December 2026: holidays, special days and observances

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
• Great Union Day — Romania
• Restauração da Independência — Portugal
• 1 more day around the world in the app →

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. St Francis Xavier's day, Navarre's festival.

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 StatesFun day

  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. Cherry branches cut today are said to bloom by Christmas.
• Camerhogne Folk Festival — Grenada
• 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
• National Day — Thailand
• Krampus Night — Austria. Scary masked Krampuses roam the streets: naughty kids beware!
• 1 more day around the world in the app →

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
• Constitution Day (Spain) — Spain. Celebrating Spain's 1978 Constitution.
• Saint Nicholas — Belgium, Hungary, Poland
• 2 more days around the world in the app →

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. Milan's patron saint, and opening night at La Scala.
• Earthquake Remembrance Day — Armenia
• 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. Candles in every window and light shows across Lyon.
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception — Spain, Italy
• Immaculate Conception — 15 countries: Andorra, Austria, Chile and 12 more
• 6 more days around the world in the app →

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
• V.C Bird Day — Antigua and Barbuda
• 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. Schools and offices wear festive jumpers to raise money for charity.
• Nobel Day — Sweden
• Constitution Day — Thailand
• 1 more day around the world in the app →

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. Millions make the pilgrimage to the basilica in Mexico City.
• Jamhuri Day — Kenya
• L'Escalade (Geneva) — Switzerland. Marking the 1602 victory: the chocolate cauldron gets smashed.

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. In northern Italy, children wait for gifts from Santa Lucia.
• National Day — Saint Lucia
• Republic Day — Malta
• 1 more day around the world in the app →

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. Nine nights of songs, piñatas and ponche until Christmas.
• National Day — Bahrain
• Independence Day — Kazakhstan
• 2 more days around the world in the app →

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
• 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 StatesFun day

  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
• 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). Remembering those who lost their lives between 1963 and 1974.
• São Tomé Day — São Tomé and Príncipe
• 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. Children sing out the numbers as all of Spain waits for El Gordo.
• National Defence Day — Vietnam
• 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
• 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
• Quaid-e-Azam Day — Pakistan
• 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
• Boxing Day — 51 countries: Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands and 48 more
• St. Stephen’s Day — Ireland
• 4 more days around the world in the app →

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
• 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
• Republic Day — South Sudan
• 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. Azerbaijanis around the world come together on the last day of the year.