Hashtags facilitate connections among individuals by fostering communities that create excitement and establishing social media celebrations for followers to enjoy collectively. These hashtag holidays are events on social media that boost engagement, ignite discussions, and present timely chances for brands.
From #DressUpYourPetDay to #CustomerAppreciationDay, there are countless hashtag holidays available. By selecting the right ones, you can build connections with your target customers and achieve your social media objectives. However, figuring out which ones are applicable for your brand and appealing to your audience can pose a challenge.
We’ve assembled an extensive list of the leading hashtag holidays for 2025. Continue reading to discover how to identify the appropriate social-specific holidays to invigorate your calendar and brand cases that caught our attention from 2023 and 2024.
What are hashtag holidays?
Hashtag holidays are specific days—ranging from worldwide festivities to unique themed events—that generate traction on social media via their assigned hashtags.
You’re likely acquainted with major ones like #ValentinesDay, #InternationalWomensDay, and #AprilFoolsDay. But what about marking #NationalDonutDay on June 7th or #PlanForVacationDay on January 30th?
Each month presents special occasions to tap into these social media moments, ensuring your posts are timely, pertinent, and engaging.
Developing your hashtag holiday strategy
Like any social media approach, your holiday hashtag strategy requires careful planning. Follow these straightforward steps to formulate a strategy that aligns with your objectives and captivates your audience.
Select appropriate hashtag holidays
Understanding your brand’s social objectives and the needs of your audience is critical to avoid recognizing hashtag holidays that might not align with your brand.
As per the latest edition of The Sprout Social Index™, the primary reason consumers follow brands on social media is to stay informed regarding new products and services. Thus, look for methods to link hashtag holidays to your offerings. For instance, #NationalBookDay content fits perfectly for a library.
Be mindful of which holidays resonate with your brand and how they can be integrated into your social media calendar.
When assessing which hashtags suit your brand, consider two questions:
- Does this hashtag appear to complement the brand?
- Will this hashtag holiday connect with my audience?
Leverage consumer insights for decision-making
Social listening offers a more profound grasp of your audience. It enables marketers to analyze online discourse, pinpoint trending topics, and discover avenues to engage with pertinent themes.
For example, Sprout’s Social Listening tools allow you to observe conversations surrounding your brand and industry. This will assist you in identifying the hashtags and themes your audience values most, providing you a clear focus on which hashtag holidays to emphasize.
In a similar vein, Sprout Tags enable you to monitor the hashtags your brand employs to ascertain which ones foster engagement and refine your strategy.
Integrating social listening findings with hashtag tracking through Sprout Tags will empower you to synchronize your content with audience interests, engage in trending discussions, and enhance the performance of your hashtag holiday campaigns.
Explore hashtag holidays before crafting content
After identifying holiday hashtags that correspond with your audience, delve deeper to ensure your content is pertinent and timely. Investigate how other brands in your industry approached similar holidays the previous year and assess what resonated with their audiences.
As the holiday nears, update your research with fresh social listening insights to detect trending conversations and themes. This will offer you a clearer view of how festivities are being celebrated this year and help you generate content that reflects current sentiments and global context.
Plan your hashtag holiday content ahead of time
Don’t wait until the holiday approaches to create your content. Once you conceive an excellent idea, start planning your resources accordingly. Then, initiate the process of content creation, securing approvals, and scheduling in advance.
Ensure you have fun and get inventive with your posts. Utilize hashtag holidays as a chance to exhibit your brand’s character by incorporating humor, trending formats, or interactive components such as polls and quizzes.
Additionally, connect with your audience by sharing user-generated content (UGC)—invite them to submit photos, stories, or ideas related to the holiday and highlight their contributions in your posts.
Repurpose past content where appropriate. For instance, if you’re observing #NationalPizzaDay, rework an old recipe post with updated visuals or align it with a trending meme for a fresh interpretation.
Note: The enjoyable essence of hashtag holidays grants an excellent opportunity to collaborate with other team members. Involve your teammates as early as possible if you’re aiming to combine efforts.
Hashtag holidays for your 2025 monthly calendar (with examples)
Here are some of our preferred hashtag holidays from 2023 and 2024 along with the brands that excelled in their execution.
January hashtag holidays
#NationalTriviaDay
As the Jeopardy of hashtag holidays, #NationalTriviaDay commemorates the day each year when individuals (and brands) can showcase their specialized knowledge. For trivia enthusiasts, January 4 is a pinnacle of their year.
In 2024, Infiniti USA engaged its Instagram audience with a fun quiz, challenging them to name as many cars featured as possible. The post received thousands of interactions from automotive fans worldwide.
