Welcome to December — the grand finale of the year! As someone who loves cozy moments and seasonal traditions, I always find this month extra special. Between the twinkling lights, the smell of holiday baking, and the countdowns to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, December captures both excitement and reflection.

Even with all the hustle and bustle, it still offers more than 300 national and international observances. Many connect beautifully with the season — celebrating baking, giving, kindness, winter traditions, and moments of gratitude that define this time of year.

In this list, you’ll find a mix of meaningful, festive, and just-for-fun observances to help you wrap up the year on a joyful note.

If you’re just looking for what’s going on right now, go here:

🖨️ If you’d like a quick way to keep track of each day’s main celebration, I’ve created a one-page 2026 National Days Calendar Set (most popular days + food days) you can print and keep handy. You can get it now in my Etsy Shop 🛍️

National Days Calendar Bundle 2025-2026
2026 National Days Calendar Bundle

National Days in December

December celebrations focus on giving, kindness, and togetherness, with major holidays like Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The month also includes health awareness weeks, months, as well as seasonal food days and festive traditions that bring people closer as the year comes to an end.

December 1

The first day of the month is always packed with celebrations, and December 1 is no exception! With 17 national days to enjoy, there’s plenty to discover. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Antarctica Day
  • Cyber Monday* (Monday after Thanksgiving)
  • National Pie Day. While January 23 is the more popular date for National Pie Day, December 1 provides another opportunity to enjoy your favorite pies.
  • Rosa Parks Day. This day is celebrated on two dates: February 4 (her birthday) and December 1 (the day of her arrest in 1955).
  • Day Without Art
  • Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day
  • National Eat A Red Apple Day
  • National Christmas Lights Day
  • National Cookie Cutter Day
  • National Twin With Your Dog Day
  • Wear a Dress Day. While primarily observed on June 1, some people celebrate it on December 1 as well.
  • National Women Support Women Day
  • National Peppermint Bark Day
  • Prisoners for Peace Day
  • World AIDS Day
  • Walt Disney Day* (First Monday of December)
    🐭 A related day. National Polka Dot Day falls on January 22, celebrating the iconic polka dot pattern and Minnie Mouse.

December 2

There are 16 national days on December 2. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Business of Popping Corn Day
  • International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
  • National Anytime Hawaiian Day
  • National Build Joy Day
  • National Fritters Day
  • National Day of Giving / Giving Tuesday* (Tuesday after Thanksgiving)
  • National Mutt Day
    🐶 Celebrated twice a year, on July 31 and December 2.
  • National Skip School Day
  • National Special Education Day
  • Play Basketball Day
    🏀 Related holidays include National Basketball Day on November 6, which honors the sport’s inventor, Dr. James Naismith, and World Basketball Day on December 21, marking the game’s first introduction.
  • Safety Razor Day
  • World Computer Literacy Day
  • World Pollution Prevention Day
  • World Trick Shot Day* (First Tuesday of December)

December 3

There are 9 national day celebrated on December 3 that range from festive traditions to awareness initiatives. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 4

There are 11 national days on December 4 that celebrate everything from culinary observances and entrepreneurship to conservation and teamwork. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Cabernet Franc Day
  • Celebrate Shelter Pets Day* (First Thursday after Thanksgiving)
  • Extraordinary Work Team Recognition Day
  • International Cheetah Day
  • International Day of Banks
  • National Cookie Day
  • National Dice Day
  • National Sock Day
  • Santa’s List Day
  • Wear Brown Shoes Day
  • Wildlife Conservation Day

December 5

There are 13 national days on December 5 that celebrate self-care, environmental awareness, history, culture, and community service. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 6

There are 11 national days on December 6 honoring innovation and encouraging kindness and ethical choices. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Chester Greenwood Day* (First Saturday of December)
    🎧 A related celebration, National Earmuff Day, is observed on March 13.
  • Coats and Toys for Kids Day* (First Saturday of December)
  • Crate Day* (First Saturday of December, New Zealand 🇳🇿)
  • Global Fat Bike Day* (First Saturday of December)
  • Mitten Tree Day
  • National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women / White Ribbon Day (Canada 🇨🇦)
  • National Gazpacho Day. Not to be confused with Gazpacho Soup Day on November 25.
  • National Microwave Oven Day
  • National Miner’s Day
  • National Pawnbrokers Day (sometimes called Gift Day)
  • National Play Outside Day* (First Saturday of every month)
  • National Rhubarb Vodka Day* (First Saturday of December)
  • Put On Your Own Shoes Day
  • Saint Nicholas Day
  • SKYWARN Recognition Day* (First Saturday in December)
  • Tree Dressing Day* (First Weekend in December, UK 🇬🇧)
  • World Pear Day* (First Saturday in December)

December 7

There are 6 national days on December 7 that honor history, creativity, play, and generosity. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 8

There are 9 national days on December 8 that ranging from indulging in sweet brownies to reflecting on important contributions. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 9

