Galentine’s Day has gained in popularity in recent years, with an increasing number of women (both single and in relationships) using the day to acknowledge their love for their female friendships.

And it’s about time February was about more than just romantic love, dates and fancy gifts. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day this year with your partner or looking celebrate with your girls this February, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Galentine’s Day 2024.

What is Galentine’s Day?

As the name would suggest, Galentine’s Day is a celebration of your ‘gal pals’ and female friendship.

And what’s the difference between Valentine’s Day and Galetine’s Day? Simply put, the difference between the two is that V-Day celebrates the romantic kind of love and G-Day is a day of love for all of the gals!

What was once thought as an occasion for singletons not celebrating Valentine’s Day, Galentine’s is now widely marked by many friendship groups, whether they are single or in a relationship.

So it’s no wonder it has grown in popularity the last five years with online searches of ‘Galentine’s Day’ increasing by 1,600 per cent.

What is the meaning of Galentine’s Day?

The meaning of Galentine’s Day can be whatever you want it to be but the day is geared to towards showing love to your girls and celebrating the amazing women in your life. Galentine’s is basically Valentine’s but with your gals!

What day is Galentine’s Day 2024?

Galentine’s Day is the day before Valentine’s Day or Valentine’s Day Eve which is February 13th. Galentine’s Day 2024 falls on a Tuesday this year. So set a reminder in your calendar to celebrate love with your besties on Tuesday 13th February.

Where did Galentine’s Day come from?

The term was made popular following the release of a 2010 episode of US sitcom Parks and Recreation.

Season 2, episode 16 of Parks and Recreation (which is aptly named Galentine’s Day) sees Leslie Knope, played by actress Amy Poehler, throwing a Galentine’s Day brunch for her girls.

“What’s Galentine’s Day? It’s only the best day of the year,” she says, while throwing her annual Galentine’s Day party.

“Every February 13th, my lady friends and I leave our husbands and our boyfriends at home and we just come and kick it breakfast style. Ladies celebrating ladies.”

What’s on this Galentine’s Day?

Whether you’re looking for local Galentine’s Day events or want to know What’s On? in February to show the love for women, we’ve got you covered.

There are several events taking place to mark the occasion, such as a Charlotte Tilbury makeup masterclass at Beauty Club London, Revolution and Bumble BFF brunch in Glasgow on February 17th, and nationwide screenings of Legally Blonde and Mean Girls at Everyman cinemas.

Galentine’s Day Party Tips

If you’re wondering how to celebrate Galentine’s Day 2024, Party Delights Creative Manager, Sarah Allsop, has shared her top tips on the best ways to celebrate your gal pals.

Host a Galentine’s Day girls’ night-in with love heart decor

“If you’re hosting your Galentine’s Day girls’ night-in at your house, you really want to give your guests an evening to remember.

“Even though it’s not the traditional Valentine’s celebration, Galentine’s Day has been created to ooze the same lovey dovey theme. So get your besties heart aflutter with fun-filled themed decorations.

“Whether you’re hosting a movie or cocktail night, dedicate a room in your home to your celebration. There are an abundance of decorations available without the word Valentine’s embellished on the front, so opt for those instead.  

“Create a surprise entrance for your guests with a hanging fringe curtain and love heart window stickers. Grab a few glass vases and add heart-shaped string lights to use as a centrepiece for your Galentine’s food table or ambient lighting for a movie.

“Lastly, wherever in your home you’re hosting, add in a selection of balloons to finish off your décor.”

Put on a Galentine’s buffet

“With up to 44m views on TikTok, it’s no surprise that food board parties are one of the biggest celebrations trends right now, and G-Day is the perfect excuse to give it a try.

“This is great way to get all your friends involved in your celebration planning and takes some pressure of you as the host.

“Amongst your friends choose a theme for what type of food board they should bring. Ones seen most often include building foodie boards around your favourite colour or cuisine.

“Decorate with themed confetti and tableware and your Galentine’s buffet is complete.”

Suggest a G-Day dress code

“Give your G-Day celebrations an upgrade with a dress code. Much like the food board party trend, the ‘dress as the letter’ craze has taken social media by storm with 30m view on TikTok, and Galentine’s with your besties is a chance to go all out with this trend.

“If you’re having a movie night, have your guests dress up as a film character beginning with the same letter as their first name.

“Or sticking with your Galentine’s theme, ask your friends to dress up as a character starting with the letter G. There are so many options to choose from including a gangster, a ghostbuster, or ginger spice – the list is endless.”

Remember the finishing touches

“Complete your Galentine’s Day celebration with some extra special finishing touches.

“If you opt not to choose a dress code, why not get all your friends matching pyjamas, especially if you’re planning a movie night or pamper evening.

“Plus, to go with your guests sharing board choices, create your very own signature G-Day cocktail for the evening. Grab a large drinks dispenser and think pink with your tipples to commemorate the theme such as pink gin or rose prosecco.

“And, don’t forget there is nothing like a party bag to take home, even when you’re an adult. Put together a small selection of your pals’ favourite goodies for them to enjoy later. This could include their favourite chocolates, sweets, beauty products and tipples.”

So regardless of whether you’re in a couple or single his month, we’re breaking down every single thing you need to know about V-Day and G-Day. From the best Valentine’s Day gifts for your partner and best flower delivery services, to feminist Galentine’s Day gift ideas for your girls and even an expert’s guide on how to love yourself more this February. Happy love month!