During my senior year of high school, senior skip day was deliberately timed to fall on National Pancake Day so the entire senior class could storm the IHOPs around town. There’s nothing like the unbridled joy of a silly holiday, and February is chock full of them. Of February’s national days, these are some of our favorites.
National Tater Tot Day (February 2)
Start the shortest month of the year off with a mouth-watering bang. National Tater Tot Day lands on February 2nd. Celebrate the almighty fried potato by hosting a loaded tater tot bar where all your friends can add their own fixings. Or whip out an oldie but goodie tater tot casserole for dinner.
National Day the Music Died Day (February 3)
Ritchie Valens, Buddy Holly, and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson were killed in a plane crash during their Winter Dance Party tour on February 3, 1959. This tragic event was coined the “day the music died” by singer-songwriter Don McLean with his eponymous 1971 song.
Honor their musical talents by giving their work a listen this February 3. Queue up songs like Valen’s “La Bamba” or Holly’s “Oh Boy!” and help their legacy live on.
National Thank a Mail Carrier (February 4)
Like how Waffle House is always open, mail carriers will get your packages to you rain or shine, or sleet, or hail, or whatever apocalyptic event’s happening at the moment. February 4th is National Thank a Mail Carrier Day.
Mail carriers are some of the most underrated service workers in the business, and they deserve all the praise. So, on February 4th, set up a celebration station at your mailbox. Think streamers, balloons, and a thank you card addressed to your carrier.
National Send a Card to a Friend Day (February 7)
Sending mail to update your family and friends on how your life was going used to be a common practice. February 7th is National Send a Card to a Friend Day, and it’s all about bringing back the beauty of snail mail. So, surprise one of your besties with a heartfelt or hilarious card in the mail on this day.
National Cut the Cord Day (February 9)
Sling T.V. began National Cut the Cord Day — which happens every February 9th — to encourage people to cut the cord from their cable companies. Instead of paying outrageous amounts for a handful of channels, try free or live online content instead. Watch a Twitch streamer blaze through a new video game or see what local channels are broadcasting in your area.
Singles Awareness Day (February 15)
Singles Awareness Day is a unique celebration that falls right after Valentine’s Day on February 15th. Officially started in 2005, this pseudo-holiday is perfect for subverting the idea that you’re not succeeding if you’re not in a relationship.
Romance yourself on February 15th. Take yourself out to dinner, schedule a spa day, or take yourself on a shopping spree.
Related: 47 Fun & Festive February Trivia Questions & Answers
National Random Acts of Kindness Day (February 17)
Random Acts of Kindness Day launched in 2004 in New Zealand but quickly made its way across the ocean to the United States. Celebrated on February 17th, this day encourages people to go out of their way to do small acts of kindness. Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant or help someone struggling with packages get them through the door. The point is to spread a little kindness one small gesture at a time.
National Drink Wine Day (February 18)
Break out your corkscrews. February 18th is National Drink Wine Day, and we wouldn’t miss it for the world. Make an entire event out of the day by heading to a winery and tasting the newest available. Settle in with a glass of red wine or white at dinner, or go all out and crack open that bottle you’ve been saving for a special occasion. But if there’s one day in February when you’re meant to let loose, it’s this one.
National Comfy Day (February 20)
Grind culture isn’t a big fan of being comfy, but National Comfy Day to the rescue. Every February 20, you can curl up in sweats and big blankets without feeling guilty. This is the perfect day to laze about — the dishes and laundry can wait until tomorrow.
National Dog Biscuit Day - (February 23)
If you’ve ever tried to train a dog, you know how easy it is to blaze through a bag of dog treats. Help get your dog into the festive spirit by baking them their own dog treats on National Dog Biscuit Day. Celebrated on February 23, this holiday is the perfect excuse for dog lovers to spoil their doggos.
National Trading Card Day (February 24)
From Pokemon to Marvel to baseball, you’d be surprised at just how popular trading cards are. These collectibles have been around for decades, and February 24 is dedicated to them. Consider picking up that rare card you’ve always wanted on National Trading Card Day. Or, if you’re not much of a trading card person yourself, ask the kids in your life to show you a game or two.
National Letter to an Elder Day (February 26)
As we age, our mobility can make socializing harder and harder. Do your part to help older folks connect by sending a few letters on National Letter to an Elder Day. This falls on February 26 each year and serves as a great reminder to give back to the people in your community who might be struggling.
National Retro Day (February 27)
If you’re a thrift store fiend, then February 27’s National Retro Day is right up your alley. This is the day to pull out all the stops. Break out your mid-century modern bar glasses, 60s hostess dresses, and Tupperware casserole dishes. We’re heading back in time, and we hope you join us.
National Floral Design Day (February 28)
Build the bouquet of your dreams on National Floral Design Day. Celebrated on February 28, this day marks the end of the month. Make like the Groundhog and call spring back early with a festive flower arrangement. And if you want to spread some joy, surprise a loved one with a custom bouquet from a local florist.
Every Day Is a Holiday
Every day can be a holiday if you look hard enough. Don’t let the winter blues keep you down — find something to celebrate instead!
