Here’s a highly detailed guide for every day in December, including major holidays, smaller observances, and quirky celebrations. Each day has something unique, providing fun, meaningful, or festive ways to celebrate the season.
December Calendar of Events
December 1-4: Kicking Off the Season with Cheer
- December 1 – Start of Holiday Events
- Christmas Markets open in cities like Chicago’s Christkindlmarket and Denver’s Christkindl Market, inspired by German holiday traditions. Shoppers can browse for handmade ornaments, hot mulled wine, and holiday treats like roasted chestnuts.
- Tree Lightings continue nationwide. For instance, Portland, Oregon, hosts a citywide celebration with live music, while New York City’s Bryant Park features ice skating and holiday stalls.
- Parades: The Hollywood Christmas Parade in Los Angeles is a spectacular kickoff event, featuring celebrities, elaborate floats, and thousands of onlookers lining the streets.
- December 2 – National Mutt Day
- Many animal shelters host adoption events specifically for mixed-breed dogs, encouraging people to consider these lovable pets who often get overlooked.
- Social media is abuzz with #NationalMuttDay, celebrating dogs of all shapes and sizes. This is also a great time to volunteer at a local shelter, as many need extra help during the holidays.
- December 3 – Make a Gift Day
- This day is dedicated to thoughtful, homemade gifts. Families and kids get creative, making everything from candles and homemade bath salts to personalized ornaments and baked goods.
- Craft stores often offer workshops or DIY kits on this day, giving crafters a chance to learn new skills or make gifts to share.
- December 4 – National Cookie Day
- Many bakeries celebrate with free samples or discounts on classic holiday cookies like gingerbread, sugar cookies, and chocolate crinkles. Specialty flavors, like peppermint or eggnog, make appearances this time of year.
- It’s also a popular day for holiday cookie baking marathons! Families bake in bulk to prepare holiday tins for neighbors, friends, and family.
December 5-10: Early December Joy and Cozy Fun
- December 5 – Bathtub Party Day
- This day is all about self-care and relaxation. Some spas even offer discounts on bath-related treatments like aromatherapy, hot tubs, or saltwater baths.
- For those celebrating at home, it’s a great chance to set up a warm bath with candles, bath bombs, or bath salts. Many people use it as a dedicated “me-time” day before the busyness of the season.
- December 6 – St. Nicholas Day
- Celebrated widely in communities with German, Dutch, and Eastern European heritage, children leave their shoes out to receive small gifts, often chocolates, coins, or gingerbread figures.
- It’s also a popular day for holiday baking, with traditional treats like speculaas (spiced cookies) and pfeffernüsse (spice cookies) enjoyed in many households.
- December 7 – National Cotton Candy Day
- Confectionery shops get festive, offering holiday flavors like eggnog or peppermint cotton candy. Some dessert cafes create extravagant cotton candy desserts and drinks for this day.
- Families can celebrate with homemade cotton candy machines or take a trip to a local fair or amusement park, where cotton candy is a nostalgic treat.
- December 8 – Winter Festivals Begin
- Lake Tahoe Winterfest offers skiing and snowboarding events, ice sculpting displays, and firework shows over the snowy mountains.
- In New Orleans, Creole Christmas is a vibrant celebration that includes historical home tours, jazz performances, and traditional Creole cuisine.
- Santa Fe, New Mexico, hosts the Farolito Walk, where participants place lit paper lanterns (farolitos) along streets and walkways, creating a beautiful, warm glow through the town.
- December 9 – Christmas Card Day
- A day to write and send holiday cards! Many people use this time to personalize messages and update loved ones on the year’s highlights. Special holiday stamps and stickers can add extra charm to each card.
- Some companies even offer custom card printing or deals on postage, encouraging early card-sending for the season.
- December 10 – Christmas Boat Parade
- The Newport Beach Boat Parade features yachts, sailboats, and even kayaks decked out with holiday lights and festive decor. Restaurants along the harbor often have “viewing parties” with special menus.
December 11-15: Mid-Month Festivities
- December 11 – International Mountain Day
- Outdoor enthusiasts celebrate with winter hiking, mountain photography, or visiting nearby nature reserves. Many organizations raise awareness about the importance of mountain conservation, and some trails or parks host guided winter hikes.
- December 12 – Gingerbread House Day
- Bakeries and cafes sell gingerbread kits or host workshops for beginners and seasoned gingerbread architects alike. Gingerbread houses can become elaborate creations, with candies, icing, and lights!
- Many people turn this day into an annual family tradition, competing to see who can build the most creative gingerbread structure.
- December 13 – National Cocoa Day
- Cafés create special cocoa menus with options like spiced Mexican hot chocolate, peppermint cocoa, and thick European drinking chocolate. Some pop-up “cocoa bars” offer marshmallows, candy cane stir sticks, and whipped cream toppings.
- Families at home can make their own hot chocolate mix as a cozy activity or set up a “hot chocolate station” with toppings and mix-ins for a DIY experience.
- December 14 – Monkey Day
- Zoos and wildlife centers host events dedicated to monkeys, educating visitors on their behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts. Kids and adults can watch monkey feedings, interactive exhibits, and even make monkey-themed crafts.
