31 Holidays and Observances in January 2026

January is a month full of resolutions, fresh starts, and lots of celebrations — starting with New Year’s Day. However, January boasts a diverse holiday and observance calendar. From recognizing important figures to celebrating unique cultural events, there is something for everyone.

So, let’s take a look at 31 different holidays and observances taking place in January 2026 that you should put on your calendar.

1. New Year’s Day

In the Gregorian calendar used today, the year starts on January 1. This tradition dates back to 45 BC with the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar. Even though the Gregorian calendar came later, it kept January 1 as the start date.

Also, January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings. Since the month marks the start of a new year, this choice is fitting.

2. World Introvert Day

World Introvert Day takes place on January 2nd every year to honor introverts and their contributions. It serves as a reminder to appreciate introverts’ unique qualities, such as deep thinking and creativity. As well as celebrating introverts, this day encourages them to embrace their natural disposition.

3. International Mind-Body Wellness Day

On January 3rd, we celebrate the importance of nurturing mental and physical health. To get a balance between mind and body, participants learn meditation, yoga, and mindfulness. On this day, we are reminded to prioritize holistic well-being in our everyday lives.

4. National CanDo Day

Observed on January 4th, this day recognizes the power of positive thinking and determination. This day promotes resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges by encouraging individuals to adopt a “can-do” attitude. In addition to inspiring people to set and achieve their goals and dreams, National CanDo Day encourages people to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles.

5. National Thank God It’s Monday Day

Observed on the first Monday of the year, this day encourages people to begin the week with gratitude and positivity. A new week offers individuals new opportunities that can boost motivation, improve productivity, and positively impact mood.

6. Epiphany

On January 6th, Christians celebrate Epiphany, a day steeped in history and symbolism. In the West, it’s called Three Kings’ Day or Little Christmas, and in the East, it’s called Theophany.

For Western Christians, Epiphany is the day Jesus appeared to the Gentiles. In this event, Christians are reminded of their faith’s universality. Also, it commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River, which revealed his divine identity.

Epiphany is traditionally celebrated with festive songs, Three Kings Cakes, and chalking doors. It’s also the end of the Christmas season, with decorations usually taken down before Epiphany Eve.

7. I Am a Mentor Day

On January 7th, we celebrate mentorship day to honor the impact of mentors on their mentees and themselves. Through mentoring, individuals can share their knowledge and experience, helping others grow and develop. In addition to developing their leadership skills, mentors often report a sense of fulfillment and purpose from guiding others.

8. World Typing Day

This day recognizes the importance of fast, accurate, and efficient typing. As our world becomes increasingly digital, we should recognize how typing proficiency contributes to productivity and communication. In addition to enabling us to express ourselves more quickly and effectively, efficient typing is a great way to get our messages across. What’s more, we’re reminded of the importance of typing on World Typing Day.

9. Word Nerd Day

This day invites word enthusiasts to explore the nuances of language, expand their vocabulary, and play word games. You may enjoy participating in spelling bees, attending poetry readings, or simply reading your favorite books.

10. Houseplant Appreciation Day

Every year on January 10th, Houseplant Appreciation Day is celebrated. The Gardening Network started it in 2012 to encourage people to take better care of houseplants and to recognize their beauty and health benefits.

11. International Parity at Work Day

The purpose of this day is to increase awareness about the importance of equality at work. It emphasizes the need for fair treatment, equal opportunities, and the elimination of discrimination. A parity-based approach will cultivate a more inclusive and diverse working environment, which will increase innovation and productivity.

12. Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions Day

This day reminds us to stay committed to our goals. After all, by adhering to your resolutions, you will develop discipline, increase your personal growth, and reinforce a sense of accomplishment. In addition to improving your quality of life, keeping these resolutions can also contribute to a healthier lifestyle in the long run.

13. Make Your Dream Come True Day

Do you have big dreams, burning desires, and goals you haven’t accomplished yet? If you do, this unofficial holiday serves as the perfect reminder to take control of your dreams. After all, dreams shouldn’t remain just dreams. Now is your chance to get things right, to take those first steps, and to begin your journey to realization finally.

14. Organize Your Home Day

By organizing your home, you can enjoy a calmer and more stress-free environment. Decluttering and organizing your belongings efficiently can help you save time and reduce frustration when searching for them. In addition, an organized home can promote your mental well-being and give you a sense of control and harmony.

15. National Bagel Day

Every January 15th is National Bagel Day, which celebrates the chewy and dense bread. Get a bagel of your choice and top it with cream cheese, smoked salmon, avocado, jam, or honey. Or, make it a hearty breakfast sandwich.

16. National Nothing Day

The 16th of January is an unofficial holiday dedicated to doing nothing. We are reminded to take a break from the grind of everyday life and embrace relaxation. To become more productive in the days ahead, individuals should set aside a day for rest and reflection.

17. Customer Service Day

Don’t forget to thank customer service representatives on this day by shouting them out on social media. You can also foster camaraderie by organizing a lunch break or virtual coffee break for the team to celebrate their contributions. Additionally, you can provide training sessions or workshops to help them gain new skills and improve the quality of their services.

