Ultimate Guide to Things To Do for Valentine’s Day in Carlisle, PA

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Valentine’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, so this means we have a full weekend to enjoy everything our town has to offer. This year is special because it mixes romantic fun with our local history, thanks to the America250PA celebrations happening all over Pennsylvania. Whether we are looking for a fancy dinner, a fun workshop, or just a cool place to hang out, Carlisle has it all right now.

Here is a quick list of everything happening in our area so we can plan our weekend fast:

Dining: One13 Social (Private Igloos), 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion (Steaks & History), Chick-fil-A (Table Service Event), The Grazery (Healthy Lunch), The Gingerbread Man (Casual Pub).
Festivals: Hope Station’s Black Cultural Festival, Ice Art Fest Sculptures (Downtown), Shippensburg Winterfest (Nearby).
Activities: Candle Making at The Gleeful Candle Co., Pasta Making at Central Wedge Cheese Shop, Jewelry Shopping at Mountz Jewelers.
Outdoors: Sunset Hike at Kings Gap, LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail.
Nightlife: “LOVE STINKS!” Comedy at Carlisle Theatre, Live Music at Molly Pitcher Brewing, Cider at Grand Illusion, Wine at Castlerigg Wine Shop.
Wellness: Spa Specials at SCG Spa and The Spa Club.

Top Romantic Dining Spots for 2026

If we want to grab a great meal this Valentine’s Day, our local restaurants are offering some special menus. Since it is a Saturday, we should plan ahead.

One13 Social: Modern and Fancy

Located right downtown, One13 Social is doing something special called the “Exclusive Valentine’s Experience.”

The Menu: They have a special menu with five handcrafted courses for $60 per person. We can expect dishes like She Crab Bisque and Korean BBQ Ribs.
Private Igloos: If we want privacy, we can book an outdoor igloo for an extra $50. It is a cool way to eat under the stars without freezing.
Booking: They use a “call ahead” list instead of normal reservations. We should call about an hour before we want to go.

1794 The Whiskey Rebellion: History and Comfort

For a meal that feels like a classic part of Carlisle, 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion at the Comfort Suites is a great pick.

The Food: They usually have a 3-course prix fixe menu for the holiday. Their steaks, like the 14oz Bone-In Ribeye, are very popular.
Drinks: We can try the “‘1794’ Old Fashioned” or spicy “Revolution Wings” with their signature scorpion salt.
Ice Bar: Even though the main Ice Art Fest ends earlier in the month, the restaurant keeps the patio seating open for the Ice Bar. It is a fun spot for a cold drink.

Chick-fil-A: Fun and Casual

For a relaxed and budget-friendly option, the Chick-fil-A on Noble Boulevard is hosting a “Love is in the Air” event.

The Experience: For a $10 reservation fee, we get a reserved table with Valentine’s decorations and tableside service.
Gifts: The reservation includes a flower and a Mini Moo plush cow. Food costs extra, but it’s a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy the night.

Exciting Festivals and Local Events

Valentine’s Day 2026 is not just about dinner. We have some major events happening right in town that bring our community together.

Hope Station’s 6th Annual Black Cultural Festival

This is a huge event for us in Carlisle. It happens on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Carlisle Expo Center.

What to Expect: It celebrates Black history and culture with the theme “A Legacy of Culture, A Future of Hope”. There will be live music, dancing, and food.
Shopping: We can shop at a marketplace with Black-owned vendors selling arts, crafts, and other cool items.
Admission: It is free to enter, so it is a great way to spend the afternoon.

Ice Art Fest Sculptures

The official Ice Art Fest runs from February 6 to February 8, but many of the 100+ ice sculptures stay up through Valentine’s Day if the weather is cold enough. It makes walking through downtown Carlisle feel like a winter wonderland. We can take a stroll and see the art before heading to dinner.

Shippensburg Winterfest

If we don’t mind a short drive, Shippensburg is hosting its Winterfest on Valentine’s Day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. They will have live ice carving and food trucks.

