The holiday of love is almost here in Montclair and it's time to start planning. To simplify things, we've rounded up a list of events in the area. From crafty workshops that make a great alternative date to live romantic music at local restaurants, there is something to do for every kind of couple in the Montclair + Essex County area this Valentine's Day. The Montclair Girl team has also included a section of restaurants serving special dinners for the holiday. Keep reading for a list of Valentine's Day 2025 events in the Montclair and Essex County area and restaurants serving special holiday dinners.

Events

Ongoing | Ignite Your Love By Creating a Valentine’s Candle + Gemstone Experience at Crystals + Candle | 195 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

This Valentine's Day class at Crystals + Candle, tailored for couples and friends, is ongoing throughout January + February and has available time slots on February 14th. Attendees can make their own gemstone candles to infuse with love. See the details here.

February 6th — Wire Wrapped Crystal Heart Necklace Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

Participants can turn heart-shaped crystals into wire-wrapped pendants at this necklace-making workshop on February 6th from 7PM to 8:30PM. All materials will be included by The Eclectic Chic Boutique and this event is open to all levels of crafters. Tickets cost $75 and can be found here.

Read More: Romantic Restaurants for Date Night in the Montclair Area

February 6th — Valentine's Day Craft for Adults at Montclair Public Library — Bellevue Avenue Branch | 185 Bellevue Avenue, Montclair

Neighbors can join the Bellevue Avenue Branch of the Montclair Public Library for an adults-only arts + crafts event on February 11th from 5PM to 6PM. Attendees will make a heart-themed garland made with colorful paper hearts. All materials will be provided and registration is required. Register for this event here.

February 11th-February 16th — Lovers + Friends Week at The MC Hotel | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

The MC Hotel in Montclair will host a week-long Valentine's Day + Galentine's Day event from February 11th to February 16th. From a mixology class to a bouquet-making workshop to a lovers + friends dining experience, this spot is pulling out all the stops. See this Instagram post to see the full lineup.

February 12th — Love Shack Gingerbread House Decorating at Calandra's Italian + French Bakery | 244 Route 46 East, Fairfield

Gingerbread house decorating isn't just a Christmas activity. Calandra's Italian + French Bakery in Fairfield is hosting a Valentine's Day edition of everyone's favorite festive pastime on February 12th from 7PM to 9PM. This event will also include a gift card raffle. Coffee, tea, and water will be available to all guests. This activity is BYOB and attendees are encouraged to bring snacks. See more details here.

February 13th — Valentine’s Day: Malas + Meditation with Satya at Loopwell | 80 Maple Avenue, Montclair

Satya Scainetti, the founder of Satya Jewelry, will host a Valentine's Day event all about wellness and mindfulness at Loopwell in Montclair on February 13th from 7PM to 9PM. In addition to meditation and shopping, guests will learn how to infuse energy into hand-crafted gemstone mala bracelets at this event. While Loopwell members can attend for free, non-members must purchase a $55 ticket. To see more information, click this link.

February 14th — James Teal Live at Calandra's Mediterranean Grill | 118 US-46, Fairfield

James Teal, a local violinist who often plays at Calandra's Mediterranean Grill, will play a special Valentine's Day show on February 14th from 6PM to 9PM. Guests can expect to hear all kinds of violin music, from classical songs to contemporary ones, while enjoying dishes from this restaurant's special holiday menu. For more details, see here.

February 14th — Love Scape at Fresco Da Franco | 15 Church Street, Montclair

Fresco Da Franco in Montclair is hosting a romantic Valentine's Day event at 5PM. Couples can enjoy dishes from the restaurant's menu while experiencing a festive ambiance. Customers are encouraged to head to Bar Franco, this business's sister restaurant, to sip on bespoke cocktails. See all the information in this Instagram post.

February 14th — Valentine's Day Late Night Love at Wine + Design | 1 Greenwood Avenue Suite 101, Montclair

Wine + Design is pulling out all the stops this Valentine's Day. During this event, which takes place on February 14th at 9PM, couples will paint half-sized canvases, which make up a whole picture when put together. This painting event is BYOB and snacks are encouraged. Wine + Design will provide wine glasses and openers. For more details, see this link.

