Special days calendar
2026 holidays and special days calendar
All twelve months of 2026 with national and public holidays, 278 international and awareness days, and fun days. Key US dates: New Year's Day (Thursday, January 1), Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19), Memorial Day (Monday, May 25), Juneteenth (Friday, June 19), Labor Day (Monday, September 7), Halloween (Saturday, October 31), Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 26) and Christmas (Friday, December 25).
Months
United States: holidays and observances in 2026
| Date | Day | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, Thu | New Year's Day | New year, new page. Resting today is allowed, even recommended. |
| Jan 19, Mon | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | A day to honour the fight for civil rights and equality. |
| Feb 2, Mon | Groundhog Day | If the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter. What will it say this year? |
| Feb 8, Sun | Super Bowl Sunday | The biggest game in American football: snacks and the half-time show. |
| Feb 14, Sat | Valentine's Day | Red roses, chocolates and restaurants at double the price. A kind word for your loved one is enough. |
| Feb 16, Mon | Presidents' Day | Americans honour George Washington and all U.S. presidents. |
| Feb 17, Tue | Carnival (Mardi Gras) | The last day of carnival: masks, costumes and sweets. |
| Feb 22, Sun | National Margarita Day | Salted rim and a slice of lime: ready to celebrate? |
| Mar 17, Tue | St. Patrick's Day | Wear green! Irish culture is celebrated all around the world. |
| Mar 23, Mon | National Puppy Day | The cutest day of the year: puppies! |
| Mar 29, Sun | National Vietnam War Veterans Day | Thanking those who served in the Vietnam War. |
| Mar 30, Mon | National Doctors' Day | A day to thank the doctors who look after us. |
| Mar 31, Tue | Cesar Chavez Day | Honouring Cesar Chavez and his fight for farm workers' rights. |
| Apr 2, Thu | Passover (Pesach) | The Jewish festival of freedom, with matzah on the table. |
| Apr 5, Sun | Easter | Western Easter. Painted eggs take centre stage! |
| Apr 6, Mon | National Tartan Day | Scottish Americans celebrate their heritage in tartan. |
| Apr 10, Fri | National Siblings Day | Text your sibling: thanks for everything, the fights included! |
| Apr 11, Sat | National Pet Day | An extra cuddle for your pet today! |
| Apr 15, Wed | Tax Day | The deadline for filing U.S. tax returns. |
| Apr 24, Fri | Arbor Day | Plant a tree and leave shade for future generations. |
| May 5, Tue | National Teacher Appreciation Day | The perfect time to write a thank-you note to a teacher. |
| May 5, Tue | Cinco de Mayo | Mexican culture celebrated across the U.S. with tacos, music and colour. |
| May 10, Sun | Mother's Day | It's Mom's day! Just calling to hear her voice is the best gift. |
| May 15, Fri | Peace Officers Memorial Day | Remembering U.S. police officers who died in the line of duty. |
| May 16, Sat | Armed Forces Day | Thanking those currently serving in the U.S. military. |
| May 25, Mon | Memorial Day | Americans remember those who died in military service; the unofficial start of summer. |
| Jun 5, Fri | National Donut Day | Eating a donut today is practically mandatory! |
| Jun 8, Mon | National Best Friends Day | Tell your best friend how much they mean to you. |
| Jun 14, Sun | Flag Day | Marking the adoption of the Stars and Stripes. |
| Jun 19, Fri | Juneteenth | Celebrating the end of slavery in the United States. |
| Jun 21, Sun | Father's Day | It's Dad's day! No need for the tie cliché, a hug works too. |
| Jul 4, Sat | Independence Day | An important day in United States. |
| Jul 15, Wed | National Hot Dog Day | Grill, mustard, ketchup: America's summer classic. |
| Jul 19, Sun | National Ice Cream Day | What's your favourite flavour? Get an extra scoop today. |
| Jul 26, Sun | Parents' Day | A day to thank mums and dads together. |
