80 saved#2,661 of 6,224

Shades Day

Brighten up your day on Shades Day, support a worthy cause and help struggling families experience the joy of a much-needed holiday break!

Friday

May 2027

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

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEClosest Friday to May 15

OBSERVED INUnited Kingdom

CATEGORYLifestyle

SUBCATEGORYHousehold Gadgets

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to protect your peepers and give back at the same time because Shades Day is coming on May 17! This day is all about donning your favorite sunglasses and putting the spotlight on a unique and impactful charity - the Family Holiday Charity in the UK. Conceived by this amazing, kind-hearted non-profit, Shades Day is celebrated on the closest Friday to the United Nations’ International Day of the Family. With the vibrant spirit of ensuring that no family is left without the joy of a holiday break, Shades Day is a wonderful opportunity to unite for a worthy cause, make a difference, and of course, keep your style quotient high with your favorite shades. So this May 17, let's come together, put on those cool shades and spread some sunshine for families in need!

TIMELINE

Shades Day Timeline

Family Holiday Charity Formation

The UK-based Family Holiday Charity is formed, aiming to provide holidays for struggling families.

First Family Support

The first family is supported with a holiday break thanks to the funds raised by the Family Holiday Charity.

Shades Day Inception

Shades Day is conceived as a unique fundraising and awareness event to support the mission of the Family Holiday Charity.

First Shades Day Celebration

The very first Shades Day is celebrated on the closest Friday to the United Nations’ International Day of the Family.

National Recognition

Shades Day gains national recognition across the UK, increasing awareness and support for the Family Holiday Charity.

Continued Success

Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Shades Day succeeds in raising funds and awareness, continuing to provide holiday breaks for families in need.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Shades Day

Don your wildest shades

Perhaps the easiest way to celebrate Shades Day is to don your most creative pair of sunglasses. Sparkly, oversized, brightly colored, or uniquely shaped – use this day as an opportunity to make a statement and generate conversation about the importance of Shades Day and the cause it supports.

HOST

Host a sunglasses-themed party

Organize a party and encourage everyone to wear their favorite sunglasses. It's a fun way to bring people together, create memorable moments, and start conversations around the significance of Shades Day. You could even take donations at the door to contribute to the Family Holiday Charity.

DESIGN

Design your own sunglasses

For those with a creative spirit, why not design your own pair of sunglasses for Shades Day? This could be a fun way to engage children in the event, and educate them about philanthropy and the importance of giving to others. Make sure to share the results on social media to spread awareness of the cause!

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a Shades Day fundraiser

Look for local businesses, schools, and community centers hosting Shades Day fundraisers. These events often have fun themes and activities centered around sunglasses, making it a unique and exciting way to support the cause.

DONATE

Donate to the Family Holiday Charity

And of course, Shades Day is all about helping families in need. Consider making a donation to the Family Holiday Charity to help them support families needing a holiday. Every contribution, no matter how small, could potentially bring a smile to a child and their family.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Shades Day

It's Fun & Fosters Creativity

Celebrating Shades Day simply calls for putting on your favorite, funkiest sunglasses! It gives free rein to style and creativity, be it through designing your sunglasses or hosting a thematic party. The blend of playful celebration with the promotion of a noble cause makes Shades Day loved by all!

The Celebration Supports a Worthy Cause

Shades Day allows us to support struggling families in a fun and creative manner. It is about being mindful and empathetic about the hardships others are facing and raising funds for the Family Holiday Charity. The contributions received can help uplift families and bring smiles to their faces with a much-needed holiday break.

It Reignites Public Engagement & Philanthropy

Shades Day rekindles public engagement, spreading awareness about the difficulties faced by less fortunate families. It also boosts philanthropy, encourages charitable donations, and fosters a sense of community involvement. Its spirit rests on giving and bringing joy to suffering families, reinforcing the importance of these values in society.

Related holidays

SAT

Jun 2026

Lifestyle

National Sunglasses Day

Get ready to shine on National Sunglasses Day! Pick up your favorite pair and rock the day with style.

International Red Sneakers Day

Rock those red sneakers and join the movement on International Red Sneakers Day - a day to promote kindness, compassion, and standing up against bullying.

126Read

MON

Nov 2026