Apply it: Utilize this holiday to gamify your new product introductions or brand history. Ask your community if they know how your items are made or if they recall the original title of your most prominent products. Watch the likes, replies, and solutions flow in.
#NationalHatDay
January 15 marks #NationalHatDay—a splendid moment to express your fondness for hats. It’s also a fantastic occasion to organize an interactive giveaway to ignite discussions and boost engagement.
For example, Lids celebrated #NationalHatDay with a giveaway providing branded merchandise and a gift card to one fortunate winner. The contest prompted individuals to like, tag friends, and comment—a straightforward yet effective technique to enhance engagement.
Apply it: Leverage #NationalHatDay to display your branded merchandise. Offer prizes that mirror your brand’s identity and motivate followers to participate by tagging friends or sharing personal anecdotes.
#NationalPieDay
Every January 23, individuals across the United States celebrate one of America’s favorite desserts. #NationalPieDay serves as a fitting hashtag holiday for pie shops. Yet, restaurants and food manufacturers aren’t the sole establishments that can partake in this buzz.
9GAG celebrated #NationalPieDay with a playful screenshot game. Viewers were prompted to take a screenshot of a rotating pie carousel, with the pie they landed on revealing their “pie personality.” This interactive tactic captivated their audience, transforming a basic post into a highly engaging activity.
Apply it: Are there inventive and interactive manners your product can intersect with pie? If so, explore those in your content planning.
February hashtag holidays
#NationalPizzaDay
As one of the most delightful hashtag holidays, #NationalPizzaDay on February 9 presents an ideal occasion to flaunt your melted cheese and flaky crust while rallying your customers around popular offerings.
Dominos initiated a National Pizza Day contest to engage their audience. In the comments section of the Instagram post regarding their giveaway, their most devoted fans eagerly shared their preferred pizza orders.
Apply it: Whether you’re adding pizza to your offerings or are an established chain, people love the chance to win complimentary items from your menu. Host a giveaway or contest to observe this holiday.
#GalentinesDay
While Galentine’s Day officially emerged from the show “Parks and Recreation,” February 13 has gained widespread recognition on social media as a way to celebrate friendships.
Last #GalentinesDay, KushKards featured a curated selection of pink greeting cards and gift sets ideal for honoring friendships.
Apply it: How can your products cater to best friends? Consider crafting a #GalentinesDay gift guide or sharing ideas on how to honor your bestie using your brand.
#LoveYourPetDay
Celebrated on February 20, #LoveYourPetDay is a heartfelt occasion for pet owners to showcase their cherished furry friends. It presents an uplifting moment for brands to engage with the universal affection for pets.
Last #LoveYourPetDay, Spectrum Collections highlighted their Lady and the Tramp collection. Their post showcased delightful pet-themed products, effectively tying their offering to the holiday. They also motivated followers to share pictures of their pets, offering a chance to be featured in their Instagram stories.
Apply it: Think about promoting pet-themed products, showcasing user-generated content of customer pets, or sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of employees with their pets. Make it a fun and rewarding day for your audience to engage with your brand.
March hashtag holidays
#PopcornLoversDay
#PopcornLoversDay occurs on March 10. The hashtag holiday offers popcorn aficionados a chance to savor new flavors and treats.
Hidden Valley Ranch celebrated #PopcornLoversDay by featuring an unexpected duo: popcorn and ranch. The post piqued curiosity regarding the unique pairing and generated buzz around their product.
Apply it: When celebrating #PopcornLoversDay, brands should follow Hidden Valley Ranch’s lead and associate popcorn with activities linked to their product or service.
#WorldStorytellingDay
#WorldStorytellingDay on March 20 merges an ancient tradition with a modern platform by connecting individuals through narratives.
In 2023, the co-founder of the nonprofit organization Child Arise shared an article about the impact of the world’s youngest storytellers—children. The humanitarian organization’s #WorldStorytellingDay LinkedIn post encapsulated their mission and how storytelling helps them change children’s lives globally.
Apply it: Use #WorldStorytellingDay to link your content to your mission or your brand’s history.
April hashtag holidays
#NationalSiblingsDay
Let’s celebrate siblings! #NationalSiblingsDay on April 10 honors the unique bond shared among siblings.
Some brands take the holiday literally. Last year, Southwest Airlines introduced their customers to siblings among their flight crews in this TikTok video.
Apply it: If siblings are part of your organization, contemplate highlighting them on #NationalSiblingsDay. You may also showcase other siblings such as cute animals or famous families.
