February Holidays & Observances 2025: Daily, Weekly, Monthly List
Find celebration ideas for every day, from big traditions to quirky events.
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February 2025 Holidays & Observances: Full Guide
February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s certainly packed with holidays, observances, and unique celebrations. From major federal holidays like Presidents’ Day to treasured traditions like Valentine’s Day, and quirky fun such as National Ukulele Day and Heavenly Hash Day, there’s something significant—sometimes silly!—to mark nearly every day of the month. This comprehensive guide covers daily, weekly, and monthly observances to help you plan your celebrations, social media posts, classroom activities, or just to satisfy your curiosity about what makes February special.
Table of Contents
- Major February Holidays
- Month-Long Observances
- Weekly Observances
- Daily Holidays: February 1–29
- Unique & Bizarre February Holidays
- FAQs About February Holidays
What Major Holidays Are in February?
February features some of the most recognizable holidays in the United States and worldwide, blending national traditions, seasonal fun, and cultural celebrations. Here are the major holidays that anchor the month:
- Groundhog Day (February 2): The famous day when Punxsutawney Phil predicts the end of winter based on whether he sees his shadow.
- Valentine’s Day (February 14): A day dedicated to love and affection between couples, friends, and family, celebrated with cards, flowers, and gifts.
- Presidents’ Day (February 17, 2025): Also known as Washington’s Birthday, it is the only federal holiday in February. Banks, post offices, and many schools are closed.
- Chinese (Lunar) New Year (February 10, 2025): Marks the beginning of the lunar new year. In 2025, celebrations ring in the Year of the Snake.
Other notable mainstream observances include Super Bowl Sunday and World Wetlands Day.
Month-Long February Observances
February is known for significant month-long themes that promote awareness and encourage education or action. These observances are often highlighted in schools, workplaces, and across media:
- Black History Month: Honoring the achievements, history, and culture of Black Americans. Events highlight history, arts, and contributions of the Black community.
- American Heart Month: Raising awareness about heart health and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
- Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: Aiming to prevent and address problems in teen dating relationships.
- National Children’s Dental Health Month: Focusing on the importance of oral hygiene for children.
- LGBT History Month (UK and various countries): Recognizing the histories and contributions of LGBT communities.
Weekly Observances in February 2025
Several observances take place over a week, often amplifying educational messages or fostering community involvement:
- Children’s Authors and Illustrators Week (First full week of February): Celebrating those who create beloved books for children.
- International Networking Week (First full week of February): Fostering global connections in business and leadership.
- Random Acts of Kindness Week (Mid-February): Encouraging people to perform and celebrate acts of generosity and thoughtfulness.
- National School Counseling Week (First full week): Acknowledging the vital role of counselors in schools.
- National Burn Awareness Week (First full week): Focusing on fire and burn prevention tips and education.
Daily Holidays: February 1–29
Below is a detailed day-by-day guide to February holidays and observances. Many dates have multiple holidays, so there’s always something unique to celebrate!
| Date | Holidays & Observances |
|---|---|
| February 1 | National Baked Alaska Day, National Dark Chocolate Day, National Freedom Day, Serpent Day, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (first Saturday) |
| February 2 | Groundhog Day, Candlemas, Ayn Rand Day, Hedgehog Day, Tater Tot Day, Bonza Bottler Day, Bubblegum Day (first Friday), World Wetlands Day, National Ukulele Day, Heavenly Hash Day, Self-Renewal Day, Sled Dog Day, National Brown Dog Day, National Wear Red Day (first Friday) |
| February 3 | National Golden Retriever Day, National Carrot Cake Day, National Women Physicians Day, Optimist Day |
| February 4 | National Homemade Soup Day, World Cancer Day, National Thank a Mail Carrier Day |
| February 5 | National Weatherperson’s Day, World Nutella Day, World Read Aloud Day (first Wednesday), National Girls and Women in Sports Day (first Wednesday) |
| February 6 | National Chopsticks Day, National Frozen Yogurt Day, International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation |
| February 7 | National Fettuccine Alfredo Day, National Send a Card to a Friend Day, Bubble Gum Day (first Friday), National Wear Red Day (first Friday), Give Kids a Smile Day, Rose Day, Safer Internet Day |
| February 8 | National Kite Flying Day, National Boy Scouts Day, Propose Day |
| February 9 | Super Bowl Sunday (date varies), National Pizza Day, National Toothache Day, World Marriage Day (second Sunday), Chocolate Day |