There are 10 national days on December 9 ranging from honoring the past to embracing creative and cultural expressions. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Christmas Card Day
  • Genocide Prevention Day / International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
  • International Anti-Corruption Day
  • International Day of Veterinary Medicine
  • Lutefisk Day
  • National Llama Day
  • National Opal Apples Day
  • National Pastry Day
  • National Weary Willie Day
  • World Techno Day

December 10

There are 6 national days on December 10 that inspire global awareness, celebrate achievements, and reflect on humanity’s impact. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 11

There are 9 national days on December 11 that span cultural traditions, technological innovation, and efforts to promote well-being for people and animals alike. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Christmas Jumper Day* (Dates Change, UK 🇬🇧)
  • Holiday Food Drive for Needy Animals Day
  • International Mountain Day
  • National App Day
  • National Have a Bagel Day
    🥯 A similar day, National Bagel Day, is observed on January 15.
  • National Noodle Ring Day
  • National Stretching Day
  • National Tango Day
  • UNICEF Birthday

December 12

There are 10 national day observances on December 12 celebrating traditions, historical legacies, and global awareness. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Festival of Unmentionable Thoughts / Taboo Day
  • Gingerbread House Day and Gingerbread Decorating Day
    🍪 Some sources mention December 14 as its date, others place it on December 12, making it a perfect excuse to celebrate twice!
  • International Day of Neutrality
  • International Sound Check Day
  • International Universal Health Coverage Day
  • National Ambrosia Day
  • National Ding-a-Ling Day
  • National Poinsettia Day
  • National Salesperson Day* (Second Friday in December)
  • Official Lost and Found Day* (Second Friday in December)

December 13

There are 10 national days on December 13. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Ice Cream Day: While lesser-known compared to other ice cream celebrations like National Ice Cream Day in July, this December observance offers a chance to enjoy your favorite ice cream, even in the colder months.
  • International Shareware Day* (Second Saturday in December)
  • National Cocoa Day
    🍫 A similar day, National Hot Chocolate Day, is observed on January 31.
  • National Cream Cheese Frosting Day
  • National Day of the Horse / National Horse Day
  • National Guard Birthday
  • National Violin Day
  • National Wreaths Across America Day* (Second Saturday in December)
  • Pick a Pathologist Pal Day

December 14

There are 11 national days on December 14. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Gingerbread Decorating Day. Although some sources list this on December 12, others celebrate on December 14.
  • More Good Today Day
  • National Alabama Day
  • National Bouillabaisse Day
  • National Free Shipping Day
  • National Monkey Day
  • National Screwdriver Day
  • Roast Chestnuts Day
  • Sustainable Entrepreneurship Day
  • World Choral Day* (Second Sunday in December)
  • Worldwide Candle Lighting Day* (Second Sunday in December)

December 15

There are 6 national days on December 15. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Bill of Rights Day
  • Cat Herders Day
  • International Tea Day
  • National Cupcake Day
  • National Lemon Cupcake Day
  • National Wear Your Pearls Day

December 16

There are just 3 national days on December 16. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 17

There are four national days on December 17. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • National Device Appreciation Day
  • National Maple Syrup Day
  • National Say It Now Day
  • Wright Brothers Day* (By Presidential Proclamation)

December 18

There are 10 national days on December 18. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day
  • Bake Cookies Day
  • Flake Appreciation Day
  • International Migrants Day
  • National Crime Junkie Day
  • National Regifting Day* (Third Thursday of December)
  • National Roast Suckling Pig Day
  • National Twin Day
  • Wear a Plunger on Your Head Day
  • World Arabic Language Day

December 19

There are 6 national days on December 19 that range from sweet treats to festive traditions and cultural appreciation. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 20

There are 9 national days on December 20, from honoring historical figures and inventions to festive traditions and gaming culture. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Cathode-Ray Tube Day
  • Dot Your I’s Day
  • Festival of Winter Walks* (Celebrated from the third Saturday of December to the first Sunday of January)
  • Games Day
  • Go Caroling Day
  • International Human Solidarity Day
  • National Mudd Day
  • National Sangria Day
  • Sacagawea Day

December 21

December 21 is especially busy with 21 national day celebrations that range from seasonal festivities to unique traditions and historical milestones. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Don’t Make Your Bed Day* (First Day of Winter)
  • Gravy Day 🇦🇺
  • Humbug Day
  • International Dalek Remembrance Day
  • International Energy Drink Day* (Winter Solstice)
  • Look On The Bright Side Day* (Winter Solstice)
  • National Armagnac Day
  • National Coquito Day
  • National Crossword Puzzle Day
  • National Flashlight Day* (Winter Solstice)
  • National French Fried Shrimp Day
  • National Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day* (Winter Solstice)
  • National Maine Day
  • National Short Girl Appreciation Day
  • National Short Story Day* (Winter Solstice)
  • Phileas Fogg Win a Wager Day
  • Ribbon Candy Day
  • Winter Solstice / First Day of Winter* (Between December 20th and December 23rd)
  • World Basketball Day
  • World Meditation Day
  • World Snowboard Day