| Jul 27, Mon | National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day | Marking the 1953 armistice and honouring Korean War veterans. |
| Aug 26, Wed | Women's Equality Day | The anniversary of women winning the vote in the U.S. |
| Sep 7, Mon | Labor Day | Honouring American workers, and the last long weekend of summer. |
| Sep 11, Fri | Patriot Day (9/11 Remembrance) | Remembering those who lost their lives in 2001. |
| Sep 12, Sat | Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) | Apples and honey for a sweet new year. |
| Sep 13, Sun | Grandparents Day | Don't forget to call your grandparents today. |
| Sep 17, Thu | Constitution Day | Marking the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787. |
| Sep 21, Mon | Yom Kippur | The holiest day of the Jewish year: fasting and atonement. |
| Sep 27, Sun | Gold Star Mother's and Family's Day | Honouring families who lost a loved one in military service. |
| Sep 28, Mon | National Good Neighbor Day | Say hello to a neighbour, maybe bring a plate of cookies. |
| Oct 4, Sun | National Taco Day | Tacos are on the menu today! |
| Oct 6, Tue | German-American Day | Celebrating the contributions of German Americans. |
| Oct 9, Fri | Leif Erikson Day | Remembering the Viking explorer among the first Europeans in America. |
| Oct 12, Mon | Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day | Americans mark Columbus and the heritage of Indigenous peoples. |
| Oct 16, Fri | Boss's Day | If you have a great boss, today's the day to say thanks. |
| Oct 31, Sat | Halloween | Get your costume ready and put sweets by the door. Pumpkins take the stage! |
| Nov 3, Tue | Election Day | Americans head to the polls. |
| Nov 8, Sun | Diwali | The festival of lights: lamps, sweets and fireworks. |
| Nov 11, Wed | Veterans Day | A day to thank everyone who has served in the U.S. armed forces. |
| Nov 26, Thu | Thanksgiving | Turkey, family dinner and gratitude. Who would you like to thank today? |
| Nov 27, Fri | Native American Heritage Day | Celebrating the cultures and contributions of Native Americans. |
| Nov 27, Fri | Black Friday | The discount frenzy is on. Before filling the basket, ask if you really need it! |
| Nov 28, Sat | Small Business Saturday | Shop at your local small businesses today. |
| Nov 30, Mon | Cyber Monday | The big online shopping day. |
| Dec 1, Tue | Giving Tuesday | After the sales comes giving: do a good deed or donate. |
| Dec 4, Fri | National Cookie Day | Have a day as sweet as a cookie fresh from the oven. |
| Dec 5, Sat | Hanukkah | The eight-night Festival of Lights begins, one more candle each night. |
| Dec 7, Mon | Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day | Remembering those who lost their lives in 1941. |
| Dec 15, Tue | Bill of Rights Day | Marking the ratification of the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1791. |
| Dec 17, Thu | Wright Brothers Day | The anniversary of the first powered flight in 1903. |
| Dec 18, Fri | National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day | Wear your silliest Christmas sweater and share a photo! |
| Dec 24, Thu | Christmas Eve | Gifts wrapped, tables set. Send a warm message to your loved ones. |
| Dec 25, Fri | Christmas | Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! |
| Dec 26, Sat | Kwanzaa begins | A seven-day celebration of African American culture begins. |
International days in 2026
January
New Year's Day (Jan 1) · World Braille Day (Jan 4) · International Day of Education (Jan 24) · International Day of Clean Energy (Jan 26) · Holocaust Remembrance Day (Jan 27) · International Day of Peaceful Coexistence (Jan 28)
February
