Welcome to the most complete list of national days and months dedicated to all things ice cream. This comprehensive guide includes 42 ice cream-related days and three cream-related months, ranging from different types of ice cream to desserts and drinks that incorporate ice cream.
Among these, National Ice Cream Day, celebrated on the third Sunday in July, stands out as the most “official” and significant ice cream day. Additionally, July is recognized as National Ice Cream Month, making it the peak time for celebrating this beloved treat.
Looking for more National Food Days to celebrate? We have a variety of special lists to choose from, ranging from the most comprehensive national food days calendar to specific celebrations like pizza days, pasta & noodles days, chocolate days, wine days, coffee days, and alcoholic drinks days. Each list highlights unique and delicious ways to honor your favorite foods and beverages throughout the year.
Complete List of National Ice Cream Days
For your convenience, each day comes with a short description that explains the day and sometimes includes interesting or historical facts.
To make navigation easier, you can quickly jump to any month using the provided links:
- 42 Ice Cream-themed National Days: January (2 days), February (4 days), March (4 days), May (1 day), June (7 days), July (9 days), August (8 days), September (4 days), November (1 day), December (1 day) etc.
- Three Ice Cream-themed National Months
Ice Cream National Days in January
January 13: National Peach Melba Day
National Peach Melba Day celebrates the classic dessert Peach Melba, which was created by the renowned French chef Auguste Escoffier in the late 19th century. He created this dessert in honor of the Australian opera singer Nellie Melba after she performed at the Covent Garden opera house in London. The dessert traditionally features poached peaches and raspberry sauce served over vanilla ice cream, highlighting the fresh, fruity flavors combined with creamy ice cream.
January 15: National Strawberry Ice Cream Day
National Strawberry Ice Cream Day, celebrated on January 15, is a day to enjoy and appreciate the delicious and popular flavor of strawberry ice cream. It’s the perfect time to indulge in this sweet and fruity treat, whether homemade or store-bought.
Ice Cream National Days in February
February 1: National Baked Alaska Day
National Baked Alaska Day is celebrated on February 1 to honor the classic dessert Baked Alaska. This delightful treat consists of cake, ice cream, and meringue. The dessert is made by placing ice cream on a layer of cake, then covering it with meringue. The whole dessert is baked quickly at a high temperature, just long enough to brown the meringue without melting the ice cream inside, creating a unique combination of textures and temperatures.
Baked Alaska is believed to have been invented in the 19th century. One popular story attributes its creation to the French chef Charles Ranhofer of Delmonico’s Restaurant in New York City. He is said to have created the dessert in 1867 to celebrate the United States’ purchase of Alaska from Russia. Originally named “Alaska, Florida” to reflect the contrast between the cold ice cream and the hot meringue, symbolizing the icy region of Alaska and the warm state of Florida, it eventually became known simply as Baked Alaska.
February 2: National Heavenly Hash Day
National Heavenly Hash Day is celebrated on February 2 to honor the rich and delicious dessert known as Heavenly Hash. This treat typically consists of a combination of chocolate, marshmallows, nuts, and sometimes fruits. It can be enjoyed in various forms, including ice cream, candy, or as part of a cake or pudding.
Heavenly Hash was first created in the early 20th century and quickly became a popular sweet treat in the United States. The name “Heavenly Hash” reflects the delightful mixture of ingredients that come together to create a heavenly taste experience.
February 1, 2025 (First Saturday in February): Ice Cream For Breakfast Day
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in February. This fun day was created in the 1960s by a mom named Florence Rappaport from New York. On a cold and snowy morning, her six children were bored and complaining about the weather. To cheer them up and keep them entertained, Florence suggested having ice cream for breakfast. This simple and playful idea quickly became a tradition, and now families everywhere enjoy ice cream for breakfast on this special day.
February 18: National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
National Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day is celebrated on February 18 to honor the memory of Malia Grace, who was born on this day in 2001. Malia, who passed away after a long battle with cancer in 2010, inspired those around her with her bright spirit. This day encourages people to enjoy ice cream for breakfast as a way to remember Malia and support children fighting cancer. For more information, you can visit the event’s website.
