With the holiday on Saturday, businesses say demand is surging as customers make last-minute reservations, place flower deliveries and pick up sweet treats for loved ones on Friday.
Inside Ambrosia in Center City, staff members are transforming the dining room into what they hope will feel like a romantic escape, with dim lighting, intimate tables and finishing touches designed to make guests feel special. Co-owner George Profi said the restaurant is fully booked all weekend, with more than 300 people still hoping to secure a table.
"Love brings together everybody, and this is the perfect day to show some love and good food," Profi said.
He added that decorating the space with heart-shaped balloons is part of a long-standing tradition.
"We try to keep the tradition to decorate this restaurant to bring people here to enjoy their dinner, the food, and the love that is around the walls," Profi said.
Before dinner reservations begin, many customers are making another classic Valentine's stop: the florist. At Long Stems in Merion Station, bouquets are stacked high and ready for delivery.
Owner Keith Bell described the rush as the shop's biggest event of the year.
"Today we had about 150 deliveries and we have over 200 tomorrow," Bell said.
For those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, chocolate is also in high demand. At Sweet Trading Company, staff members said treats are quickly selling out. Chief Chocolate Officer Jody Peskin said one item in particular stands out.
"One of our most popular items are our chocolate-covered strawberries," Peskin said.
In Narberth, Paul Hayes was picking up dark chocolate for his wife of 39 years.
"My wife likes dark chocolate, so whatever dark chocolates I see," Hayes said.
For some shoppers, the holiday extends beyond romantic partners.
Debbie Barg of Merion said she buys gifts for a wide circle of loved ones.
"Everyone that is special to me, children, grandchildren, friends, sisters, I get them for everyone so it's not just a romantic holiday," Barg said.
Whether through candlelit dinners, flower deliveries or boxes of chocolate, businesses across the region say Valentine's Day is shaping up to be a celebration of love in all its forms.