For Developers Holiday Deals For Business
National Doughnut Week

May 16-24

National Doughnut Week

Indulge in the sweet delight of National Doughnut Week! It's the perfect excuse to enjoy a doughnut (or two) every day.

Observed in
United Kingdom
Category
Food
Subcategory
Desserts & Cakes
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

Let's sprinkle some sweetness into our lives with National Doughnut Week starting on May 18! Mark your calendars, as this is the week that we formally pay homage to this sweet, fluffy, and totally irresistible circular pastry that has been making our taste buds dance with joy since the 19th century. Originating in the United States, doughnuts have transformed and taken on different forms across the globe. Whether you're a fan of the classic ring doughnut, sugar-dusted, filled, or the ever-so-popular glazed variety, this week provides the perfect opportunity to indulge without guilt. Let's celebrate the sugary goodness that has brought sheer delight to people all over the world for centuries!

National Doughnut Week Timeline

1800s
Origin of Doughnuts
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, doughnuts, namely olykoeks or "oily cakes", made their way to America with Dutch settlers.
1847
Creation of Ring Doughnuts
American sailor Hanson Gregory claimed to have invented the ring-shaped doughnut by punching a hole in the center with the ship's tin pepper box.
1934
First Doughnut Chain
The Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation was founded by Vernon Rudolph, setting up the stage for doughnut chains in the United States.
1989
Start of Doughnut Week UK
National Doughnut Week started in the UK as a fundraiser event for children’s charities by baker Christopher Freeman.
2001
National Doughnut Day
National Doughnut Day, celebrated on the first Friday of June, was established by The Salvation Army in Chicago to honor the "Donut Lassies" who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I.

How to Celebrate National Doughnut Week

1

Bake your own doughnuts

Make a special memory in the kitchen by baking your own doughnuts at home. Experiment with flavors, fillings, and toppings to create your very own signature doughnut.

2

Embark on a doughnut tour

Take the week to visit local bakeries and doughnut shops. Discover the diverse varieties each shop offers and find your new favorite doughnut..

3

Host a doughnut tasting party

Invite friends and family for a fun-filled doughnut tasting party. Ask each guest to bring a different kind of doughnut, then feast on the sugary goodness together.

4

Donate doughnuts

Spread the sweet joy of National Doughnut Week by donating boxes of doughnuts to a local charity, school, hospital, or law enforcement station.

5

Throw a doughnut themed party

Celebrate the week with a doughnut themed party. Have doughnut decor, doughnut-shaped balloons and party games related to doughnuts.

Why We Love National Doughnut Week

A

Unleashes Our Creativity

Whether you're baking your own doughnuts at home or organizing a doughnut-themed party, National Doughnut Week sparks creativity. From the wide variety of flavors, fillings, and toppings, to decor and doughnut games, this week encourages us to get inventive.

B

Introduces Us to New Varieties

This sweet week serves as a passport to the world of doughnuts as we embark on doughnut tours around local bakeries and shops. It's a chance to explore new flavors, styles, and find our next favorite treat.

C

Spreads Happiness

Doughnuts are synonymous with joy and what's better than spreading this sweetness during National Doughnut Week? Through donations to local charities or sharing them with friends at a tasting party, this holiday brings cheer to everyone involved.

Holiday Dates

Year
Date
Day