Ice Cream National Days in March
March 3: 33 Flavors Day
33 Flavors Day is celebrated on March 3 each year. This day is dedicated to enjoying a variety of ice cream flavors, inspired by Baskin-Robbins, the famous ice cream company known for its original 31 flavors. Although Baskin-Robbins is primarily associated with 31 flavors, the day celebrates the vast array of ice cream flavors available today, encouraging people to try something new.
The history of Baskin-Robbins dates back to 1945 when Irvine Robbins opened Snowbird Ice Cream in Glendale, California. A year later, his brother-in-law Burton Baskin opened his own ice cream shop. The two joined forces in 1953 to create Baskin-Robbins, which quickly became famous for offering a different flavor for each day of the month. Today, the company has created over 1,300 flavors and remains the world’s largest chain of ice cream specialty shops
March 15: Pears Helene Day
Pears Hélène Day is celebrated on March 15 to honor the classic French dessert, Pears Hélène. This elegant dessert consists of poached pears served with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce. It is often garnished with sliced almonds or crystallized violets for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
Pears Hélène was created by the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier in the 19th century. The dessert was named after the operetta “La Belle Hélène” by Jacques Offenbach. It combines the delicate sweetness of poached pears with the rich taste of chocolate, making it a sophisticated and delicious treat.
March 28: National Something On a Stick Day
National Something On a Stick Day is celebrated on March 28 and encourages people to enjoy all kinds of foods served on a stick. This can include a variety of treats, both savory and sweet. While not directly related to ice cream, there are many delicious ice cream options that come on a stick. Here are a few examples:
- Ice Cream Bars: Classic vanilla ice cream coated in chocolate, like the famous Magnum or Dove bars.
- Popsicles: Frozen fruit juice or flavored ice treats, such as classic orange, grape, and cherry popsicles.
- Fudgsicles: Chocolate-flavored ice cream bars that are rich and creamy.
- Creamsicles: A combination of vanilla ice cream surrounded by a layer of fruit-flavored ice, like orange or raspberry.
- Klondike Bars: Vanilla ice cream covered in a thick layer of chocolate, often with variations like mint or caramel.
These examples show the fun and variety of ice cream treats that can be enjoyed on a stick, making National Something On a Stick Day a perfect occasion to indulge in these frozen delights.
March 28: Eat an Eskimo Pie Day
Eat an Eskimo Pie Day is celebrated on March 28. This day is dedicated to enjoying the classic ice cream treat known as the Eskimo Pie. An Eskimo Pie consists of vanilla ice cream coated in a thick layer of chocolate, served on a stick. It was created in 1921 by Christian Kent Nelson, who later partnered with chocolate maker Russell Stover to produce it commercially. This simple and delicious treat has become a favorite among ice cream lovers, making it the perfect way to celebrate the day.
Ice Cream National Days in May
May 27: National Grape Popsicle Day
National Grape Popsicle Day is celebrated on May 27. Grape popsicles are a frozen treat made from grape-flavored liquid, which typically includes ingredients like grape juice or grape-flavored syrup, water, and sugar. These ingredients are mixed together, poured into molds, and frozen with a stick inserted for easy eating.
Ice Cream National Days in June
June 2: National Rocky Road Day
National Rocky Road Day is celebrated on June 2 each year. This day commemorates the iconic flavor of Rocky Road ice cream and the dessert.
This delicious treat combines chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and nuts, typically almonds or walnuts. The ice cream flavor was invented in 1929 by William Dreyer and Joseph Edy in Oakland, California, during the Great Depression. They created Rocky Road to bring some cheer to people during tough times, with Dreyer using his wife’s sewing scissors to cut marshmallows into bite-sized pieces to mix with the chocolate ice cream and nuts.
This flavor was one of the first to include mix-ins, revolutionizing the ice cream world by adding different textures and tastes. Rocky Road quickly became popular and remains a favorite today, enjoyed in various forms such as traditional scoops, sundaes, and other desserts.
June 7: National Chocolate Ice Cream Day
National Chocolate Ice Cream Day is celebrated on June 7. This day is dedicated to enjoying and indulging in chocolate ice cream, one of the most popular and beloved ice cream flavors. Chocolate ice cream has a rich history, dating back to the 18th century, and remains a favorite treat for people of all ages.
