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National Colby Day

Get ready to indulge in all things cheesy on National Colby Day - from mac and cheese to grilled cheese, it's time to celebrate this delicious dairy delight!

Friday

December 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEDecember 25

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYCheese

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Colby Day on Dec. 25! This holiday may not be as well-known as Christmas, but it's a special day for all the cheese lovers out there. Colby cheese was first created in Wisconsin in the late 1800s and has since become a beloved type of cheddar cheese known for its mild and creamy flavor. On this day, people can indulge in their favorite cheesy dishes or try new recipes featuring Colby cheese. And what better way to spread some holiday cheer than with a deliciously cheesy celebration?

TIMELINE

National Colby Day Timeline

Invention of Colby Cheese

Joseph F. Steinwand developed the original recipe for Colby cheese in Colby, Wisconsin, USA.

Colby Cheese Commercialization

By the late 1890s, Colby cheese began to be mass-produced and distributed beyond Wisconsin.

Colby Joins Ration Packs

During World War II, Colby cheese became a staple in ration packs for soldiers due to its hardiness and nutritional value.

Colby in Fast Food Chains

Fast food chains started using Colby cheese in their menu items, contributing to its widespread recognition and popularity.

Artisanal Colby Cheese Renaissance

A rise in artisanal cheesemaking in the early 2000s brought renewed attention to traditional Colby cheese, enhancing its prestige.

National Colby Day Establishment

In 2014, National Colby Day was established to celebrate this versatile and beloved cheese on December 25.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Colby Day

Make your own Colby cheese

Try your hand at making your own Colby cheese by following a simple recipe online. This is a fun and unique way to celebrate National Colby Day while also learning a new skill.

HAVE

Have a Colby cheese tasting party

Gather some friends and family and have a Colby cheese tasting party! Purchase different types of Colby cheese from various brands and see which one everyone likes the best.

CREATE

Create Colby cheese inspired dishes

Get creative in the kitchen and come up with unique dishes that incorporate Colby cheese. From mac and cheese to grilled cheese sandwiches, the possibilities are endless.

VISIT

Visit a local dairy farm

Take a trip to a local dairy farm and learn about the process of making Colby cheese. You may even get to sample some fresh cheese straight from the source.

HOST

Host a Colby cheese themed game night

Invite friends over for a game night and make it all about Colby cheese! Play cheesy games like charades or create a trivia game with fun facts about Colby cheese.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Colby Day

It's a chance to try new recipes with colby cheese.

On National Colby Day, step out of your comfort zone and experiment with new recipes featuring colby cheese. Maybe you'll discover a new family favorite or a creative new dish to impress your friends!

It's a celebration of the delicious cheese itself.

National Colby Day is all about celebrating one of the most beloved and versatile cheeses - colby! Whether you like it shaved, sliced or grated, this mild and creamy cheese is sure to please your taste buds.

Colby is perfect for snacking or cooking.

Colby cheese can be enjoyed in so many different ways. Eat it on its own as a quick snack, or add it to sandwiches, burgers, soups, mac and cheese - the possibilities are endless! Plus, it melts beautifully, making it a great addition to any dish.

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