Today is Thursday, February 12, 2026.

February 12 features 12 observances:

Darwin Day, Digital Learning Day, Georgia Day, Giving Hearts Day, Hug Day (Part of Valentine’s Week), NAACP Day, National Freedom to Marry Day, National Lost Penny Day, National Plum Pudding Day, Oglethorpe Day, Red Hand Day / International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Safety Pup Day.

Scroll down to explore the meaning behind each one.

Darwin Day, also known as International Darwin Day, is celebrated on the birthday of Charles Darwin and recognizes his groundbreaking contributions to the theory of evolution and natural selection. First observed in the early 20th century, Darwin Day promotes scientific thinking, research, and the importance of evidence-based knowledge in understanding the natural world. Events worldwide highlight his legacy in biology and genetics.

📅 A similar celebration, Evolution Day, takes place on November 24, marking the anniversary of the 1859 publication of On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. 🧬

Georgia Day commemorates the 1733 founding of the colony of Georgia by James Oglethorpe. It marks the landing of the first English settlers at Yamacraw Bluff and the establishment of Savannah as the colony’s first city and the last of the original 13 colonies. Officially recognized by the Georgia General Assembly in 1981, the day is observed mainly through school programs, historical reenactments, and local events.

National Georgia Day on August 3 is a separate observance celebrating Georgia’s admission as the 4th state to the Union in 1788.

Giving Hearts Day* (Second Thursday in February) is a 24-hour online fundraising event supporting hundreds of nonprofit organizations across North Dakota and Minnesota. Launched in 2008 by the Dakota Medical Foundation and the Impact Foundation, it has grown into one of the longest-running local giving days in the United States, raising more than $226 million for causes such as food access, elder care, and health services.

Hug Day is part of Valentine’s Week and encourages people to show care and reassurance through physical connection. Studies show that hugs can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost emotional well-being.

🤗 There are many national days celebrating kindness and hugs throughout the year. The most similar to Hug Day is National Hugging Day, observed on January 21, encouraging warm embraces and spreading joy!

NAACP Day marks the 1909 founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The date aligns with the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth and honors the interracial group of activists who created the organization to advance civil rights and social justice in the United States.

National Digital Learning Day* (Date Varies) recognizes the use of technology to support teaching, learning, and student engagement. Launched in 2012 by All4Ed, the day encourages educators to share effective digital practices while drawing attention to the need for equitable access to high-quality digital tools and resources. A similar day, International Day for Digital Learning (UNESCO), takes place on March 19 every year.

National Freedom to Marry Day is an unofficial observance supporting marriage equality and the legal right of same-sex couples to marry. Founded in 1998 by Lambda Legal, the date was chosen to align with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday to underscore ideals of equality and justice, and it gained national attention during San Francisco’s 2004 “Winter of Love,” when the city issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples years before nationwide legalization.

National Lost Penny Day centers on looking for misplaced coins in spots such as couch cushions, pockets, and car seats. Created in 1995 by Adrienne Sioux Koopersmith, the date coincides with Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, whose image has appeared on the U.S. penny since 1909.

National Plum Pudding Day celebrates the traditional English dessert also known as Christmas pudding. Despite the name, the dish typically contains raisins and other dried fruits rather than fresh plums, since the word plum was used in the 17th century to describe dried fruit. The observance provides an excuse to enjoy this dessert outside the holiday season.

Oglethorpe Day honors General James Oglethorpe and marks his arrival at Yamacraw Bluff in 1733, an event also recognized as Georgia Day. The observance reflects Oglethorpe’s vision of a colony founded on fairness and opportunity for those seeking a fresh start, and it is commonly celebrated by Oglethorpe University.

Red Hand Day, also known as the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, is a global observance calling for an end to the recruitment and exploitation of children in armed conflict. It marks the 2002 entry into force of a United Nations treaty banning the use of child soldiers and is symbolized by red handprints collected worldwide to demand protection and rehabilitation for children still forced to serve in militias and armed forces.

Safety Pup Day celebrates the Safetypup® mascot, created in 1985 by the National Child Safety Council to teach children essential safety skills. Marking the character’s birthday, the day supports educational efforts by law enforcement and educators to introduce topics such as fire safety, road awareness, and child abduction prevention in a way that is approachable and age-appropriate.

National Days to Explore

Yesterday | Tomorrow | December | January | February | March | April | May | June |  July |  August | September | October | November | Food Days

National Days in February

February 1 | February 2 | February 3 | February 4 | February 5 | February 6 | February 7 | February 8 | February 9 | February 10 | February 11 | February 12 | February 13 | February 14 | February 15 | February 16 | February 17 | February 18 | February 19 | February 20 | February 21 | February 22 | February 23 | February 24 | February 25 | February 26 | February 27 | February 28

If you are looking for a printable National Days Calendar, checkout my Etsy shop to see all 2026 designs.