearly everyone. Today it’s one of the biggest card-sending occasions of the year in the U.S., alongside Christmas.
How it’s celebrated
Modern celebrations center on cards, flowers, chocolate, and dinner reservations, though the day has broadened well beyond romantic couples. Many elementary schools use it for class-wide card exchanges, and “Galentine’s Day” (February 13) has emerged as a popular way to celebrate friendship instead.
Americans spend more on Valentine’s Day, per U.S. Census and National Retail Federation estimates, than on almost any holiday except Christmas, with candy, cards, flowers and gifts for pets included.
Plan around demand, not public-office closures
Valentine’s Day does not create a federal closure, but it can create unusually high demand for restaurants, florists, event venues and delivery services. Weekend dates often spread celebrations across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
If a delivery or reservation is important, confirm cutoff times, cancellation terms and the recipient’s schedule. Schools may set their own rules for classroom cards, food and celebrations.
Valentine’s Day planning checklist
- Before the date: Reserve popular restaurants or events early.
- Check locally: Confirm florist and shipping order deadlines.
- For travel: Check classroom food, allergy and card-exchange rules.
- Final check: Choose a flexible plan when February weather could affect travel.
Frequently asked questions
Is Valentine’s Day a federal holiday?
No. Federal offices and nationwide financial services generally use their normal schedule.
Is Valentine’s Day always February 14?
Yes. The date does not change from year to year.
Are schools closed?
Not because of Valentine’s Day, although weekends, breaks or local schedules can affect classes.
Do banks and USPS close?
No nationwide closure is scheduled specifically for Valentine’s Day.
When is Valentine’s Day in 2027?
It falls on Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Sources and how we check
Federal holiday dates and observed-day rules follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Market dates follow the NYSE holiday calendar; bank dates follow the Federal Reserve. Read our editorial policy or report a correction.