June 10: National Black Cow Day
National Black Cow Day is observed on June 10, celebrating a refreshing beverage known as the black cow, or more commonly, the root beer float. This drink is made by combining root beer with vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful mix of creamy and fizzy flavors. The origins of the black cow date back to the late 19th century, when Frank J. Wisner of Colorado’s Cripple Creek Brewing created the first root beer float in 1893. Some variations use chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla, calling it a “brown cow.”
June 20: National Ice Cream Soda Day
National Ice Cream Soda Day is celebrated on June 20. To make an ice cream soda, simply add a few scoops of your favorite ice cream to a glass, pour soda over it, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures. Popular variations include the root beer float (celebrated on June 10th and known as National Black Cow Day) and the classic vanilla ice cream with cola.
June 20: National Vanilla Milkshake Day
National Vanilla Milkshake Day is celebrated on June 20. A vanilla milkshake is a classic beverage made by blending vanilla ice cream with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Vanilla milkshakes are versatile, easy to make, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making them a timeless favorite.
June 27: National Ice Cream Cake Day
National Ice Cream Cake Day is celebrated on June 27. Ice cream cakes are a popular choice for celebrations because they bring together two favorite desserts in one. They can be customized with different flavors of cake and ice cream, making them versatile and appealing to various tastes.
June 27, 2024, June 26th, 2025 (Last Thursday in June): National Bomb Pop Day
National Bomb Pop Day is celebrated on the last Thursday in June. Bomb Pops are a type of popsicle known for their distinct red, white, and blue layers, each with a different flavor. The top red layer is cherry, the middle white layer is lime, and the bottom blue layer is blue raspberry.
These popsicles were first invented in 1955 and have become a popular, patriotic treat enjoyed especially around the 4th of July. They are a nostalgic and refreshing summer treat for many.
Ice Cream National Days in July
July 1: National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day
National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day is celebrated on July 1. This day encourages ice cream lovers to step out of their comfort zone and try unique and inventive ice cream flavors. It’s all about exploring and enjoying unconventional flavors beyond the traditional vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry.
Ice cream makers and enthusiasts use this day to showcase and try out flavors that might include ingredients like avocado, bacon, lavender, or even wasabi. It’s a perfect opportunity to experiment with new recipes at home or visit local ice cream parlors that offer creative flavors.
Celebrate National Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day by indulging in an unusual ice cream flavor, creating your own unique blend, or hosting a tasting party with friends to sample a variety of exotic and surprising flavors.
July 7: National Strawberry Sundae Day
National Strawberry Sundae Day is celebrated on July 7. This day is dedicated to enjoying the classic and delicious dessert, the strawberry sundae. A strawberry sundae typically consists of vanilla ice cream topped with fresh or syrupy strawberries and whipped cream. It can be further enhanced with nuts, sprinkles, or a cherry on top.
The strawberry sundae is a favorite summertime treat, perfect for cooling down and satisfying your sweet tooth.
July 8: National Freezer Pop Day
National Freezer Pop Day is celebrated on July 8. This day is dedicated to enjoying the simple, refreshing treat known as freezer pops. These frozen treats come in a variety of fruity flavors and are usually made from sweetened, flavored liquid frozen in a plastic tube. They are easy to make at home by pouring juice or flavored drinks into molds and freezing them, or you can buy them pre-made from the store.
Freezer pops are particularly popular during the hot summer months as they provide a quick and cooling refreshment. Celebrate National Freezer Pop Day by enjoying your favorite flavor, sharing with friends and family, or trying to create your own unique flavors at home.
July 8: National Ice Cream Sundae Day
National Ice Cream Sundae Day, celebrated on July 8, honors a beloved dessert with a rich history. The origin of the ice cream sundae is often debated, but it is widely believed to have been created in the late 19th century. One popular story is that it originated in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, in 1881 when a customer asked for a dish of ice cream with chocolate syrup, which was typically used only for soda drinks. Another claim is that it was invented in Ithaca, New York, in 1892 as a way to sell ice cream sodas on Sundays without violating blue laws prohibiting soda sales on the Sabbath.
The sundae became popular quickly, thanks to its delicious combination of ice cream, syrup, and various toppings like whipped cream, nuts, and cherries. Over time, many variations emerged, including the hot fudge sundae, strawberry sundae, and caramel sundae, each offering a unique twist on the classic dessert.
July 17: National Peach Ice Cream Day
National Peach Ice Cream Day is celebrated on July 17. This day is dedicated to enjoying the sweet and refreshing taste of peach ice cream, a perfect treat for the hot summer months.
