22 Romantic Holidays to Celebrate With Your Partner

couple smiling — COURTESY OF NATHALIE/FLYTOGRAPHER

As a couple, it’s important to celebrate the big and small moments in life. Many partners make a big deal out of birthdays and anniversaries, showering their significant other with all of their favorite things, but there are so many other romantic holidays that serve as a reminder to show your love and appreciation for your S.O. all year long.

Whether you’ve only been dating a few months or you’ve been married for decades, here are 22 couples holidays to connect and celebrate your relationship in 2023.

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January 6: National Cuddle Up Day

After the fireworks and festivities from New Year’s are over, take cover from the cold and snuggle up with your loved one in front of a fireplace or wrapped in blankets in bed. Cuddling releases oxytocin, so cuddling is actually good for your health. Get a jump start on those New Year’s resolutions by grabbing your partner and holding them close while watching a movie or your favorite show.

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January 26: National Spouses Day

Every couple has an anniversary to celebrate the day they made a commitment to one another, but National Spouses Day is a romantic holiday that reminds us to take time for our partner. It’s a great day to acknowledge the sacrifices, remember why you chose your spouse, and do something special to show them just how thankful you are that they chose you, too.

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March 1: World Compliment Day

On World Compliment Day, tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them by giving them sincere and personal compliments. These small words of affirmation can help spread joy, uplift spirits, and foster healthy self-esteem that reverberates to help improve your relationship.

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March 3: National I Want You to be Happy Day

Happiness is infectious. Doing something for someone else, especially the person you love, will inevitably make you happier as well. Celebrate by making a home-cooked meal for your partner or surprising them with a random act of kindness.

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March 20: National Proposal Day

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and that includes new relationship milestones. National Proposal Day takes place on the vernal equinox, which is when the stars and planets align to make life-changing events happen.

This romantic holiday is a great opportunity to discuss the new beginnings in your relationship, whether that’s a proposal, the possibility of starting a family, or proposing a career or location change.

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March 26: Black Marriage Day

Black Marriage Day was founded in 2003 by Nisa Muhammad, founder of the Wedded Bliss Foundation. Muhammad created the holiday with the purpose of strengthening and celebrating marriage in the black community. Today, the holiday is celebrated in over 300 communities across the U.S.

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April 16: Husband Appreciation Day

On Husband Appreciation Day, show your husband just how much he means to you. So often marriages can get stuck in a rut and couples forget to show gratitude to one another. On this day, thank your husband for all he does to protect and serve your home and family.

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April 23: Lover's Day

Celebrate the love between you and your partner on Lover's Day. It's a great opportunity to do something small for the person you love like buy flowers or chocolates, but it can also be a time to do something a bit more grand like plan a getaway or an evening out.

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April 25: Kiss and Make Up Day

All couples fight. Having disagreements is normal and healthy in any relationship, but it's also important to recognize when it's okay to stop fighting and make up. This day serves as a reminder to let go of grudges and to always end disagreements with a kiss.

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April 30: Honesty Day

Honesty builds trust in a relationship, so, on this day, tell your partner the truth. If there’s something you’ve been neglecting to tell them out of fear of reaction, now is a good day 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 12: Military Spouse Day

Military couples, this holiday is a time to celebrate the obstacles and hardships that you may encounter in your partnership. The holiday always takes place the Friday before Mother's Day, which will be May 12 in 2023.

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June 1: National Say Something Nice Day

A little bit of kindness can go a long way, so make this day extra pleasant for your partner. Go above and beyond by sending them a sweet text in the middle of the day or bringing them a coffee at work.

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June 6: International Kissing Day

Locking lips, smooching, snogging, however you say it, June 6 is the time to celebrate kissing! So moisturize your lips and pop in a breath mint because this day is the time to pucker up with your significant other.

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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 and a reminder to fight racial prejudice at every level.

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June 22: National Kissing Day

Grab that special someone in your life and pucker up. National Kissing Day celebrates all the pleasures and passion of kissing. Give your significant other an extra smooch or two today to show them just how much you care.

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July 30: International Friendship Day

In addition to being your partner in life, your spouse is also your friend. Celebrate that on International Friendship Day. The holiday was declared an international holiday in 2011 by the U.N. with the purpose of celebrating the importance of friendships. Use this time as an opportunity to look back on the friendship you and your partner have built over the years.

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August 18: National Couple's Day

Cherish the one you love on National Couple’s Day. Dine out at your favorite restaurant, recreate one of your favorite dates, or simply honor one another by spending time together, just the two of you. Whatever you do, remember to keep the spark alive and show appreciation.

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September 18: Wife Appreciation Day

Treat your much-deserving spouse to a day of pampering and praise. On Wife Appreciation Day, make sure your wife knows just how much you love her by doing something to make her feel special. 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 a powerful force and the best gift we can possibly give. This holiday is an opportunity to express unconditional love for your friends, your family, and your partner to help make the world a better, more loving place. Surprise your loved one with a random act of kindness today to celebrate.

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October 15: National Sweetest Day

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 both big and small. Traditionally celebrated with gifts of candy as a reminder of life’s sweetest moments, Sweetest Day is a great day to share your favorite sweet treat with the one you love.

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October 25: National I Care About You Day

If you love someone, tell them! Show your partner how much you care by planning something special, whether that’s a date night or a weekend away. Use this holiday as an excuse to reconnect and remind one another of how much the other's love and support mean to you.

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