National Hot Chocolate Day honors one of the world’s most beloved winter beverages. Celebrated on January 31, the day encourages people to warm up with a cup of rich, velvety hot chocolate. This drink, with roots that stretch back thousands of years, has evolved from ancient civilizations to modern-day winter traditions.
🍫 A similar day, National Cocoa Day, is observed on December 13. Curious about all the chocolate-related national days? Discover 79+ chocolate-themed national days gathered in one complete list.
The Origins of Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate’s history dates back to the Mayans around 2,500–3,000 years ago. They prepared a bitter beverage made from ground cocoa beans, water, and spices. The Aztecs later adopted this drink, believing it to have energizing and even mystical qualities. When Spanish explorers brought cocoa to Europe in the 16th century, the drink gradually transformed. Europeans added sugar and milk, making it more closely resemble the hot chocolate we know today.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, hot chocolate spread across Europe, becoming a favorite drink in cafes and homes alike. Today, it’s a cozy comfort, especially during cold winter months, and can be found in a variety of flavors and styles worldwide.
When Is National Hot Chocolate Day Celebrated?
Here’s a quick look at when National Hot Chocolate Day will be celebrated over the next several years. Mark your calendar to enjoy a warm cup of this delightful drink during the coldest months of the year.
| Year | Date and Day |
|---|---|
| 2024 | January 31, Wednesday |
| 2025 | January 31, Friday |
| 2026 | January 31, Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31, Sunday |
| 2028 | January 31, Monday |
| 2029 | January 31, Wednesday |
| 2030 | January 31, Thursday |
Fun Facts About Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate’s rich history and cultural significance make it more than just a tasty treat. From its ancient beginnings to its modern-day variations, here are some fascinating facts that highlight its unique journey across the globe:
- Ancient Origins: The Mayans and Aztecs drank hot chocolate made from roasted and ground cacao seeds mixed with water, chili peppers, and cornmeal.
- European Twist: Hot chocolate became sweeter and creamier when it arrived in Europe. The addition of sugar, vanilla, and milk turned it into the treat we love today.
- Popular on Instagram: The hashtag #nationalhotchocolateday has as of October 2024 been used 31.5K times on Instagram. People love celebrating a good cup of hot chocolate!
- Health Benefits: While often enjoyed as a sweet treat, dark chocolate contains antioxidants, which can help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
- A Global Favorite: Countries like Mexico, France, and Italy have their own unique takes on hot chocolate. For instance, Mexico’s traditional champurrado is thickened with corn flour and flavored with spices like cinnamon.
How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day
There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this warm, chocolaty drink. From creating your own hot chocolate masterpiece to hosting a fun tasting event, there are plenty of ways to make the most of this cozy holiday. Here are some ideas to inspire your celebration:
- Make your own hot chocolate from scratch with real cocoa powder and milk, or use a mix for convenience.
- Experiment with toppings and flavors like marshmallows, whipped cream, peppermint sticks, or a dash of cinnamon to elevate the classic drink.
- Enjoy a cozy evening with a good book or movie, paired with your favorite version of hot chocolate for a more personal celebration.
Before You Go:
We have many more national days lists for you to explore.
- Food-related national days: complete list of national food days, pasta & noodles days, vegan & vegetarian days, mushroom days, ice-cream days, pizza days, coffee days, chocolate days, wine days, alcohol & drinking days.
- Non-food national days: National Days Calendar 2025 (check out the printable calendars in my Etsy shop), National Days for Teachers, and a wide array of special lists such as cat days, dog days, animal days, cleaning & organizing days, book days, music days, family & relationships days, national days for women, stationery days and even Harry Potter days.
- Country-specific national days: Australian national days, more coming soon.
