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National Hug a Bear Day

Give your favorite stuffed animal a big hug - it's National Hug a Bear Day! Share the love and spread the joy with hugs for everyone.

Saturday

November 2026

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

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YEARLY DATENovember 7

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFun

SUBCATEGORYSilly

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Hug a Bear Day on Nov. 7 by giving your favorite teddy bear an extra special hug! This day was created to honor the beloved stuffed animals that have been providing comfort and joy to children of all ages for centuries. Whether it's a big grizzly or a tiny panda, these cuddly companions are sure to put smiles on faces and warm hearts everywhere!

TIMELINE

National Hug a Bear Day Timeline

Teddy Bear Origin

The Teddy Bear, named after President Theodore Roosevelt, was created by Morris Michtom and has since served as a symbol of comfort and joy.

Winnie-the-Pooh is Born

Alan Alexander Milne's creates Winnie-the-Pooh, a beloved anthropomorphic teddy bear character in children's books.

Smokey Bear's Rise to Fame

Smokey Bear becomes a famous icon promoting fire safety messages and is often celebrated during National Hug a Bear day.

Care Bears Debut

Care Bears, colourful plush bears each with a unique belly badge representing their duty and personality, were introduced by American Greetings.

Bear Hugs for Healing

In the 2000s, hospitals and charities regularly began using teddy bears to comfort children undergoing medical procedures or experiencing trauma.

National Hug a Bear Day

The 2010s marked a period when National Hug a Bear Day really gained popularity, celebrated annually on November 7th as a day to appreciate our beloved stuffed animals.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Hug a Bear Day

Go to the zoo

Take a trip to your local zoo and get up close and personal with some of the animals. You can actually hug some of the animals, like the koalas!

ADOPT

Adopt a plush bear

Head to your local store and pick out a plush bear to adopt and hug all year round. You can even name it and make it part of the family.

HAVE

Have a teddy bear picnic

Gather up your teddy bears and head outside for an afternoon picnic. Enjoy sandwiches, drinks, and snacks while having conversations with your favorite stuffed animals.

ORGANIZE

Organize a bear drive

Organize a drive in your community to collect teddy bears for those in need. Donate them to homeless shelters or hospitals so people can have something to hug.

WATCH

Watch a bear movie

Snuggle up with some popcorn and watch The Bear or Brother Bear for some cuddly fun on National Hug a Bear Day.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Hug a Bear Day

Bear hugs make us happy

Who doesn't feel happier after getting an adorable bear hug? When we embrace our fuzzy friends, it helps us relax and connect with something larger than ourselves. Not to mention it's just plain fun! So why not take advantage of National Hug a Bear Day and do something nice for yourself (or your favorite teddy bear)?

Hugs are comforting

What better way to show someone you care than by giving them a hug? Hugs have been shown to reduce stress, boost self-confidence and even alleviate physical pain. A hug from a bear can do all that plus give you an extra dose of warmth and security!

Bears are cuddly

Who doesn't love to snuggle up with a bear? With their soft fur and big eyes, they’re practically made for hugs! Plus, the fact that they're so much bigger than humans means you can get a really good, tight squeeze - it's perfect for when you want some extra comfort!