World Interfaith Harmony Week (Feb 1–7) (Feb 1) · World Wetlands Day (Feb 2) · World Cancer Day (Feb 4) · International Day of Human Fraternity (Feb 4) · Zero Tolerance to FGM Day (Feb 6) · International Epilepsy Day (Feb 9) · World Pulses Day (Feb 10) · International Day of the Arabian Leopard (Feb 10) · Women and Girls in Science Day (Feb 11) · Prevention of Violent Extremism Day (Feb 12) · World Radio Day (Feb 13) · Global Tourism Resilience Day (Feb 17) · Chinese New Year (Feb 17) · World Day of Social Justice (Feb 20) · International Mother Language Day (Feb 21)
March
World Seagrass Day (Mar 1) · World Civil Defence Day (Mar 1) · Zero Discrimination Day (Mar 1) · World Wildlife Day (Mar 3) · World Hearing Day (Mar 3) · World Engineering Day (Mar 4) · World Obesity Day (Mar 4) · Disarmament and Non-Proliferation Awareness Day (Mar 5) · International Day of Women Judges (Mar 10) · World Kidney Day (Mar 12) · International Day to Combat Islamophobia (Mar 15) · World Social Work Day (Mar 17) · Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı) (Mar 20–22) (Mar 20) · French Language Day (Mar 20) · World Day for Glaciers (Mar 21) · World Down Syndrome Day (Mar 21) · Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day (Mar 21) · International Day of Nowruz (Mar 21) · International Day of Forests (Mar 21) · World Water Day (Mar 22) · World Meteorological Day (Mar 23) · World Tuberculosis Day (Mar 24) · Right to the Truth Day (Mar 24) · Remembrance of Victims of Slavery (Mar 25) · World Theatre Day (Mar 27) · International Day of Zero Waste (Mar 30)
April
World Autism Awareness Day (Apr 2) · Mine Awareness Day (Apr 4) · International Day of Conscience (Apr 5) · Easter (Apr 5) · Sport for Development and Peace Day (Apr 6) · World Health Day (Apr 7) · World Parkinson's Day (Apr 11) · International Day of Human Space Flight (Apr 12) · Orthodox Easter (Apr 12) · World Chagas Disease Day (Apr 14) · International Wellness Day (Apr 15) · World Haemophilia Day (Apr 17) · Chinese Language Day (Apr 20) · World Creativity and Innovation Day (Apr 21) · International Mother Earth Day (Apr 22) · International Day of Greening the Planet (Apr 22) · International Girls in ICT Day (Apr 23) · World Book and Copyright Day (Apr 23) · English Language Day (Apr 23) · Spanish Language Day (Apr 23) · World Immunization Week (Apr 24–30) (Apr 24) · Multilateralism and Diplomacy for Peace Day (Apr 24) · World Malaria Day (Apr 25) · World Veterinary Day (Apr 25) · World Intellectual Property Day (Apr 26) · Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day (Apr 26) · World Day for Safety and Health at Work (Apr 28) · Day in Memory of Victims of Earthquakes (Apr 29) · International Jazz Day (Apr 30)
May
World Tuna Day (May 2) · World Press Freedom Day (May 3) · World Asthma Day (May 5) · World Hand Hygiene Day (May 5) · World Portuguese Language Day (May 5) · International Day of the Midwife (May 5) · WWII Remembrance and Reconciliation (May 8–9) (May 8) · World Migratory Bird Day (May 9) · World Lupus Day (May 10) · International Day of Argania (May 10) · International Day of Plant Health (May 12) · International Day of Families (May 15) · Living Together in Peace Day (May 16) · International Day of Light (May 16) · World Telecommunication Day (May 17) · World Fair Play Day (May 19) · World Bee Day (May 20) · World Day for Cultural Diversity (May 21) · International Tea Day (May 21) · International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22) · End Obstetric Fistula Day (May 23) · International Day of the Markhor (May 24) · World Football Day (May 25) · Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı) (May 27–30) (May 27) · International Day of UN Peacekeepers (May 29) · World MS Day (May 30) · International Day of Potato (May 30) · World No-Tobacco Day (May 31)
June
