Knowing which holidays and dates your brand should celebrate can give you a head start in planning your marketing calendar. To help make sure you don't miss out on any opportunities, we've put together this comprehensive list of holidays celebrated throughout the year. Let's dive in!
January
New Year's Day — January 1
New Year's Day launches the next year and symbolizes a fresh start for many people across the globe.
eCommerce businesses can use this time to encourage people to set resolutions for themselves and try new things, including products that can help them achieve their goals for the coming year.
Clean Your Desk Day — January 8
Throughout this day, professionals will want to take some time to clean and declutter their desk spaces.
Brands can provide tips for cleaning and organizing their desk spaces, promoting their offerings in the process.
Blue Monday — January 15
Blue Monday takes place every third Monday in January, and it's a relatively melancholy day, as its name implies. It's in the middle of winter, which is part of the reason why many find it to be the most depressing day of the year, but eCommerce companies can offer discounts and other ways to cheer people up around this time.
Get to Know Your Customers Day — January 18
This day gives brands the perfect chance to show appreciation for their customers by getting to know them more and offering certain promos or deals. Companies can ask certain questions about their customers or how they heard about them and use this info to help with marketing and other efforts.
National Compliment Day — January 24
This is a day when people can give compliments to one another and give each other an emotional lift.
In eCommerce, brands can encourage customers to give compliments to others on social media and even turn it into an opportunity to access certain savings or other benefits.
February
Groundhog Day — February 2
Americans and Canadians celebrate this fun holiday toward the end of winter. Every year, the citizens of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania gather to announce whether the town's groundhog will predict a longer winter. The belief is that if the groundhog sees its shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.
Brands can turn this holiday into a kind of game by playing with the audience's predictions of what the groundhog will see.
National Wear Red Day — February 2
During this holiday, people will wear red in support of heart disease awareness.
eCommerce companies can use red designs and more to show their support during this holiday.
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards — February 5
The Grammys are the biggest night of the year for the music industry. This awards ceremony celebrates musical artists from all parts of the world, and this year will be the 65th anniversary of this particular occasion.
eCommerce businesses can build some hype over the Grammys and potential award winners, getting involved on social media and advertising discounts or sales periods based on who wins for major categories.
Chinese New Year — February 10
Every year, Lunar New Year is celebrated throughout many Asian countries. Every year has a corresponding zodiac animal, with 2024 being the Year of the Dragon.
Customers celebrating this holiday in China especially will want to purchase gifts for their family members and get togethers, giving eCommerce companies plenty of opportunities to connect.
Super Bowl Sunday — February 11
Every year in the US, sports fans celebrate the Super Bowl. In 2024, Super Bowl LVIII will take place, with millions of people engaged during this event.
The Super Bowl gives businesses the perfect chance to appeal to football fans with relevant campaigns.
Galentine's Day — February 13
Valentine’s Day gets a lot of flack for being a “Hallmark Holiday” (a celebration invented by the retail industry) but aren’t all holidays kind of made up anyway? Besides, life needs more celebration, which is perhaps one of the reasons that “Galentine’s Day” a day that is entirely and unapologetically made up by Amy Pohler’s incredible character Leslie Knope, in the sitcom Parks and Rec, has taken off so well.
While Valentine’s Day honors romantic love, Galentine’s Day celebrates female friendship! Friends can enjoy the day in pairs or as groups, and many do so by going out for drinks or a meal, enjoying spa treatments, having a movie night, or generally enjoying each other’s company.
Pancake Day — February 13
Also known as Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day is an important feast for many citizens of the UK ahead of Lent on Ash Wednesday and the upcoming Easter holiday. It typically precedes a fasting period for many Christians.
If you want to reach Christian audiences in the UK, this is a great holiday to do so.
Mardi Gras/Carnival — February 13
While February 13th is celebrated as Pancake Tuesday throughout the UK, the feasting before Lent is known as Mardi Gras or Carnival throughout many countries in the Americas and other places colonized by the French. Mardi Gras is celebrated as a day of indulgence, dance, and joy often featuring huge parties, parades, dance contests, live music, and elaborate costumes.
Valentine's Day — February 14
Couples everywhere celebrate their partnership and romance on this holiday. As a result, they're often shopping for gifts that will impress their partners ahead of this date.
