National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day has two observances: the main U.S. celebration on the third Sunday in July and a smaller winter version on December 13.

The July observance is the one embraced by national brands, local shops, and grocery chains, and the hashtag #NationalIceCreamDay has been used more than 506,000 times on Instagram, making it one of the most active food-related national-day tags.

The December date is tied to the 1903 ice cream cone patent and is recognized by many businesses and food-focused websites as an unofficial second opportunity to celebrate.

🍨 See also the full list of all ice cream days to discover more related celebrations.

When Is National Ice Cream Day Celebrated?

National Ice Cream Day appears twice on the calendar. The widely recognized summer celebration falls on the third Sunday in July, while a second observance on December 13 offers a winter counterpart. The table below shows both dates through 2030:

Ways to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day

People mark National Ice Cream Day in different ways depending on their preferences, dietary needs, or budget. Here are a few ideas:

• Visit a nearby ice cream shop and see if they offer special flavors or seasonal toppings for either observance.

• Try a frozen dessert that suits your diet, such as dairy-free ice cream, sorbet, or plant-based soft serve.

• Make a simple homemade version, with or without an ice cream maker. No-churn recipes are easy to customize with fruit, chocolate, or spices.

• Pair ice cream with warm desserts—such as baked fruit, pies or brownies—especially if you’re celebrating the winter date.

• Share your celebration online using #NationalIceCreamDay if you enjoy participating in social media traditions.