The modern celebration of Valentine’s Day dates back to the 5th Century, when Pope Gelasius I combined St. Valentine’s feast day with the older Lupercalia, a pagan festival that had been a tradition of ancient Rome. Later poets like Shakespeare romanticized the holiday and gradually, it became the sweet-hearted holiday we know today.

Seniors living in Cincinnati have plenty of options for celebrating Valentine’s Day this week. Older couples needn’t fight overcrowded restaurants on Valentine’s night; they need only look below to find ideas for a romantic time out.

Feb. 14

Stargazing

Tonight, the Cincinnati Observatory will offer music, drinks, chocolate delights, and flowers for your Valentine, and viewing of brilliant Venus, Mars and the amazing constellation Orion, in which is located one of the most active stellar nurseries in our Milky Way Galaxy. Reservations are required, as space is limited. Call 513-321-5186 for more information.

Progressive Dinner

Take in one of Cincinnati’s most beautiful spaces with Valentine’s Day at the recently refurbished and reopened Memorial Hall. Music, cuisine and Beaux Arts flair collide in Cincinnati’s newest Valentine’s tradition.

You and your sweetheart will enjoy a 3-course, progressive dinner, prepared by celebrated restaurateurs Paul Weckman (Otto’s) and Elias Leisring (Eli’s BBQ), in each of Memorial Hall’s event spaces. Each course will be paired with a wine selection. Strolling performers will provide romantic music.

Macaron Baking Class

Macaron Bar in Over-the-Rhine will holding a special three-hour class tonight, during which you and your partner will learn the science (and art!) of macaron baking.

The class covers how to bake the cookie shells, as well as how to make some favorite Valentine’s-themed flavors. And you’ll get to take home all of the macarons you make. The class costs $95 per person. Click here for more information and to find out how to make your reservation.

Feb. 17

Planetarium Show

Experience “The Stars in Your Eyes” at the Wolff Planetarium, located in Great Parks of Hamilton County’s Burnett Woods. The stars will slowly make their way through the seasons as you hear some of the greatest love stories ever told. Seating is limited; please call 513-751-3679 for reservations. Admission is $5 per person.

Cincinnati Winter Beer Festival

We know that Valentine’s Day is for lovers. But what about beer lovers? Many senior couples in the Tristate are brew enthusiasts. Luckily, this weekend, there’s a festival this weekend at downtown’s Duke Energy Convention Center for them!

Taking place Friday and Saturday evening, the Cincinnati Winter Beerfest will feature over 500 craft beers on tap and available to taste, brewing demonstrations, and much more. Click here for information on times and admission pricing.

Feb. 18

Dinner Theater

Great Parks of Hamilton County will host an adults-only mystery, Blood of the Vampire, at the Mill Race Banquet Center in Winton Woods, as part of its ongoing interactive dinner theater series.

Dinner will include prime rib, herb-roasted chicken, meat lasagna, assorted side dishes and gourmet desserts. Soft drinks and coffee are complimentary; a cash bar will also be available. The cost for admission and dinner is $35.

Have you seen La La Land yet? How about Hidden Figures? Any night’s a good night for dinner and a movie. Treat your special someone to a night at the cinema.

The Esquire and the Mariemont Theatre are especially nice date destinations, if you like arthouse films. you make take in The Salesman, by French-Persian filmmaker Asghar Farhadi — the story of a couple whose relationship sours as they rehearse Arthur Miller's classic play, Death of a Salesman.

Grab some hot buttered popcorn and a big soda to share and have a romantic night out at the movies this week.