11 saved#4,943 of 6,224

National Game & Puzzle Week

Get ready to sharpen your mind and have some fun during National Game & Puzzle Week - there's something for everyone, from classic board games to challenging puzzles!

Friday

20–26

November 2026

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

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATENovember 20-26

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYGaming

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to exercise your brain and have some fun during National Game & Puzzle Week, starting on November 20! This week-long celebration has been around since the early 1980s and encourages people of all ages to take a break from their screens and engage in some good old-fashioned games and puzzles. From classic board games to challenging jigsaw puzzles, there's something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends and family, turn off your devices, and let the fun begin!

TIMELINE

National Game & Puzzle Week Timeline

Birth of Modern Board Games

The first board games, resembling modern ones, started to emerge, inaugurating a new way of entertainment.

Invention of Jigsaw Puzzles

The jigsaw puzzle was invented by John Spilsbury, an English cartographer and engraver.

Monopoly Game Released

One of the most famous board games, Monopoly, was first introduced by Parker Brothers.

Scrabble Enters the Market

Scrabble, one of the most popular word games today, was introduced to the public.

First National Game & Puzzle Week

The first National Game & Puzzle Week was celebrated in early 1980s, encouraging more people to engage in board games and puzzles.

Board Games & Puzzles Resurgence

In the 2010s, board games and puzzles saw a resurgence in popularity with the advent of gaming cafes and the trend of "unplugging" to enjoy offline entertainment.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Game & Puzzle Week

Host a game night

Invite friends and family over for a fun night of board games and puzzles. Have a variety of games and puzzles to choose from and enjoy some friendly competition.

CREATE

Create your own puzzle

Get creative and make your own puzzle using a favorite photo or design. This is a great activity for both kids and adults, and the finished product can be a unique keepsake.

ATTEND

Attend a puzzle or game convention

Check online for local conventions or events centered around games and puzzles. This is a great way to meet other enthusiasts and discover new games and puzzles to try.

CHALLENGE

Challenge yourself with a difficult puzzle

Put your skills to the test and try a challenging puzzle, such as a 1000-piece jigsaw or a Rubik's cube. This is a great way to exercise your brain and have fun at the same time.

DONATE

Donate puzzles to a local charity or nursing home

Spread the joy of puzzles by donating some to those who may not have access to them. Contact local charities or nursing homes to see if they are in need of puzzles and games.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Game & Puzzle Week

It provides a break from technology

In today's digital world, it's easy to get lost in screens and ignore the world around us. National Game & Puzzle Week encourages us to unplug and have some analog fun. It's a perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology and reconnect with others.

It brings people together

National Game & Puzzle Week is the perfect time to gather with friends and family and enjoy some quality time together. Board games, card games, and puzzles provide a fun and entertaining way to bond and create lasting memories with loved ones.

It challenges our brains

Games and puzzles require critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategizing - making them great exercises for our brains. Taking part in National Game & Puzzle Week can help keep our minds sharp and improve cognitive skills as we age.

Related holidays

FRI

Jan 2026

Pop Culture

National Puzzle Day

Put your thinking caps on and get ready to celebrate National Puzzle Day! Enjoy hours of fun with family-friendly puzzles and games.

National Play Games with Your Family Day

Relationship and family observance on October 31 to encourage families to play games together and strengthen household bonds through shared recreation.

Pop CultureMonth-long

International Brain Teaser Month

Get ready to exercise your brain and have some fun - it's International Brain Teaser Month! Challenge yourself with puzzles, riddles, and mind-bending games.

Games Day

Gather your friends and family for a fun-filled Games Day - compete, laugh, and have an amazing day of play!

114Read

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M

Monthly readers

5K+

Holidays tracked

Holiday Calendar for Brands Developer API