# December 2026: holidays, special days and observances

> Every day of December 2026 with its special days: national and public holidays, world and awareness days, and fun days, each with one line about what it marks. Highlights: Giving Tuesday (December 1), National Cookie Day (December 4), Hanukkah (December 5), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), Bill of Rights Day (December 15) and Wright Brothers Day (December 17).

Source: https://whatdayisitapp.com/calendar/2026/december/ · Updated: 2026-11-04 · What Day Is It?

### Tuesday, December 1, 2026

December 1, 2026 is Giving Tuesday in the United States. It is also World AIDS Day. And a fun one: Eat a Red Apple Day.

- **Giving Tuesday** (United States): After the sales comes giving: do a good deed or donate.
- **World AIDS Day** (Worldwide): A day of support and awareness for people living with HIV. Testing is free and confidential in many places.
- **Eat a Red Apple Day** (fun day): An apple a day: crunch into a shiny red one.
- Around the world: **National Day** — Central African Republic
- Around the world: **Great Union Day** — Romania
- Around the world: **Restauração da Independência** — Portugal
- 1 more day around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Wednesday, December 2, 2026

December 2, 2026 is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. And a fun one: Mutt Day.

- **International Day for the Abolition of Slavery** (Worldwide): An awareness day against modern slavery and forced labour.
- **Mutt Day** (fun day): Celebrate the charm and loyalty of mixed-breed dogs.
- Around the world: **National Day** — Laos, United Arab Emirates

### Thursday, December 3, 2026

December 3, 2026 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities. And a fun one: Make a Gift Day.

- **International Day of Persons with Disabilities** (Worldwide): Removing barriers is everyone's job. Accessibility isn't a luxury.
- **Make a Gift Day** (fun day): A small handmade gift brings big joy.
- Around the world: **Navarre Day** — Spain

### Friday, December 4, 2026

December 4, 2026 is National Cookie Day in the United States. It is also Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures and International Day of Banks.

- **National Cookie Day** (United States): Have a day as sweet as a cookie fresh from the oven.
- **Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures** (Worldwide): Highlighting unilateral sanctions that leave populations in hardship.
- **International Day of Banks** (Worldwide): Highlighting the role of banks in financing development.
- Around the world: **St Barbara's Day** — Germany
- Around the world: **Camerhogne Folk Festival** — Grenada
- Around the world: **Farmers Day** — Ghana

### Saturday, December 5, 2026

December 5, 2026 is Hanukkah in the United States. It is also World Soil Day and International Volunteer Day.

- **Hanukkah** (United States): The eight-night Festival of Lights begins, one more candle each night.
- **World Soil Day** (Worldwide): Healthy soil, healthy table.
- **International Volunteer Day** (Worldwide): Thank you to every volunteer who does good for nothing in return.
- Around the world: **St Nicholas' Eve** — Netherlands
- Around the world: **National Day** — Thailand
- Around the world: **Krampus Night** — Austria
- 1 more day around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Sunday, December 6, 2026

December 6, 2026 is Microwave Oven Day.

- **Microwave Oven Day** (fun day): Say thanks to the quiet hero of quick meals.
- Around the world: **St. Nicholas' Day** — 4 countries: Germany, France, Austria and 1 more
- Around the world: **Constitution Day (Spain)** — Spain
- Around the world: **Saint Nicholas** — Belgium, Hungary, Poland
- 2 more days around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Monday, December 7, 2026

December 7, 2026 is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day in the United States. It is also International Civil Aviation Day.

- **Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day** (United States): Remembering those who lost their lives in 1941.
- **International Civil Aviation Day** (Worldwide): A day for the aviation workers who fly us safely around the world.
- Around the world: **Sant'Ambrogio (Milan)** — Italy
- Around the world: **Earthquake Remembrance Day** — Armenia
- Around the world: **Anniversary of the Coronation of H.M. King George Tupou I** — Tonga

### Tuesday, December 8, 2026

December 8, 2026 is Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day.

- **Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day** (fun day): Act like you've come from the past or the future!
- Around the world: **Festival of Lights (Lyon)** — France
- Around the world: **Feast of the Immaculate Conception** — Spain, Italy
- Around the world: **Immaculate Conception** — 15 countries: Andorra, Austria, Chile and 12 more
- 6 more days around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Wednesday, December 9, 2026

December 9, 2026 is Commemoration of the Victims of Genocide. It is also International Anti-Corruption Day.

- **Commemoration of the Victims of Genocide** (Worldwide): We remember the victims of genocide and recall the duty to prevent it.
- **International Anti-Corruption Day** (Worldwide): Corruption steals from everyone. A day for transparency and honesty.
- Around the world: **Independence Day** — Tanzania
- Around the world: **V.C Bird Day** — Antigua and Barbuda
- Around the world: **Battle of Ayacucho** — Peru

### Thursday, December 10, 2026

December 10, 2026 is Human Rights Day.