#EarthDay
#EarthDay is more than just a hashtag holiday; it symbolizes the world’s largest environmental initiative. Each April 22, social media amplifies the cause, flooding feeds with content celebrating the Earth.
Grove Collaborative, a brand specializing in sustainable cleaning and personal care products, elevates #EarthDay to a new level by celebrating #EarthMonth. They organized a contest in honor of Earth Month to highlight Sustainable Superstars from their community.
Apply it: When posting about #EarthDay, ensure your content aligns with your corporate responsibility initiatives. A post lacking actionable support will not resonate. Show your audience your contributions to the cause and spotlight community members leading the charge for sustainability.
May hashtag holidays
#StarWarsDay
#Maythe4thBeWithYou—or #StarWarsDay—occurs on May 4, celebrating all things related to Star Wars. Get ready with your Baby Yoda memes and Chewbacca costumes while queuing up all 12+ films.
On #Maythe4th, LEGO collected user-generated content of their iconic LEGO Star Wars sets. The outcome was a stunning carousel that reminded fans of epic battles they could recreate at home.
Apply it: This quirky hashtag holiday may not suit every brand. However, if your audience consists of devoted Star Wars fans, they’ll appreciate your efforts to explore a galaxy far, far away. Just ensure you use the appropriate terminology and craft relevant content to avoid alienating your community.
#InternationalMuseumDay
#InternationalMuseumDay, celebrated annually on May 18, emphasizes the significance of museums in cultural exchange and education. It’s a perfect occasion to explore art, history, and innovation—whether online or in person.
In 2024, on #InternationalMuseumDay, ICOM shared a communications kit to assist museums worldwide in participating in the celebrations. Their campaign invited museums to engage with the theme by hosting events, sharing narratives, and promoting their role as knowledge centers.
Apply it: Collaborate with museums or cultural institutions to produce content that aligns with the theme. Share stories, host educational events, or spotlight museum collections to inspire your audience to acknowledge the transformative influence of museums.
June hashtag holidays
#NationalDonutDay
On the first Friday of June, we celebrate #NationalDonutDay, honoring the glazed, cream-filled delicacies.
When picturing donuts, it’s hard not to envision the sugary delights offered at Dunkin’. In 2024, the brand distributed complimentary donuts to those who bought a beverage for the day. They promoted their giveaway alongside a cheeky message to fans on social media.
Apply it: Few can resist free donuts. Hosting a donut giveaway can boost foot traffic to your store and engagement on social media. Even if you’re not a donut brand, consider teaming up with a bakery to drive foot traffic and capitalize on the holiday.
July hashtag holidays
#WorldUFODay
If you believe in extraterrestrial life, you’re in good company. Approximately 65% of Americans believe intelligent life exists beyond our planet. On July 2, social media users commemorate the quest to uncover the mysteries that lie beyond the stars with #WorldUFODay.
Even if you lack a sci-fi presence, you can still generate otherworldly content. For instance, the City of Las Vegas honored the hashtag holiday by showcasing the alien-themed attractions in their locale.
Apply it: Don’t complicate things. Identify a fun and playful approach to link your brand’s offerings to the alien phenomenon.
August hashtag holidays
#NationalLazyDay
#NationalLazyDay on August 10 is a holiday everyone can embrace. Who doesn’t crave an excuse to unwind and be cozy?
La-Z-Boy, the comfortable furniture brand, displayed how they contribute to everyday laziness. They featured videos of individuals relaxing in their elegant recliners throughout the Plaza.
Apply it: In what ways do your products/services allow customers to be “lazy”? Take inspiration from La-Z-Boy and demonstrate how you can help them unwind and enjoy a break.
#WorldPhotographyDay
Did you realize over 61,400 photos are snapped every second? #WorldPhotographyDay on August 19 offers individuals an opportunity to share their appreciation for photography.
Philanthropic pet organization Vets4Pets Cross Hands encouraged followers to post pictures of their pets based on the theme of “What’s a day like for your pet?” using the hashtag #AnEntireDay.
Apply it: If you’re a photography brand, present your company’s best photographs and invite your customers to share their favorites with you. This holiday can greatly help foster community and genuine connections.
September hashtag holidays
#NationalGrandparentsDay
On the first Sunday following Labor Day in the US, we honor our cherished grandparents on #NationalGrandparentsDay.
To commemorate the occasion, Papersource, a paper products company, shared a guide on making homemade cards for parents who have recently become grandparents. This sweet tutorial captivated and inspired their audience.
Apply it: Celebrate the hashtag holiday by offering your audience grandparent gift guides featuring your products. Alternatively, draw inspiration from Papersource’s approach and share DIY ideas.
