National Cotton Candy Day is celebrated each year on December 7, so get ready for a day filled with nostalgia and sweetness! This day takes us back to the magical moments of fairs, carnivals, and circus tents, where cotton candy made its name as a beloved treat. Originally known as ‘fairy floss‘ or ‘candy floss,’ cotton candy has captured the imaginations and taste buds of children and adults alike for over a century.
Believe it or not, cotton candy wasn’t always the classic fairground snack. It was actually co-invented by a dentist, Dr. William Morrison, and confectioner John C. Wharton in 1897. They created a machine that spun melted sugar into fine strands, which later became known as cotton candy. The treat debuted at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, where it was an immediate hit. Cotton candy’s ethereal texture and lightness, combined with its sugary sweetness, made it irresistible and unforgettable.
When is National Cotton Candy Day?
Mark your calendars for December 7 each year, a day dedicated to cotton candy. This sugary treat has brought smiles to faces for generations, making its way from county fairs to circus tents and now, a special day all its own.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2024 | December 7, Saturday |
| 2025 | December 7, Sunday |
| 2026 | December 7, Monday |
| 2027 | December 7, Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 7, Thursday |
| 2029 | December 7, Friday |
| 2030 | December 7, Saturday |
You can also look forward to related food holidays around the same time, like National Cocoa Day on December 13th and National Cookie Day on December 4th, making early December a perfect time for sweet treats.
Fun Facts About Cotton Candy
Cotton candy isn’t just a sugary snack; it has a rich history and even holds impressive records. From being created by a dentist to breaking world records, there’s more to this fluffy treat than meets the eye. Here are some fun and surprising facts that highlight its unique journey:
- Around the world, cotton candy goes by many names. In England, it’s known as ‘candy floss’, while in Australia and New Zealand, it’s called ‘fairy floss’.
- A single serving of cotton candy typically contains less sugar than a can of soda—just a few teaspoons!
- The largest cotton candy sculpture weighed an impressive 16.783 kg (37 lbs)! It was created on April 8, 2022, in Austin, Texas, by a team of YouTubers, including Ali Spagnola, Brian Brushwood, and Jason Murphy (of The Modern Rogue).
Ways to Celebrate National Cotton Candy Day
Celebrate National Cotton Candy Day by enjoying this airy snack in a variety of ways. Head to your local fair or amusement park to experience it fresh, or try your hand at making your own! Cotton candy machines are widely available, and you can even experiment with different flavors or colors. Another fun idea is to pair cotton candy with a treat from another December holiday, like National Cupcake Day on the 15th, for a creative dessert combo.
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.