- **Human Rights Day** (Worldwide): The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted on this day in 1948.
- Around the world: **Christmas Jumper Day** — United Kingdom
- Around the world: **Nobel Day** — Sweden
- Around the world: **Constitution Day** — Thailand
- 1 more day around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Friday, December 11, 2026

December 11, 2026 is International Mountain Day.

- **International Mountain Day** (Worldwide): Mountains are the source of our water. Greetings to everyone dreaming of a summit!
- Around the world: **National Day** — Burkina Faso

### Saturday, December 12, 2026

December 12, 2026 is Universal Health Coverage Day. It is also International Day of Neutrality. And a fun one: Gingerbread House Day.

- **Universal Health Coverage Day** (Worldwide): A call for everyone, everywhere, to have access to healthcare, whatever they can afford.
- **International Day of Neutrality** (Worldwide): Highlighting the role of neutrality in keeping the peace.
- **Gingerbread House Day** (fun day): Build a tiny house from cookies, icing and candy.
- Around the world: **Our Lady of Guadalupe** — Mexico
- Around the world: **Jamhuri Day** — Kenya
- Around the world: **L'Escalade (Geneva)** — Switzerland

### Sunday, December 13, 2026

December 13, 2026 is Violin Day.

- **Violin Day** (fun day): Listen to a beautiful violin piece today.
- Around the world: **St Lucy's Day** — Italy
- Around the world: **National Day** — Saint Lucia
- Around the world: **Republic Day** — Malta
- 1 more day around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Monday, December 14, 2026

December 14, 2026 is Day against Colonialism. And a fun one: Monkey Day.

- **Day against Colonialism** (Worldwide): A day recalling peoples' right to freedom from colonialism in all its forms.
- **Monkey Day** (fun day): Hooray for monkeys! A bit of silliness is welcome.
- Around the world: **Martyred Intellectuals Day** — Bangladesh

### Tuesday, December 15, 2026

December 15, 2026 is Bill of Rights Day in the United States. It is also World Turkic Language Family Day. And a fun one: Cupcake Day.

- **Bill of Rights Day** (United States): Marking the ratification of the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1791.
- **World Turkic Language Family Day** (Worldwide): UNESCO celebrates the richness of the Turkic language family.
- **Cupcake Day** (fun day): A tiny frosted cake makes everyone smile.
- Around the world: **Kingdom Day** — Netherlands

### Wednesday, December 16, 2026

December 16, 2026 is Chocolate-Covered Anything Day.

- **Chocolate-Covered Anything Day** (fun day): Strawberries, nuts, biscuits: everything's better covered in chocolate!
- Around the world: **Las Posadas begin** — Mexico
- Around the world: **National Day** — Bahrain
- Around the world: **Independence Day** — Kazakhstan
- 2 more days around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Thursday, December 17, 2026

December 17, 2026 is Wright Brothers Day in the United States. And a fun one: Maple Syrup Day.

- **Wright Brothers Day** (United States): The anniversary of the first powered flight in 1903.
- **Maple Syrup Day** (fun day): Plenty of maple syrup on pancakes: winter breakfast is ready!
- Around the world: **National Day** — Bhutan
- Around the world: **Accession Day** — Bahrain

### Friday, December 18, 2026

December 18, 2026 is National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day in the United States. It is also Arabic Language Day and International Migrants Day. And a fun one: Bake Cookies Day.

- **National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day** (United States): Wear your silliest Christmas sweater and share a photo!
- **Arabic Language Day** (Worldwide): Marhaba! A day for Arabic and its rich literature.
- **International Migrants Day** (Worldwide): A day of solidarity with all migrants building a new life.
- **Bake Cookies Day** (fun day): Put on your apron, fill the tray and let the kitchen smell wonderful!
- Around the world: **National Day** — Qatar
- Around the world: **Republic Day** — Niger

### Saturday, December 19, 2026

December 19, 2026 is Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons. And a fun one: Hard Candy Day.

- **Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons** (Worldwide): Honouring the women who tirelessly search for missing loved ones.
- **Hard Candy Day** (fun day): Mint, fruit or cinnamon: a hard candy sweetens the day.
- Around the world: **Revolution Day** — Sudan

### Sunday, December 20, 2026

December 20, 2026 is International Human Solidarity Day.

- **International Human Solidarity Day** (Worldwide): We're not alone. Reach out to someone in need today.
- Around the world: **National Mourning Day** — Panama

### Monday, December 21, 2026

December 21, 2026 is World Basketball Day. It is also World Meditation Day. And a fun one: Crossword Puzzle Day.