Global Day of Parents (Jun 1) · World Bicycle Day (Jun 3) · Innocent Children Victims of Aggression Day (Jun 4) · Fight against Illegal Fishing Day (Jun 5) · Russian Language Day (Jun 6) · World Food Safety Day (Jun 7) · Dialogue among Civilizations Day (Jun 10) · International Day of Play (Jun 11) · World Day Against Child Labour (Jun 12) · International Albinism Awareness Day (Jun 13) · World Blood Donor Day (Jun 14) · World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (Jun 15) · International Day of Family Remittances (Jun 16) · Desertification and Drought Day (Jun 17) · Countering Hate Speech Day (Jun 18) · Sustainable Gastronomy Day (Jun 18) · Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict Day (Jun 19) · World Refugee Day (Jun 20) · International Day of the Celebration of the Solstice (Jun 21) · International Day of Yoga (Jun 21) · UN Public Service Day (Jun 23) · International Widows' Day (Jun 23) · International Day of Women in Diplomacy (Jun 24) · Day of the Seafarer (Jun 25) · International Day against Drug Abuse (Jun 26) · Support of Victims of Torture Day (Jun 26) · Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Day (Jun 27) · International Day of Deafblindness (Jun 27) · International Day of the Tropics (Jun 29) · International Asteroid Day (Jun 30) · International Day of Parliamentarism (Jun 30)
July
International Day of Cooperatives (Jul 4) · World Rural Development Day (Jul 6) · World Kiswahili Language Day (Jul 7) · World Horse Day (Jul 11) · World Population Day (Jul 11) · Srebrenica Genocide Commemoration Day (Jul 11) · Combating Sand and Dust Storms Day (Jul 12) · International Day of Hope (Jul 12) · World Youth Skills Day (Jul 15) · Nelson Mandela International Day (Jul 18) · World Chess Day (Jul 20) · International Moon Day (Jul 20) · Women and Girls of African Descent Day (Jul 25) · World Drowning Prevention Day (Jul 25) · International Day for Judicial Well-being (Jul 25) · World Hepatitis Day (Jul 28) · International Day of Friendship (Jul 30) · World Day against Trafficking in Persons (Jul 30)
August
World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1–7) (Aug 1) · Landlocked Developing Countries Day (Aug 6) · International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (Aug 9) · World Steelpan Day (Aug 11) · International Youth Day (Aug 12) · World Humanitarian Day (Aug 19) · Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism (Aug 21) · Victims of Violence Based on Religion or Belief (Aug 22) · Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition (Aug 23) · World Lake Day (Aug 27) · International Day against Nuclear Tests (Aug 29) · Victims of Enforced Disappearances Day (Aug 30) · International Day for People of African Descent (Aug 31) · Safe, Secure and Trustworthy AI Day (Aug 31)
September
International Day of Charity (Sep 5) · World's Indigenous Women and Girls Day (Sep 5) · International Day of Clean Air (Sep 7) · World Duchenne Awareness Day (Sep 7) · International Day of Police Cooperation (Sep 7) · World Physiotherapy Day (Sep 8) · International Literacy Day (Sep 8) · Protect Education from Attack Day (Sep 9) · World First Aid Day (Sep 12) · Day for South-South Cooperation (Sep 12) · World Sepsis Day (Sep 13) · International Day of Democracy (Sep 15) · International Day for Interventional Cardiology (Sep 16) · Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (Sep 16) · Preservation of the Ozone Layer Day (Sep 16) · World Patient Safety Day (Sep 17) · International Equal Pay Day (Sep 18) · World Cleanup Day (Sep 20) · World Alzheimer's Day (Sep 21) · International Day of Peace (Sep 21) · International Day of Sign Languages (Sep 23) · World Maritime Day (Sep 24) · World Pharmacists Day (Sep 25) · Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons Day (Sep 26) · World Tourism Day (Sep 27) · World School Milk Day (Sep 28) · Universal Access to Information Day (Sep 28) · Awareness of Food Loss and Waste Day (Sep 29) · International Translation Day (Sep 30)
October