Needless to say, this holiday is a great time for eCommerce companies to advertise to couples and encourage them to gift their products.
London Fashion Week — February 16 - February 20
Twice a year in February and September, this clothing trade show takes place in London and showcases more than 250 designers to international audiences.
Brands in the fashion space will have plenty of opportunities to use this holiday to their advantage.
March
World Book Day (UK) — March 7
Readers in the UK and beyond can celebrate this day by picking up or purchasing a book.
Companies can use this day to promote reading, engage in charity organizations such as book drives, and more.
International Women's Day — March 8
This holiday celebrates women's achievements on a socioeconomic, cultural, and political level. The ultimate goal is to encourage gender equality.
For businesses looking to reach women in their customer base, this holiday is ideal for targeting.
Mother's Day (UK) — March 10
Although Mother's Day is an international holiday, the UK celebrates it a bit earlier than other regions. This day is for children and partners alike to celebrate mothers with gifts and acknowledgment.
This holiday is ideal for promoting Mother's Day discounts and unique offers to audiences in the UK.
96th Academy Awards — March 11
For film lovers, there's the Academy Awards ceremony. People all over the world tune into this annual event to celebrate international cinema.
Businesses in the eCommerce arena can use social media and other outlets to connect with international movie fans ahead of the ceremony.
Beginning of Ramadan — March 11
This year, Ramadan begins on March 22, which is the beginning of the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Throughout this long holiday, people who follow and practice Islam commit to fasting from sunup to sundown while promoting spiritual growth and closeness to loved ones.
Muslim practitioners will often increase spending on meals before and after this period, creating a good opportunity for specialty foods and delivery.
White Day — March 14
White Day is popularly celebrated in Japan and Korea as well as certain other Asian countries as a day for the recipients of Valentine’s Day gifts to return the gesture with a sweet gift of their own.
This is an excellent opportunity for eCommerce businesses that specialize in chocolates or other desserts.
St. Patrick's Day — March 17
People of Irish heritage—and many others who aren't—celebrate St. Patrick's Day on the 17th of March every year.
In eCommerce, this holiday offers you the chance to get people to shop for gifts and green merchandise of all kinds.
International Day of Happiness — March 20
As of 2012, the International Day of Happiness has served as a day when the world recognizes the importance of being happy and promoting well-being among all citizens.
Spread the cheer on this holiday by offering discounts and connecting with audiences through social media.
The First Day of Spring — March 21
The spring equinox takes place on this day and signals the beginning of spring.
Brands can use this opportunity to launch spring-themed sales and other campaigns.
Easter Weekend — March 29 - April 1
Christians across the world celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection over Easter weekend. People purchase chocolate eggs and candies, gather with friends and family and cook a delicious Easter brunch or dinner.
Easter gives you plenty of opportunities to encourage consumers to shop Easter gifts, eggs and decorations.
April
April Fools' Day — April 1
April Fools' Day is a day of playing pranks and making jokes. It's particularly popular among western audiences.
eCommerce businesses can express their own sense of humor through humorous social media posts and other communications.
National Pet Day (US) — April 11
Pet owners everywhere can celebrate their pets on this day, and so can many eCommerce brands, particularly those selling various pet products.
Eid al-Fitr — April 10 - 12
This is the Muslim festival celebrating the end of Ramadan, specifically known as the "feast of the sacrifice." Muslims refrain from eating or drinking during the day but will begin feasting at night on April 10.
eCommerce companies can take this chance to promote a variety of products that can help celebrate the end of Ramadan, from food to electronics.
Songkran (Thailand) — April 13
Also known as the Water Splashing Festival, Songkran is Thailand’s new year’s celebration which marks the end of the dry season. This festival can often last a week or longer and is a joyous time to celebrate with family and friends and enjoy massive water “fights” that take place throughout the country.
Brands can get in on the fun by promoting specials for foods, drinks, new clothes, and water toys.
Get to Know Your Customers Day — April 18
After the first instance of this holiday in January, Get to Know Your Customers Day returns in April, giving brands another chance to learn more about their customers.
Earth Day — April 22
Many people celebrate Earth Day to promote environmental awareness and protection.
During this time, you can promote everything from donations and giveaways to awareness of environmental issues through social media.
