Your Valentine’s Day Go To Guide For 2025

Valentine’s Day Is Just Cupid’s Shot Away, Choose From Fun Things To Do, Places To Dine

by Glen Richardson

Has someone special caught your eye? Valentine’s Day is Friday, Feb 14, 2025. Candy, flowers, and heart-shaped notes, this sweet celebration is all about spreading the love.

Thanks to love songs, poetry, music, movies, and art, the language of love seems to be constantly expanding, and what better time to brush up on the myriad ways to express your love and affection than this year’s holiday?

Glendale-Cherry Creek and the entire Valley is a romantic, picture-perfect place for love and relationships. Here is your annual guide of things to do, where to go with your partner, kids, family, or loved ones to show them how much you care:

Valentine Events

City Park 4 Mile: Celebrate love at the Valentine’s Day 4 Mile in Denver’s City Park Sunday, Feb. 9, 9-a.m. The heartwarming event invites couples, friends, and families to hit the pavement together for the run-walk. There’s also a Cupid’s free Kids 200 Meter Fun Run, 8:40 a.m. There’s also a Costume Contest. Information: 720-838-6185.

Tea & Collaging: Celebrate at this love-themed collaging party at the Center for Colorado Women’s History (Byers-Evans House), Feb. 10. Tour of the historic house is followed by tea seating, during which guests are invited to collage Valentines (materials provided). Refreshments by Miss Peabody’s Southern Tea Cakes served with the museum’s Lady Lavender black tea. Information: 303-620-4933.

Make & Take Valentines: Flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Learn the shapes, textures, and colors of dried flowers, leaves, and seeds, plus use them to decorate a Valentine’s Day ornament. Denver Botanic Gardens Family Valentine Make & Take offers a space for children and grownups to connect with natural materials and create together, Feb. 10-14. Information: 720-865-3500.

Orchid Showcase: Make a date to view, discover hundreds of exotic orchid blooms, including rare specimens during the Orchid Showcase at Denver Botanic Gardens, running to Feb. 17. On select dates Fantasy Orchids — a local orchid grower — will be on-site with orchids for purchase. The Showcase will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. in the Orangery. The showcase is included with admission to the Gardens. Information: 720-865-3500.

Jones at Dazzle: Award-winning singer Eugenie Jones wins hearts, captivates audiences with her vocal style and performances. She does jazz standards, originals, classic soul, and blues to serenade you into Valentine’s Day at Dazzle on Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.

Candlelight Concert: The Range Ensemble String Quartet entertains with aerial accompaniment by aerialist at Wings Over the Rockies, 8:45 p.m. on Feb. 13, again at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15. Information: 303-260-5360.

V-Day Darlings: Dakota Blonde —dubbed the “Front Range darlings,” — do their magical Valentine Concert at Swallow Hill’s Daniels Hall Feb. 14, 8 p.m. Information: 303-777-1003.

Cupid Dining Choices

Ah, you and your valentine want a restaurant that’s cozy and relaxing while offering an experience that stays with you. Here we present the Chronicle’s Cupid-approved guide for getting to the heart of the matter:

Italian

Valentine’s Day originated in Italy with iconic romantic settings like Verona (from Romeo and Juliet) and the overall sensual and shared nature of Italian food itself, making it a fitting choice for a romantic dinner.

Picks: North Italia: Handcrafted Italian on the corner of Clayton Ln, & 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek. Information: 720-941-7700. Barolo Grill: Upscale Italian fare with big wine list on E. 6th Ave. in classy space with a romantic vibe. Information: 303-293-1040.

French

French cuisine is often associated with Valentine’s Day because of its reputation for elegance, fine dining, and romantic presentation. Essentially, the French culinary style is widely considered “the epitome of romance.”

Picks: Bon Ami: Relaxed bistro serving classic French dishes, including savory & sweet crepes, on E. Alameda Ave. & S. Pennsylvania St. in Wash Park. Information: 303-862-4959. La Merise: Chic Cherry Creek restaurant at 3rd Ave. & Clayton St. crafting gourmet French entrees in a lower-level space. Information: 720-596-4360.

Seafood

When it comes to heart health, seafood is a top choice. Upshot: For your health and your taste buds, seafood is a perfect Valentine’s Day option.

Picks: Blue Island Oyster Bar & Seafood: Cherry Creek seafood restaurant on the 2600 block of E. 2nd Ave. with a raw bar, beer & craft cocktails in nautical surrounds. Information: 303-333-2462. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar: Upscale Glendale CitySet res­taurant on corner of Colorado Blvd. & Cherry Creek S. Dr. serving gourmet seafood dishes and creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting. Information: 303-756-6449.

Sushi

A dining experience with a variety of flavors and textures — plus ease of eating during a conversation — sushi is a romantic and healthy Valentine’s Day dining option.

Picks: Hana Matsuri Sushi: Japanese restaurant in Glendale’s CitySet with black rock cooking featuring a full bar offering cocktails and sake. Information: 303-600-8477. Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar: Cherry Creek sushi spot on 2nd Ave. west of St. Paul with creative takes on Japanese fare, imaginatively named rolls. Information: 303-322-9554.

Mexican

Mexicans observe Valentine’s Day — El día del amor y de la Amistad — by socializing with loved ones. The cuisine’s popularity makes it a top culinary choice.

Picks: Que Bueno Suerte: Traditional & modern Mexican plates served in a dramatic-colorful S. Pearl St. bi-level space with two bars. Information: 720-642-7322. SOL Mexican Cocina: Cherry Creek restaurant on Columbine St. with Baja-style eats such as shrimp tacos & chiles rellenos in an upscale setting. Information: 303- 953-2208.