Things to do on a Sunday in New York

Want to tie the knot at the Crossroads of the World? You actually can. The Times Square Alliance is once again holding its "Love in Times Square" wedding event, where couples can register for for a chance to get hitched on Valentine’s Day in a romantic — and, yes, very public — ceremony right in the heart of Times Square. Lovers will also get to surprise their partners with marriage proposals under the iconic Everest (formerly American Eagle) screen, or renew their vows on the Red Steps. These real-life love stories will unfold in front of a new sculpture presented by Times Square Arts.

Somewhere between the commuter crush and the celestial ceiling, Grand Central Terminal is about to get unexpectedly romantic. On Friday, February 13, the landmark station will host its first-ever speed dating event, “One Stop to Love: Speed Dating” at Grand Central, running from 5–7pm inside the historic Biltmore Room. The timing alone couldn't be better: Friday the 13th, Valentine’s-adjacent and staged in a space that once literally existed to manage public displays of affection.

Speed dating is the RSVP-only portion of the evening, featuring two 40-minute rounds with just 16 participants per round. Attendees will enjoy free wine and small bites, with hosting duties handled by photographer and digital media expert Jacques Morel and music by Luna Rosa. It’s a short, structured window to meet a few strangers with no pressure and no marathon small talk.

The rest of the evening, however, is designed to spill well beyond the dating pool. From 3–7pm, the Biltmore Room will also host a Valentine’s Day Market that’s open to the public with no registration required. The lineup includes live poetry, DJ sets, pop-up performances (including a Broadway teaser) and vendors ranging from Jacques Torres Chocolate and Doughnut Plant to Murray’s Cheese, Jet Set Candy, Lovepop, Shake Shack and Damselfly Flowers.

You might not think a fish market is the most romantic setting for an intimate Valentine's Day experience but the Fulton Fish Market is here to change that. On February 14, the 203-year-old seafood emporium opens its doors after hours for "Absinthe & Oysters: A Forbidden Valentine’s," a one-night-only immersive dining experience staged directly on the market’s working selling floor.

Hosted by culinary historian Justin Fornal, the aphrodisiac-filled evening will feature overflowing seafood towers, Hidden Fjord salmon and paella, live Latin jazz, bountiful wine pours, and a guided absinthe ritual inspired by New York’s historic waterfront. Get chilly while dining in the refrigerated 400,000-square-foot space? Opt for a premium experience ($1,900) for up to 4 guests, with drinks and dining in a heated hot tub.

The Orchid Show at The New York Botanical Garden exhibits thousands of species of beautiful blossoming orchids, making it one of the best NYC events in February and one of the best things to do in the Bronx. NYBG’s orchid show has been running for more than two decades and has only gotten better year after year.

The Orchid Show this year will explore the connection between natural flora and the concrete jungle "in a dazzling reimagining of the Big Apple, from stoops and slice shops to the subway itself."

NYBG’s Orchid show runs from February 7 through April 26, 2026 at the New York Botanical Garden (2900 Southern Blvd, Bronx) inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory.

Here's no more classic date than dinner-and-a-movie and Metrograph is taking care of both for Valentine's Day. On February 14, you'll find a four-part series of "carnal, combustible films": Gus Van Sant's Mala Noche (35mm) at 4:40pm, Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch Drunk Love (35mm) at 6:30pm, Leos Carax's The Lovers on the Bridge at 8:30pm, or a late-night 11pm showing of Andrzej Żuławski's Possession (35mm). To go along with those romantic flicks, the theater's Commissary will be offering a special V-Day prix fixe, with three courses (options include beef carpaccio, beet salad, spaghetti pomodoro, roasted chicken, red velvet cake and brownie à la mode, among others) plus a complimentary glass of prosecco for $85 per person. Reservations are available on Resy. 

The most romantic day of the year is almost here. But looking past the commercialism of it all, the tragically large Teddy bears, fake roses and chalky candy hearts that are downright disgusting (my opinion, of course), we want to bring Valentine's Day back to the basics—celebrating the day with the one you love. If you are looking for a casual night out with a touch of romance, Time Out Market New York, Brooklyn, is here for you and your sweetheart.  

