The Definitive List of Holidays for Small Business Marketing

What did your business do for Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (January 27) this year? How about National Cheese Day (June 4)?

Nothing?

For small businesses, holidays should account for much more than Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are dozens of holidays in a calendar year, which means ample opportunity for marketing campaigns.

Small business marketing should be creative, considering you’re competing against not only other small businesses, but global brands too. With so many holidays on the calendar, both oddly vague and curiously specific, there are very likely a number of special holidays that are perfect for your small business.

By identifying a few small business holidays throughout the year that align with your company’s and customers’ interests, you can raise brand awareness and increase your bottom line. Below, we’ve laid out the definitive list of small business holidays for 2020 and beyond.

How to Use a Marketing Calendar

Before you start creating hashtags and launching Facebook Ads based on the following small business holidays, it’s important to know how to effectively use a marketing calendar for your business. Pushing ads for a freemium game on National Unplugging Day, for instance, may be in poor taste.

Your marketing calendar is a road map to keep your team on track and aligned for specific goals and dates. It could include:

• Social media ads
• Paid ad campaigns
• Blog content
• Direct mail marketing
• Displays or signage
• Email marketing
• Special events

Different holidays may call for different marketing approaches, which is why it’s crucial that you plan your campaigns in advance. There are so many ways to advertise your business, a marketing calendar gives you the time to think outside of the box to come up with a multichannel, well-informed campaign that will both resonate with existing customers and attract new ones.

Running a social media giveaway on National Give Something Away Day or offering coupons to a partner restaurant on National Hot Dog Day, for example, are relevant ways to excite current and potential customers. Don’t be afraid to have some fun with the more obscure holidays or be sentimental with important ones. Adapting your messaging between humor on Drink Wine Day and more personal stories on Mother’s Day can humanize your brand and help you connect with customers.

Every business is different, so your marketing calendar should take into account any online and offline marketing channels that you plan to use. As you go through different campaigns throughout the year, your marketing calendar will give you the additional flexibility (and data) to test and gauge results based on specific or seasonal campaigns.

With all that information at hand, bring on the holidays!

Key Small Businesses Holidays for Marketing Campaigns

Remember, major consumer shopping days like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and, of course, Small Business Saturday should definitely take precedence over National Selfie Day. But don’t be afraid to target some fun holidays from the list below.

January

Month-Long Holidays:

National Bath Safety Month

National Blood Donor Month

National Braille Literacy Month

National Hobby Month

National Hot Tea Month

National Mentoring Month

National Soup Month

National Train Your Dog Month

National Letter Writing Week (January 6-12)

National Days:

January 1 – New Year’s Day, Hangover Day, Bloody Mary Day

January 2 – Buffet Day, National Science Fiction Day

January 4 – Spaghetti Day, Trivia Day

January 5 – Whipped Cream Day

January 6 – Three Kings Day

January 8 – Bubble Bath Day, Clean Off Your Desk Day

January 10 – Cut Your Energy Costs Day, Houseplant Appreciation Day, Milk Day

January 12 – Pharmacist Day

January 13 – National Sticker Day

January 14 – Dress up Your Pet Day

January 15 – Hat Day

January 17 – Get to Know Your Customers Day

January 19 – Popcorn Day

January 20 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed), Cheese Lovers Day, DJ Day,

January 21 – Museum Selfie Day, Hugging Day

January 23 – Pie Day

January 24 – Green Juice Day, Peanut Butter Day

January 25 – Chinese New Year, Opposite Day

January 27 – Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

January 29 – Puzzle Day

January 31 – Fun at Work Day

 

February

Month-Long Holidays:

American Heart Month

Bake for Family Fun Month

Black History Month

Canned Food Month

Cherry Month

Children’s Dental Health Month

Hot Breakfast Month

National Grapefruit Month

National Weddings Month

Responsible Pet Owner Month

National Days:

February 1 – Dark Chocolate Day, Freedom Day, February 1

February 2 – Groundhog Day, Super Bowl Sunday #SB54

February 3 – Women Physicians Day

February 4 – World Cancer Day

February 6 – Frozen Yogurt Day

February 7 – Send a Card to a Friend Day, Give Kids a Smile Day

February 9 – National Pizza Day, Toothache Day

February 10 – Clean out Your Computer Day

February 11 – Safer Internet Day, Inventors Day, Make a Friend Day

February 12 – Lincoln’s Birthday

February 13 – Galentine’s Day

February 14 – Valentine’s Day

February 15 – Singles Awareness Day

February 16 – Almond Day

February 17 – Presidents Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day

February 18 – Drink Wine Day

February 20 – Love Your Pet Day, World Day of Social Justice

February 22 – Margarita Day

February 24 – Tortilla Chip Day

February 25 – Mardi Gras Carnival

February 27 – Chili Day

February 28 – Digital Learning Day

 