December 22

There are only 4 national day celebrations on December 22. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 23

There are 5 national day celebrations on December 23. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 24

There are 4 celebrations on December 24. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 25

While December 25 is largely focused on celebrating Christmas, there are also two national days to enjoy, offering a chance to relax and embrace traditions. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

December 26

December 26 offers a chance to relax and reflect while celebrating five national observances. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Boxing Day (Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries)
  • National Candy Cane Day
  • National Homeowners Day
  • National Thank You Note Day
  • National Whiners Day

December 27

As the holiday season begins to wind down, December 27 offers a mix of four national day celebrations. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
  • National Fruitcake Day
  • National Make Cut-Out Snowflakes Day
  • Visit the Zoo Day

December 28

There are 6 national days on December 28. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • National Call a Friend Day
  • National Card Playing Day
  • National Chocolate Candy Day
  • National Download Day
  • National Short Film Day
  • Pledge of Allegiance Day

December 29

There are 3 national days on December 29. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • International Cello Day
  • National Pepper Pot Day
  • Tick Tock Day / Still Need To Do Day

December 30

As the year draws to a close, December 30 observances focus on reflection, preparation, and a touch of culinary appreciation. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Festival of Enormous Changes at the Last Minute
    🖨️ Start the new year on the right foot! Check out the free printables I share on DigitalHygge to get organized and inspired. 🎉✨
  • Falling Needles Family Fest Day
  • National Bacon Day
  • National Bicarbonate Of Soda Day
  • National Resolution Planning Day

December 31

With seven national observances, December 31 combines the festive spirit of New Year’s Eve with the opportunity to tie up loose ends and prepare for a fresh start. Click the link to see the full list, complete with short explanations for each day!

  • Leap Second Time Adjustment Day (also observed on June 30)
  • Make Up Your Mind Day
  • National Champagne Day
    🍾 National Champagne Day rings in the New Year with bubbly celebrations, but did you know there’s another day dedicated to champagne itself? Champagne Day (or Global Champagne Day) is observed on the fourth Friday of October, celebrating this iconic drink and its rich heritage. 🥂✨
  • New Year’s Eve
    #️⃣ Discover the ultimate list of New Year’s Eve Hashtags to make your celebrations shine on social media! 🎉✨
  • No Interruptions Day
  • Unlucky Day
  • Universal Hour of Peace

National Weeks in December

December includes several meaningful week-long observances focusing on health awareness, learning, and holiday traditions. From Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week and Computer Science Education Week to festive customs like Las Posadas, Saturnalia, and the Twelve Days of Christmas, these celebrations bring a thoughtful close to the year.

🔹  December 1–7, 2025

  • Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
  • Pet Suffocation Awareness Week* (Week After Thanksgiving)

🔹 December 1–7, 2025* (First Full Week in December):

  • Clerc-Gallaudet Week
  • National Cookie Cutter Week
  • National Handwashing Awareness Week
  • National Influenza Vaccination Week
  • Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

🔹 December 8–14, 2025* (Begins Second Monday): Computer Science Education Week a.k.a. CSEdWeek

🔹 December 14–21, 2025* (Week Before Christmas): Gluten-Free Baking Week

🔹 December 14, 2025 – January 5, 2026: Christmas Bird Count Week

🔹 December 16–24, 2025: Las Posadas

🔹 December 17–23, 2025: Saturnalia

🔹 December 25, 2025 – January 5, 2026: Twelve Days of Christmas

🔹  December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026: Kwanzaa

National Months in December

In comparison with other months of the year, December is quite relaxed when it comes to national months. However, there are still around 20 month-long observances that highlight themes of giving, awareness, learning, and celebration — many of them beautifully connected to the spirit of the holiday season.

🎁 Giving, Compassion & Community

  • Month of Giving
  • National Giving Month
  • Operation Santa Paws
  • National Car Donation Month

🍐 Food & Seasonal Flavors

  • National Pear Month
  • Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruit Month

🐾 Animals & Pets

  • National Cat Lovers’ Month

💙 Health & Safety Awareness

  • Gift of Sight Month
  • Safe Toys and Gifts Month
  • National Impaired Driving Prevention Month
  • Worldwide Food Service Safety Month
  • International Sharps Injury Prevention Awareness Month
  • World Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Awareness Month

🌍 Humanity & Reflection

  • Universal Human Rights Month
  • Spiritual Literacy Month

📚 Learning, Career & Personal Growth

  • Learn a Foreign Language Month
  • National Write a Business Plan Month
  • National Tie Month

🎉 Fun & Lighthearted

  • Bingo’s Birthday Month
  • Decembeard

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Last Update: December 12, 2025

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