- December 15 – Free Shipping Day
- Participating online retailers waive shipping fees for last-minute holiday shoppers. Some retailers also guarantee delivery by Christmas for items purchased on this day, making it a valuable day for anyone finishing up their holiday shopping.
December 16-20: Cozy Days and Festive Outfits
- December 16 – National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
- Chocolate-dipped strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, and even bacon take the spotlight! Bakeries and cafes may experiment with unique chocolate-dipped creations to celebrate this fun day.
- It’s also an ideal day to make homemade chocolate-covered treats to give as holiday gifts or simply enjoy with family.
- December 17 – Wright Brothers Day
- Aviation museums and historical societies mark this day with special events. It’s an opportunity to learn about the history of flight, visit an aerospace museum, or try a flight simulator.
- Some places also host talks or documentaries about the impact of the Wright brothers’ first successful flight in 1903.
- December 18 – Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day
- Inspired by Buddy from Elf, fans answer calls by saying, “(Your Name) the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” Offices and workplaces may use this as a fun way to bring laughter and holiday cheer.
- December 19 – Look for an Evergreen Day
- Families visit local tree farms to select the perfect Christmas tree. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and even wagon rides are common offerings at tree farms, making it a day full of outdoor fun.
- Some people use this day to appreciate evergreen landscapes on winter hikes or by creating wreaths and garlands from pine branches.
- December 20 – National Ugly Sweater Day
- This is the day to wear your most outrageous, holiday-themed sweaters. Workplaces and holiday parties often host “Ugly Sweater” contests with fun prizes for the most tacky, creative, or festive designs.
December 21–24: The Height of the Holiday Season
- December 21 – Winter Solstice
- As the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice is a time to reflect and embrace the beginning of winter. Cities like Seattle and Portland host solstice gatherings with music, bonfires, and lantern-lit walks.
- For many people, it’s also a time to reconnect with nature by enjoying a peaceful outdoor stroll, appreciating the natural quiet of winter.
- December 22 – National Cookie Exchange Day
- Friends and family gather to swap homemade cookies, sharing a variety of treats for the holiday season. Cookie swaps are an excellent way to get creative in the kitchen and try new recipes.
- December 23 – Festivus
- Popularized by Seinfeld, Festivus is celebrated with a “Festivus pole,” “Airing of Grievances,” and “Feats of Strength.” Some families adopt this humorous celebration as a fun, lighthearted alternative to traditional holiday gatherings.
- December 24 – Christmas Eve
- Families gather for Christmas Eve dinners and services. Many neighborhoods are at their most beautifully lit, making it a perfect night for a stroll or drive to admire Christmas lights. Caroling and storytelling are also common family traditions on Christmas Eve.
December 25-26: Major Holidays Begin
- December 25 – Christmas Day
Christmas is widely celebrated with family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. Iconic cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago go all out with decorations, drawing thousands of tourists. For many, it’s also a time to reflect on the religious significance of the holiday. - December 26 – Boxing Day
Traditionally observed in the U.K. and parts of the U.S., Boxing Day is popular for post-Christmas sales. In states near the Canadian border, Boxing Day sales and events offer another day of shopping or relaxation. - December 25 – January 2 – Hanukkah
Starting on Christmas evening, Hanukkah is celebrated with nightly menorah lightings, family gatherings, and traditional foods. Major cities hold public menorah lightings, inviting the community to partake in this eight-day celebration.
December 27-31: Wrapping Up the Year
- December 27 – National Fruitcake Day
Celebrates the traditional holiday dessert, often misunderstood but beloved by many. Some bakeries offer fruitcake tastings or unique, modern takes on this classic recipe. - December 28 – College Football Bowl Games Begin
College football fans look forward to this day, as bowl games like the Rose Bowl and Orange Bowl draw fans for tailgating, pep rallies, and friendly competitions. - December 29 – Tick Tock Day
A reminder that the year is winding down! Many people take this day to review their achievements and set new goals. It’s a great day to think about New Year’s resolutions. - December 30 – Bacon Day
Bacon lovers rejoice! Restaurants offer bacon specials, and people get creative with dishes ranging from bacon pancakes to bacon-wrapped appetizers. - December 31 – New Year’s Eve
Celebrated across the U.S. with parties, fireworks, and the famous ball drop in Times Square, New York. Family-friendly events like “Noon Year’s Eve” at zoo
s and museums let kids enjoy a countdown without staying up late. Fireworks displays in cities nationwide cap off the festive month and usher in the new year with style.
Conclusion
December offers a daily celebration of culture, tradition, and wintertime fun. From beloved holidays like Christmas and Hanukkah to quirky ones like Festivus and Ugly Sweater Day, each day brings new ways to celebrate and make memories with friends and family.
Author: The Party Hound
Our favorite imaginary dog, 'The Partyhound', didn't write this blog post, as you probably guessed. We like to think he's a smart pooch, but he's not that smart!! 'The Partyhound' simply represents one or more of Partyhound Media's creative staff of researchers, journalists, writers, photographers, and cinematographers. These are actual real live people who are excited to share their thoughts with you. If you'd like to learn more about joining our staff, please throw us a bone! Email: ted@partyhound.com.