July 21st, 2024, July 20th, 2025 (Third Sunday in July ): National Ice Cream Day
National Ice Cream Day is celebrated on the third Sunday in July. This day honors one of the world’s most popular desserts: ice cream. Ice cream is enjoyed globally for its wide variety of flavors and its ability to provide a refreshing treat during hot weather.
National Ice Cream Day is the biggest celebration of ice cream in the United States, surpassing other ice cream-related observances. It was established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, who designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. The celebration encourages everyone to indulge in their favorite flavors and try new ones, making it a highlight of the summer.
July 23: National Vanilla Ice Cream Day
National Vanilla Ice Cream Day is celebrated on July 23, honoring the classic and timeless flavor of vanilla ice cream. Vanilla remains the most popular ice cream flavor, accounting for around 28% of all ice cream sales, followed by chocolate. This simple yet delicious flavor has been a favorite for generations, often enjoyed on its own or as a perfect complement to other desserts.
Whether you prefer it in a cone, a bowl, or as part of a sundae, vanilla ice cream continues to be a beloved treat for people of all ages.
July 25: National Hot Fudge Sundae Day
National Hot Fudge Sundae Day is celebrated on July 25. This day is dedicated to enjoying the rich and indulgent treat known as the hot fudge sundae. A hot fudge sundae typically features scoops of vanilla ice cream topped with warm, gooey hot fudge sauce, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry on top.
July 26: National Coffee Milkshake Day
National Coffee Milkshake Day is celebrated on July 26. This day is dedicated to enjoying the delicious and refreshing combination of coffee and ice cream blended into a smooth milkshake. Coffee milkshakes provide the perfect mix of creamy sweetness and coffee’s bold flavor, making them a favorite treat for coffee and ice cream lovers alike.
Ice Cream National Days in August
August 2: National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is celebrated on August 2. An ice cream sandwich typically consists of a layer of ice cream, usually vanilla, sandwiched between two chocolate cookie wafers or soft biscuits. It offers a perfect combination of creamy ice cream and chewy or crispy cookies, making it a popular summer treat.
August 6: National Root Beer Float Day
National Root Beer Float Day is celebrated on August 6. This day honors the classic drink made by combining root beer with vanilla ice cream, creating a deliciously fizzy and creamy treat. The root beer float, also known as a “black cow,” is enjoyed for its refreshing taste and nostalgic charm. This drink is closely related to National Black Cow Day, which is celebrated on June 10 and also highlights this delightful beverage.
The root beer float and the black cow (National Black Cow Day is also celebrated on June 10) are essentially the same drink, made by combining root beer with vanilla ice cream. The different names are due to regional and historical variations in naming. The term “black cow” originated from the black color of the root beer, which creates a contrast with the vanilla ice cream, resembling the color pattern of some cows. National Root Beer Float Day on August 6 and National Black Cow Day on June 10 both celebrate this beloved beverage, highlighting its popularity and nostalgic appeal.
August 14: National Creamsicle Day
National Creamsicle Day is celebrated on August 14. This day honors the delicious frozen treat known as the creamsicle, which consists of a creamy vanilla ice cream center coated with a layer of fruity, usually orange-flavored, ice. The combination of creamy and fruity flavors makes creamsicles a popular and refreshing summer snack.
August 18: National Ice Cream Pie Day
National Ice Cream Pie Day is celebrated on August 18. This day is dedicated to enjoying the delicious dessert known as ice cream pie, which typically consists of a pie crust filled with ice cream and various toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate sauce, nuts, and fruit.
August 19: National Soft Ice Cream Day
National Soft Ice Cream Day is celebrated on August 19. This day honors the creamy, smooth texture of soft ice cream, also known as soft serve. Soft ice cream is known for its light, airy texture, achieved by incorporating more air during the freezing process. It is typically served directly from a machine into a cone or cup and can be enjoyed plain or with various toppings like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, or fruit. Soft ice cream has been a favorite summer treat for decades, delighting people of all ages with its refreshing and satisfying taste.
August 21: National Spumoni Day
National Spumoni Day is celebrated on August 21. Spumoni is a traditional Italian dessert made of layers of different flavors of ice cream, often including chocolate, pistachio, and cherry, mixed with candied fruits and nuts. The layers are typically arranged in a loaf shape, making for a colorful and flavorful treat.
