19 February Holidays That Aren't Valentines Day in 2025

Now that all of the January holidays have passed, you may be thinking that all the February holidays have to offer is Valentine's Day. But it turns out that the shortest month of the year is jam-packed with celebrations. Check out these February holidays and learn how much there is to celebrate.

February may be dark and gloomy in many parts of the world, but it's also a time of great celebration. Learn about the religious and cultural holidays around the world! 

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• Daily Holidays in February
• Weekly Holidays in February
• Month-Long February Holidays
• February Holidays

Daily Holidays in February

1. Groundhog Day

February 2 – This is one of the most beloved February holidays in the States. It's a beloved tradition where the groundhog “predicts” the remaining length of winter. If he sees his shadow, expect six more weeks of cold; if not, spring is near! People gather in places like Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to witness this whimsical forecast, rooted in centuries-old folklore. This was made famous when Bill Murray's character lived the same day again and again in the classic comedy Groundhog Day.  

2. National Chocolate Fondue Day

February 5 – Indulge in one of the tastiest February holidays by gathering around a pot of melted chocolate with friends or family. Dip a variety of treats, such as fruits, marshmallows and pretzels, for a delicious experience. It’s the perfect excuse to share laughter, conversation and a love for chocolate.

3. National Pizza Day

February 9 – This one of the most beloved February holidays as it celebrates one of the world’s most loved foods — pizza! Get creative by trying new toppings or hosting a DIY pizza-making night. It’s a great day to invite friends over and enjoy every slice of this classic dish.

4. Galentine’s Day

February 13 – This is one of the February holidays that was made famous by Parks and Recreation. It honors friendships among women. Gather with your gal pals for brunch, gift exchanges or fun outings that celebrate your bonds. It’s a day to cherish the love and support of your friends.

5. Valentine’s Day

February 14 – The most romantic of the February holidays, V-Day is dedicated to celebrating love in all forms. Whether spent with a partner, friends or family, it’s a day for thoughtful gifts, kind gestures and expressions of affection. The tradition draws on centuries of love and romance tied to Saint Valentine.

6. Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 17 – The sweetest of the February holidays, spread positivity by performing kind deeds for those around you. Whether helping a friend or showing compassion to a stranger, small gestures can make a big difference. This day encourages empathy and connection through everyday kindness.

7. Love Your Pet Day

February 20 – Celebrate your furry friends on the cutest of the February holidays by showering them with extra attention and treats. Take them for a special outing, give them their favorite snacks or just spend quality time together. It’s a day to show gratitude for the joy pets bring to our lives.

Weekly Holidays in February

8. Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year (China and East Asia)

Spanning 15 days, this is one of the international February holidays that celebrates the new lunar year with fireworks, feasts and family reunions. Each day brings unique customs, including lantern lighting and dragon dances. This time is filled with colorful parades and wishes for health, happiness and prosperity.

9. Mardi Gras/Carnival (Brazil, New Orleans and Europe)

This is one of the February holidays that is celebrated with samba, parades and one dang good time. It's a pre-Lenten celebration filled with week-long parades, dancing and colorful costumes. Brazil’s Carnival is among the most famous, featuring samba dancing and vibrant floats. The excitement reaches around the globe, where people embrace masquerades and joyful celebrations.

10. Valentine's Week (India And Several Other Countries)

Extending Valentine's Day into a full week, this February holiday celebrates various stages of love, starting from Rose Day on February 7 and culminating in Valentine’s Day. Each day symbolizes a different romantic gesture, making it a unique cultural celebration of love.

11. Tapati Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile)

This is one of the two-week February holidays. It honors Rapa Nui culture with activities like body painting, stone lifting and traditional music. Islanders and visitors participate in the festivities, which reflect the island’s rich history and community spirit, making it a unique celebration.

12. Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan)

Held for a week in early February, this holiday transforms Sapporo into a winter wonderland filled with breathtaking snow sculptures and ice displays. Visitors enjoy snow slides, ice skating and local cuisine on one of the most magical February holidays, embracing the fun of the snowy season.

