Key Takeaways
- Celebrate your relationship year-round by observing romantic holidays like National Couples Day or Wife Appreciation Day with thoughtful gestures.
- Use holidays like National "I Want You to Be Happy" Day or World Compliment Day to strengthen your bond through kindness and appreciation.
- Plan meaningful activities, like cuddling on National Cuddle Up Day or sharing a sweet treat on Sweetest Day, to reconnect.
While every day is an opportunity to express your love and appreciation for your partner, there are certain holidays throughout the year that are dedicated to commemorating your relationship.Valentine’s Day may be the most widely known and celebrated, but there are so many other romantic occasions on the calendar to observe—from National Couples Day to Wife Appreciation Day. Even though each of these dates has a specific purpose and reason, all of them share one common theme: recognizing the love between you and your partner.
There are so many meaningful ways to mark these holidays, whether it’s dining at your favorite restaurant, buying your significant other flowers, or taking a moment to compliment your partner. In some cases, the day itself will prompt the activity or gesture, like sharing a peck on International Kissing Day. However you decide to celebrate, know that by observing these holidays you’re working to strengthen your connection, build intimacy, and affirm your commitment to and love for one another. And at the very least, toasting to these holidays will remind you to get outside of your daily routine as a couple—and help you avoid falling into a rut.
Whether you’ve been dating for a few months or you’ve been married for decades, here are 22 romantic holidays to observe with your significant other this year.
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January 6: National Cuddle-Up Day
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After the festivities from New Year’s are over, take cover from the cold and snuggle with your loved one in front of a fireplace or wrapped in blankets in bed during National Cuddle Up Day. Since cuddling releases oxytocin, a feel-good hormone, this intimate gesture will have a positive impact on your health and wellbeing. Not to mention, you'll feel closer to your significant other—both physically and emotionally.
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January 21: National Hugging Day
National Hugging Day is the perfect excuse to share a warm, comforting embrace with your partner. Jumpstart your day by wrapping your arms around them or give them a hug once you get home from work. You can also send them a mental hug by shooting them a sweet text, letting them know the positive impact they've had on your life.
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January 26: National Spouses Day
Every year, married couples celebrate their anniversary, but National Spouses Day sets aside another time during the year to cherish your union. This holiday, which honors spouses everywhere, is an excellent opportunity to reflect on your relationship, acknowledge your growth and accomplishments, recall the sacrifices the two of you have made, and remember why you said "I do." Make sure to do something thoughtful for your spouse on this day, whether it's writing them a note or making them a cup of coffee.
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March 1: World Compliment Day
World Compliment Day is a global initiative to spread kindness and make people feel valued and appreciated. Although anyone can celebrate this holiday, it’s especially fitting for those in a relationship. On this day, take a moment to tell your significant other how much you love them, noting the attributes and behaviors that you admire most about them, whether it's their sense of humor or generosity. These words of affirmation will boost your partner’s mood and self-esteem, leading to a stronger partnership.
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March 3: National "I Want You to Be Happy" Day
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On National "I Want You to Be Happy" Day, we're encouraged to do something that makes our loved ones delighted. While you certainly aren't responsible for your partner's happiness, going out of your way to put a smile on their face will make them feel seen. Plus, happiness is infectious, so you'll reap the benefits as well. Arrange a date night, or surprise them with a random act of kindness.
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March 20: National Proposal Day
If the two of you are in a serious relationship that's headed toward marriage, National Proposal Day is the perfect time to pop the question. Since this holiday takes place on the vernal equinox, when the stars and planets align, you'll kick off this new chapter in a magical way. However, this occasion isn't limited to marriage proposals. On this day, you can discuss any other beginning, such as the possibility of starting a family or changing careers.
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March 26: Black Marriage Day
Black Marriage Day was founded in 2003 by Nisa Muhammad, the founder of the Wedded Bliss Foundation, to commemorate and fortify marriage in the Black community. Today, the holiday is celebrated in over 300 locations across the United States. If you're honoring this day, spend quality time together, whether it's going for a stroll or visiting a museum.