| February 10 | International Epilepsy Day, Teddy Day |
| February 11 | National Inventors’ Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science |
| February 12 | Lincoln’s Birthday, Promise Day, Darwin Day |
| February 13 | Galentine’s Day, World Radio Day, Kiss Day |
| February 14 | Valentine’s Day, National Organ Donor Day, Library Lovers’ Day, Pet Theft Awareness Day, Ferris Wheel Day, Read to Your Child Day, Donor Day |
| February 15 | Singles Awareness Day, National Gumdrop Day, Susan B. Anthony Day, National Hippo Day |
| February 16 | Do a Grouch a Favor Day, National Almond Day, Innovation Day |
| February 17 | Presidents’ Day (third Monday), National Cabbage Day, Random Acts of Kindness Day |
| February 18 | National Drink Wine Day, Pluto Day, Battery Day |
| February 19 | Chocolate Mint Day, National Lash Day |
| February 20 | Love Your Pet Day, National Muffin Day, World Day of Social Justice |
| February 21 | International Mother Language Day, Sticky Bun Day, Card Reading Day |
| February 22 | National Margarita Day, World Thinking Day, Cook a Sweet Potato Day, Be Humble Day |
| February 23 | International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day, Banana Bread Day, Play Tennis Day |
| February 24 | National Tortilla Chip Day, World Bartender Day |
| February 25 | National Pancake Day (date varies), Clam Chowder Day |
| February 26 | National Pistachio Day, Tell a Fairy Tale Day, Letter to an Elder Day |
| February 27 | National Strawberry Day, National Chili Day (fourth Thursday), Retro Day, International Polar Bear Day |
| February 28 | National Tooth Fairy Day, Public Sleeping Day, Floral Design Day, Rare Disease Day (sometimes Feb 29) |
| February 29 | Leap Day (occurs every four years, next in 2028), Surf and Turf Day |
Unique, Quirky, and Bizarre February Holidays
February’s calendar overflows with wonderfully odd and lesser-known observances. While some honor food, animals, or hobbies, others simply spread cheer or encourage kindness. Here are some of the most unusual February celebrations:
- Ayn Rand Day
- Bonza Bottler Day (a day for any month when the number matches the month, i.e., Feb 2, March 3, etc.)
- Crepe Day
- Dump Your Significant Jerk Day (first Sunday)
- Candlemas
- The Record of a Sneeze Day
- Self-Renewal Day
- World Wetlands Day
- National Chopsticks Day
- Single Awareness Day
- No Brainer Day
- Open That Bottle Night (last Saturday)
- Rare Disease Day (last day, sometimes Feb 28 or 29)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About February Holidays
Q: What is the only federal holiday in February?
A: Presidents’ Day (Washington’s Birthday) is the only federal holiday in February. It is observed on the third Monday of the month. On this day, federal offices, many banks, and schools are closed.
Q: Why is Groundhog Day celebrated?
A: Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2 each year to predict the arrival of spring. If the groundhog sees its shadow, six more weeks of winter are expected; if not, an early spring is predicted.
Q: Which holidays are most popular for food celebrations?
A: February includes many beloved food-themed holidays like National Pizza Day (Feb 9), National Chocolate Mint Day (Feb 19), National Pancake Day, and National Margarita Day (Feb 22).
Q: When is Leap Day next observed?
A: Leap Day occurs every four years. The next Leap Day will be on February 29, 2028. It is a special observance for those born on this rare date and is sometimes marked by fun traditions and themed parties.
Q: What’s the purpose of World Wetlands Day?
A: World Wetlands Day on February 2 increases global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet, highlighting their importance for biodiversity and climate resilience.
Tips for Making the Most of February’s Observances
- Use month-long themes for educational projects or classroom lessons.
- Choose food-themed holidays as a fun excuse to try new recipes or eat your favorites.
- Spread kindness by taking part in Random Acts of Kindness Week or Day.
- Recognize lesser-known observances for unique social media content.
- Host small gatherings or themed parties for quirky holidays like National Margarita Day or Open That Bottle Night.
Final Thoughts
Whether you love big celebrations or cherish whimsical fun, February’s holidays provide endless reasons to connect, learn, and enjoy. From major traditions like Valentine’s Day to quirky events like Hedgehog Day and National Tater Tot Day, every day in February invites you to seize a new reason to smile. Mark your calendar and make the most of this dynamic, festive, and surprisingly diverse month!
References
- https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a37765470/february-holidays-and-observances/
- https://www.holidayinsights.com/february.htm
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/a42152704/february-holiday-and-observances/
- https://www.calendarr.com/united-states/calendar-february-2025/
- https://parade.com/living/february-holidays-observances
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