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National Hot Chocolate Day

January 31

National Hot Chocolate Day

Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day with a warm mug of the sweetest hot chocolate - it's the perfect beverage for a cold winter day!

Yearly Date
January 31
Observed in
United States
Category
Food
Subcategory
Chocolate
Holiday Calendar
Last updated February 7, 2026 by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day on January 31! This delicious, creamy beverage has been around since as far back as the Mayans, who made a spicy version of hot chocolate with chili peppers, cornmeal and water. Since then it's evolved into the sweet treat we all know and love today. Whether you like yours topped with marshmallows or whipped cream - or both! - there’s sure to be something for everyone this National Hot Chocolate Day.

National Hot Chocolate Day Timeline

2000 BC
Origin of Chocolate
The earliest evidence of chocolate, in the form of residues found in an ancient ceremonial pot, dates back to the Olmec civilization in Mexico.
17th Century
Hot Chocolate in Europe
Hot Chocolate was introduced to the French court by Anne of Austria in the 17th century and soon became popular throughout Europe.
1828
Cocoa Press Invention
Coenraad Van Houten invented the hydraulic cocoa press, which led to the production of cocoa powder and made it easier to produce hot chocolate.
20th Century
Hot Chocolate Commercialized
During the 20th century, companies like Nestlé and Cadbury began selling hot chocolate powder commercially, making the beverage more accessible to households around the world.
2000s
Gourmet Hot Chocolate Trends
Gourmet hot chocolate started to become popular, with specialty stores and cafes offering a wide range of flavors and variations of the classic hot chocolate.
2017
National Hot Chocolate Day
National Hot Chocolate Day began to be recognized by various sources, allowing us to celebrate the beverage nationwide on January 31st.

How to Celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day

1

Make your own hot chocolate

Take some dark chocolate and melt it over a low heat with a little bit of milk. Then top it off with some marshmallows, whipped cream, or cinnamon.

2

Go out for hot chocolate

Head to your favorite cafe or coffee shop and try out their special hot chocolate concoctions. You may be surprised by what you find!

3

Have a hot chocolate party

Invite your friends over for a night of hot chocolate tasting. Ask everyone to bring their favorite ingredients, and let the taste testing begin!

4

Create custom mugs

Decorate plain white mugs with permanent markers, paint pens, or sharpies and make them your own. Then fill them up with hot cocoa and enjoy!

5

Share the warmth

Take some time to make hot chocolate for those in need. Visit a local shelter or soup kitchen and offer up your warm beverage.

Why We Love National Hot Chocolate Day

A

It's the perfect comfort drink

On a cold winter day, nothing beats a warm cup of hot chocolate in your hands. The rich, creamy drink is like a hug in a mug, and it's the perfect way to warm up and unwind after a long day.

B

It's customizable

Hot chocolate is a versatile drink that you can make your own. Add in some marshmallows, whipped cream, or even a splash of your favorite liquor for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different types of chocolate, like dark or white, for a unique flavor experience.

C

It's a holiday to indulge

National Hot Chocolate Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in a rich, decadent treat without feeling guilty. So go ahead and treat yourself to that extra marshmallow or dollop of whipped cream - you deserve it!

Holiday Dates

Year Date Day
2023 Tuesday
2024 Wednesday
2025 Friday
2026 Saturday
2027 Sunday