World Book Day — April 23
Readers from all over the world can engage in World Book Day on April 23, and so can eCommerce brands appealing to these readers.
May
National Fitness Day — May 4
On the first Saturday of May, US citizens celebrate fitness and its benefits.
If you're an eCommerce brand focusing on fitness or wellness, you can encourage people to reach certain health goals and promote healthy food or various wellness products.
Cinco de Mayo — May 5
Citizens in Mexico and the US celebrate Cinco de Mayo to memorialize Mexico's victory over France, which took place in 1862.
Discounts, different types of themed products, and effective social media campaigns can appeal to Mexican audiences celebrating this holiday.
Lost Sock Memorial Day (US) — May 9
People often lose their socks, and this humorous holiday gives them a chance to memorialize them. Brands can use this holiday to exhibit their own sense of humor and engage with sock mourners everywhere.
Mother's Day (Other Countries Outside the UK) — May 12
The UK may celebrate Mother's Day on March 10, but the rest of the world celebrates it on the second Sunday of May.
Again, this offers you the chance to promote gifts and more for mothers in North America, Australia, and elsewhere.
National Wine Day — May 25
The US celebrates National Wine Day on the 25th, with wine lovers celebrating by pouring a glass of their favorite drink.
If an eCommerce company has any wine drinkers in its audience, it can market to them on this day.
June
Pride Month — All Through June
People in the LGBTQ+ community and their supporters celebrate advances in gay rights and visibility.
Brands can establish a good connection with the LGBTQ+ community through brand activism, support, and promotions.
World Environment Day — June 5
The United Nations also started this particular holiday to encourage governments, businesses, and others to focus on environmental issues.
Promoting sustainability and environmental awareness can benefit eCommerce brands on this day.
Best Friends Day — June 8
Best Friends Day is a day to celebrate friendship and the companions we have in our lives.
eCommerce companies can complement family-themed promotions and other campaigns with a focus on friendship.
Father's Day — June 16
In addition to Mother's Day, many people celebrate their fathers on Father's Day all over the world.
eCommerce brands can target Father's Day much the same way they would for Mother's Day, promoting gifts and discounts.
National Flip Flop Day — June 21
Near the beginning of the summer, many may celebrate National Flip Flop Day when they can wear flip-flops and other seasonal apparel.
This day offers a great chance for eCommerce brands in the shoe or clothing industry.
Beginning of Summer — June 21
In the Northern Hemisphere, June 21 marks the beginning of summer, while the Southern Hemisphere begins winter.
Summer-themed promotions of all kinds can work in eCommerce companies' favor at this time of year.
Camera Day — June 29
This is a day to celebrate the art of photography and the people behind it.
All types of eCommerce companies can use this day to emphasize highly visual campaigns.
July
Independence Day — July 4
Independence Day celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Americans celebrate this holiday with festive barbecues and fireworks along with other events.
Marketing for this holiday can help you reach American audiences and promote just about any product ahead of it.
World Chocolate Day — July 7
People in just about every country love chocolate of all kinds, from milk to dark and white.
At this time, eCommerce brands can use chocolate-themed promotions or sell chocolates and other sweets.
Amazon Prime Day — Around July 11 - 12
People seek deals of all types on Amazon when Prime Day rolls around, which is likely to be around July 11 to 12 in 2024 based on previous Prime Day events.
If eCommerce brands sell on Amazon, they can promote their Amazon-based products and encourage more sales among Prime members.
Bastille Day — July 14
Bastille Day is the day when France remembers the beginning of the French Revolution and the concepts of equality, liberty, and fraternity around it. The festivities include parades, singing of "La Marseillaise," and waving of the nation's flag.
This holiday offers the chance to reach French audiences with themed discounts, offers, and overall support.
World Emoji Day — July 17
People are inundated with emojis every day, and now there's a holiday to help celebrate them.
Brands can take this chance to connect with social media and mobile users using appropriate emojis to engage them.
July 21 — Ice Cream Day
The US celebrates National Ice Cream Day on July 21 to enjoy the perfect treat to cool off in the middle of summer.
eCommerce brands in the frozen food industry and others can easily market around this holiday.