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April 16: Husband Appreciation Day
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With the obligations and routines of everyday life, you might forget to thank your spouse for everything they do or vocalize what you love about them, so Husband Appreciation Day is a chance to show and tell your husband how much he means to you. On this holiday, give him a personalized gift or accompany him as he partakes in his go-to pastime, both of which will make him feel special.
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April 23: Lover's Day
Celebrate the love between you and your partner on Lover's Day. If you're thinking about observing this holiday, do something small for the person you love, such as buying flowers or chocolates—or go all out by planning a weekend getaway.
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April 25: Kiss and Make Up Day
Even the strongest relationships have disagreements. Arguing with your significant other is normal—and even healthy—but it's also important to recognize when it's time to make up. Kiss and Make Up Day serves as a reminder to release grudges and forgive your partner.
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April 30: National Honesty Day
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Honesty is pivotal to building trust in a relationship, so on National Honesty Day, only speak the truth to your significant other. If there’s something you’ve been neglecting to tell them out of fear of their reaction, this is a good time to set the record straight. The truth will set you free, and it might even bring you two closer than you were before.
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May 1: May Day
While it may not be as widely celebrated today, May Day was historically a time to put together a small basket of goodies, such as candy, flowers, and little gifts. Surprise your partner by bringing the tradition back.
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May 9: Military Spouse Appreciation Day
Military couples, this holiday is a time to celebrate the obstacles that you've encountered in your partnership. It's important to note that Military Spouse Appreciation Day takes place on the Friday before Mother's Day, so the date of this meaningful day changes every year. In 2025, the holidays falls on May 9.
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June 1: National "Say Something Nice" Day
National "Say Something Nice" Day promotes kindness and positivity everywhere. Make this day extra pleasant for your partner by sending them a considerate text or bringing them lunch at work. Not only will these thoughtful acts make your significant other's day, but the considerate gesture will increase your own mood.
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June 6: International Kissing Day
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June 6 is the perfect time to give your partner a peck. On an individual level, kissing a loved one relieves stress and improves your mood, but the intimate act has many positive implications for your relationship, like communicating affection and feeling closer to one another.
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June 12: National Loving Day
National Loving Day is an annual celebration held on June 12 to honor the United States Supreme Court’s verdict on interracial marriages in the 1967 case of Loving v. Virginia. This is a day of celebration for interracial marriages and families.
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July 30: International Friendship Day
In addition to being your romantic partner, your significant other is also someone who has your back. Recognize the friendship that the two of you have grown and maintained over the years on International Friendship Day. Use this time to look back on your connection and reflect on how you've continued to build on it over the months or years.
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August 18: National Couples Day
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National Couples Day is a holiday dedicated to commemorating the love and bond that those in a relationship share. To observe this day, consider dining out at your favorite restaurant, arranging a picnic in the park, planning an at-home movie night, or writing your partner a heartfelt letter. Whatever you do, make an effort to be fully present with your partner and vocalize the way they've enhanced your life.
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September 18: Wife Appreciation Day
Your wife does a lot to support you and your household, so on Wife Appreciation Day, make sure your much-deserving spouse knows how much you respect and cherish her. Sweep her off her feet with a meaningful gift, a compliment, or a beautiful bouquet of flowers.
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September 30: National Love People Day
Unconditional love is the best gift we can possibly give, and National Love People Day recognizes this powerful act and feeling. On this day, shower your partner with love and affection, whether it's praising their character, recreating a baked good from their childhood, or surprising them with tickets to see a play.
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October 19: National Sweetest Day
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Anyone who grew up in the Midwest is familiar with Sweetest Day, but for those that didn’t, it’s a day to celebrate and express love in ways that are both big and small. Traditionally celebrated with gifts of candy as a reminder of life’s sweetest moments, this holiday is a good time to share a sweet treat with the one you love. Sweetest Day falls on the third Sunday in October, and in 2025, it will take place on October 20.
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October 25: National "I Care About You" Day
Even though you deeply care about your partner, you might not always communicate those thoughts and feelings. That's why National "I Care About You" Day is an ideal time to express this sentiment. You can also show your significant other your fondness for them by planning something special, whether it's a date night or a weekend trip. Use this holiday to reconnect and remind one another why your relationship is meaningful.
