February Holidays, National Days & Observances
February may be the shortest month, but it is packed with reasons to celebrate. From Valentine's Day and Groundhog Day to Black History Month, international observances, food days, cultural traditions and delightfully unusual national days, there is something to discover almost every day.
Holiday Helper note: Some observances are official holidays, while others are cultural, religious, awareness-based or unofficial fun days. Dates for movable observances can change from year to year.
Major February Holidays & Observances
February 1: National Freedom Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the resolution that later became the 13th Amendment.
February: Black History Month honors Black history, achievement, culture and contributions.
February 2: Groundhog Day is a beloved North American tradition centered on a groundhog's supposed weather prediction.
February 14: Valentine's Day celebrates love, affection and friendship.
Third Monday: Washington's Birthday is the official name of the U.S. federal holiday widely called Presidents' Day.
February 21: International Mother Language Day is a United Nations observance promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.
February Observances That Move
Several important February observances change dates each year. These are best treated as movable rather than permanently attached to one numbered date.
- Washington's Birthday / Presidents' Day: third Monday in February.
- Lunar New Year: date changes annually according to the lunar calendar.
- Ramadan: begins on a different Gregorian date each year.
- Mardi Gras / Shrove Tuesday: changes according to the Christian liturgical calendar.
- Ash Wednesday: changes each year and begins Lent in many Christian traditions.
- Rare Disease Day: observed on the last day of February.
Looking ahead: In 2027, Lunar New Year falls on February 6, Ramadan begins around February 8, Mardi Gras is February 9, Ash Wednesday is February 10, and Washington's Birthday is February 15.
29 Days of February Celebrations
Browse the daily list below for major holidays, international observances, food days, unusual celebrations and more.
February 1
February opens with National Freedom Day and the beginning of Black History Month, making the first day of the month both celebratory and reflective.
- National Freedom Day
- First Day of Black History Month
- National Baked Alaska Day
- National Dark Chocolate Day
- National Serpent Day
- Change Your Password Day
February 2
Groundhog Day brings one of February's most playful traditions, while World Wetlands Day highlights the importance of wetlands around the globe.
- Groundhog Day
- World Wetlands Day
- National Tater Tot Day
- National Hedgehog Day
February 3
- National Girls and Women in Sports Day
- National Carrot Cake Day
- National Golden Retriever Day
- National Women Physicians Day
February 4
- World Cancer Day
- International Day of Human Fraternity
- National Homemade Soup Day
- National Thank a Mail Carrier Day
February 5
- World Nutella Day
- National Weatherperson's Day
- National Chocolate Fondue Day
February 6
- International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation
- National Frozen Yogurt Day
- National Chopsticks Day
February 7
- National Send a Card to a Friend Day
- National Periodic Table Day
- National Fettuccine Alfredo Day
February 8
- National Kite Flying Day
- National Boy Scout Day
February 9
- National Pizza Day
- National Toothache Day
- Read in the Bathtub Day
February 10
- World Pulses Day
- International Day of the Arabian Leopard
- National Umbrella Day
February 11
- International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- National Inventors' Day
- National Peppermint Patty Day
February 12
- Lincoln's Birthday
- International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism
- National Plum Pudding Day
February 13
- World Radio Day
- Galentine's Day
- National Tortellini Day
February 14
Valentine's Day is February's signature celebration of love and affection, with traditions ranging from cards and flowers to candy, dinners and thoughtful gestures.
- Valentine's Day
- National Ferris Wheel Day
- National Cream-Filled Chocolates Day
February 15
- Nirvana Day
- National Gumdrop Day
- Singles Awareness Day
February 16
- National Almond Day
- Do a Grouch a Favor Day
February 17
- Global Tourism Resilience Day
- Random Acts of Kindness Day
- National Cabbage Day
February 18
- National Drink Wine Day
- National Battery Day
February 19
- National Chocolate Mint Day
- National Lash Day
February 20
- World Day of Social Justice
- National Love Your Pet Day
- National Cherry Pie Day
February 21
- International Mother Language Day
- National Sticky Bun Day
February 22
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. The U.S. federal holiday commonly called Presidents' Day is officially Washington's Birthday and is observed on the third Monday in February.
- George Washington's Birthday
- National Margarita Day
- National Cook a Sweet Potato Day
February 23
- National Banana Bread Day
- National Dog Biscuit Day
- National Tile Day
February 24
- National Tortilla Chip Day
- National Trading Card Day
February 25
- National Chocolate-Covered Nut Day
- National Clam Chowder Day
February 26
- National Pistachio Day
- Tell a Fairy Tale Day
February 27
- National Strawberry Day
- National Polar Bear Day
- No Brainer Day
February 28
- National Chocolate Soufflé Day
- National Floral Design Day
- Rare Disease Day (often observed on the last day of February)
February 29
February 29 appears only in leap years, adding one rare extra day to the calendar every four years in most cases.
- Leap Day
- Rare Disease Day (when February has 29 days)
More Ways to Celebrate February
February may be short, but its calendar is filled with opportunities to celebrate, learn and make winter a little more colorful. Valentine's Day invites handmade cards, sweet treats, thoughtful gifts and special meals, while Groundhog Day brings weather-themed fun and a little midwinter whimsy.
Black History Month offers opportunities to learn about Black history, culture, achievements and contributions throughout the month. February's calendar also includes international and cultural observances that invite families to discover traditions, languages, foods and stories from around the world.
For something lighter, try a new soup recipe, bake a favorite chocolate dessert, send a card to a friend, fly a kite, make a fairy-tale craft or celebrate a beloved pet. From meaningful commemorations to wonderfully unusual national days, February proves that even the shortest month can hold plenty of reasons to celebrate.
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