The Perfect NYC Galentine’s Day Getaway
According to Amy Poehler’s Leslie Knope, widely credited with the invention of Galentine’s Day, the holiday is officially on February 13th. But there are so many fun ways in New York City for friends to spend time together and celebrate each other, why limit the festivities to just one day?
Join the Lunar New Year Fun
NYC’s 25th Annual Lunar New Year Parade will take place in Chinatown on Sunday, February 12th. Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with dragon dancing, lion dancing, and martial arts performances. You can start the day with dim sum at Tim Ho Wan, known for being the world’s most inexpensive Michelin-starred restaurant (they don’t take reservations, so plan on a long line), or eat your way through the wealth of street fare options. After the parade, you and your friends can live out your BTS dreams at one of the neighbourhood’s myriad karaoke bars (be aware: some are cash only).
Book a Staycation
Valentine’s Day is a chance to fall in love with New York City all over again. At The Knickerbocker, we’re celebrating all month long with two sweet Valentine’s Day hotel offers. Our Staycation package is a match made in heaven for a Galentine’s weekend. You’ll receive a complimentary room upgrade, be welcomed with a bottle of prosecco, and enjoy breakfast for up to four people at Charlie Palmer. For a more traditional romantic weekend, choose our Cupid’s Pick Valentine’s Day package, which includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Rosé champagne and a keepsake pair of Waterford Love True Love flutes. Find your perfect room at The Knick.
Spend an Hour at Artechouse
Think pink for an immersive experience that celebrates the Pantone Color of the Year 2023. At Chelsea’s Artechouse, you can take a multi-media journey into the Magentaverse, with interactive installations inspired by earth, space and everything in between… no rose-colored glasses required. Choose from an array of timed ticket packages, including an hourlong pass to the Magentaverse only, an annual Artechouse pass for unlimited visits to all their exhibits, and a Beyond the Bar pass, which includes your first cocktail.
Take a Sweetheart’s Stroll
The Central Park Sweetheart’s Stroll, complete with hot cocoa and romantic photo ops is a time-honored NYC Valentine’s Day tradition. While it’s technically meant for couples, it’s just as enjoyable — maybe more so — walking with a friend with whom you enjoy rom-coms.
Pair Cheese and Rom-Coms in a Whole New Way
Join actress, writer, and comedian Anne-Marie Pietersma at Murray’s Cheese Shop on Monday, February 13th from 6:30-8 p.m. for a fromag-inative Galentine’s Day tasting event, inspired by her forthcoming book, where classic rom coms serve as the perfect meet cute for cheese pairings. Reserve tickets.
Indulge in a Weekday Brunch
Waffles are the official food of Galentine’s Day, and there’s no better place in NYC to enjoy them than Charlie Palmer, with its dramatic fourth floor views overlooking Times Square. Busy New Yorkers who can’t get together for a full brunch can always catch up over a coffee at Jake’s, our stylish café named for the son of The Knickerbocker’s original founder John Jacob Astor IV, who died on the Titanic. You can dine in, Italian-style, at one of Jake’s intimate booths, or take your coffee and croissant to-go, and have Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Or Rooftop Cocktails
Take after-work cocktails to new heights at St. Cloud Rooftop, where a Velvet Rope with Aviation gin, Grey Goose, Lillet Blanc and Aperol, will make you and your friends feel like Valentine VIPs as you toast under the stars overlooking the lights of Time Square. For those spending the holiday with their sweetheart, book your spot for Valentine’s Day at St. Cloud, which includes a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, an assortment of chocolates curated by our chef, and a special little surprise.
Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class
Whether it’s whipping up an authentic curry, achieving a perfectly charred pizza crust, or tightening up sushi rolling skills, learning new cooking techniques is always more fun when you team up with a friend. Take advantage of one of NYC’s many adult cooking classes like Cozymeal, TasteBuds, or at the Institute for Culinary Education, or gather a group to go on a culinary tour of Manhattan landmarks, Little Italy and Chinatown, or Greenwich Village.
See Love at the Park Avenue Armory
Starting February 25th, you can see the North American premiere of Love, a play by Alexander Zeldin which the British press dubbed the National Theatre’s “play of the year… and then some.” Viewers at this Park Avenue Armory play are invited to immerse themselves in this emotional drama about families, the Welfare system, housing and hope, with the house lights kept up and the actors’ conversations taking place among the audience. Purchase tickets.