January 17 National Days

January 17, 2026, is the 17th day of the year, leaving 348 days until 2026. Falling on a Saturday in the 3rd week, this day highlights 20 national and international observances. From reflecting on resolutions to celebrating spicy foods and honoring cultural icons, there’s something for everyone.

Art’s Birthday: Proposed in 1963 by French artist Robert Filliou, this day celebrates the birth of art, humorously marked by the story of a dry sponge dropped into a bucket of water. Artists worldwide commemorate this day with events, exhibitions, and gatherings that honor creativity in all forms.

Benjamin Franklin Day: Recognizing the birth of one of America’s most influential Founding Fathers, this day honors Franklin’s contributions to science, politics, and literature. Born on January 17, 1706, Franklin’s legacy is celebrated across the U.S. and beyond.

Cable Car Day: Celebrating Andrew Smith Hallidie’s 1871 patent for the cable car, this day highlights an invention that transformed transportation in cities like San Francisco, where cable cars remain iconic symbols of urban innovation.

Customer Service Day: Created in 1984, this day acknowledges the dedication of customer service professionals who ensure seamless support across industries. A similar day, International Customer Support Day, falls on May 21, 2025, with Customer Service Week celebrated October 6–10, 2025.

Ditch New Year’s Resolution Day: Two weeks into January, this observance encourages us to reevaluate and let go of unrealistic resolutions. It’s a humorous nod to self-compassion and realistic goal-setting.

International Mentoring Day: Launched in 2016 to coincide with Muhammad Ali’s birthday, this day emphasizes the importance of mentorship in empowering individuals and fostering growth worldwide.

International We Are Not Broken Day: Founded in 2019 by Nichola Cotto, this day raises awareness about trauma survivors and celebrates their resilience through storytelling and empowerment initiatives.

Judgment Day: Created by Ruth and Thomas Roy, this lighthearted day encourages self-reflection and self-judgment as a humorous spin on traditional religious interpretations of judgment.

Kid Inventors’ Day: Celebrated on Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, this day honors young inventors’ creativity and achievements, inspired by Franklin’s own invention of swim fins at age 12.

National Bootlegger’s Day: Recognizing the bootlegging era, this day highlights Prohibition’s history, particularly the creation of Templeton Rye Whiskey and the figures like Al Capone who became symbols of the time.

National Classy Day: Celebrating class and elegance, this day honors individuals like Betty White, whose enduring charm and humor left a lasting impression on the world.

National Hot Buttered Rum Day: Warm up with a classic drink whose history dates back to Colonial America. Made with rum, butter, and spices, it’s a perfect winter indulgence.

🍷 Explore the complete list of national days and months dedicated to alcoholic beverages and celebrate your favorites all year long! 🥂🍸🍺

National Hot Heads Chili Day: Chili enthusiasts celebrate this fiery day with spice challenges and creative recipes. Whether you enjoy mild or intense heat, this day is all about the thrill of flavor.

National Lose the Jet Lag Day: Dedicated to understanding and managing jet lag, this day promotes scientifically backed strategies like light exposure to help travelers adapt to new time zones.

National No Phones at Home Day* (Third Saturday in January): Encouraging families to unplug, this day, founded in 2023 by Dr. Charlotte Armitage, promotes digital boundaries to enhance face-to-face interactions. It serves as a gentle reminder of the benefits of disconnecting to reconnect with loved ones.

National Tulip Day 🇳🇱 * (Third Saturday in January): Originating in 2012, this Dutch celebration marks the start of tulip season with a colorful display in Amsterdam’s Dam Square. Visitors are invited to pick tulips and revel in the beauty of one of the Netherlands’ most iconic flowers.

National Use Your Gift Card Day* (Third Saturday in January): With $1 billion in unused gift cards each year, this day is a call to action to make the most of your holiday presents. Founded in 2020 by Tilson PR, it’s the perfect excuse to shop and treat yourself!

National Waterfowl Day: Celebrated since 2024, this day highlights the beauty and importance of waterfowl conservation, inspired by Mike Lubbock and the efforts of the International Wild Waterfowl Association.

Popeye the Sailor Man Day / Popeye Day: Honoring the spinach-loving hero who debuted in 1929, this day celebrates Popeye as an enduring pop-culture icon.

Soup Swap Day* (Third Saturday in January): A cozy tradition originating by Knox Gardner in the 1990s, Soup Swap Day invites friends and neighbors to share their favorite soups. From creamy bisques to hearty chowders, it’s a flavorful way to connect during winter.

National Days in January

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