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World Kindness Day

Spread some kindness today - World Kindness Day is the perfect time to do something positive for your community and make the world a better place!

Friday

November 2026

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

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YEARLY DATENovember 13

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYSocial Justice

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate World Kindness Day on November 13 and show some love to those around you! This special day was first established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, which is a coalition of kindness-focused organizations from over 20 countries. The goal of this day is to spread joy, compassion and understanding throughout the world by encouraging people to perform kind acts for one another.

TIMELINE

World Kindness Day Timeline

World Kindness Movement Formation

The World Kindness Movement, a coalition of global non-government organizations dedicated to promoting kindness, was established.

World Kindness Day Inception

World Kindness Day was first introduced and observed on November 13 by the World Kindness Movement in Tokyo, Japan.

Singapore Observance

Singapore's Ministry of Education acknowledged the importance of teaching kindness, recognizing November 13 as World Kindness Day.

Growing Global Recognition

More and more countries started celebrating World Kindness Day, and events included the largest group hug in Australia and hundreds of kindness cards distributed in Canada.

Dance for Kindness

Life Vest Inside, a non-profit organization, initiated “Dance for Kindness”, a worldwide freeze mob/flash mob to celebrate World Kindness Day.

Digital Observance Amid Pandemic

During the global COVID-19 pandemic, virtual events and online acts of kindness marked the celebration of World Kindness Day.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate World Kindness Day

Write a thank you note

Take the time to write a thank you note to someone who has helped you out or made an impact on your life. It can be someone close to you or even someone you have never met.

HELP

Help a neighbor in need

Check in with elderly neighbors and offer to help with errands or house chores. Offer to take their pet for a walk or shovel their sidewalk.

DONATE

Donate to charity

Take some time to research charities that are making a difference in the world, then donate something—whether it be money, clothing, toys, or your time.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at an animal shelter

Animal shelters are always looking for volunteers to help care for the animals. Spend some time playing with the cats, walking the dogs, and giving them all the love they deserve.

PERFORM

Perform an act of kindness

It can be something small like holding the door open for someone or buying coffee for a stranger. Every act of kindness makes a difference.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why World Kindness Day is Important

It creates a more compassionate society

When we act with kindness, it's easier to understand and accept others for who they are. World Kindness Day highlights the importance of compassion in today's society, which can lead to a more tolerant and accepting world. So celebrate World Kindness Day by showing your fellow human beings some extra kindness and love!

It encourages us to be kinder

World Kindness Day is an important reminder of how we should treat each other. It encourages us to focus on the positive and practice acts of kindness, no matter how small. Doing so can create a ripple effect that spreads kindness throughout the world!

It promotes understanding & recognition

World Kindness Day helps promote understanding among people from different cultures and backgrounds. By recognizing this day, we can appreciate our similarities while also valuing our differences. It's a great opportunity for everyone to get together and celebrate how much better the world can be when we are kind to one another!