Dinner and a movie is classic, but this year, try something unique for Valentine's Day. Philly has a lot to offer for romantic, quirky and one-of-a-kind dates. With the holiday falling on a Sunday in 2016, use this roundup to get creative over the holiday weekend. Find everything from cozy pottery workshops to candlelit ghost tours on this go-to guide.
Victorians After Dark: Love and Lust in the 19th Century
Who was the beautiful young medium who left a famous explorer embarrassed by his 1850s “sexts”? What is the tragic account of the most handsome man in Laurel Hill? Find out on this Valentine’s Day program presented by Alexis Jeffcoat of the Chemical Heritage Foundation.
Sit around a fire in Laurel Hill’s historic gatehouse and hear the stories, then try Victorian flirting tactics and enjoy cocktails and dessert.
Free parking is located in the lot across the street from the Gatehouse, and reservations are required for the event.
Thursday, Feb. 11
6:30 p.m. and 8:15 p.m. | $17-$20 per person
Laurel Hill Cemetery
3822 Ridge Ave.
(215) 228-8200
Art After 5: Valentine's Pre-Party
Head to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to listen to a romantic jazz performance by Calabash Quartet. While you're taking a break from the dance floor, enjoy chocolate truffles and Champagne cocktails.
Art After 5 events are free after museum admission.
Friday, Feb. 12
5 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. | $14-$20 general admission
Philadelphia Museum of Art
2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 763-8100
Shakespeare in Love: Open Mic Night
What's more romantic than a love poem?
The Shakespeare Theatre is hosting an open mic night where attendees can get up and perform a famous love poem, monologue or scene on stage. If being in the spotlight isn't your thing, you can always sit back and enjoy the performances, too.
Friday, Feb. 12
7 p.m. | $5-$10 per person
The Philadelphia Shakespeare Theatre
2111 Sansom St.
(215) 496-8001
Penn Flutes: Romance in the Air
Penn Flutes, an all-flute ensemble, will host a special pop-up Valentine’s-themed concert in the museum galleries. The event is free with museum admission and is the perfect way to surprise your date with a little lunchtime romance to start off the holiday weekend.
There's also a cafe in the Penn Museum (because you can't just live on love, everyone needs to eat, too) that will serve special Turkish-inspired cuisine. Try stuffed grape leaves, grilled beef kofta or chickpea fritters.
Friday, Feb. 12
Noon to 1 p.m. | $10-$15 general admission
Penn Museum
3260 South St.
(215) 898-4000
Lovin' On the Wild Side
Spending the night in the Philadelphia Zoo definitely beats any overnight hotel deal. During the adults-only sleepover, take an after-dark tour to learn insider knowledge about the zoo's animals and have up-close encounters.
There will also be a romantic happy hour, candlelit dinner and photo opportunity.
Saturday, Feb. 13
$350 per couple
6:30 p.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Philadelphia Zoo
215-243-5353
16th Annual Print Love-In
Don't just give a card, step your game up by going on a printmaking date to custom-create Valentine's Day cards. Spend the evening getting crafty, sip on seasonal cocktails and beer and, at the end, exchange cards with your valentine.
All materials will be provided, and you and your date will be introduced to different forms of printmaking.
Saturday, Feb. 13
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. | $35 per person
Fleisher Art Memorial Center for Works on Paper
705 Christian St.
(215) 922-3456
That's A-Moray Valentine's Event
This adults-only experience at Adventure Aquarium lets couples get up close and personal with aquatic animals. Tickets to the event include two free drinks per couple with access to a cash bar, light food and a free commemorative photo.
Saturday, Feb. 13
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. | $150 per couple
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Drive, Camden, N.J.
(856) 361-1025
Valentine's Ghost Tour: Love Never Dies
Try something really unique this Valentine's Day and go on a 75-minute candlelight walking tour through haunted burial grounds, historic homes and inside a Society Hill mansion.
The first half of the tour includes ghost stories that show love in its many manifestations, from the cold-hearted to the heartwarming.
Saturday, Feb. 13 and Sunday, Feb. 14
8 p.m. | $22 per person
Powel House
244 S. 3rd St.
(215) 413-1997
The Clay Studio Date Night
This Valentine's Day plan an artsy date in The Clay Studio. Learn to throw pottery while enjoying light fare, chocolate, Champagne, wine and mood music.
Remember to wear or bring clothes that you don't mind getting dirty in the studio.
There are two sessions available on Valentine's Day: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 14
$125-$135 per couple
The Clay Studio
139 N. 2nd St.
(215) 925-3453
Sweetheart Skate at Rothman Institute Ice Rink
Skate to your favorite love songs or dedicate a tune to your sweetheart. There will also be complimentary hot chocolate and flowers, plus free photo keepsakes in the Lovers Photo Booth.
Sunday, Feb. 14
7 p.m. to 11 p.m. | $20 per person
Dilworth Park
1 S. 15th St.
Candlelight Yin Yoga
Instead of roses or fancy restaurants, make a candlelit yoga date with your valentine -- it's way more personal. Instructor Colleen Kropp will guide the class through yin yoga postures focusing on the heart and hip-opening exercises.
Sunday, Feb. 14
1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. | $25 per person
Philly Power Yoga & Thrive Pilates Health Fitness
2016 Walnut St.
(267) 908 - 5395