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National Roots Day

Honor your heritage and explore your family's roots this National Roots Day - it could be a journey you won't forget!

Wednesday

December 2026

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

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YEARLY DATEDecember 23

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYFamily

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate your family history on National Roots Day on December 23! This special day was created to honor the ancestors who have come before us and all that we have learned from them. It's a great time to reflect on our roots, our culture, and our heritage. Whether you’re gathering around the dinner table or just taking a moment of reflection, it’s important to remember our past and be thankful for all that we have today. So take some time this holiday season to recognize and appreciate your roots!

TIMELINE

National Roots Day Timeline

Dawn of Genealogy

Genealogy, the study and tracing of lines of descent, began to gain popularity as a study in the 19th century, setting the foundation for National Roots Day.

National Genealogical Society

The National Genealogical Society was founded to serve and grow the genealogical community by providing education and training.

Genealogical Interest Expands

The Great Depression era saw a significant increase in interest in genealogy as families sought connections to their past during tough times.

"Roots" Mini-Series Release

Alex Haley's Pulitzer Prize-winning book "Roots" is adapted into a popular TV mini-series, igniting widespread interest in family history and genealogy.

Emergence of DNA Testing

Genetic genealogy emerged with the advent of personal DNA testing, which provided proof of kinship or ethnicity.

National Roots Day Established

National Roots Day was officially recognized as an annual holiday to encourage the exploration of individual ancestry and family histories.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Roots Day

Research your family tree

There is no better way to celebrate your roots than to learn more about where you come from. Search online for records, census data, and genealogy databases to learn more about your family history.

EXPLORE

Explore your hometown

Take a day trip to your hometown and explore the streets, parks, and landmarks you may have grown up with or heard stories about. It’s a great way to reconnect with your roots and build some new memories.

VISIT

Visit a museum

Take a visit to your local natural history museum or even an art museum to learn more about the area’s culture and history. Many museums have interactive tours and exhibits that will immerse you in the history of the area.

PLAN

Plan a potluck

Gather your friends and family together for a potluck meal featuring dishes from around the world or recipes from your family’s background. It’s a great way to share stories, recipes, and traditions with each other.

ORGANIZE

Organize a community clean up

Get the community together for a day of volunteering in your hometown. Whether it’s picking up litter in a park or helping restore an old building that has cultural significance, it’s a great way to show some love for your hometown.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Roots Day is Important

Roots help us appreciate diversity

Exploring your roots gives you the opportunity to understand and appreciate other cultures different from your own. It helps to open one’s mind wider walls of prejudice in order for each person to accept themselves and build mutual respect between them.

Roots connect us to our heritage

By exploring your roots, you will gain a better understanding of who you are and where you come from. You can learn more about your family's history, culture, and ancestry. This helps to provide context and perspective as to why it's important to always remember our past.

Roots cultivate community

When we explore our roots, we also get the opportunity to meet and interact with others who share similar backgrounds and histories. This can be a great way to foster relationships and develop a sense of belonging within a specific community.