Why some women choose Galentines over Valentines. And how they might celebrate

Christie O’Sullivan of Trinity, Florida, has celebrated 21 Valentine’s Days with her husband, but her most memorable celebration was a pre-marriage outing with a girlfriend. The pair took the day off work, indulged in massages, and enjoyed cocktails and a fine dining experience.

“For me, it was 10 out of 10. That whole day was intentional,” O’Sullivan recalls. She describes the experience as empowering “on a day that’s usually filled with pressure to be in a relationship, or sadness because I wasn’t currently in one.”

This celebration exemplifies the growing “Galentine’s Day” trend, which entered popular culture through a 2010 episode of NBC’s comedy series “Parks and Recreation.” The concept features Amy Poehler’s character Leslie Knope gathering her female friends on February 13th to celebrate their friendships, declaring it “only the best day of the year.”

The phenomenon has gained significant momentum in recent years, with retailers and restaurants creating special promotions and events specifically targeting women celebrating friendships around Valentine’s Day. Market analysts estimate that Galentine’s Day celebrations now generate hundreds of millions in consumer spending annually.

For Chela Pappaccioli of Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, Galentine’s Day has become an elaborate tradition. She has hosted a women-only celebration at her home for three consecutive years, complete with hired bartenders and DJs. This year’s guest list includes 45 invitees, with 34 confirmed attendees who will receive custom gift bags.

“It’s an escape to just be with your girls, be silly, do something fun and just focus on the friendships you’ve created and enjoying each other’s company,” Pappaccioli explains.

Many women use these gatherings as opportunities to learn new skills together. Liz Momblanco of Berkley, Michigan, self-described as a “serial hobbyist,” regularly invites friends to participate in classes ranging from cookie decorating to calligraphy and stained glass.

“I enjoy learning something new and having a shared experience,” says Momblanco, who has also attended women’s day retreats featuring activities like floral arranging, yoga, and cold plunge therapy.

Marney Wolf, who operates retreat company Luna Wolf, emphasizes how creative activities foster community bonds. “It bonds you, whether it’s the smallest thing or really deep. You watch these grown women turn into almost like a childlike kindergarten response like, ‘Oh my gosh! Good job! You’re so talented!’ That little lift is the easiest thing to do,” she explains.

The timing of Galentine’s celebrations is particularly significant for many participants. Wolf intentionally schedules retreats near Valentine’s Day, recognizing that the traditional holiday can be difficult for those without romantic partners.

“I know it can be a really lonely time for people and I think some take it for granted,” Wolf notes.

Pappaccioli adds that even women in relationships can benefit from these gatherings. “Even if you’re married it can be depressing because your husband may not be doing what you want or your boyfriend may not support you in the way you want,” she says. “It’s nice to know that you don’t need that. You can still celebrate the holiday, but turn it around a little bit and celebrate the relationships you want to.”

Beyond providing emotional support during a potentially challenging time, these gatherings create opportunities for deepening existing friendships and forming new connections. They also offer a rare chance to disconnect from technology and be fully present.

O’Sullivan, who works as a social media strategist, particularly valued that her memorable celebration occurred before smartphones dominated social interactions. “We could be fully present — no photos, no texts, no nothing,” she recalls. “While that means there’s no actual record of that day occurring, it also means the details became a core memory without it.”

Galentine’s celebrations vary widely in their formality and complexity. While some involve elaborate parties, others consist of simple coffee dates, card games, or cultural outings with friends. Additional popular activities include thrift shopping, dancing, roller skating, karaoke, creative journaling, and spa treatments.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, retailers report increasing demand for Galentine’s-themed merchandise, signaling that this celebration of friendship has firmly established itself alongside the traditional romantic holiday.