March

Month-Long Holidays:

March Madness

National Craft Month

National Credit Education Month

National Frozen Food Month

National Kidney Month

National Noodle Month

National Nutrition Month

National Peanut Month

National Women’s History Month

Red Cross Month

Social Workers Month

National Days:

March 1 – Employee Appreciation Day, Peanut Butter Lover’s Day

March 2 – Read Across America Day

March 3 – Day of Unplugging

March 5 – Dress Day

March 6 – Dentist’s Day

March 7 – National Be Heard Day

March 8 – International Women’s Day, Daylight Savings, Proofreading Day

March 12 – Pancake Day

March 14 – Pi Day, Potato Chip Day

March 16 – World Sleep Day

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day

March 18 – Awkward Moments Day

March 19 – First Day of Spring, Let’s Laugh Day, Poultry Day

March 20 – Day of Happiness, Proposal Day, Spring Equinox

March 21 – French Bread Day

March 22 – World Water Day

March 23 – Puppy Day

March 25 – Waffle Day

March 26 – Make up Your Own Holiday Day

March 29 – Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

March 30 – National Doctor’s Day

March 31 – Backup Day

 

April

Month-Long Holidays:

Couple Appreciation Month

Distracted Driving Awareness Month

Keep America Beautiful Month

National Decorating Month

National Garden Month

National Humor Month

National Pecan Month

National Pet Month

Move More Month

Records and Information Management Month

Stress Awareness Month

National Days:

April 1 – April Fools’ Day

April 2 – National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, World Autism Awareness Day

April 3 – Don’t Go to Work Unless It’s Fun Day, Find a Rainbow Day, National Walking Day, World Party Day

April 4 – School Librarian Day, National Burrito Day

April 5 – Deep Dish Pizza Day

April 7 – World Health Day, National Beer Day

April 9 – Equal Pay Day

April 10 – Good Friday, Hug Your Dog Day

April 11 – National Pet Day

April 12 – Easter, Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day

April 15 – Tax Day, Laundry Day, National High Five Day

April 16 – Wear Pajamas to Work Day

April 18 – Haiku Poetry Day

April 20 – Chinese Language Day, Kindergarten Day, Lookalike Day

April 22 – Earth Day, Administrative Professionals’ Day

April 23 – Picnic Day, Take Your Daughter and/or Son to Work Day, World Book Day

April 24 – Arbor Day, Hug a Plumber Day, Denim Day

April 25 – Telephone Day

April 26 – Pretzel Day

April 28 – National Superhero Day

April 29 – International Dance Day

April 30 – International Jazz Day, National Honesty Day

 

May

Month-Long Holidays:

Arthritis Awareness Month

Celiac Disease Awareness Month

Foster Care Month

National Barbecue Month

National Hamburger Month

National Photograph Month

National Recommitment Month

National Salad Month

National Small Business Week #SmallBusinessWeek (May 3-9)

National Days:

May 1 – May Day, International Workers’ Day

May 2 – World Password Day, Thank a Teacher Day

May 3 – World Press Freedom Day

May 4 – Star Wars Day, Free Comic Book Day, International Firefighters Day

May 5 – Cinco de Mayo

May 6 – National Nurses Day, No Diet Day, Tourist Appreciation Day

May 8 – World Red Cross Day, National Teachers Day

May 9 – National Receptionists Day, Fair Trade Day

May 10 – Mother’s Day

May 11 – Eat What You Want Day

May 12 – Limerick Day

May 13 – Apple Pie Day

May 15 – International Day of Families, National Chocolate Chip Day

May 16 – Armed Forces Day, Love a Tree Day, Mimosa Day

May 17 – Pizza Party Day

May 18 – National Bike to Work Day, NASCAR Day

May 20 – Be a Millionaire Day

May 21 – Waitstaff Day

May 24 – Scavenger Hunt Day

May 25 – Memorial Day, National Wine Day, Geek Pride Day

May 28 – Hamburger Day

May 29 – Learn About Composting Day

May 31 – World No Tobacco Day

 

June

Month-Long Holidays:

Candy Month

Dairy Month

Fruit and Vegetable Month

Gay Pride Month

Rose Month

National Days:

