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National Pumpkin Day

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day with all things pumpkin - from pie and lattes, to activities and decorations - get into the festive spirit!

Monday

October 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEOctober 26

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYFood

SUBCATEGORYFruit

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate National Pumpkin Day on October 26th! This day has been around since the late 1990s, and is a great opportunity to appreciate pumpkins in all their glory. Pumpkins have been used for centuries as food and decorations, but today they are also part of some of our favorite fall recipes such as pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes, and even roasted pumpkin seeds. So get out your carving knives or baking pans and start celebrating this wonderful holiday!

DEALS & OFFERS

Past offers

No active deals yet — here’s who’s celebrated before.

Nothing yet for 2026

Brands typically announce offers a week before the date. Check back closer to the day.

1 brand has run a deal

Kona Grill

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TIMELINE

National Pumpkin Day Timeline

Pumpkin Domestication

Pumpkins were first domesticated in Mexico around 7000 to 5500 BCE making them one of the first crops domesticated by humans.

Introduction to Europe

Pumpkins were introduced to Europe from America in the 16th century. Travellers such as Christopher Columbus and European settlers brought pumpkin seeds back with them.

Jack o'Lantern Tradition Begins

The tradition of carving jack o’lanterns began in Ireland where turnips and potatoes were used initially. This tradition came to America along with Irish immigrants, who found pumpkins as perfect substitutes.

Thanksgiving Declaration

President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US, which led to an increased popularity of pumpkin pies as a traditional dish for this holiday.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Introduction

Starbucks introduced the Pumpkin Spice Latte, cementing pumpkins' association with fall and boosting their popularity even further.

National Pumpkin Day Celebration

National Pumpkin Day is first observed on October 26, becoming an annual celebration of all things related to pumpkins.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Pumpkin Day

Pick a pumpkin

Head to your local pumpkin patch, or even the grocery store, and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Choose one that is nice and big for carving, or a small one for baking.

CARVE

Carve a pumpkin

Now it's time to start carving. Whether you choose a classic Jack O'Lantern face or something more intricate, this is the perfect way to celebrate National Pumpkin Day.

BAKE

Bake pumpkin treats

Pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins... you name it! There are endless recipes out there that you can use to make delicious baked goods. Get creative and experiment with different flavors.

MAKE

Make a pumpkin craft

With some supplies from the craft store, some paint, and a few other tools you can make almost anything with a pumpkin. Paint it with polka dots or turn it into an owl. Let your imagination run wild.

THROW

Throw a Pumpkin themed party

Invite your friends over for dinner and throw a pumpkin themed party. Decorate with pumpkins, serve food made from pumpkins, drink pumpkin ale or cider - the possibilities are endless!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Pumpkin Day

Pumpkin is healthy

Pumpkins are a great source of fiber, Vitamin A, and some essential minerals like potassium and iron. Plus, pumpkins are packed with antioxidants like beta carotene that can help boost your immune system and fight inflammation. So don't forget to add this amazing superfood into your diet, especially during National Pumpkin Day!

Pumpkin is the perfect Fall food

The beautiful yellow and orange colors of pumpkin make it the quintessential Fall food. It's delicious used in pies, soups, breads, and other dishes that remind us of cozy nights spent indoors with loved ones. Pumpkin is an ideal ingredient to help usher in cool weather and enjoy the change of the season!

Pumpkin is easy to cook

Cooking with pumpkin doesn't have to be a difficult process. There are plenty of recipes out there that require little to no experience or skill in the kitchen. You can also buy pre-cooked canned pumpkin if you're short on time - just check the ingredients list to make sure you're getting pure pumpkin puree, not sugar or spice mixes!