Galentine's Day is all about ladies. And brunch.
What Is Galentine’s Day, and How Do I Celebrate It in 2025?
Updated on Jan. 08, 2025
Ah, Valentine’s Day. It’s a celebration of love, romance and the sort of relationships Cupid adores. But whether you’re paired up or flying solo for this love-filled holiday, don’t forget to add Galentine’s Day to your calendar too.
Why? Because Galentine’s Day is the ultimate feel-good celebration of friendship and platonic love, filled with all the cute and fun vibes that make this season special, minus the pressure from Cupid.
Ahead, we’re breaking down the history of Galentine’s Day, its meaning and how to celebrate in style. Whether you’re single, taken or somewhere in between, this guide will show you why this unofficial February holiday deserves a day of celebration. So grab your gals and read on—you’re going to love learning about all of the things Galentine’s Day has to offer.
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What and when is Galentine’s Day?
Galentine’s Day, celebrated on Feb. 13 (aka Valentine’s Day Eve), is all about celebrating the unique bond women share with their best gal pals. Galentine’s Day is a made-up holiday (but aren’t all holidays?) and a very recent addition to the calendar of celebrations, but the relationships that it commemorates are as old as they come. So as you think through the many ideas for Valentine’s Day this year, don’t forget to honor the other loves of your life too.
How did Galentine’s Day start?
Galentine’s Day was “invented” by Leslie Knope, the fictional mayor of a small town on the show Parks and Recreation, played by the hilarious Amy Poehler. It started as one of Leslie’s many mini holidays and honored her female friendships. (That’s why we call our favorite gals our Galentines!) But it took on a life of its own when the message resonated with women in real life.
Is Galentine’s Day only for singles?
No, Galentine’s Day isn’t just for singles—or just for couples. It’s a day for everyone to celebrate, no matter their relationship status.
For women who are single on Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s Day helps reinforce just how cherished and valuable they are right before a holiday that often makes them feel otherwise. And for women who are in a relationship, celebrating the day beforehand frees up Valentine’s Day for a date with their partner.
How do I celebrate Galentine’s Day?
The “traditional” way to celebrate Galentine’s Day is with a lavish brunch. Here’s how Leslie explained it in the 2010 episode of Parks and Recreation: “Every Feb. 13, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home, and we just come and kick it, breakfast-style. Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst. Plus frittatas.”
There’s no need to find a high-end romantic restaurant for the occasion. Celebrate it any way you and your girlfriends like—by going dancing, watching a rom-com movie marathon, hosting a taco night or even throwing a white elephant party where you exchange the weird gifts your exes have given you. Make it a big bash at a charming hotel or host a small soiree—there’s no wrong way to do it.
You can even wish the amazing women in your life a happy Galentine’s Day by sending them Galentine’s Day quotes and maybe even picking up a little Galentine’s Day gift.
Does Galentine’s Day include gifts?
Not traditionally, but the nice thing about a made-up holiday is that you can make it up as you go. So if you want to give your girls a Galentine’s Day gift on the 13th, go for it! Leslie would approve.
Look for thoughtful yet inexpensive presents that highlight something unique to your friendship (maybe a box of sweet candy hearts?), would be fun to do together and will make great memories. Be sure to include a heartfelt note or funny Galentine’s Day card.
However you decide to celebrate your lady friends, there is one thing Leslie would say needs to happen: Tell your friends, from the bottom of your heart, what they mean to you and how grateful you are to have them in your life. Bonus points for sharing stories! And if you’re not a huge talker, you can simply send them a few funny Valentine’s Day memes.
FAQs
Is Galentine’s Day for women only?
No! However, Galentine’s Day is typically a holiday for women (hence the name). But if you have a special guy or two you really want to invite, go for it … as long as they’re cool with all the girlie stuff. That’s the best part of this holiday—you get to set the rules!
And even though there’s no official or made-up holiday for guys, don’t hesitate to use Valentine’s Day to spend time with your favorite gents.
Do I need to throw a Galentine’s Day party?
No, you don’t have to throw a Galentine’s Day party—but if you’re up for it, why not dress up your space with some festive Valentine’s Day decor? Think hearts; lots of pink, red and white; and all the cozy girlie vibes.
What is Mistress Day, and what is its connection to Galentine’s Day?
Feb. 13 has been cheekily referred to as Mistress Day because it’s the day that cheating men traditionally celebrate Valentine’s Day with their mistresses so their wives won’t be suspicious on the actual holiday. Sigh.
This is all the more reason why we need Galentine’s Day. Ladies, don’t waste your time with a man who doesn’t even care enough about you to be seen with you in public. And if you’re having a hard time remembering that, you have your girlfriends to remind you—so spend Valentine’s Eve with them, instead of him.
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on Galentine’s Day, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as an award-winning journalist who covers relationships, lifestyle, psychology and more. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- IMDb: “Parks and Recreation: Galentine’s Day”
- New York Post: “Galentine’s Day? Give us a break”