13. Losar or Tibetan New Year (Tibet and the Himalayas)

Celebrated in February, this holiday lasts up to 15 days with rituals, dances and communal meals. Tibetan communities prepare for a prosperous new year by decorating homes, sharing traditional foods and offering prayers, creating a joyous and meaningful event.

Month-Long February Holidays

14. Black History Month (United States and Canada)

This is one of the most uplifting and educational February holidays that recognizes the achievements and contributions of Black communities, highlighting history through educational events, art displays and discussions. Communities honor Black leaders, artists and changemakers, fostering cultural awareness and appreciation.

15. LGBT+ History Month (United Kingdom and Europe)

Celebrated through February, this holiday honors the history and contributions of the LGBT+ community with educational activities, cultural events and discussions. This is one of the February Holidays that brings attention to past struggles and achievements, celebrating the journey towards equality.

16. National Heart Month (United States and United Kingdom)

February’s Heart Month raises awareness about heart health, offering information on preventive care. Health organizations host events and provide resources to encourage healthy habits and reduce heart disease, emphasizing heart health for everyone.

17. Season of Nonviolence (International)

Spanning from January 30 to April 4, this is one of the most peace-loving February holidays as it promotes peace and nonviolence in memory of Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Communities hold events to inspire compassion, education and unity, fostering a peaceful society.

18. Hōnen Matsuri or Festival of the Harvest (Japan)

This is one of the top February holidays for thanksgiving. It gives thanks for the previous year’s harvest and prays for future abundance, especially in rural regions. Traditional ceremonies, offerings and community gatherings reflect Japan’s agricultural traditions and hope for prosperity.

19. National Bird-Feeding Month (United States)

February’s Bird-Feeding Month encourages people to support winter bird survival by providing food and shelter. Birdwatching events and educational talks help protect bird species and foster an appreciation for wildlife.

February Holidays FAQs

What is The Most Famous Holiday in February?

Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14, is one of the most widely recognized holidays of the month, distinguished by its romantic allure and historical mystique. The origins of Valentine's Day are deeply rooted in both Christian and ancient Roman traditions and the story behind the holiday’s namesake, Saint Valentine, remains somewhat of a mystery.

According to History, the Catholic Church recognizes three saints, or martyrs, that are named Valentine or Valentinus. However, one prominent legend suggests that Saint Valentine was a third-century Roman priest who defied Emperor Claudius II by performing secret marriages for young lovers.

Claudius had outlawed marriage for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers but Valentine risked his life to help couples wed in secret, an act of defiance that ultimately led to his death.

Another version attributes the holiday to Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop who also met a tragic end for his faith and dedication to love. One popular story claims that Valentine sent the first “valentine” to a young girl, perhaps his jailor’s daughter, signing it with the enduring words, “From your Valentine.”

Today, Valentine’s Day has evolved into a celebration of love in many forms, with unique cultural twists across the globe:

• Japan: Women give chocolates to men on Valentine’s Day, with men returning the favor on “White Day” (March 14).
• South Korea: Valentine’s Day, White Day (March 14) and “Black Day” (April 14) create a trio of love holidays, with singles celebrating friendship on Black Day by sharing black noodles.
• Denmark and Norway: Friends and lovers exchange white “snowdrop” flowers and men send unsigned rhyming love notes called "Gækkebreve."
• Italy: Once celebrated as a “Spring Festival,” Italians now exchange gifts and enjoy romantic dinners, often with Baci Perugina chocolates.
• Philippines: Valentine’s Day features mass wedding ceremonies, with thousands of couples exchanging vows in public, making it an affordable, memorable celebration.
• France: Known for romance, France formerly hosted a “drawing for love” event and now celebrates with love letters, romantic gestures and classic Valentine's traditions.

These cultural interpretations of Valentine’s Day highlight how a centuries-old tale of love and courage continues to inspire an array of traditions worldwide. Are you looking forward to the December holidays more than February's? Use this merry guide to hosting Christmas to help you out! 

These international and national holidays in February offer a refreshing variety of celebrations that bring people together. February is full of opportunities to create memories and connect in meaningful ways and there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Let these February holidays remind you that February is a month for community and embracing the diverse ways we find joy.

For even more fun holiday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!