Celebrate the romantic holiday in the nation's capital
The nation’s capital shines as a romantic destination at any time of the year. The 2025 edition of Valentine's Day offers plenty of holiday revelry, including museum exhibits, plays, concerts and more. Here’s how to make the most of the most romantic time of the year. And if you're looking for more date night inspiration, check out our guide to the romantic side of DC.
Enjoy a meal at an award-winning restaurant
For roving gastronomes and travelers who revel in experiences centered on food, it’s time to reserve a table in the nation’s capital. Acclaimed eateries like minibar, Fiola, Masseria and more are all waiting–many with special menus–to host you for an unforgettable date night. Top your dinner off with a visit to candle-lit cocktail bar like L'Annexe.
Discover DC's incredible murals
Canvases are everywhere you look in the District, which teems with vibrant street art in all quadrants. Spot everything from renditions of silver screen stars Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor to abstract, museum-commissioned works, restaurant-themed facades and lots more. Don’t miss Lisa Marie Thalhammer's aptly-named LOVE mural in Shaw and the mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl, which features the Obamas, Prince and Harriet Tubman, among others.
Grab a warm, cozy drink with a special someone
Whether you’re in the throes of winter or the weather is warm, a delicious, hot drink is a perfect treat for date night. Fortunately, DC is filled to the brim with great options, including offerings from Le Diplomate, Dirty Habit, Old Ebbitt Grill and more.
Take to an ice rink in the District
One easy thing to do in the nation’s capital is rent a pair of ice skates. That’s because the city hosts an array of ice rinks that each present their own special experience. Whether it’s underneath the stars at The Wharf, on the banks of the Potomac River in Georgetown or at the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden, each presents a romantic setting and plenty of opportunities for on-ice fun.
Woo your boo with the perfect DC-themed date night
Putting together a special evening for Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter) is priority number one – and the nation’s capital shines as a date night destination with its scenic monuments, award-winning dining scene and outstanding attractions. Plan a wonderful DC date night using sweet deals for a romantic night out.
For more ideas on how to do Valentine’s Day right, check out our ultimate guide to romance in Washington, DC.
Magic Duel Comedy Show
The Magic Duel Comedy Show – Feb. 14
On Valentine’s Day, trade the ordinary for an extraordinary evening of amazement and fun at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Watch as two hilariously snarky sleight-of-hand experts go head-to-head in The Magic Duel, a live battle of wits and wizardry for the title of DC’s Best Magician. Packed with mind-boggling magic and clever mentalism, this award-winning show puts the power in your hands: you’ll choose the magical challenges and cast your vote to crown the winner of the coveted 'Golden Wand.' Since 2016, the five-star rated performance (Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google) has wowed audiences with its charm and humor, earning hundreds of glowing reviews. Grab a cocktail, enjoy the sophisticated setting and prepare to be fooled—badly.
Tickets
The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, 1250 S. Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202
Games Women Play – Feb. 13-15
The National Theatre brings Je’Caryous Johnson’s hilarious and emotional comedy to its stage just in time for Valentine’s Day. Love, ambition and trust are each central themes in this story of a financial advisor (Caleb) and his fiancée (Paisley). When Caleb proposes to Paisley AND drops a prenup bombshell on a live podcast, there’s immediately trouble in paradise. Plenty of twists and turns ensue as more and more parties are involved and more and more feelings are laid on the line.
Tickets
The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Magic Duel Comedy Show
The Magic Duel Comedy Show – Feb. 14
On Valentine’s Day, trade the ordinary for an extraordinary evening of amazement and fun at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Watch as two hilariously snarky sleight-of-hand experts go head-to-head in The Magic Duel, a live battle of wits and wizardry for the title of DC’s Best Magician. Packed with mind-boggling magic and clever mentalism, this award-winning show puts the power in your hands: you’ll choose the magical challenges and cast your vote to crown the winner of the coveted 'Golden Wand.' Since 2016, the five-star rated performance (Yelp, TripAdvisor and Google) has wowed audiences with its charm and humor, earning hundreds of glowing reviews. Grab a cocktail, enjoy the sophisticated setting and prepare to be fooled—badly.
Tickets
The Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, 1250 S. Hayes Street, Arlington, VA 22202
Step Afrika! Step Classic – Feb. 14-16
A three-day celebration of stepping in the heart of our nation’s capital is inspired by the legacy of HBCU Classics. The Step Classic’s inaugural weekend highlights the powerful artform of stepping, bringing together community, culture and celebration in a way only Step Afrika! can. With step teams from across the country, the Classic centers stepping’s origins within the Divine Nine and its evolution into a unifying tradition that bridges generations and honors Black heritage.
Tickets
Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20004