International Day of Friendship — July 30
People during this day show their appreciation for friends, in which case they may send gifts and spend more time with them.
Brands of all kinds can raise brand awareness leading up to this day and offer certain discounts on potential gifts or other offers signifying friendship.
August
Black Business Month — All Through August
In the US, citizens celebrate black-owned businesses throughout the month of August.
Use this time to promote businesses you partner with that are under Black ownership, which will further connect you with American audiences and organizations.
International Cat Day — August 8
People celebrate their feline companions on this day, giving eCommerce companies the chance to promote cat adoption and animal activism.
National Book Lovers Day — August 9
Like World Book Day, National Book Lovers Day allows you to connect with readers as they celebrate their favorite pieces of literature.
National Prosecco Day — August 13
This Italian-inspired holiday celebrates letting loose with a bottle of Italian sparkling wine known as Prosecco, which is especially welcome as the summer ends and the fall begins.
Brands can promote a sense of relaxation and ease around this time.
World Photo Day — August 19
Similar to Camera Day, you can use World Photo Day to develop visual campaigns that celebrate photography.
World Senior Citizens' Day — August 21
People all over the world raise awareness of the specific issues impacting senior citizens.
Show your support for senior citizens with themed discounts and brand activism.
International Dog Day — August 26
This complement to International Cat Day is the same for dogs, enabling you to promote dog adoption and general animal welfare.
National Bow Tie Day — August 28
The bow tie may not be too popular in everyday fashion today, but it makes its return on National Bow Tie Day when people can don their favorite bow tie and show it off.
eCommerce brands in the fashion, apparel, or clothing industry can promote around this day.
September
Kids' Return to School — Around September 1
At this time, kids everywhere will begin going back to school and start another academic year.
Back-to-school specials and offers are great for many brands in the eCommerce space.
Labor Day — September 2
Labor Day is when North American workers in the US and Canada take the day off in honor of laborers, but it can also serve as a day to enjoy the end of summer.
Its promotions of all kinds can encourage people to spend their time off doing some shopping in celebration of this particular day.
National Cheeseburger Day — September 18
One of America's staples is the cheeseburger, which sees its own celebration on the 18th.
Many eCommerce companies in the food industry may want to take advantage of this day with their marketing and promotions.
Beginning of Oktoberfest — September 21
Germany's famous folk and beer festival has spread worldwide and offers plenty of opportunities for brands to promote discounts, themed gift recommendations, and more.
End of Summer — September 23
End-of-summer discounts and other promotions can help you take advantage of this time of year all over the world. However, in the UK, you may also want to target August 26, which is the Summer Bank Holiday and indicates the end of summer in this region.
World Tourism Day — September 27
This is a day to inspire international tourism and celebrate the adoption of the Statutes of the UNWTO in 1980, which encouraged a surge in tourism all over the world.
eCommerce companies can connect with international audiences in a variety of ways at this time.
October
Coffee Day — October 1
Coffee is a favorite drink among many across the globe, and can be celebrated on International Coffee Day.
eCommerce brands of all kinds can market around this holiday, including brands in the beverage space along with those simply inspiring professionals and others to stay energized.
World Animal Day — October 4
This day is all about celebrating animals' rights and welfare on the 4th, which is the feast of the patron saint of animals, Francis of Assisi.
Show your support for animal welfare on this day.
National Color Day — October 22
This is a day to reflect on people's connections with colors.
Brands can take this opportunity to explain their brand colors or simply engage in colorful marketing campaigns.
National Pumpkin Day — October 26
The pumpkin is a vibrant symbol of fall that sees its own celebration on the 26th. Any brand can incorporate a pumpkin-themed design around this time.
Halloween — October 31
Every year, Americans celebrate Halloween by engaging in the tradition of Trick-or-Treating, wearing costumes, and throwing parties.
Halloween-themed promotions and designs can be a fun way to get involved in this holiday.
November
Movember — All Through November
Movember is an originally Australian event where men grow mustaches throughout the month to promote men's health and raise awareness about certain men's health issues, including prostate cancer and mental health.
Brands can use this time to raise awareness of all types of men's health issues.
Diwali — November 1
Sikhs, Hindus, and Jains celebrate Diwali in India and other countries based on the Indian lunar calendar. Often, those who celebrate this holiday make large purchases ahead of it, typically on decorations, accessories, and clothing. Brands selling these and other products may be able to connect with those who celebrate Diwali with relevant messaging and offers.
