National Sundae Day, celebrated every year on November 11, honors the classic ice cream sundae. A traditional sundae features scoops of ice cream topped with syrup, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry, but the customizations are endless. From hot fudge to caramel drizzle or fruit sauces, sundaes invite creativity and indulgence in every bite.
#NationalSundaeDay may not be the biggest hashtag online—with around 5,000 posts on both Instagram and Facebook—but the dessert it celebrates is undeniably popular. The broader #Sundae tag has over 1.2 million posts on Instagram, showing how much people still love this delicious ice cream treat.
➡️ Don’t miss out on our complete list of ice cream-related national days for more fun ways to celebrate your favorite frozen desserts. You can also browse our Food National Days Calendar to discover delicious food holidays celebrated all year long.
One of the best ice cream shops serving sundaes is Eddie’s Sweet Shop located in NYC. This ice cream shop, with nearly a century of history, is famous for its signature sundaes topped with fudge, whipped cream, and a cherry. You can learn more about this iconic place from this video:
When is National Sundae Day Celebrated?
National Sundae Day falls on November 11, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy your favorite sundae combinations. In this table, you can find the dates for every upcoming National Sundae Day so you never miss out:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | November 11, Tuesday |
| 2026 | November 11, Wednesday |
| 2027 | November 11, Thursday |
| 2028 | November 11, Saturday |
| 2029 | November 11, Sunday |
| 2030 | November 11, Monday |
History of the Sundae
The sundae’s story reaches back to the late 19th century, though its exact origin remains a subject of friendly debate. One popular account credits a pharmacist in Two Rivers, Wisconsin, who in 1881 began serving ice cream topped with syrup on Sundays to comply with local laws that banned the sale of soda on that day. Another version points to Chester Platt of Ithaca, New York, who reportedly served a similar treat in 1892 and named it a “Sunday”—later changed to “sundae” to avoid religious reference.
Regardless of which story is true, the dessert quickly became a symbol of American soda fountain culture and a fixture in diners and ice cream parlors across the country.
Fun Facts About Sundaes
Sundaes may seem simple, but their history and variations are full of surprises. Here are a few fun facts that show just how special this classic dessert can be:
- The World’s Most Expensive Sundae: Served at Serendipity 3 in New York City, the Golden Opulence Sundae costs around $1,000. It’s made with Tahitian vanilla ice cream, rare chocolates, caviar, and 23-karat edible gold, making it a true luxury treat.
- The Largest Sundae Ever Made: In 1988, ice cream lovers in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, created the world’s largest sundae—an incredible 24-tondessert that set a world record and required hundreds of volunteers to assemble.
- A Classic with Endless Variations: From old-fashioned hot fudge sundaes to modern vegan versions made with coconut ice cream, the sundae continues to evolve.
How to Celebrate National Sundae Day
This might be one of the easiest—and tastiest—celebrations of the year: simply enjoy a sundae! Whether you head to your local ice cream shop or make one at home, here are some fun and creative ways to celebrate National Sundae Day:
- Visit a Local Ice Cream Shop: Treat yourself to a sundae made just the way you like it. Try a shop you haven’t visited before, or ask what their most popular sundae combo is. Supporting small ice cream parlors makes the day even sweeter.
- Experiment with New Flavors: If you usually go for chocolate or vanilla, mix things up! Try salted caramel, pistachio, or berry swirl. For a tropical twist, build a sundae with coconut ice cream, pineapple, and toasted coconut flakes.
Need ideas? Check out this video tutorial.
- Host a Sundae Bar at Home: Set up a DIY sundae station with a few ice cream flavors, sauces, and toppings like nuts, crushed cookies, marshmallows, and fruit. It’s perfect for family gatherings, kids’ playdates, or cozy evenings in.
- Try a Healthier Version: Make a lighter sundae using frozen yogurt, dairy-free ice cream, or banana “nice cream.” Add fresh fruit and a drizzle of honey for a guilt-free treat that still feels special.
- Share the Fun Online: Post your sundae creation on social media using the hashtag #NationalSundaeDay to join the celebration with other dessert lovers.
