National Coffee Break Day is celebrated each year on January 20. While the observance itself has no single documented founder, it is rooted in the history of the coffee break as a workplace custom.
The Origins of the Coffee Break Concept
The idea of a coffee break developed in the early 20th century, when workers began taking short pauses to rest and drink coffee during the workday. The term coffee break became widely known in the early 1950s after a national advertising campaign by the Pan-American Coffee Bureau that encouraged people to “give yourself a coffee break — and get what coffee gives to you.” By the mid-20th century, coffee breaks had become a standard practice in workplaces across the United States and were widely viewed as a way to support worker productivity.
As coffee breaks became more routine, coffee carts and street stands appeared in cities, making it easy to grab a quick cup during the workday. From the 1970s onward, companies such as Peet’s Coffee & Tea and Starbucks helped reshape coffee culture by expanding beverage options and creating café spaces designed for taking and enjoying coffee breaks.
☕️ National Coffee Break Day is one of many coffee-themed national days. Check out our special list where we’ve gathered all 25 coffee holidays, including coffee weeks and months.
When Is National Coffee Break Day?
National Coffee Break Day is observed on a fixed date each year, January 20. Because the date does not change, the weekday shifts annually, which is reflected in the table below for 2026 through 2030.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | January 20 |
| 2027 | January 20 |
| 2028 | January 20 |
| 2029 | January 20 |
| 2030 | January 20 |
How National Coffee Break Day Is Observed
As the name suggests, National Coffee Break Day invites you to step away from screens and desks to enjoy a cup of coffee.
- Taking intentional breaks: Some workplaces organize coffee pauses, such as communal carafes in offices or virtual coffee hours for remote teams, to encourage connection and reduce burnout.
- Promotions and deals: This is a peak day for coffee freebies. Cafés and coffee retailers often participate with short-term offers. Local coffee shops may run discounts, while national chains such as Dunkin’ and Peet’s Coffee may feature buy-one-get-one deals or discounted mid-morning drinks.
- Social media sharing: The day is widely reflected in workplace culture and lifestyle posts. The hashtag #NationalCoffeeBreakDay is commonly used to share photos of coffee mugs, latte art, or behind-the-scenes office moments that emphasize employee well-being.
- Focus on well-being: Educational interest often centers on the benefits of breaks. Research frequently cited around the observance shows that a short pause of about 15 minutes can help lower stress and support concentration for the rest of the workday.
