Yes, it’s possible to break out of that dinner-and-a-movie mold for this year’s Valentine’s Day date. Here are February’s best date night ideas.
Concerts and Shows
RVCC Planetarium in Branchburg has electrifying shows this month. There’s Laser Bon Jovi on February 1 and 8, where special effects will dance across the dome to tunes like “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Bad Medicine,” or Rock of Ages Laser Concert on February 22 and 29, starring hits from the Broadway show by bands like Poison and Twisted Sister. On Valentine’s Day, score seats to Romancing the Stars, a lovey-dovey look at the stars and constellations that are all about love. On both February 14 and 15, Laser Love will give you a light show set to tracks like “I Got You Babe” by Sonny and Cher and “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.
Also on the 14th is A Valentine’s Day Dinner Show by The Jersey Four at iPlay America in Freehold. Here covers of The Four Season’s hits while savoring a full buffet and cocktails. If you and your boo are into classical music, don’t miss the New Jersey Intergenerational Orchestra’s Winter Concert on February 23 in Summit. Here Sergei Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 7, Maurice Ravel’s Tzigane, Johann Stamitz’s Sinfonia in D Major and more.
If dancing is more your style, see Roxey Ballet’s production of Carmen at Canal Studios in Lambertville on February 7-9 or 14-16. The one-act performance follows the passionate story of the namesake temptress from Seville. Newark’s NJPAC is also putting on a showing by PHILADANCO!, a 50th anniversary performance that explores social justice through contemporary dance. You can also see the iconic ’60s rock musical HAIR Wednesdays-Sundays through February 21 at Hammonton’s Eagle Theatre, where you’ll see classics like “Let the Sun Shine In” and “Aquarius.”
Food and Drink
No combo screams Valentine’s Day date more than wine and chocolate. Hit Princeton’s beloved Terhune Orchards on February 8-9 or 14-15 for Wine & Chocolate Trail Weekend to sample vino from NJ wineries paired with sweets from Pierre’s Chocolates in New Hope, PA. Hang by the firepit, bundle up in the wine barn, split a s’mores kit and take in live music (Sundays only). If you can’t make these dates, don’t worry: Terhune’s Sunday Music Series is running through March 15, and will have all the wine, music and snacks. If you’re more of a beer couple, get tickets to Big Brew Beer Festival at the Morristown Armory on February 29. There will be more than 200 craft beers to taste, plus music, food and vendor wares. Don’t want to drive? Take the shuttle bus to and from Morristown train station.
Looking for a special spot to have an unforgettable dinner for a Valentine’s Day date? These NJ restaurants have special deals just for the holiday.
Crafting, Cooking and More
These date night ideas will have you and your honey feeling the love. Asbury Park’s Valentine’s Bazaar on February 8 has plenty for you to explore together, including handmade gifts, a photo booth, flower bar, chocolates and more. Reserve a table at Valentine’s Jazz Brunch at The Anchor’s Bend, savor champagne and oysters at the Asbury Oyster Bar or warm up with a hot toddy by the fire at the bar and lounge.
If you want to cook your own meal, head to The Kitchen at the East Hanover Bed Bath & Beyond to make an Elegant Valentine Dinner on February 12. Make everything from crab cakes with lemon aioli to beef wellington in garlic cabernet sauce to strawberry pavlova with the help of a chef. Bring your own beer and wine to sip while you work. You can also flex your kitchen chops on Valentine’s Day at Montclair History Center’s Hearth Cookery for Adults class. Learn to work the fire, bake in a Dutch oven and more before sharing a three-course meal with the class.
Other fun options this month include a Valentine’s Guest Party and Open House, featuring a free ballroom and Latin dance lesson on February 13 at Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Morristown (RSVP by February 7). No matter your skill level, learn steps in tango, salsa, swing and more before sipping champagne and munching on small bites. You can also keep it classic with dinner and a movie. Grab a bite before heading to UCPAC in Rahway on February 28 to see Jurassic Park. This showing is part of the theater’s Classic Film Series on 35 mm.
Spa Time with Your Boo
Nothing beats a little well-deserved pampering. Book a serene Couples Retreat at Depasquale The Spa in Morris Plains. This special includes an 80-minute couples aromatherapy massage and pedicures. You can also splurge on the Depasquale Experience for two, including a soak in the Japanese steeping tub, an Italian rain shower and a massage.
You can also splurge on the Sweethearts Package at Edgewater’s SoJo Spa Club, a reimagined Korean bathhouse. Score a 60-minute couples massage, chocolate truffles and a sparkling wine toast, plus daily admission to SoJo’s many pools, baths and saunas. Package must be booked for February 17 or earlier. You can also opt for The Spa Getaway for Two, a gift certificate for a couples massage and admission (redeemable between Feb. 18-28).