February 14th — Valentine's Day Terrarium Workshop Plant and Sip at Fern + Fossil | 145 Court Street #MS#1, Newark

Friends and couples can create personalized terrariums at this Valentine's Day Terrarium Workshop on February 14th from 7:30PM to 9PM. Guests can choose from a wide selection of plants and special knickknacks, like rose quartz crystals and mini hearts, to add to their creations. Instructors will be in attendance to guide visitors through each step of the process. Light refreshments will also be served. Tickets for this event range from $50 to $90 and can be purchased here.

February 15th — Don't Forget to Love Comedy Show at South Valley BBQ + Lounge | 34 South Valley Road, West Orange

Self-proclaimed as the "best comedy show in Essex County," this event at South Valley BBQ + Lounge will feature Toni Fatz and Dylan Tucker, locally praised comedians. This takes place on February 15th from 8PM to 10:30PM. Tickets for this Valentine's Day show cost $20 and can be found at this link.

February 16th — Stained Glass Suncatcher Making Workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique | 547 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

Participants can celebrate the holiday of love with a stained glass workshop at The Eclectic Chic Boutique on February 16th from 1PM to 4PM. Participants can expect to create their own stained glass creations to take home. This class is beginner-friendly and all materials are included. Tickets cost $150. See the shop's website for more details.

February 16th — Rom Com Trivia at Alto Rooftop | 690 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

Locals should brush up on their rom-com knowledge for this Valentine's Day trivia night at Alto Rooftop, which takes place on February 16th from 1PM to 3PM. This event will include five rounds of trivia on all kinds of cult classics. Attendees can also expect a menu of brunch specials to munch on while they play. See more information about this free event here.

Dinners

Agave Maria | 170 Washington Avenue, Belleville

Couples can celebrate this holiday in the Casa Amor Speakeasy at Agave Maria. This Mexican restaurant will serve a four-course dinner, as well as four different love-themed cocktails. Specific details regarding the menu have yet to be announced, so check out Agave Maria's website closer to the date. To book a reservation, see here.

Cucina Calandra | 216 US-46, Fairfield

From 12PM until closing, Cucina Calandra will serve a separate menu for Valentine's Day. This includes options like the Blackened Salmon Gremolata, topped with parsley lemon zest puree and served with mashed potatoes and asparagus, and the Pollo Vodka, which features breaded chicken cutlet parmigiana topped with vodka sauce and mozzarella over linguini. See the full menu here.

Faubourg | 544 Bloomfield Avenue, Montclair

Il Vecchio Cafe | 234 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell

This Italian cafe will offer a special deal to celebrate the season of love. Locals can enjoy a three-course, prix fixe dinner for $70. Aside from a complimentary glass of champagne, diners can enjoy options like eggplant rollatini, lamb chops, cannolis, and more. A separate kid's menu will also be served for any kiddos who tag along. For those who prefer to stay in, Il Vecchio Cafe will also have a Valentine's dinner-for-two takeout deal. For $120, customers can feast on their choice of two appetizers, entrees, and desserts. Pickups for this holiday package will be February 13th until 5PM and February 14th until 3PM. See this Instagram post for the full menu and more details.

Restaurant Luna Stella | 5 Highland Place, Maplewood

This Maplewood staple will serve a prix fixe, three-course menu for $95 per person on February 14th. The menu will consist of items like oysters + caviar, braised short ribs, grilled branzino, shrimp ravioli, and more. Desserts like the Chocolate Heart, made with dark chocolate mousse, mirror glaze, and hazelnut wafer cookies, and the Vanilla Panna Cotta, served with blackberries conserve and fresh mint, will also be available. See the full Valentine's Day menu here.

The Highlawn | 1 Crest Drive, West Orange

This restaurant in West Orange is hosting a Valentine's Week from February 14th to February 16th. Each day includes unique features like a prix fix menu, complimentary drinks, a piano serenade, and more. See this Instagram post for all the details.

Samba | 7 Park Street, Montclair

Celebrate this Galentine's Day at Samba. This Brazilian restaurant will feature an a la a carte menu with specials, which includes fun options like yuca sliders with braised duck, served with gorgonzola and caramelized Onions. Make a reservation here.

See More: Unique Valentine’s Day Date Ideas in the Hoboken + Jersey City Area

Zeugma Grill | 44 South Park Street, Montclair

Those wanting a Mediterranean-style Valentine's Day can head to Zeugma Grill, which will present a four-course prix fix menu. Customers can look forward to dishes like Sauced Eggplant, Beet Falalfal, and Mushroom Manti, and desserts like Strawberry Pavola and Chocolate Mousse. This Instagram post has all the information.