#WomensHealthAndFitnessDay
The last Wednesday of September is marked as #WomensHealthAndFitnessDay. This hashtag holiday promotes practices that enhance women’s health and encourages them to find pleasure in movement.
To commemorate the occasion, Dr. Teal’s wellness and personal care brand produced a video focused on improving sleep cycles. The video prominently featured their Epsom salt products as ideal components in recovery routines.
Apply it: If your brand is involved in the wellness sector, allocate a moment in your content calendar for #WomensHealthAndFitnessDay. Guide your audience on utilizing your products to support their fitness journey and overall health.
October hashtag holidays
#InternationalCoffeeDay
Perhaps the most cherished hashtag holiday, #InternationalCoffeeDay on October 1 champions our shared love for coffee.
On #InternationalCoffeeDay, the U.S. State Department celebrated with a coffee break alongside their incredible team, enjoying everything from Turkish coffee to frothy espressos. Emphasizing the diversity in flavors and camaraderie, they invited others to explore opportunities to join their ranks.
Apply it: Feature coffee prominently in your content on #InternationalCoffeeDay. Transform your logo into latte art. Share moments of your team rejuvenating with a cup of coffee. Offer complimentary coffee to all visitors to your store. Give the people what they desire: coffee.
#NationalCatDay
If there’s anything pet parents cherish, it’s the chance to showcase their pets. #NationalCatDay on October 29 allows cat owners to indulge their felines with additional affection and post favorite images and videos of them.
Tocaboca celebrated #NationalCatDay by creating a video featuring all the cats in their universe. The video invited viewers to select their favorite cat and share their choice in the comments, an effortless way to engage with their audience.
Apply it: How do cats factor into your business? Do remote employees have cats that intrude on video calls? Highlight them in your next video. Moreover, with Halloween approaching, you can give your cat content a spooky twist.
November hashtag holidays
November ushers in the festive season, providing the perfect opportunity to explore holiday hashtags. Utilize these trending tags to join the festivities and engage your audience!
#GivingTuesday
#GivingTuesday falls on the Tuesday after Black Friday, when people redirect their spending towards nonprofits.
On #GivingTuesday, The Ottawa Mission teamed up with @dymonselfstorage, which illuminated its facilities in green to symbolize hope, health, and fresh starts. DYMON matched donations made on December 2 and 3 and committed to provide a meal for each share of their post, urging the community to unite to support those experiencing homelessness.
Apply it: Unless your organization is a nonprofit or you’re collaborating with one, refrain from promoting your content on #GivingTuesday. Instead, amplify and create space for organizations serving communities in need.
December hashtag holidays
December brims with festive cheer, providing the ideal moment to leverage popular Christmas holiday hashtags like #MerryChristmas and #ChristmasEve for meaningful engagement. Explore additional popular holiday hashtags outlined below.
#NationalCupcakeDay
Who can resist cupcakes? Observed on December 15, #NationalCupcakeDay is a fantastic holiday for bakeries, food brands, and even lifestyle businesses to interact with their audience in a playful manner.
Wilton took advantage of this occasion to feature their best-selling cake decorating products and prompted followers to explore the recipes through a link in their bio. Their inventive cupcakes intrigued viewers, leading to thousands of engagements on and off social media.
Apply it: Share festive cupcake recipes, host cupcake decorating contests, or provide special discounts. Sweeten the day by engaging your audience and showcasing your innovative spirit!
#Festivus
Although “Seinfeld” has long concluded, it continues to influence pop culture. In the show, the character George Constanza’s family observed #Festivus as an alternative to Christmas. Since then, December 23 has become a holiday season hashtag celebrated by Seinfeld enthusiasts.
The Mets participated in the #Festivus revelry on Instagram, sharing a light-hearted post proclaiming, “Festivus is your heritage, George. Happy Festivus!” The caption evoked nostalgic humor from the Seinfeld-inspired holiday, engaging their followers with a clever reference to pop culture.
Apply it: If your community is rich with Seinfeld fans, carve out a spot in your holiday content calendar for #Festivus. Ensure you reference holiday traditions like displaying an aluminum pole and the airing of grievances.
What’s next for your content in 2025
With insights into the upcoming hashtag holidays for 2025, it’s time to begin strategizing. Always remain authentic to your brand by choosing relevant hashtags that enhance a stronger connection with your target audience.
Utilize our 30-day social media plan template to make sure your social media content aligns with your community’s interests and contributes to overall business value. By completing just one task each day for the next 30 days, you can entirely transform your social content.
The post Hashtag holidays that need to be part of your strategy in 2025 appeared first on Sprout Social.
Recent Comments