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Sherlock Holmes Day

Get your detective hat on and join us in celebrating Sherlock Holmes Day with puzzles, games, and all things mysterious!

Saturday

May 2027

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

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YEARLY DATEMay 22

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYPop Culture

SUBCATEGORYBooks

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to channel your inner detective on May 22 for Sherlock Holmes Day! This day celebrates the world-renowned fictional character, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in 1887. Sherlock Holmes is known for his incredible deductive reasoning and keen observation skills, making him one of the most beloved literary characters of all time. This day is a chance to celebrate not only the iconic detective himself, but also the enduring legacy of his stories and their impact on popular culture. So grab your magnifying glass and put on your best deerstalker hat – it's time to solve some mysteries!

TIMELINE

Sherlock Holmes Day Timeline

Creation of Sherlock Holmes

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduces Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson in his novel "A Study in Scarlet".

First Short Story

"A Scandal in Bohemia", the first short story featuring Sherlock Holmes, is published in Strand Magazine.

Holmes' Apparent Demise

In "The Final Problem", Doyle attempts to kill off Sherlock Holmes, leading to public outrage.

Return of Sherlock Holmes

Due to public demand, Doyle brings back Holmes in "The Hound of the Baskervilles", set before the detective's supposed death.

Holmes Officially Revived

In "The Adventure of the Empty House", Holmes officially returns, revealing his death was faked.

Conan Doyle's Last Story

The last Sherlock Holmes story, "The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place", is published, concluding the detective's adventures.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Sherlock Holmes Day

Host a murder mystery party

Invite your friends over for a Sherlock Holmes themed murder mystery party. Everyone can dress up as characters from the stories and try to solve the mystery together.

WATCH

Watch a Sherlock Holmes movie marathon

Gather some snacks and settle in for a movie marathon featuring different adaptations of Sherlock Holmes. From the classic Basil Rathbone films to the modern BBC series, there's something for every fan.

VISIT

Visit a Sherlock Holmes exhibit

Check out a local museum or art gallery that is hosting an exhibit about Sherlock Holmes. You'll learn more about the character and his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and get a chance to see props and costumes from various adaptations.

READ

Read a Sherlock Holmes book

Celebrate the day by picking up one of the original Sherlock Holmes stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. You can also try reading a modern retelling or spin-off, such as the "Enola Holmes" series or "The House of Silk" by Anthony Horowitz.

PLAY

Play a Sherlock Holmes themed game

Get together with friends or family and play a Sherlock Holmes themed board game or escape room. This is a fun and interactive way to celebrate the famous detective and put your own detective skills to the test.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Sherlock Holmes Day

Sherlock Holmes celebrates intelligence and curiosity

In a world where information is more readily available than ever before, Sherlock Holmes reminds us of the value of using our minds to solve problems and explore the unknown. On this day, we can honor those qualities in ourselves and in the famous detective we all love.

Sherlock Holmes is a timeless character

Sherlock Holmes has been fascinating readers for over 100 years with his keen observational skills and deductive reasoning. His character continues to be relevant and beloved by many, making Sherlock Holmes Day a great time to celebrate him!

It's a chance to immerse yourself in mystery and intrigue

Sherlock Holmes stories are known for their complex plots and clever twists. On Sherlock Holmes Day, you can spend the day reading or watching adaptations of his adventures, getting lost in the world of detective work and solving mysteries alongside the famous sleuth.

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