What Is Galentine’s Day & How to Celebrate Friendship With Your Besties

To put it simply, Galentine’s Day is a pre–Valentine’s Day celebration of friendship with your favorite girlfriends. It’s all about celebrating the women who make you laugh, cry, and get you through life’s ups and downs—because honestly, where would we be without them?

What Is Galentine’s Day?

Galentine’s Day is celebrated on February 13 and focuses on honoring friendships rather than romantic relationships. It’s a reminder that love comes in many forms—and friendship deserves its own moment to shine.

Where did Galentine’s Day come from?

Fun fact: Galentine’s Day didn’t come from Hallmark or some big marketing machine. It actually came from a TV show—Parks and Recreation (which I somehow never watched… yet 👀).

In Season 2, Episode 16, appropriately titled “Galentine’s Day,” the character Leslie Knope hosts a brunch for her closest gal pals filled with waffles, love, and friendship. She describes it perfectly:
“Ladies celebrating ladies.”

And just like that, Galentine’s Day was officially—unofficially—added to calendars everywhere.

How to celebrate Galentine’s Day

I’ve been celebrating friendships long before I even knew Galentine’s Day was a thing. Every year after the Valentine’s Day hoopla, I’d gather my besties for a Post-Valentine Tea Party—and trust me, we weren’t drinking tea… we were drinking Chocolate Martinis 😉 chocolate Mar-T-inis, (get it, T, not Tea)

And yes, I’m sharing the recipe—because good friends don’t gatekeep cocktails. 👉 [Get the Chocolate Raspberry Martini recipe here]

Valentine’s Day can feel awkward or disappointing for some, but knowing you have a night planned to celebrate friendship makes everything feel lighter and more fun. My Post Valentine Tea Party was a bright light for my friends and I, especially during the long, cold winter nights of February.  

For me, my Post Valentine Tea party was super easy, everyone brought an appetizer, (the perfect girl food) and I supplied the Chocolate Raspberry Martini’s and my Easy Christmas Chocolate Cake, except I put red and pink sprinkles with little hearts on it instead of Christmas holly sprinkles. I would also pick up some very inexpensive gifts at my favorite store, TJ Maxx and would wrap them up and we would play “Steal or White Elephant” Believe me the game got very heated and fun! Lots of laughter with these silly little gifts.

 The best part of the party was just sharing quality time with dear friends after the holidays and reconnecting. The bonds that were made from this party run strong, we still get together every time I get back home and it’s like I never left. So blessed to have my friends and friendships in my life.

Galentine’s Day Party Ideas

How to Decorate for Galentine’s Day

Keep it simple. Think pinks, reds, hearts, and all the festive Valentine goodness your girlfriends secretly love. Candles are always a hit, and easy cleanup is key—cute paper plates, shared appetizers, and boom… party magic.

The best part? This holiday is completely made up. No rules. No pressure. Make it your own.

Celebrate friendship in style with Valentine candles and decorations — the perfect touch for your Galentine’s Day gathering.

Who to Invite to Galentine’s Day

Traditionally, Galentine’s Day is a girls’ holiday—but rules are optional. If your bestie is a guy, invite him. Old friends, new friends, long-distance friends—celebrate them all.

And if you can’t celebrate together, sending a small gift like a candle or handmade soap is a thoughtful way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”

What If Galentine’s Day Isn’t Your Thing?

That’s totally okay. But even if you never throw a party, it’s still worth appreciating the friends who walk beside you through life’s tougher seasons.

Many of us are navigating similar stages—parents getting older, kids growing up, big life transitions—and having strong friendships makes all the difference.

Have you ever been to a Galentine’s Day party—or would you go to one? What appetizer would you bring? What fun drink would you want to see there? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by, friend.
Until next time,
— Lisa