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Dry January

Start the New Year with a healthier lifestyle - join Dry January and make this your healthiest year yet!

Friday

1–31

January 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEAll of January

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYHealth

SUBCATEGORYWellness

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Welcome to Dry January on Jan. 1! This is the perfect time of year to challenge yourself to a month without alcohol and reap all the benefits that come with it. The term 'Dry January' originated with Emily Robinson, a young woman who abstained from alcohol for a month to enhance her preparation for her debut half marathon. It eventually was trademarked by Alcohol Change UK, and has become an international phenomenon since then, with many people around the world taking part every year. It's also a great way to kick off the new year by resetting your body and mind, improving your sleep quality, boosting your energy levels, and even saving some money! So why not give it a go and make this Dry January one to remember?

TIMELINE

Dry January Timeline

Introduction of Dry January

Emily Robinson decides to give up alcohol for a month before running a half marathon. She enjoys the benefits and shares her experience, leading to the creation of Dry January.

Alcohol Change UK's Involvement

The UK charity Alcohol Change UK begins to involve in Dry January, helping to promote the initiative and encouraging more people to participate.

First Large-scale Promotion

Alcohol Change UK launches its first large-scale promotion of Dry January, reaching 4 million people in the UK.

Dry January App Launch

The first Dry January app is released providing support, tips, and benefits of the campaign to participants.

Growing Participation

By 2020, Dry January was recognized globally with millions of participants across different countries.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Dry January

Make mocktails

Mocktails are a great way to get the same taste and feel of a cocktail without the alcohol. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of juices, syrups and garnishes.

TRY

Try new teas

Tea is a great non-alcoholic way to relax and enjoy. There are thousands of different varieties of tea and herbal blends to choose from. Try something new!

HOST

Host a game night

Gather your friends for an evening of fun and games. There are so many board games, card games, and party games to choose from, you'll never be bored.

CREATE

Create a Dry January challenge

Challenge yourself and your friends to complete one or more Dry January activities such as trying out new recipes, reading a new book, or learning a new language.

ORGANIZE

Organize a potluck dinner

Get friends and family together for a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite food dish and beverage. It can be a great way to celebrate the season without alcohol.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Dry January is Important

It enhances mental wellbeing

Declining an alcoholic beverage may also lead to mental and emotional improvements such as reduced anxiety and improved mood. Additionally, detoxing from alcohol can have a positive effect on psychological functioning, enabling people to think more clearly and objectively about the decisions they make in their lives.

It promotes sobriety

One of the main benefits of Dry January is that it encourages people to reconsider their relationship with alcohol. Taking a break and seeing what life is like without it can help individuals gain perspective and awareness about how drinking affects them both physically and mentally.

It improves physical health

Going alcohol-free for one month has numerous benefits to overall health, including weight loss, improved sleep patterns, increased energy levels, clearer skin and better digestion. In addition, abstaining from drinking can help to reduce the risk of hypertension and heart disease over time.

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