June 1 – National Donut Day

June 2 – National Rocky Road Day, Bicycle Day

June 4 – National Cheese Day, Hug Your Cat Day

June 5 – Global Running Day, World Environment Day

June 6 – D-Day

June 7 – National Chocolate Ice Cream Day

June 8 – National Best Friends Day, World Oceans Day

June 10 – Iced Tea Day

June 13 – Sewing Machine Day, National Weed Your Garden Day

June 14 – Flag Day, World Blood Donor Day

June 16 – World Juggler’s Day, Fudge Day

June 17 – National Eat Your Vegetables Day, Take Your Cat to Work Day

June 18 – National Splurge Day, Sushi Day

June 19 – Juneteenth, National Kissing Day, Box Day, Martini Day

June 20 – Summer Solstice, World Day of Music

June 21 – Father’s Day, International Yoga Day, National Selfie Day

June 22 – National Take a Dog to Work Day, Positive Media Day

June 23 – Hydration Day

June 26 – Bingo Day

June 27 – National Handshake Day

June 28 – Insurance Awareness Day

June 29 – National Camera Day

June 30 – Social Media Day

 

July

Month-Long Holidays:

Dog Days of Summer

Ice Cream Month

National Anti-Boredom Month

National Cell Phone Courtesy Month

National Grilling Month

National Independent Retailer Month

National Picnic Month

Social Wellness Month

Wheat Month

Watermelon Month

National Days:

July 1 – Canada Day, International Joke Day, National Postal Worker Day

July 2 – World UFO Day

July 4 – Independence Day

July 6 – Fried Chicken Day

July 7 – Chocolate Day

July 8 – Video Game Day

July 9 – Kitten Day

July 11 – National 7-Eleven Day

July 12 – Simplicity Day, Pecan Pie Day

July 13 – French Fry Day

July 14 – Mac and Cheese Day

July 15 – National Ice Cream Day

July 16 – Get to Know Your Customers Day, World Snake Day

July 17 – World Emoji Day, Hot Dog Day, Lottery Day

July 18 – World Hepatitis Day

July 19 – National Daiquiri Day

July 20 – National Moon Day

July 21 – Junk Food Day, #NoMakeUp Day

July 24 – Amelia Earhart Day, Drive Thru Day

July 25 – Wine and Cheese Day

July 26 – Parents Day, Aunt and Uncle Day

July 30 – Father-in-Law Day

July 31 – National System Administrator Appreciation Day

 

August

Month-Long Holidays:

Admit You’re Happy Month

Back to School Month

Breastfeeding Month

Family Fun Month

National Golf Month

Water Quality Month

National Farmers’ Market Week (August 2-8)

National Bargain Hunting Week (August 3-19)

National Days:

August 1 – National Girlfriends Day

August 2 – International Beer Day, National Ice Cream Sandwich Day

August 5 – International Friendship Day

August 6 – National Fresh Breath Day

August 7 – Purple Heart Day

August 8 – International Cat Day

August 9 – Book Lovers Day

August 10 – National S’mores Day, Lazy Day

August 12 – Middle Child’s Day, International Youth Day

August 13 – Left Handers’ Day

August 16 – Roller Coaster Day, National Tell a Joke Day

August 17 – Nonprofit Day

August 18 – Bad Poetry Day

August 19 – World Photography Day, World Humanitarian Day

August 20 – National Lemonade Day, Islamic New Year

August 21 – Senior Citizens’ Day

August 26 – Women’s Equality Day, National Dog Day

August 30 – Frankenstein Day

August 31 – National Trail Mix Day

 

September

Month-Long Holidays:

Baby Safety Month

Better Breakfast Month

Classical Music Month

Hispanic Heritage Month

Honey Month

National Courtesy Month

Self Improvement Month

Sewing Month

National Payroll Week (September 4-9)

National Love Your Files Week (September 16-20)

National Indoor Plant Week (September 16-22)

National Days:

September 1 – International Bacon Day

September 2 – VJ Day

September 4 – College Colors Day

September 5 – International Day of Charity

September 6 – Cheese Pizza Day, Read a Book Day

September 7 – Labor Day

September 11 – Patriot’s Day

September 13 – Grandparents’ Day, Fortune Cookie Day

September 15 – Greenpeace Day, Boys’ and Girls’ Club Day for Kids

September 16 – American Legion Day, Working Parents Day, Wife Appreciation Day, Stepfamily Day

September 17 – Constitution Day, Citizenship Day

September 18 – Rosh Hashanah, National Cheeseburger Day

September 19 – Start of Oktoberfest, International Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 20 – National Pepperoni Pizza Day

September 21 – International Day of Peace

September 22 – Fall Equinox, Car-Free Day

September 23 – Checkers Day

September 25 – National Voter Registration Day, Native American Day, Comic Book Day

September 26 – Hunting and Fishing Day

September 27 – Start of Yom Kippur, World Tourism Day

September 28 – World Rabies Day, National Good Neighbor Day

September 29 – Coffee Day, World Heart Day

September 30 – International Podcast Day

 

October

Month-Long Holidays:

