Galentine’s Day: What It Is, Where It Came From, and How to Celebrate With Your Besties

Think of Galentine’s as Valentine’s Day’s cooler, more inclusive cousin. It’s all about celebrating the friends who hype you up, send the “you got this” texts, and show up with ice cream when the group chat gets dramatic.

Whether you’re single, happily partnered, “it’s complicated,” or just here for the waffles, Galentine’s Day is your excuse to gather your people and make a moment out of it.

And if you want the easiest way to host? We built a full party plan for you: our Galentine’s Brunch template has the menu, decor, and hosting tips ready to go so you can just send the invite and show up.

So… what is Galentine’s Day, exactly?

Galentine’s Day is an unofficial holiday dedicated to friendship, most often celebrated on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day. It’s a time to gather your friends (of any relationship status) and celebrate the people who make your everyday life better.

There’s no one “right” way to do it. Some crews go full glitter, balloons, and dress code. Others keep it cozy with PJs and takeout. The common thread: you’re pausing real life for a second to say, “I’m glad you’re in my world.”

A very brief history of Galentine’s Day

Like so many iconic things (waffles included), Galentine’s Day started on TV.

In 2010, the show Parks and Recreation aired an episode where Leslie Knope hosts “Galentine’s Day” on February 13. She gathers her closest friends for an over-the-top brunch with heartfelt gifts, compliments, and the kind of speeches that make everyone laugh-cry.

The idea caught on fast. Viewers started hosting their own Galentine’s gatherings. Brands picked it up. Restaurants began offering specials. Social feeds filled with pink tablescapes and “Happy Galentine’s” captions.

Fast forward to today: Galentine’s is a fully established tradition. You’ll see it on calendars, in group chats, and on invites everywhere—from boozy brunches to low-key nights in.

Why Galentine’s Day hits so hard

Galentine’s isn’t just a cute excuse for themed cocktails. It taps into a few big things:

• Friendship deserves its own holiday. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings, but the friendships that carry us through most days? They deserve their own spotlight.
• It’s inclusive. Single, dating, married, divorced, “it’s a long story”—everyone can be part of Galentine’s. It’s about who you love, not how.
• It’s low-pressure. Valentine’s can feel loaded. Galentine’s is flexible, playful, and yours to define. Dress code can be “silk slips and pearls” or “sweats and slipper socks.” Both are right.

Underneath the pink and the prosecco, Galentine’s is about connection. It’s that reminder that you’re not doing life alone.

Ways to celebrate Galentine’s Day (from extra to effortless)

You only need one or two ideas to host something memorable. Pick what fits your group, your space, and the amount of energy you have this year.

1. Go all-in on a Galentine’s brunch

If Leslie Knope had a Partytrick account, she’d start here.

Set the scene with shades of pink and red, heart-shaped anything, and a table that begs to be photographed. Build your menu around:

• A signature brunch main (waffles, pancakes, or a frittata)
• A “help yourself” bar for toppings and sides
• Bubbly, mocktails, or a coffee station

Want the whole thing mapped out for you—menu, decor, activities, and hosting tips? That’s exactly what our Galentine’s Brunch template is for. You customize the guest list; we’ve planned the rest.

2. Host a cozy movie night in

If going out feels like too much, lean into the night-in energy.

• Build a snack board with candy, popcorn, and every kind of chocolate.
• Let the group vote on a lineup: rom-coms, nostalgic teen movies, or that comfort-watch series you all know by heart.
• Add a simple ritual: each person shares one thing they appreciate about the group, or a favorite memory from the past year.

Low lift, high feelings.

3. Plan a DIY or craft night

This is perfect if you like to keep your hands busy while you catch up.

Try:

• Friendship bracelets or beaded phone charms
• Vision-boarding for the year ahead
• Decorating tote bags, mugs, or candles
• Making personalized cards or mini gifts for each other

Set out the supplies, turn up a feel-good playlist, and let people move between stations as they chat.

4. Turn your space into a mini spa

Bring the “self-care night” to life:

• Face masks, nail polish, hair clips, and cozy robes or loungewear
• Tea, infused water, light snacks, and maybe a bubbly option
• A calm playlist and optional journaling prompts or intention-setting

This is especially nice if your group is in a season of “we’re tired, but we still want to see each other.”

5. Plan an out-and-about adventure

If your crew loves an activity, make Galentine’s a night on the town.

Ideas:

• Karaoke or a live music spot
• Bowling, mini golf, or arcade night
• A class: pottery, dance, yoga, or a cooking workshop
• A progressive evening—drinks at one spot, dessert at another

Built-in entertainment takes the pressure off you as the host, while still making it feel like an occasion.

6. Host a virtual Galentine’s

Long-distance besties or scattered schedules? You can still celebrate together.

• Hop on a video call with a loose theme: PJs, pink drinks, or “show-and-tell” where everyone brings a favorite thing from the last year.
• Play simple online games, do a virtual trivia round, or share your favorite TikToks of each other.
• Mail small gifts or cards ahead of time and open them “together” on the call.

Sometimes seeing everyone’s faces in one place is the celebration.

7. Keep it micro and meaningful

Not every Galentine’s needs a full guest list and decor.

Micro-celebration ideas:

• A coffee walk or park meetup with one friend
• A co-working date where you start with pastries and end with a glass of wine
• Dropping off a treat or handwritten note at a friend’s doorstep
• A simple series of “thinking of you” texts or voice notes to the people who carried you this year

The scale doesn’t matter as much as the intention.

Hosting tips to keep your Galentine’s easy and inclusive

A few small choices can make your celebration feel welcoming and stress-free.

• Set expectations up front. Let guests know the vibe: dress code (if any), whether to bring a dish or gift, and how formal or casual it is.
• Honor different budgets. Potlucks, movie nights, and at-home brunches can be just as special as restaurant reservations. Choose options that don’t require anyone to overspend to be there.
• Keep it flexible. Build your plan so late arrivals or early exits don’t throw off the whole night.
• Focus on connection over perfection. No one will remember if the heart-shaped cookies were slightly lopsided. They will remember how you made them feel.

Ready to host your own Galentine’s?

However you choose to celebrate—brunching in sequins, watching movies in sweats, or sending a single text that says “I’m grateful for you”—Galentine’s Day is your reminder to celebrate the friendships that make life lighter.

If you want a done-for-you starting point, our Galentine’s Brunch template has the decor inspo, menu ideas, and party flow ready to go. You bring the besties. We’ll help you make it feel like an effortlessly pulled-together event.

Happy

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