- **World Basketball Day** (Worldwide): Marked as the day basketball was invented. Take a shot!
- **World Meditation Day** (Worldwide): Close your eyes and take five deep breaths. That's it.
- **Crossword Puzzle Day** (fun day): Pick up a pencil and tackle a crossword!
- Around the world: **National Struggle and Martyrs' Week (TRNC)** — TRNC (Northern Cyprus)
- Around the world: **São Tomé Day** — São Tomé and Príncipe
- Around the world: **Dongzhi Festival** — Taiwan

### Tuesday, December 22, 2026

December 22, 2026 is Cookie Exchange Day.

- **Cookie Exchange Day** (fun day): Swap cookies with friends and taste a variety!
- Around the world: **Christmas Lottery (El Gordo)** — Spain
- Around the world: **National Defence Day** — Vietnam
- Around the world: **Unity Day** — Zimbabwe

### Wednesday, December 23, 2026

December 23, 2026 is Gift Wrapping Day.

- **Gift Wrapping Day** (fun day): Ribbons, paper, scissors: time to wrap the gifts!
- Around the world: **St Þorlákur's Day** — Iceland
- Around the world: **Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day** — Sri Lanka

### Thursday, December 24, 2026

December 24, 2026 is Christmas Eve in the United States. It is also International Anti-Cybercrime Day. And a fun one: Eggnog Day.

- **Christmas Eve** (United States): Gifts wrapped, tables set. Send a warm message to your loved ones.
- **International Anti-Cybercrime Day** (Worldwide): Never share your password and don't click links you don't recognise.
- **Eggnog Day** (fun day): Warm up with a creamy, spiced winter drink.
- Around the world: **Independence Day** — Libya

### Friday, December 25, 2026

December 25, 2026 is Christmas.

- **Christmas** (Worldwide): Christmas is celebrated in many parts of the world. Merry Christmas to those who celebrate!
- Around the world: **Family Day** — Mozambique
- Around the world: **Quaid-e-Azam Day** — Pakistan
- Around the world: **Constitution Day** — Taiwan

### Saturday, December 26, 2026

December 26, 2026 is Kwanzaa begins in the United States. And a fun one: Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day.

- **Kwanzaa begins** (United States): A seven-day celebration of African American culture begins.
- **Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day** (fun day): The day after Christmas: rest, leftovers and sales.
- Around the world: **Boxing Day / St. Stephen's Day** — 4 countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and 1 more
- Around the world: **Boxing Day** — 51 countries: Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands and 48 more
- Around the world: **St. Stephen’s Day** — Ireland
- 4 more days around the world in the app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id6822815713

### Sunday, December 27, 2026

December 27, 2026 is International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. And a fun one: Fruitcake Day.

- **International Day of Epidemic Preparedness** (Worldwide): Vaccines, hygiene and solidarity to be ready for the next epidemic.
- **Fruitcake Day** (fun day): This fruit-packed classic is a winter table favourite.
- Around the world: **Greater Poland Uprising Remebrence Day** — Poland
- Around the world: **St. John** — Vatican City

### Monday, December 28, 2026

December 28, 2026 is Card Playing Day.

- **Card Playing Day** (fun day): A holiday evening classic: a family card game!
- Around the world: **Holy Innocents' Day (Spain's April Fools')** — Spain, Mexico
- Around the world: **Republic Day** — South Sudan
- Around the world: **Incwala Festival** — Eswatini

### Tuesday, December 29, 2026

December 29, 2026 is Tick Tock Day.

- **Tick Tock Day** (fun day): Last chance to do the things you wanted to do this year!

### Wednesday, December 30, 2026

December 30, 2026 is Bicarbonate of Soda Day.

- **Bicarbonate of Soda Day** (fun day): The magic powder of baking and cleaning: bicarbonate of soda!
- Around the world: **Rizal Day** — Philippines

### Thursday, December 31, 2026

December 31, 2026 is New Year's Eve.

- **New Year's Eve** (fun day): The last night of the year! Got your lottery ticket?
- Around the world: **Solidarity Day of World Azerbaijanis** — Azerbaijan

## FAQ

### What are the holidays in December 2026?

Key dates in December 2026: Giving Tuesday (December 1), National Cookie Day (December 4), Hanukkah (December 5), Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7), Bill of Rights Day (December 15), Wright Brothers Day (December 17), National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (December 18), Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas (December 25) and Kwanzaa begins (December 26). Every day of the month, with world days and fun days, is listed on this page.

### When is Giving Tuesday 2026?

Giving Tuesday 2026 is on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. After the sales comes giving: do a good deed or donate.

### When is National Cookie Day 2026?

National Cookie Day 2026 is on Friday, December 4, 2026. Have a day as sweet as a cookie fresh from the oven.

### When is Hanukkah 2026?

Hanukkah 2026 is on Saturday, December 5, 2026. The eight-night Festival of Lights begins, one more candle each night.

### When is Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2026?

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day 2026 is on Monday, December 7, 2026. Remembering those who lost their lives in 1941.