December 27 National Days

December 27, 2025, is the 361st day of the year, with 4 days remaining until the end of the year. As the holiday season continues, the observances on this date focus on winter activities such as baking fruitcake, visiting a zoo, and spending time together making paper snowflakes. The day also includes an international awareness observance tied to epidemic preparedness, shaped by global experiences that began in 2020.

Below is a list of all 4 national and international days celebrated on December 27, each with a brief explanation.

National & International Days on December 27

International Day of Epidemic Preparedness was designated by the United Nations in 2020 to highlight the importance of readiness before health crises emerge. The observance focuses on prevention, early response, and international cooperation, emphasizing that education, planning, and shared responsibility can reduce the impact of future epidemics.

National Fruitcake Day celebrates the dense holiday dessert made with dried or candied fruits, nuts, and spices. Its earliest recorded version dates to ancient Rome, where fruits and nuts were mixed into a barley-based cake, later evolving in the Middle Ages with the addition of honey, preserved fruits, and spices.

National Fruitcake Day

National Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day encourages families to create paper snowflakes as a relaxed family activity after the Christmas rush. The tradition is rooted in kirigami, a paper art that involves folding and cutting, and became popular in the 19th century. One of the earliest recorded examples was made in 1864 by Frances Chickering, inspired by the natural shapes of real snow crystals.

Visit the Zoo Day encourages people to visit a zoo, aquarium, or wildlife park during the holiday break. Beyond recreation, the observance highlights the role these institutions play in conservation, public education, and scientific research, including efforts to protect endangered species, teach about biodiversity, and support advances in animal care and veterinary science.