NOT JUST ROSES: Presenting a loved one with this lavish arrangement from Viburnum on Nassau Street is one of many ways to demonstrate Valentine’s Day affection (see princetonmagazine.com for an upcoming article on Viburnum and making a case for the anti-romantic). Over the coming weekend, there are multiple opportunities for celebrating the holiday. (Photo by Jeff Tryon)

“If I don’t do something, I’ll never hear the end of it,” a 40-something man was overheard telling a friend while waiting for a sandwich at Gennaro’s Italian Market in Kingston on Tuesday afternoon. “I mean, it’s not just one day this year. Valentine’s Day is on Sunday so it’s all weekend. I made a hotel reservation. But maybe it’ll snow and we won’t have to go.”

His friend nodded in sympathy.

With Valentine’s Day falling on Sunday this year, reluctant romantics may be charged with making the celebration last for not one, but up to three or four days. In addition to the expected flowers, candy, and lavish meals, here is a range of less traditional ideas to make the holiday special — and unusual.

Thursday, February 11

At 7 p.m., the Student Advisory Board at Princeton University Art Museum presents “Failed Love,” an artistic celebration of the broken heart. Live music, poetry readings, and chocolates are included.

Take a drive to the Tulpehaking Nature Center, 157 Westcott Avenue, Hamilton, for “Wildlife in the Bedroom,” led by Mercer County naturalists Jenn Rogers and Kelly Rypkema at 7 p.m. Adults only!

Friday, February 12

At 4 p.m., kids and teens are invited to create handmade Valentine’s Day cards for family and friends at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street. Free.

Saturday, February 13

The Community Options Inc. Cupid’s Chase 5K race begins at 8 a.m. at Princeton Shopping Center, 301 North Harrison Street.

Be among the first to see “By Dawn’s Early Light: Jewish Contributions to American Culture from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War” at Princeton University Art Museum. Doors open at 10 a.m. on this opening day of the exhibit. And on Sunday, a panel discussion on the show is held at the museum at 1:30 p.m., followed by a lecture by Sean Wilentz at 4 p.m. in McCosh Hall.

Follow the Wine Trail: Terhune Orchards on Cold Soil Road, Lawrenceville, is one of several wineries taking part in the annual Wine and Chocolate Wine Trail Weekend. Wines are paired with chocolate treats at this event sponsored by the Garden State Wine Growers Association. The tasting room is open all weekend from noon-5 p.m. www.terhuneorchards.com.

Near Terhune Orchards at Cherry Grove Farm in Lawrenceville, you and your loved one can make some cheese together at a ricotta cheese class, 11 a.m. The farm is on Route 206. Call (609) 895-1502 for details.

With “Hooray for Love” you get a Valentine’s Day cabaret show by soprano Jan Baldwin and pianist Tom Brown, along with a look at the historic 1867 Sanctuary at Ewing, which has been saved from the wrecking ball by Preservation NJ. The evening, which begins at 7 p.m., is part of the grand reopening festivities for the church, at 101 Scotch Road in Ewing. Visit www.1867sanctuary.org.

Try English Country Dancing at the Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive, starting at 8 p.m. Presented by the Princeton Country Dancers, this event is $10 ($7 for seniors). Call (609) 844-0459 for information.

Sunday, February 14

From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and for one day only, Princeton Pong members can bring a free “date” for open play at the facility at 745 Alexander Road. Visit princetonpong.com for information.

12:30 p.m. is the time for a screening of the National Theater Live’s production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses at Princeton Garden Theatre, on the corner of Nassau Street and Vandeventer Avenue. Call (609) 279-1999.

What could be more romantic than Romeo and Juliet? A production of the classic by The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is at McCarter Theatre, University Place, at 3 p.m. www.mccarter.org.

Finally, take in a Princeton Bluegrass Jam at Small World Coffee, 14 Witherspoon Street, from 7-9 p.m.