January 20 National Days

January 20, 2026, is the 20th day of the year, with 345 days remaining, and it falls on a Tuesday in the fourth week of the calendar year.

The date combines observances that reflect everyday balance and cultural influence, from coffee breaks that punctuate the workday and classic confections like buttercrunch to the impact of camcorders on personal memory-making and the role of DJs in shaping how music is shared and experienced.

Below is a list of the 10 national and international days observed on January 20, each explained briefly.

National & International Days on January 20

Inauguration Day* (every four years on January 20, or January 21 if January 20 falls on a Sunday) marks the formal swearing-in of the president and vice president of the United States. In 2026, there is no Inauguration Day for the President of the United States. Following the January 20, 2025, inauguration of the 47th President, the next time this ceremony occurs will be on Saturday, January 20, 2029. 

International Day of Acceptance promotes inclusion and respect for people with disabilities. Founded in 2010 by Stevie Hopkins in memory of his sister Annie Hopkins, who died on this date in 2009, the observance is linked to the International Symbol of Acceptance—a wheelchair shaped like a heart that she designed. The day challenges stereotypes and encourages recognizing people for their abilities, individuality, and contributions rather than defining them by disability.

National Buttercrunch Day highlights buttercrunch as an American variation of traditional English toffee, known for its caramelized crunch, chocolate coating, and often a nut topping. The term buttercrunch is commonly associated with confectioner William Loft, who reportedly coined it in 1860, with the candy gaining wider popularity across the United States during the 1930s.

🍫 See also our ultimate list of chocolate-related national days and months. Celebrate your love for chocolate all year long! 🎉🍩🍪

National Camcorder Day recognizes the invention of the portable video camera and its influence on personal storytelling. The observance highlights how camcorders moved video recording beyond professional studios and into everyday life, allowing people to document home movies, family milestones, and important social moments that might otherwise have been lost.

National Cheese Lover’s Day celebrates one of the world’s oldest food traditions by highlighting cheese in its many forms. Observed since the early 2000s, the day recognizes the work of dairy farmers and cheesemakers, as well as the long-standing methods that have produced thousands of distinct cheese varieties enjoyed worldwide.

National Coffee Break Day highlights the importance of stepping away from work to rest, reset, and connect with others. The idea of the coffee break gained widespread popularity in the United States during the 1950s following a major campaign by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau. The observance emphasizes how brief breaks can reduce stress, support productivity, and encourage social interaction in the workplace.

National Disc Jockey Day , also known as National Disc Jockey Day, is observed on the anniversary of the death of Alan Freed, the broadcaster credited with popularizing the term rock ’n’ roll and using music to challenge racial barriers. The day honors DJs across radio, clubs, and live events for their role in selecting and mixing music, influencing listening habits, and shaping the rhythm and atmosphere of dance floors and broadcasts worldwide.

🎶 Discover the complete list of music-related national days all in one place for your convenience and inspiration!

National Penguin Day, also called Penguin Awareness Day, raises awareness about penguins and the environmental threats they face. World Penguin Day on April 25 is a separate observance with different origins that also celebrates penguins.

Rid the World of Fad Diets and Gimmicks Day* (Tuesday after the third Sunday in January) promotes evidence-based nutrition and a healthier relationship with body image. Established in 1994 by the Healthy Weight Network, founded by nutrition therapist and author Frances M. Berg, the observance is part of Healthy Weight Week* (Third Full Week of January). Its purpose is to raise awareness about the risks of restrictive fad diets and unproven weight-loss products while encouraging sustainable habits and a Health at Every Size approach that focuses on overall well-being rather than weight alone.

Take a Walk Outdoors Day encourages people to step away from screens and spend time outside. Established in 2015, it highlights the physical and mental health benefits of walking outdoors, such as improved cardiovascular health, reduced stress, and better immune function. The observance presents walking outdoors as an easy, restorative break from long periods of sitting and screen use that supports overall well-being.

National Days in January

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