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

American Pharmacist Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Computer Learning Month

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Emotional Wellness Month

Employee Ownership Month

Financial Planning Month

Global Diversity Awareness Month

International Strategic Planning Month

National Bake and Decorate Month

National Cookbook Month

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

National Diabetes Month

National Disability Employment Awareness Month

National Ergonomics Month

National Fair Trade Month

National Pizza Month

National Popcorn Popping Month

National Work and Family Month

National Vegetarian Month

Positive Attitude Month

Right Brainers Rule! Month

Sarcastic Month

Self-Promotion Month

Workplace Politics Awareness Month

Customer Service Week, October 4-10

National Work From Home Week (October 4-10)

Get Organized Week (October 4-10)

Drive Safely Work Week (October 7-11)

National Days:

October 1 – International Coffee Day, World Vegetarian Day

October 2 – Name Your Car Day, Brow Day, World Smile Day

October 3 – National Techies Day, National Boyfriends Day

October 4 – National Taco Day

October 5 – World Teachers’ Day

October 6 – World Smile Day, Physician’s Assistant Day

October 9 – Leif Erikson Day

October 10 – World Mental Health Day

October 11 – It’s My Party Day, Coming Out Day

October 12 – Indigenous People’s Day, Canadian Thanksgiving

October 13 – World Egg Day

October 14 – Dessert Day

October 16 – Boss’s Day, World Food Day

October 17 – Pasta Day, Sweetest Day

October 18 – Spirit Day

October 19 – Evaluate Your Life Day

October 20 – Statistics Day

October 21 – International Nacho Day

October 24 – United Nations Day

October 27 – Make a Difference Day, Black Cat Day

October 30 – Mischief Night, Checklist Day

October 31 – Day of the Dead Begins, Halloween

 

November

Month-Long Holidays:

Child Safety Protection Month

National Adoption Awareness Month

National Caregivers Appreciation Month

National Sleep Comfort Month

Peanut Butter Lovers Month

Real Jewelry Month

International Fraud Awareness Week (November 8-14)

National Deal Week (November 25-December 1)

National Days:

November 1 – Daylight Saving Time Ends, All Saints Day, World Vegan Day

November 2 – Day of the Dead Ends

November 3 – Election Day, Sandwich Day

November 4 – National Stress Awareness Day

November 6 – Love Your Lawyer Day

November 8 – Cappuccino Day, STEM Day

November 11 – Veterans Day, Singles’ Day

November 12 – Chicken Soup for the Soul Day

November 13 – World Kindness Day, Sadie Hawkins Day

November 14 – Diwali, World Diabetes Day

November 15 – America Recycles Day

November 16 – International Tolerance Day, Fast Food Day

November 17 – Take a Hike Day, Homemade Bread Day

November 19 – International Mens’ Day, National Entrepreneurs Day

November 20 – Trans Day of Remembrance, Universal Children’s Day

November 21 – World Television Day

November 23 – Espresso Day

November 26 – Thanksgiving Day

November 27 – Black Friday

November 28 – Small Business Saturday

November 29 – Start of Advent

November 30 – Cyber Monday

 

December

Month-Long Holidays:

Bingo Month

National Tie Month

National Write a Business Plan Month

Write a Friend Month

National Days:

December 1 – Giving Tuesday, World AIDS Day, Rosa Parks Day

December 3 – International Day of Persons With Disabilities

December 4 – Cookie Day

December 5 – Volunteer Day

December 6 – St. Nicholas Day

December 7 – Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, Aviation Day

December 9 – Christmas Card Day

December 10 – Nobel Prize Day, Start of Hanukkah, Human Rights Day

December 11 – International Mountain Day

December 12 – Poinsettia Day

December 14 – Roast Chestnuts Day, Green Monday

December 15 – Bill of Rights Day, Free Shipping Day

December 17 – Wright Brothers Day

December 18 – Bake Cookies Day

December 19 – National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

December 20 – Go Caroling Day

December 21 – Winter Solstice

December 23 – Festivus, Hanukkah Begins

December 24 – Christmas Eve

December 25 – Christmas

December 26 – Start of Kwanzaa, National Thank You Note Day, Boxing Day (Canada)

December 27 – National Fruitcake Day, No Interruptions Day

December 29 – Tick Tock Day

December 30 – Hanukkah Ends, Bacon Day

December 31 – New Year’s Eve, Make up Your Mind Day

The Bottom Line

There is no shortage of holidays for marketing opportunities that any small business can easily take advantage of. Whether you’re blogging your way through the many, many holidays in October or planning a social media blitz for Cyber Monday, keeping your eye on the calendar can help your business score some extra business. And if you think something is missing from this list of small business holidays, you can even create your own holiday.