Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day History

Valentine's Day, also known as the Day of Love, is centered around expressions of affection and love between partners and loved ones. It is a day marked with the exchange of romantic gestures and gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and letters. It is not an official holiday but holds significant cultural value and impacts retail and service industries around the world notably.

The tradition of Valentine's Day dates back to St. Valentine, a Roman priest, who was martyred on February 14, 269 A.D. for performing clandestine weddings for soldiers forbidden to marry. Over centuries, the day has been sweetened from a day of martyrdom to a day of love, reaching different parts of the world, including Germany. In Germany, it has become increasingly popular over the past several decades, especially after World War II when American soldiers stationed in the country introduced the holiday. It is particularly cherished by couples, who take this day as an opportunity to express their deep affection for each other.

In Germany, Valentine's Day observance includes the exchange of gifts between partners, with flowers being a popular choice. Traditionally, heart-shaped gifts and messages are also common. However, unlike in some other countries, Germany's Valentine's Day celebrations are more limited to romantic relationships rather than extended to friends and family. Valentine’s Day is celebrated February 14th each year.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Valentine's Day in Germany

• In 2026, Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday during the peak of the German Carnival season, meaning the traditional romantic celebrations will uniquely coincide with the costume parties and street parades of the Tolle Tage between Weiberfastnacht and Rosenmontag.
• A distinctively German custom involves gifting a Glücksschwein, or lucky pig, which serves as a symbol of both good fortune and lust and is frequently given in the form of chocolate figurines or on illustrated cards.
• Large, heart-shaped gingerbread cookies known as Lebkuchenherzen, often decorated with sugar frosting messages like Ich liebe dich, remain a staple gift that bridges the gap between traditional folk festivals and modern romance.
• Historical records show that the first official Valentine's Ball in Germany was held in Nuremberg in 1950, a tradition introduced by American soldiers stationed in the country after the Second World War.
• Saint Valentine is traditionally revered in Germany not only as the patron of lovers but also as the protector of beekeepers and those suffering from the "falling sickness," a historical term for epilepsy linked to the phonetic similarity between the saint's name and the German verb fallen.
• The 76th Berlin International Film Festival, or Berlinale, will be in full swing during the 2026 observance, having opened just days prior on February 12 with the romantic drama No Good Men.
• Music enthusiasts in the capital can attend specialized events such as the 1000 Lights Concerts - Romantic Love Songs, held in the atmospheric setting of the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gedächtnis-Kirche.
• For readers, the February 10 release of the romantic comedy novel Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood is expected to be a major cultural touchpoint for those seeking contemporary love stories.
• In contrast to many other cultures, Valentine's Day in Germany is predominantly an adult observance, with school-aged children rarely exchanging cards or gifts in the classroom.
• Couples in Germany increasingly prioritize shared experiences over material goods, with many opting for weekend getaways to romantic destinations like Heidelberg or the medieval towns along the Romantische Straße.

In the News and Trending in Germany for Valentine's Day

Top things to do in Germany for Valentine's Day

• Send someone you care for a Valentine's Day card. Take the time to write a small note or love poem inside. Sign it, from your Valentine.
• Remember other important people in your life, such as your parents, grandparents and old friends. Send them a small card or gift to remind them of how much you care.
• Visit the Neuschwanstein Castle: Perhaps the most famous of all German castles, its fairytale-esque structure becomes even more magical in the snowy winters. A romantic stroll around the castle can be just what you need on Valentine’s Day.
• Host a Valentine's Day Dinner - Many German restaurants offer special menus or romantic atmosphere for couples on Valentine's Day.