18. National Gourmet Coffee Day

On January 18th, coffee enthusiasts can celebrate this aromatic holiday in a variety of ways. Discover the taste of a new or exotic blend at your local coffee shop, or give home brewing a try. You can also host a coffee tasting with friends, pairing different gourmet beans with complementary pastries or desserts.

19. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

On the third Monday of January, Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemorates the civil rights leader and his commitment to nonviolent protest and racial equality. It is a day for reflecting on the progress made toward justice and recommitting to promoting equality and understanding among all.

Communities throughout the country celebrate Dr. King’s enduring impact on society by hosting events, volunteering, and offering educational programs.

20. Take a Walk Outdoors Day

January 20th is Take A Walk Outdoors Day, a great opportunity to get outside and explore the world around you. Everyone should take part in this day’s celebration of walking, whether it’s a solitary stroll or an outing with friends and family. As well as being enjoyable, walking is also beneficial to your health. Even though walking on a treadmill has its place, going outside allows you to soak up Vitamin D, which is crucial for bone health and muscle growth.

21. National Hugging Day

This annual event promotes the benefits of hugging on mental health. In addition to reducing stress and anxiety, physical touch, such as hugging, can promote feelings of happiness and connection. As well as providing comfort and support, a warm hug can help strengthen relationships.

22. National Blonde Brownie Day

January 22nd is National Blonde Brownie Day, a delicious twist on a classic brownie. As opposed to traditional brownies, blonde brownies have a butterscotch flavor due to brown sugar and vanilla, rather than cocoa. For those who love sweet treats, these desserts often include white chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits.

23. National Handwriting Day

This day serves to remind us that writing by hand can add an element of personal touch and creativity to a world that is increasingly digital. In addition to allowing for self-expression, handwriting can enhance cognitive skills such as memory and focus. People can practice penmanship or come up with heartfelt letters by dedicating some time to it.

24. Change a Pet’s Life Day

The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about pet adoption and to help shelter animals. You can celebrate by adopting a pet from a local shelter, volunteering your time to care for animals in need, or donating supplies to support their well-being. Additionally, providing your pet with extra playtime, a balanced diet, and regular vet check-ups can enhance its quality of life significantly.

25. Observe the Weather Day

Observe the Weather Day encourages us to step outside and watch the weather. If you want to celebrate, you can go on a nature walk to observe different weather patterns, keep a weather journal to track daily changes, or even create weather experiments at home. By engaging with the weather, we can build a stronger connection with our surroundings and learn how the climate impacts our daily lives.

26. National Green Juice Day

Every year on National Green Juice Day, people are encouraged to drink green juice every day and keep their wellness resolutions. Green juice has loads of health benefits, including increased energy, improved immune function, and higher nutrient intake. You can promote overall health and improve digestion by infusing your juice with leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables.

27. National Plan for Vacation Day

During National Plan for Vacation Day, which occurs on the last Tuesday of January, Americans are encouraged to plan their vacation days for the remainder of the year at the start of the year.

Taking regular vacations is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and reducing stress. When returning to work, they allow you to recharge, improve your mental well-being, and increase your productivity. Also, preparing vacations in advance can help individuals have quality time with family and friends when they have time off.

28. Data Privacy Day

On January 28th, we observe Data Privacy Day to emphasize the importance of protecting our personal information. As our world becomes increasingly digital, it’s easy to become complacent about data privacy until you’re breached. However, with our growing reliance on digital technologies for nearly every aspect of our lives, it’s essential to consider what we share, how we share it, and who has access to it. On Data Privacy Day, we should reevaluate our habits and adopt a more mindful approach to safeguarding our digital identities.

29. Freethinkers Day

Freethinkers Day, also known as Thomas Paine Day or Common Sense Day, celebrates intellectual freedom. This day is all about embracing independent thought and expressing yourself. Take a chance on new ideas, think outside the box, and challenge conventional wisdom. And, more importantly, open your mind to new possibilities and celebrate freethinking.

30. National Fun at Work Day

National Fun at Work Day is celebrated on the last Friday of January and is meant to encourage employees and companies to incorporate fun activities into the workplace to boost morale and team spirit. In short, it is a day to remind us that work can be fun.

31. Backwards Day

The 31st of January is Backwards Day, a day for playful rebellion against the norm.This quirky celebration inspires us to flip our routines, change our perspective, and do things differently. It’s an opportunity to examine our habits and see what insights we gain from reversing them. Often, a simple shift in method will uncover new possibilities and reveal a new perspective on a familiar problem.

FAQs

Why is January named January?

It’s named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, dualities, passageways, and endings. Usually, he has two faces, one looking backward and one looking forward.

Is January the first month of the year?

January is the first month of the year according to the Gregorian calendar.

How many days are in January?

There are 31 days in January.

What are some common themes or associations with January?

In many parts of the world, January represents new beginnings, resolutions, reflections on the past year, winter weather (in the Northern Hemisphere), and the start of a new year.

What are some popular holidays celebrated in January?

New Year’s Day (January 1st) is the most widely celebrated holiday in January. However, other observances include Martin Luther King Jr. Day (in the United States), Australia Day (in Australia), and various religious and cultural celebrations.

Image Credit: Boris Pavlikovsky; Pexels