Holidays don’t always have to be serious or boring. Some are downright weird or oddly specific. We rounded up 10 of the quirkiest national holidays that’ll make you laugh, scratch your head, or maybe mark your calendar.
10. National Rubber Ducky Day (January 13)
That squeaky friend from your childhood bath time has its own day of recognition, thanks to Sesame Street. The holiday marks the official birthday of Ernie’s toy, Rubber Duckie, according to a 1973 calendar. While the rubber duck was patented in 1949 by sculptor Peter Ganine, it was Ernie’s catchy song that cemented this toy as a cultural icon.
9. National Wiggle Your Toes Day (August 6)
Give your often-neglected toes the freedom they deserve! Founded in 2013 by humorist Jace Shoemaker-Galloway, this day encourages you to let your feet out of their shoe-prisons. Wiggling your toes isn’t just silly fun; it improves circulation and supports oxygen flow, which benefits your heart and lung health. So kick off your shoes and let those digits dance!
8. National Nothing Day (January 16)
In a world that demands constant action, this holiday offers a radical alternative: do nothing. Created in 1972 by journalist Harold Pullman Coffin, National Nothing Day is an “un-event” designed to give Americans a break from the constant cycle of celebration and observation. There are no parades, no special meals, and no required activities. It’s a day to simply exist without any obligations.
7. Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19)
This parodic holiday began as an inside joke between two friends, John Baur and Mark Summers, after a racquetball game in 1995. One of them shouted “Aaarrr!” in pain, and an idea was born. It gained fame after humor columnist Dave Barry promoted it in 2002. The date, September 19, was chosen simply because it was one of the founder’s ex-wife’s birthdays and thus easy to remember.
6. Thomas Crapper Day (January 27)
While he didn’t invent the flush toilet, Thomas Crapper was a pivotal figure in the history of modern plumbing. This day marks the anniversary of his death in 1910. An accomplished English plumber and businessman, Crapper held nine patents for plumbing innovations and, perhaps most importantly, was the first to display his wares in a showroom, making toilets a household commodity.
5. National Handcuff Day (February 20)
This day commemorates the moment modern law enforcement changed forever. On February 20, 1912, George A. Carney was granted a patent for his “swinging bow ratchet-type” handcuff. This design was lightweight, adjustable, and easy to use, and it remains the standard for law enforcement worldwide over a century later.
4. Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day (Last Monday of January)
That satisfying pop has its own day of honor. Invented in 1957 by Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes, bubble wrap was originally intended to be a textured wallpaper. When that failed, they tried marketing it as greenhouse insulation. Its true calling was found when IBM began using it to protect its computers during shipping.
3. Festival for the Souls of Dead Whales (December 10)
This somber, unusual holiday serves as a memorial for all whales that have died due to whaling and other destructive human activities. Observed annually on December 10, it’s a day for reflection on the history of whaling, the impact of pollution, and the need for marine conservation. It’s a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect the ocean’s gentle giants.
2. International Sword Swallowers Day (Last Saturday in February)
This day honors the ancient and dangerous art of sword swallowing. Founded in 2007 by sword swallower Dan Meyer, the day raises awareness for the medical contributions of these performers. It’s a celebration of a bizarre skill that has surprisingly advanced modern medicine.
1. Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day (February 18)
Topping our list is the incredible true story of Elm Farm Ollie, the first cow to fly in an airplane. On February 18, 1930, this Guernsey cow was flown 72 miles over St. Louis as a publicity stunt for the International Aircraft Exposition. The goal was to demonstrate the safety and stability of air travel during the Great Depression. Not only did she fly, but she was also milked mid-air, with the milk parachuted down to spectators below.