When you think about Valentine’s Day, the names Jason Voorhees and Freddy Krueger probably don’t come to mind. You probably also don’t think about ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. That’s more for Halloween, right?
But what about Valentine’s Day for horror fans? Don’t they deserve to have some excitement, too, even if it is full of blood, guts, and gore? Valentine’s Day and Halloween are polar opposites because you celebrate love and friendship on one holiday. In contrast, the other celebrates scares and thrills. If you enjoy both, you don’t have to pick one over the other. Instead, combine the two for a fun, freaky, loving fright fest.
Bonus: If Valentine’s Day isn’t your thing, use these ideas to crank up your Halloween celebration a few notches.
Origin of Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day originated as a Christian day of feasting that honors one or two Christian martyrs, aptly named Saint Valentine. However, over the years, it has become a worldwide commercial celebration of love and romance.
Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14 (a fixed date by the Western World Christian Church) and on July 6, which is the date set by the Eastern Orthodox Church. Recently, the date has been celebrated by exchanging romantic gifts such as candy, flowers, stuffed teddy bears, and lingerie.
On the other hand, the Halloween tradition originated with the Samhain festival. This celebrated festival is a time when people light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off various ghosts. Pope Gregory III designated the date of November 1 as a time to honor every saint. While the act of lighting bonfires has become obsolete, wearing costumes is still a fan favorite.
So, you want to combine these two holidays, huh? Well, they may be closer in nature than you think. So, meshing the two together shouldn’t be that hard. Okay, let’s try it. Here are 9 spooky yet romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day for your frisky little horror boo (Pun intended.)
1). Horror Movie Marathon
Who doesn’t love a good horror movie? The best part is there are so many choices. You can choose your preferred scary level because horror movies for younger kids aren’t too frightening (Goosebumps). Then you have ones that rate a ten on the Fright-o-Meter (Midsommar).
Since it is Valentine’s Day, choose a movie that’s relationship-oriented. Here are some of the more popular choices.
The 20 Best “Romantic” Horror Movies
- Midsommar (2019)
- My Bloody Valentine (1981, 2009)
- The Love Witch (2016)
- Crimson Peak (2015)
- Ready or Not (2019)- Another personal favorite
- Gerald’s Game (2017)- More of a psychological thriller
- Get Out (2017)- Great movie
- Warm Bodies (2013)
- Valentine (2001)
- Let the Right One In (2008)- Very well done
- Spring (2014)
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992)
- Thirst (2009)
- The Fly (1986)
- Bride of Chucky (1998)
- After Midnight (2019)
- Shaun of the Dead (2004)- Another personal favorite
- The Shape of Water (2017)
- Fright Night (1985, 2011)
2). Coffin Boxes
It doesn’t matter what you put into the box because it’s the box that’ll creep out your horror fan. Of course, you can put a traditionally romantic gift inside the box, like some candy or a piece of jewelry, but the style of the box will shake things up a bit.
3). Send a Creepy Card
A card is a simple way to show you care, but did you know there are cards specifically for the I Love You horror buff? (Yeah, I didn’t either).
DoodleDojo: This studio is run by an art school grad who also happens to be a science fiction lover. This card company specializes in geeky, hand-drawn artwork that contains plenty of puns for a bit of humor. They cover everything from the classic film Evil Dead to the remake of The Thing.
4). Chocolate Shaped Like a Hockey Mask
If I need to tell you who famously donned the hockey mask, you are definitely not a horror movie buff. However, your partner may be. Now that you have your coffin-shaped box, you can fill it with these delectable little candies.
5). Valentine’s Day Haunted House
Yes, you read that correctly. Haunted houses aren’t just reserved for Halloween anymore. There are plenty of haunting domiciles just ready to roll out the bloody-red carpet to welcome couples like you. If this creepy idea is something you’re interested in, check out your local haunt.
6). Local Ghost Tours
For Valentine’s Day, like a haunted house, local ghost tours combine love and horror for a chilling yet fascinating experience. Go with a small group, or go on the spine-tingling excursion with your sweetie.
7). Ouija Board (Only If You Dare!)
Talk about a frightening experience for Valentine’s Day. So gather other couples and dust off the old ouija board. Keep it Valentine’s Day themed and ask questions about deceased lovers. You’ll be sure to get a scare or two.
8). A Romantic My Bloody Valentine Dinner For Two
Combine love and horror by preparing your partner a private dinner for two. Serve a nice juicy steak, but be sure to have to leave a little pink inside. The bloodier, the better. Something like stewed tomatoes as a side dish can be yummy and creepy simultaneously. Cap off the evening with a glass of bloody red wine and a slice of sinfully delicious devil’s food cake.
9). Horror Movie Memorabilia
Do you remember the house with the red door? What about a machete or a doll with red, spikey hair that swears? (Oh, and kills, too.) But, even if you don’t remember these classic items, your partner will, and they will love receiving a gift of horror film memorabilia.
Classic Horror Replicas and Memorabilia
- Amityville house replica
- Chucky doll
- Necronomicon
- Jason mask
- Freddy glove USB stick
- Horror-themed glass etching
So, now you understand that it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Valentine’s Day and Halloween can coexist for an even more memorable experience. So now, get out there and scare someone (or get romantic). Your choice!