January 31 National Days

January 31, 2026, is the 31st day of the year, with 334 days remaining, and it falls on a Saturday in the fifth week of the year.

The date highlights zebra conservation efforts, drawing attention to wildlife protection and biodiversity, while also embracing playful observances that encourage doing things backward as a way to slow down routines and sharpen awareness. Food-themed celebrations add warmth to the day, with hot chocolate taking center stage as a seasonal comfort drink during the heart of winter.

Below is a list of all 13 national and international days observed on January 31, each explained briefly.

National & International Days on January 31

Appreciate Your Social Security Check Day celebrates the establishment of the Social Security system in the United States, which began providing benefits to eligible individuals in 1940. The day raises awareness of how the program provides ongoing financial stability for millions of people in the United States.

Brandy Alexander Day celebrates the brandy-based variation of the Alexander cocktail. While the original Alexander made with gin emerged in the early 20th century, this observance focuses on the later version prepared with brandy, crème de cacao, and cream. The day was created by Thomas Roy and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays to highlight this dessert cocktail and encourage people to enjoy it at home or in a lounge setting.

🍹 See also the complete list of alcohol and drinking-related national days.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day promotes understanding of the EITC and helps ensure eligible workers claim the credit they have earned. The observance was launched in 2006 by the Internal Revenue Service in response to many eligible taxpayers not claiming the benefit. It focuses on outreach through community groups and local governments to explain eligibility rules, connect people with free tax preparation services, and highlight related credits such as the Child Tax Credit that support household income and local economies.

Eat Brussel Sprouts Day encourages people to enjoy Brussels sprouts by focusing on their nutritional value and simple preparation methods. The observance also challenges their reputation for bitterness by highlighting modern cooking techniques, such as roasting or sautéing, that create a milder flavor and improved texture.

Hell is Freezing Over Day was created by Thomas Roy and Ruth Roy of Wellcat Holidays and is inspired by the phrase when hell freezes over. The observance encourages people to take action on long-delayed promises, avoided tasks, or goals that were once considered unlikely.

Hug An Economist Day recognizes the work of economists and their role in analyzing markets, public policy, and financial systems. The observance encourages appreciation for those who study economic data and help explain how economies function and affect everyday life.

International Zebra Day raises awareness about zebra conservation and the threats zebras face in the wild. Established by conservation groups such as the Grevy’s Zebra Trust and other wildlife organizations, the day draws attention to declining populations, especially the endangered Grevy’s zebra, and focuses on education about habitat loss, poaching, and protection of the Plains, Mountain, and Grevy’s zebra species.

National Backward Day was created in 1961 by Sarah Miller and Megan Scott in Davidson County. The day encourages people to reverse everyday routines, such as wearing clothes backward or eating dessert before dinner, using disruption to break habits and add humor into daily life.

A related day, National Opposite Day, also promotes fun twists to daily routines.

National Backward Day

National Hot Chocolate Day celebrates hot chocolate as a winter beverage made from cocoa, milk, and sugar, and is distinct from National Cocoa Day on December 13. While no official founder or start date is documented, the observance is widely recognized by cafés and chocolatiers. It highlights the drink’s long history, from the cold, spiced chocolate drinks of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations to modern sweetened versions, and encourages people to explore regional styles such as cinnamon-spiced Mexican hot chocolate or thick Italian cioccolata calda.

National Hot Chocolate Day

National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day highlights the emotional impact of art and its ability to influence feelings and thought. The observance focuses on how visual art, music, dance, and literature can influence mood, thinking, and emotional awareness.

National Seed Swap Day* (Last Saturday in January) promotes the sharing of seeds, gardening knowledge, and growing experience among gardeners. The day was founded by Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener Magazine, on January 26, 2006, at a local event in Washington, D.C.. Its purpose is to support biodiversity and heirloom plant varieties while making gardening more affordable, strengthening local ecosystems, and helping communities prepare for the spring growing season.

National Scotch Tape Day marks the invention of transparent adhesive tape by Richard Gurley Drew, who patented it on January 31, 1930, while working at 3M. The observance recognizes the development of a practical sealing solution for food packaging that later became a widely used household and industrial tool.

A related day, National Cellophane Tape Day, is celebrated on May 27.

Support an Independent Pub Day 🇬🇧* (Date varies): This campaign, started by CityStack and London Pub Explorer, encourages people to visit and support independently owned pubs. It was created in response to declining numbers of independent pubs in the UK, emphasizing their cultural and social importance.

🍹 Curious about all the alcohol and drinking-related national days? We’ve crafted a special list just for you—cheers to celebrating in style! 🥂🎉