On Valentine's Day, Time Out Market is bringing the love: a section of the Market will be sectioned off for you and your sweetheart, made more intimate with candlelit tables and music from award-winning violinist Mapy, the Violin Queen. Guests can sip on complimentary glasses of prosecco and dine on a variety of delicious options found in the Market.

Tickets are $6 and include one glass of prosecco. Seats are limited, so be sure to RSVP today.

It's the most romantic time of the year. Well, not for everyone. Maybe you're on a break after a streak of unremarkable Hinge dates. Or maybe you've sworn off dating because the last person who had your heart royally screwed you over. Instead of stewing this season, channel that energy into a voodoo-making workshop. 

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Time Out Market New York, Brooklyn, is hosting two voodoo doll-making workshops. Partnering with Brooklyn Craft Company, the hands-on class will guide you step-by-step on how to make your own voodoo doll. To really get the creative juices flowing, the class will also include complimentary glasses of Prosecco and a spread of charcuterie. And if straddling the spirit world has worked up an appetite, the vendors of Time Out Market are more than willing to fill your soul. The modern craft store will be supplying all the materials—just bring yourself and your adventurous spirit.

Classes will be held on Friday, February 13 from 6-7pm or Sunday, February 15 from 5-6pm or 6:30-7:30pm. 

Emily Brontë’s only published novel has always been utterly batshit, and director Emerald Fennell’s take on the gothic ‘romance’ of Wuthering Heights follows suit, as peculiarly cold as it is visually decadent. The destructive aspect of Cathy and Heathcliff’s obsessive love is front and centre, yet it’s hard to care about Margot Robbie’s bratty Catherine Earnshaw – who seems too old to be acting this teenage – and Jacob Elordi’s boring, one-note Heathcliff. In the book he is ‘wild’ and deeply charismatic. In the film, he is… tall? 

In the book,there's much unconsummated yearning, but Fennell – who infamously made Barry Keogan stick his dick in a freshly dug grave in Saltburn – gets the pair romping with impunity. This is, naturally, after Cathy experiences her sexual awakening while spying on household servants having a kinky stable-based encounter. But despite all this shagging, Wuthering Heights is not even Fennell’s horniest film. It’s hard to care about such unsympathetic characters – Cathy and Heathcliff behave abominably – making any moments of intended emotional or erotic impact fall flat.

Wuthering Heights was never written as a traditional romance, rather a tale of obsession, revenge, bitterness and betrayal. Still, it helps if you're made to care about its doomed lovers.

In cinemas worldwide Fri Feb 13.

Valentine's Day and chocolate is an obvious pair, but this intimate in-store atelier hosted by La Maison du Chocolat is digging deliciously deep into that sweet connection. Led by Hello French founder Cécilia Jourdan, this February 14 workshop will blend cultural insight, conversation, and, of course, tasting, placing chocolate "at the center of French traditions surrounding love, generosity, and savoir-faire." As you learn about French expressions of love and Valentine’s Day traditions, enjoy a curated tasting of La Maison du Chocolat creations (accompanied by a glass of non-alcoholic champagne, hot chocolat, coffee or tea), and take home a personalized heart-shoped gift box by artist Lucy "Clare" Spooner for that special someone. 

The holiday may be over but winter is very much still doing its thing in New York—and Bryant Park is leaning into it. One of the park’s most popular cold-weather diversions—iceless curling—is officially returning in February, and this time it’s dropping the reservations and price tag entirely.

After several seasons as the reservation-only Curling Café, Bryant Park is rebooting the experience as a free, first-come, first-served activity focused purely on the game. There are now no bookings, no food-and-drink minimums and no pressure to linger longer than your competitive spirit allows.

From February 6 through February 26, 2026, iceless curling lanes will pop up just east of the skating rink as part of Bank of America Winter Village. The lanes will be open daily from 11 am to 7 pm, welcoming anyone who wants to try their hand at sliding stones toward the bullseye, Olympic-level finesse not required.