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National Poinsettia Day

Make National Poinsettia Day special this year - fill your home with the festive colors of poinsettias and enjoy the beauty of these blooms!

Saturday

December 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEDecember 12

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSeasonal

SUBCATEGORYWinter

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day on December 12 by bringing a little bit of festive cheer into your home with this beautiful flower! The poinsettia is native to Mexico and has been around for centuries. It became popular in the United States after it was introduced by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first United States Ambassador to Mexico in 1825. Since then, it has become a popular symbol of Christmas and the holiday season. So why not brighten up your home with this iconic flower?

TIMELINE

National Poinsettia Day Timeline

Poinsettia Introduced to U.S.

Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico, introduced the poinsettia plant to the United States.

Establishment of National Poinsettia Day

Congress established National Poinsettia Day, commemorating the death of Poinsett and his introduction of the plant to the U.S.

Poinsettia Commercial Cultivation

Commercial cultivation of poinsettias begins in California under the Paul Ecke family, making the plant widely available for consumers.

Christmas Legend Creation

The Mexican Christmas legend of the poinsettia becomes popular, enhancing the plant's association with Christmas and the holiday season.

Expanded Poinsettia Varieties

New varieties of poinsettia, including those with pink, white, and multi-color leaves, become commercially available, increasing its appeal.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Poinsettia Day

Grow poinsettias

Poinsettias are beautiful plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors depending on the climate. Plant some in your garden or buy a few potted plants to put in your home.

CREATE

Create a poinsettia centerpiece

Create a lovely poinsettia centerpiece for your dining table. Use fresh or artificial poinsettias, pinecones, and other festive items to make a beautiful display.

MAKE

Make poinsettia crafts

Get creative and make some poinsettia crafts such as paper poinsettia garland, poinsettia Christmas cards, or even a poinsettia wreath.

BAKE

Bake a poinsettia themed dessert

Make a delicious poinsettia themed dessert such as red velvet cupcakes with white frosting or an ice cream cake with poinsettias on top.

VISIT

Visit a botanical garden

Visit your local botanical garden and admire the stunning poinsettias that are in bloom during this time of year.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Poinsettia Day

Poinsettias are easy to care for

Poinsettias don't require much care beyond providing adequate sunlight and water. They can survive in temperatures between 65–80°F (18–27°C) with moderate humidity. Plus, they can easily be moved from one location to another without any fuss or mess! So what are you waiting for – create a festive oasis with some beautiful poinsettias!

Poinsettias are beautiful

Poinsettias are stunning and come in a variety of colors, including red, pink, white, and even yellow! These versatile plants can be used to add vibrancy to any room or outdoor space. Plus, they're relatively low-maintenance, making them the perfect all-year companion for those who don't have much time on their hands to care for a plant.

Poinsettias are said to bring good luck

Legend has it that poinsettias bring good luck to those who own them. This superstition dates back centuries ago when the Aztecs believed that these flowers brought prosperity and wealth. Whether you believe this ancient legend or not, these festive plants are sure to brighten up your home with positive vibes!

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