August 25: National Banana Split Day
National Banana Split Day is celebrated on August 25. A traditional banana split consists of a banana sliced lengthwise and served with scoops of vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream. It is typically topped with chocolate syrup, pineapple and strawberry sauces, whipped cream, nuts, and maraschino cherries.
August 26: National Cherry Popsicle Day
National Cherry Popsicle Day is celebrated on August 26. This day is all about enjoying the simple, refreshing treat of cherry popsicles. Cherry popsicles are frozen treats made from cherry-flavored liquid, typically a mix of cherry juice or syrup, water, and sugar, which is poured into molds and frozen on a stick.
Ice Cream National Days in September
September 2: National Blueberry Popsicle Day
National Blueberry Popsicle Day is celebrated on September 2. This day is dedicated to enjoying blueberry popsicles, a refreshing frozen treat made from blueberry-flavored liquid. The popsicles typically consist of blueberry juice or puree mixed with water and sugar, then poured into molds and frozen on sticks. They offer a delicious, fruity way to cool down and enjoy the taste of blueberries.
September 6: National Coffee Ice Cream Day
National Coffee Ice Cream Day is celebrated on September 6. This day honors coffee ice cream, a rich and creamy dessert that combines the flavors of coffee and ice cream. Coffee ice cream is popular among coffee lovers for its smooth texture and the delightful taste of coffee, providing a refreshing and energizing treat.
September 22: National Ice Cream Cone Day
National Ice Cream Cone Day is celebrated on September 22. This day commemorates the invention of the ice cream cone, a beloved treat that allows ice cream to be enjoyed on the go. The ice cream cone, typically made of a wafer-like material, was popularized at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. Today, it remains a favorite way to enjoy a scoop of ice cream.
September 24: National Cherries Jubilee Day
National Cherries Jubilee Day is celebrated on September 24. Cherries Jubilee is a classic dessert made by combining cherries and liqueur, which are then flambéed and served over vanilla ice cream. This elegant and flavorful dish was created by the famous French chef Auguste Escoffier in honor of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It remains a popular and festive dessert, especially enjoyed on special occasions.
Ice Cream National Days in November
November 11: National Sundae Day
National Sundae Day is celebrated on November 11. This day honors the classic ice cream sundae, a beloved dessert that typically consists of ice cream topped with syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry. Sundaes come in various flavors and combinations, making them a versatile and popular treat. The sundae’s origins date back to the late 19th century, with several claims to its invention, including from Ithaca, New York, and Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
Ice Cream National Days in December
December 13: National Ice Cream Day #2
National Ice Cream Day #2 is celebrated on December 13, offering another opportunity to enjoy this favorite frozen dessert. Like its summer counterpart in July, this day is a chance to indulge in a variety of ice cream flavors and creations, celebrating the joy that ice cream brings year-round.
National Ice Cream Months
June: National Frozen Yogurt Month
June is National Frozen Yogurt Month, dedicated to celebrating the tangy and creamy delight of frozen yogurt. Frozen yogurt is a popular alternative to ice cream, often enjoyed for its probiotic benefits and lower fat content. This month encourages people to enjoy frozen yogurt in various flavors and with a variety of toppings.
July: National Ice Cream Month
July is National Ice Cream Month, a time to celebrate all things ice cream. Established in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan, this month recognizes the popularity and enjoyment of ice cream in America. National Ice Cream Day, part of this month-long celebration, falls on the third Sunday in July. Throughout the month, ice cream lovers indulge in their favorite flavors and explore new ones.
September: Shake Month
September is Shake Month, celebrating the delicious and creamy milkshake. Milkshakes are made by blending ice cream with milk and various flavorings, resulting in a thick, frothy treat. This month encourages people to enjoy milkshakes in all their varieties, from classic chocolate and vanilla to more adventurous flavors.
Before You Go:
If you enjoyed reading this guide, you might also like our other national days lists:
- National Chocolate Days
- National Pizza Days
- National Pasta & Noodles Days
- National Coffee Days
- National Wine Days
- National Alcohol/Drinking Days
- National Day Calendar 2024 Printable Calendar
This article was originally published on June 27th, 2024. Last update: June 27th, 2024.
