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International Tea Day

Celebrate International Tea Day with a cup of your favorite tea - enjoy its health benefits and calming effects while sipping away!

Tuesday

December 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEDecember 15

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYCoffee

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

International Tea Day on Dec. 15 is an exciting day to celebrate one of the world's most beloved beverages! Tea has been around for thousands of years, and it was originally used as a medicinal drink by ancient cultures in South Asia and China. Today, tea is popular all over the world, with many different varieties like green tea, black tea, oolong tea and more. So grab your favorite cup of tea and join in on this special celebration!

TIMELINE

International Tea Day Timeline

Discovery of Tea

Legend states that Chinese Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water.

Tea in Tang Dynasty

During China's Tang dynasty, tea became a popular drink and was also used in religious offerings.

Tea Reaches Europe

Tea began to be imported to Europe by Portuguese and Dutch traders.

Tea in England

Thomas Garway, the first English tea dealer, began selling tea in England, aiding its rise in popularity.

First Tea Plantations in India

The British East India Company established tea plantations in Assam, India, beginning the large scale production of tea.

International Tea Day Established

International Tea Day was first observed in Delhi, India, and has been celebrated annually on December 15th since then.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Tea Day

Brew your own tea

Take the time to steep a cup of tea in the traditional way. Choose some favorite herbs, fruits, and spices, heat up some water and enjoy.

HOST

Host a tea party

Invite friends over for an afternoon of tea sampling. Ask everyone to bring their favorite type of tea and snacks to share. Make it a festive occasion with decorations and music.

EXPLORE

Explore new types of tea

Go to your local specialty food store or an Asian market and explore all the different types of teas available. Discover what you like and create unique blends.

VISIT

Visit a tea house

Take some time to relax with friends at a local tea house. Enjoy the atmosphere, sip on cups of delicious tea, and sample light bites.

TRY

Try bubble tea

Bubble tea is a popular drink that originated in Taiwan that contains sweetened iced tea mixed with milk, sugar, and chewy tapioca balls or boba. Try it for yourself at your local bubble tea shop.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love International Tea Day

Tea offers variety

From green and black teas to herbal and floral blends, there are so many different types of tea out there! Trying new blends can help you discover exciting flavors as well as explore unique cultures from around the world.

Tea is healthy

Drinking tea on a regular basis has been linked to improved heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and an increased immunity. Plus, it contains antioxidants that can help your body fight off diseases and infections.

Tea is comforting

Nothing beats the soothing effects of a cup of hot tea. Whether you're calming down from a stressful day or trying to stay warm during the colder months, tea can be just what you need to relax and unwind.