Melbourne Cup — November 5
The Melbourne Cup is the biggest horse race of the year for Australia, and fans of thoroughbred racing tune in from around the globe.
Like many other sporting events, the Melbourne Cup creates an opportunity for food and beverage delivery apps.
Reminder Day — November 25
This is another great chance for brands to generate FOMO and urgency ahead of the holidays by reminding shoppers about getting gifts for friends and family.
Thanksgiving — November 28
Americans celebrate Thanksgiving to express gratitude toward the end of the year. The day is marked with a large meal shared with friends and family featuring seasonal foods like turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Many travel home for the holiday, making this weekend the largest travel time in the US.
People appreciate Thanksgiving-themed promotions, visuals, and messages that get them into the holiday spirit.
Black Friday — November 29
Black Friday is America's biggest commercial holiday when people go for the best deals during the holiday season.
This is one of the best holidays for eCommerce brands when they can advertise free shipping, discounts, and other offers that boost sales.
Small Business Saturday — November 30
The Saturday after Thanksgiving has become a day to celebrate the power of shopping small and supporting local businesses.
This is a great day for small businesses to run promotions, or for larger companies to feature smaller businesses they partner with.
December
Cyber Monday — December 2
Following Black Friday, Cyber Monday gives international shoppers an even bigger chance to find great deals, specifically from online retailers.
This is arguably even more valuable than Black Friday as it exclusively applies to eCommerce and connects with international customers.
Giving Tuesday — December 3
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are all about shopping, Giving Tuesday is a day to support non-profit organizations and charities with year-end donations
Green Monday — December 9
On this day, many last-minute shoppers purchase gifts for their friends and family as Christmas approaches, making this a prime opportunity for eCommerce brands to generate a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO) among shoppers.
National App Day — December 11
If your brand has an app, it's time to promote it on the 11th. Showcase specific features or encourage new users to simply give your app a try on this day.
National Free Shipping Day — December 14
By jumping on the free shipping bandwagon come December 14, all types of brands can boost sales and see a surge in revenue. You'll also stay ahead of competitors who don't engage in this holiday.
Beginning of Winter — December 22
Similar to end-of-summer sales, you can offer certain discounts or other promotions to celebrate the beginning of winter.
Beginning of Hanukkah — December 25
December 25 is the start of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration in the Jewish community.
eCommerce companies can market small gifts and traditional foods like donuts, and potato pancakes to celebrate this holiday.
Christmas — December 25
Christmas is the holiday to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Although this day is celebrated differently around the world, common traditions may include decorating a Christmas tree, making traditional foods and attending Christmas markets.
Leading up to Christmas Eve on the 24th and Christmas Day on the 25th, you can promote gifts, sales, and Christmas-themed activities that generate excitement.
Boxing Day — December 26
People in the UK and some other countries such as Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa celebrate Boxing Day, which is the day after Christmas when families spend time together and enjoy what they've received on Christmas Day.
eCommerce brands may actually be able to generate more sales on this day as people stay at home and continue shopping, particularly if they received monetary gifts on Christmas.
Kwanzaa — December 26
Members of the African-American community celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa starting on this date. It takes place over seven days and involves honoring one's African heritage. Like other holidays during this month, families celebrate Kwanzaa by sharing gifts and spending time together.
Brands can connect with African-American shoppers at this time with Kwanzaa-themed deals and more.
New Year's Eve — December 31
Festivities begin on New Year’s Eve to bid farewells and welcome the new year. People usually come together to attend parties, eat special New Year’s food and watch fireworks displays.
You can market around both New Year's Eve and Day to help motivate people to meet their goals with the help of your offerings and inspirational messaging.
Get Ready for Another Great Year of Marketing With This eCommerce Calendar in 2024
With so many holidays and dates, there's no shortage of chances for eCommerce brands to make a splash and connect with shoppers of all types and nationalities. As you build out your eCommerce content calendar for 2024, consider which days are most important to your customers and plan well ahead accordingly.
Using the right tools and strategies, you'll be able to get the most from every occasion as you grow your business and stay ahead of the competition.
