International Hug A Bear Day is celebrated every year on November 7, a day dedicated to the simple yet heartwarming act of hugging a bear. Not long ago, we celebrated National Teddy Bear Day on September 9, a reminder of just how beloved these cuddly companions are. Whether it’s a childhood teddy bear, a giant plush friend, or even a real-life bear (though not recommended!), this day focuses on spreading warmth and comfort. A bear hug brings a sense of joy and security, something that connects people of all ages.
So, grab your favorite bear and enjoy the simple joy of a hug that brings people closer, one cuddle at a time!

When is International Hug A Bear Day Celebrated?
Now that you’re ready to share a hug with your favorite bear, let’s look at when this cozy celebration takes place each year. International Hug A Bear Day is observed annually on November 7, a fitting date as the colder months set in, inviting everyone to seek warmth and comfort. Mark your calendars and get ready to spread some fuzzy love year after year!
Year | Date |
---|---|
2024 | November 7, Thursday |
2025 | November 7, Friday |
2026 | November 7, Saturday |
2027 | November 7, Sunday |
2028 | November 7, Tuesday |
2029 | November 7, Wednesday |
2030 | November 7, Thursday |
Fun Facts About International Hug A Bear Day
Let’s take a closer look at some fun and interesting facts that make this day even more special:
- The first teddy bear was created after a cartoon of U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt sparing a bear during a hunting trip in 1902. This inspired toymaker Morris Michtom to create a bear-shaped stuffed toy, naming it “Teddy’s bear”.
- Teddy bears have become so iconic that they’re even part of therapy. Known as “comfort objects”, they can provide emotional support to people in stressful situations.
- The world’s largest collection of teddy bears belongs to a woman named Jackie Miley, who has over 8,000 bears in her collection! Check it out in the video below, created by Guinness World Records:
Ways to Celebrate International Hug A Bear Day
Celebrating International Hug A Bear Day is all about embracing the soft, comforting feeling of a bear hug. Start by snuggling up with your favorite teddy or brighten someone else’s day by gifting a bear to someone who could use extra comfort. Feeling generous? Donate a teddy bear to organizations that provide them to children in need. And don’t forget to spread the love online—share a picture of you and your bear with the hashtag #InternationalHugABearDay. Your post might just inspire others to join in and keep the hugs going!
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.