International Coffee Day (Oct 1) · International Day of Older Persons (Oct 1) · International Day of Non-Violence (Oct 2) · World Space Week (Oct 4–10) (Oct 4) · World Habitat Day (Oct 5) · World Architecture Day (Oct 5) · World Teachers' Day (Oct 5) · World Cotton Day (Oct 7) · World Sight Day (Oct 8) · World Post Day (Oct 9) · World Mental Health Day (Oct 10) · International Day of the Girl Child (Oct 11) · World Arthritis Day (Oct 12) · International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (Oct 13) · World Standards Day (Oct 14) · Global Handwashing Day (Oct 15) · International Day of Rural Women (Oct 15) · World Bread Day (Oct 16) · World Food Day (Oct 16) · International Day for the Eradication of Poverty (Oct 17) · World Osteoporosis Day (Oct 20) · International Day of the Snow Leopard (Oct 23) · United Nations Day (Oct 24) · World Development Information Day (Oct 24) · Global Media and Information Literacy Week (Oct 24–31) (Oct 24) · Disarmament Week (Oct 24–30) (Oct 24) · World Day for Audiovisual Heritage (Oct 27) · World Psoriasis Day (Oct 29) · World Stroke Day (Oct 29) · International Day of Care and Support (Oct 29) · World Cities Day (Oct 31)
November
End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (Nov 2) · World Tsunami Awareness Day (Nov 5) · Preventing Exploitation of the Environment in War (Nov 6) · International Week of Science and Peace (Nov 9–15) (Nov 9) · World Science Day for Peace and Development (Nov 10) · World Pneumonia Day (Nov 12) · World Diabetes Day (Nov 14) · Fight against Transnational Organized Crime Day (Nov 15) · World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (Nov 15) · International Day of the Mediterranean Diet (Nov 16) · International Day for Tolerance (Nov 16) · World Prematurity Day (Nov 17) · World AMR Awareness Week (Nov 18–24) (Nov 18) · Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation (Nov 18) · World Philosophy Day (Nov 19) · World Toilet Day (Nov 19) · Africa Industrialization Day (Nov 20) · World Children's Day (Nov 20) · World Television Day (Nov 21) · World Conjoined Twins Day (Nov 24) · Elimination of Violence against Women Day (Nov 25) · World Sustainable Transport Day (Nov 26) · World Olive Tree Day (Nov 26) · Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage (Nov 27) · Solidarity with the Palestinian People (Nov 29) · Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare (Nov 30)
December
World AIDS Day (Dec 1) · International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (Dec 2) · International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3) · Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures (Dec 4) · International Day of Banks (Dec 4) · World Soil Day (Dec 5) · International Volunteer Day (Dec 5) · International Civil Aviation Day (Dec 7) · Commemoration of the Victims of Genocide (Dec 9) · International Anti-Corruption Day (Dec 9) · Human Rights Day (Dec 10) · International Mountain Day (Dec 11) · Universal Health Coverage Day (Dec 12) · International Day of Neutrality (Dec 12) · Day against Colonialism (Dec 14) · World Turkic Language Family Day (Dec 15) · Arabic Language Day (Dec 18) · International Migrants Day (Dec 18) · Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons (Dec 19) · International Human Solidarity Day (Dec 20) · World Basketball Day (Dec 21) · World Meditation Day (Dec 21) · International Anti-Cybercrime Day (Dec 24) · Christmas (Dec 25) · International Day of Epidemic Preparedness (Dec 27)
Frequently asked questions
When is Thanksgiving 2026?
Thanksgiving 2026 is on Thursday, November 26, 2026, the fourth Thursday of November.
How many international days are there in 2026?
Our 2026 calendar lists 278 international and awareness days and weeks, based on the United Nations list and the organisations that run them, plus national holidays for 193 countries.
Where can I see every special day of 2026?
Open any month above. Each month page lists every date with its holidays, world days and fun days, and the What Day Is It? app shows them day by day on iPhone.
Every day is a special day.
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