Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day 2027 falls on Sunday 14 February. In 2028, Valentine's Day falls on Monday 14 February.
The dates of Valentine's Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Valentine's Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Friday, 14 February 2025 |
| 2026 | Saturday, 14 February 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, 14 February 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, 14 February 2028 |
| 2029 | Wednesday, 14 February 2029 |
| 2030 | Thursday, 14 February 2030 |
| 2031 | Friday, 14 February 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays. More about our sources
Where does Valentine's Day come from?
Valentine's Day on the 14th of February is named after St Valentine, a Christian martyr from the time of the Roman Empire about whom little is known for certain. The link with romantic love probably goes back to the late Middle Ages: the English poet Geoffrey Chaucer wrote of birds choosing their mates on St Valentine's Day, and from then on the day became associated with lovers.
Handwritten love notes, later printed cards, became popular in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Today cards, flowers, chocolates and a dinner out are the classic gifts.
The heart shape, red roses and Cupid with his bow and arrow have become the symbols of the day. In some countries the customs are different: in Japan, for example, women traditionally give chocolate to men on the 14th of February, and men give a gift in return a month later.
Valentine's Day in the UK
Some of the oldest surviving valentines are kept in British collections, and handmade cards decorated with lace and ribbons were popular in Victorian times, when cheaper postage made sending them much easier.
Valentine's Day is not a bank holiday, and life carries on as normal. Traditionally, Valentine's cards are sent anonymously, signed only with a question mark or 'from your secret admirer'. Restaurants are often fully booked, so reserve well in advance if you want to go out.
In 2027, 14 February falls on Sunday 14 February.
Frequently asked questions
When is Valentine's Day 2027?
In 2027, Valentine's Day falls on Sunday 14 February.
Is Valentine's Day a day off?
No. Valentine's Day is not an official holiday, so shops, offices and schools are open as normal.
Who was St Valentine?
A Christian martyr from Roman times. Very little is known about him for certain, and there may have been more than one saint of that name.