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Crate Day

Prost! It's Crate Day! Crack open a cold one from the crate, and let good times and camaraderie abound. Never a dull moment on Crate Day!

Saturday

December 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFirst Saturday in December

OBSERVED INNew Zealand

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYAlcohol

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Pop the tops and let the good times roll, because Crate Day is here on December 3! Originating in New Zealand, this unique holiday encourages folks to share a crate of beverages with good friends and even better conversation. The tradition started in 2009 as a radio promotion and has since evolved into an anticipated annual tradition that's spread far beyond its Kiwi beginnings. So, whether you're digging into a crate of local brews or sampling an import, Crate Day is all about camaraderie, good cheer, and enjoying the simple pleasure of a shared drink with friends. Cheers to Crate Day!

TIMELINE

Crate Day Timeline

Inception of Crate Day

Crate Day originated as a radio promotion in New Zealand to encourage camaraderie and merriment by sharing a crate of beverages.

First Nationwide Celebration

The holiday received recognition across the nation and was widely celebrated with a large public event in Auckland.

International Recognition

By 2011, Crate Day had spread beyond New Zealand's shores reaching Australia, solidifying it as an internationally recognized celebration.

Crate Day Traditions Form

Crate Day saw established match-side discussions and outdoor festivities as regular traditions by 2014.

Growing Popularity

Despite early controversy, the celebration continued to grow with Crate Day events being held worldwide.

Virtual Crate Day

Due to global pandemic, many enthusiasts celebrated Crate Day virtually, maintaining the spirit of camaraderie.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Crate Day

Host a Crate Day party

Utilise this fun-filled holiday as an excuse to invite friends over for a Crate Day party. Remember, the goal of the day is camaraderie and good cheer. Ask every guest to bring a crate of their favorite beverages. Swap stories, laughter, and create memories with friends over chilled drinks.

START

Start a crate exchange

Let the spirit of sharing thrive even more by organizing a crate exchange. You and a group of friends can each purchase a crate of an interesting or unique beverage, then take turns trading until everyone has something new to try. This will not only amplify the fun of the celebration but also allow everyone to taste various drinks.

TAKE

Take a microbrewery tour

What better way to appreciate the crate of drinks you are sharing than by understanding how they are made? Book a tour at a local microbrewery and discover the intricate process involved in crafting these tasty beverages. Purchase a crate directly from the brewery for an authentic, local flavor to your Crate Day.

CREATE

Create a crate day playlist

Music can set the mood for any occasion, and Crate Day should be no exception. Invite all your friends to contribute to a Crate Day playlist. Choose songs reminiscent of good times, shared memories, or simply tunes that everyone enjoys. Then, as you enjoy your beverages, let the music keep the good vibes flowing.

ORGANIZE

Organize a drink tasting competition

Put a twist on the celebrations by organizing a friendly competition. Let your friends rate their favorite drinks in terms of flavor, color, texture, and aftertaste. This fun activity not only brings entertainment but also, everyone gets to learn the art of drink tasting.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Crate Day

It's a day for appreciating beverages

Whether you're a fan of local brews or exotic imports, Crate Day invites you to celebrate your love for various beverages. There's the added bonus of potentially discovering new favorites through crate exchanges or drink tasting competitions. It's a day of discovery and a treat for beverage enthusiasts.

It's a social event

Crate Day is all about camaraderie and good cheer. It encourages people to gather with their friends, share a crate of drinks and create memorable moments. The focus on community and togetherness is one of the reasons why we love Crate Day!

It promotes the joy of sharing

Crate Day provides an excellent opportunity to cultivate the spirit of sharing. Whether it's by exchanging crates, swapping stories, or sharing drinks, it gives everyone a chance to partake in a give-and-take experience which enhances bonding and relationships.