Fun Workshops and Activities

If we want to do something active instead of just sitting for a meal, there are some great hands-on options this year.

Candle Making at The Gleeful Candle Co.

On Saturday evening at 5:00 PM, The Gleeful Candle Co. is hosting a “Romantic Valentine’s Night Candle Making Event”.

The Experience: We can pick from over 25 scents to make our own custom candle.
Cost: It costs about $45. It is a relaxing way to start the evening.

Pasta Making at Central Wedge Cheese Shop

This event is actually on Sunday, February 15, but it extends the holiday fun. It is a small class for just 10 people where we can learn to make fresh pasta from scratch. It is also BYOB, so we can bring a bottle of wine.

Valentine’s at Mountz Jewelers

If we are looking to buy a gift, Mountz Jewelers is running a special event from February 7 to February 14. If we spend $349 or more, we get free local chocolates and a card.

Outdoor Adventures for Nature Lovers

For those of us who love the outdoors, we can celebrate by getting some fresh air.

Kings Gap Sunset Hike

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center is hosting a “Valentine’s Gathering of the Heart Sunset Hike” on February 14 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The Hike: It is a guided 2-mile hike that ends with a beautiful sunset view from the mansion.
Everyone Welcome: This event is open to everyone, whether you are a couple or single.

LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail

For a relaxed walk, we can hit the LeTort Spring Run Nature Trail. It is a flat, 2.5-mile trail that is easy to walk. It is a quiet place to see nature and maybe spot some birds or trout in the stream.

Entertainment and Nightlife

After dinner, we can catch a show or grab a drink.

“LOVE STINKS!” at Carlisle Theatre

If we want a laugh, the Carlisle Theatre is showing a comedy cabaret called “LOVE STINKS!” on Valentine’s Day at 7:30 PM.

The Vibe: It is a funny show about bad dates and the awkward side of romance.
Seating: The audience sits right on the stage, and there is a bar right there too. It is perfect for singles or couples with a sense of humor.

Live Music at Molly Pitcher Brewing

For a more laid-back night, Molly Pitcher Brewing Company will have live music from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is a great spot to grab a local beer and relax.

Spa and Wellness Specials

If we want to relax or pamper ourselves, local spas have great deals this year.

SCG Spa: They have “Galentine’s Glow” facials and “Botox & Besties” deals if we want to go with friends.

Summary of Our Valentine’s Plans

Valentine’s Day 2026 in Carlisle, PA, offers us a lot of variety. Since it is a Saturday, we can spend the whole day celebrating. We can start by visiting the Black Cultural Festival at the Expo Center or hiking at Kings Gap. For dinner, we have great choices like the exclusive menu at One13 Social or the historic vibe at 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion. We can finish the night with comedy at the Carlisle Theatre or a drink at a local brewery. With so many options right here in our town, we can make this Valentine’s Day one to remember.

SOURCES: https://www.one13social.com/, https://www.1794thewhiskeyrebellion.com/, https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/events/seasonal-festivals-and-events/winter/carlisle-ice-art-fest/, https://carlisletheatre.org/, https://www.carlislehopestation.org/, https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/things-to-do/outdoor/parks-and-wildlife-area/kings-gap/, https://letort.org/nature-trail/, https://www.explorefranklincountypa.com/event/2026-shippensburg-winterfest-downtown-shippensburg/, https://thespaclub.com/pages/2026-valentines-special, https://pheasantfield.com/ultimate-romantic-getaway-guide-to-carlisle-pa/, https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/event/roses-%26-romance-dinner-experience-2026/55123/, https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-is-in-the-air-chick-fil-a-carlisle-tickets-1982388026953, https://business.carlislechamber.org/events/details/valentine-s-day-at-mountz-jewelers-02-07-2026-5247384, https://scgskin.com/specials/, https://www.visitcumberlandvalley.com/blog/post/valentines-day-staycation-ideas/