Holiday Calendar

Snowman Burning Day

Next celebratedSaturday, March 20, 2027

A fun observance on March 20 symbolically welcoming spring by burning a snowman effigy, with the smoke believed to ward off blizzards.

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Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar TeamHave an update or spot an error?
YEARLY DATEMarch 20
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYSeasonal
SUBCATEGORYWeather
ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY
Unicorn Hunters at Lake Superior State University
FIRST OBSERVED
1971
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Unicorn Hunters, a campus club at Lake Superior State University founded by public relations director W.T. (Bill) Rabe, first held the event in March 1971. Inspired by a German festival where a straw snowman is burned to mark spring's arrival, the event symbolizes bidding farewell to winter.

INTRO

Introduction

Get ready to say goodbye to winter and welcome the spring season with a unique celebration on March 20 – Snowman Burning Day! This fun holiday originated in Switzerland, where it is known as Böögg or Sechseläuten, and involves setting fire to large snowmen made of straw. The tradition symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather. But don't worry, no real snowmen are harmed in this celebration! It's all in good fun and a great way to kick off the spring season with some fiery excitement. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to light up those snowmen!

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TIMELINE

Snowman Burning Day Timeline

Böögg Festival Inception

The first recorded Böögg or Sechseläuten, was celebrated in Switzerland, a precursor to Snowman Burning Day.

Snowman Sculpture

Swiss sculptor, Caspar Ulrich Brunner, makes a large snowman named Böögg, filled with explosives as part of the Sechseläuten celebration.

American Adoption

Lake Superior State University in Michigan, USA adopts the Swiss tradition and celebrate their first Snowman Burning Day.

Temporary Hiatus

Due to environmental concerns about smoke and potential toxins, Lake Superior State University temporarily halts the snowman burning tradition.

Switch to Paper Snowman

Lake Superior State University resumes the tradition but now burning a snowman made of paper-mâché and straw.

Flaming Celebration Continues

The tradition lives on at Lake Superior State University, marking nearly half a century of celebrating Snowman Burning Day.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Snowman Burning Day

EDITOR'S PICK

Build a snowman

Gather your friends and family and build a snowman together. Get creative with different accessories and decorations for your snowman.

HAVE

Have a bonfire

Gather around a bonfire and enjoy some hot drinks and snacks while celebrating Snowman Burning Day. You can even make s'mores to add to the festivities!

CREATE

Create a snowman-themed playlist

Put together a playlist of songs about winter, snow, or even specifically about snowmen. This will add to the fun atmosphere of your celebration.

HOST

Host a snowman burning party

Invite friends over for a snowman burning party! Have everyone bring their own mini snowman to burn and make it a competition for the best burning snowman.

CREATE

Create snowman-themed crafts

Get crafty and make some snowman-themed crafts such as snowman ornaments, snowman hats, or even a snowman piñata to break open during the celebration.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Snowman Burning Day

It symbolizes new beginnings

As the snowman burns away, it represents the end of one season and the start of another. It can also symbolize letting go of the past and embracing the future. Plus, who doesn't love a good bonfire?

It's a unique tradition

Snowman Burning Day is an unusual holiday that is celebrated in some parts of the world. While it may seem odd, it's a fun and lighthearted way to mark the end of winter and welcome the warmer months ahead.

It brings communities together

In some places, Snowman Burning Day is celebrated as a community event. People come together to build snowmen and then gather to watch them burn. It's a great opportunity for people to bond and have some fun with their neighbors.

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