Whether you love chewy caramels, fruity gummies, or chocolate bars, National Candy Day is your kind of holiday. Celebrated every year on November 4, it’s the perfect excuse to dig into your favorite sweets guilt-free and learn a few fascinating facts about where they came from.
Candy has been sparking joy for centuries — bright, colorful, and made to make people smile. From simple honey-coated nuts in ancient times to today’s endless candy aisles, it’s hard to imagine life without a little sugar rush.
When is National Candy Day Celebrated?
No need to mark your calendar twice — National Candy Day always falls on November 4. That means one more reason to keep the sweet season going right after Halloween. Here are the upcoming dates through 2030:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | November 4, Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 4, Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 4, Thursday |
| 2028 | November 4, Saturday |
| 2029 | November 4, Sunday |
| 2030 | November 4, Monday |
Origins: The Lost “Candy Day” of 1916
The first Candy Day was created in 1916 by the National Confectioners’ Association, which encouraged Americans to enjoy candy and share it with others. It was celebrated on the second Saturday in October and promoted candy as a source of energy and comfort during World War I. Advertisements at the time urged families to “send candy to the soldier boys” and described sugar as an important food.
However, the celebration didn’t last long. Sugar rationing and wartime restrictions soon ended the event, and Candy Day quietly disappeared. The Library of Congress later described it as a “phantom holiday” that flickered into existence and vanished soon after.
A few years later, in 1921, Cleveland candy makers created Sweetest Day* (Third Saturday in October), a charitable celebration inspired by the same idea of sharing candy and kindness with others. While the modern National Candy Day is not officially connected to those early events, it carries the same spirit — celebrating the joy that candy brings to everyday life.
Candy Through the Ages
The love for sweets dates back to ancient times. Long before refined sugar, civilizations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, and Persians used honey to coat fruits, nuts, and flowers, creating the first natural candies. These early confections were sometimes used as medicine or offered in religious rituals.
By the 18th century, sugar candies arrived in America from Europe. At that time, sugar was expensive, so treats like rock candy were enjoyed mainly by the wealthy. The Industrial Revolution changed everything, making sugar affordable and candy production widespread.
Notable milestones include:
- 1941: Forrest Mars Sr. and William Murrie introduced M&M’s, small chocolate candies that became part of U.S. soldiers’ rations in World War II.
- 1847: Oliver R. Chase patented the first American candy press, paving the way for lozenge candies and later Necco Wafers.
- 1897: William Morrison and John Wharton of Nashville invented the cotton candy machine, calling it Fairy Floss.
- 1928: H. B. Reese created Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, blending chocolate and peanut butter into a now-classic favorite.
How to Celebrate National Candy Day
National Candy Day falls just a few days after Halloween, so the timing couldn’t be sweeter. Whether your candy bowl is still full or you’re already planning your next sugar fix, there are plenty of fun ways to join in.
- Treat yourself: Pick your all-time favorites — maybe a handful of M&M’s, a piece of toffee, or that last mini chocolate bar hiding in the kitchen drawer.
- Try something new: Step outside your usual choices. Grab a candy you’ve never had before or sample international sweets from a local shop.
- Get creative: Turn leftover candy into something new — mix it into cookies, melt it into hot cocoa, or decorate cupcakes with bright colors and fun shapes.
- Share the sweetness: Bring a small bag of candy to work or surprise a friend or neighbor. A few wrapped treats can instantly make someone’s day better.
- Learn a little history: Read about how your favorite candy was invented or watch a short video about how it’s made. You might appreciate that next chocolate bite even more.
And of course, don’t forget to share your thoughts on social media with #NationalCandyDay — because everyone deserves a little sweetness in their feed too.
Related Observances
If you’re looking for other sweet celebrations coming up, National Gingerbread Cookie Day on November 21, National Cookie Day on December 4 and National Hard Candy Day on December 19 are just around the corner. With the holiday season approaching, there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite treats!
