National Days in November include Veterans Day, Native American Heritage Day, Thanksgiving Day, Black Friday, National Sandwich Day, National Espresso Day, and National French Toast Day.
November serves as a cornerstone month for deep gratitude, reflection, and patriotic honor.
Anchored by Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday, the calendar unites communities in solemn appreciation for the courage, resilience, and personal sacrifices of military service members past and present.
This spirit of reverence and acknowledgment expands outward into broader cultural reflections through National Native American Heritage Month and Native American Heritage Day, which celebrate the sovereignty, history, and ancestral wisdom of Indigenous peoples.
Layered with humanitarian observances like World Kindness Day, National Family Caregivers Month, and National Adoption Month, November places a profound focus on civic duty, empathy, and family caregiving.
At the same time, November marks the full transition from crisp autumn into the festive winter season, centered around harvest abundance and commercial momentum.
The national holiday of Thanksgiving Day brings loved ones together around themes of gratitude, togetherness, and seasonal dining, while cozy culinary observances like National Sandwich Day, National Espresso Day, and National French Toast Day celebrate comforting cool-weather staples.
This spirit of harvest celebration immediately bridges into the holiday retail rush through high-impact economic days like Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, which rally support for local storefronts and independent entrepreneurs.
Balancing solemn military tributes with warm family tables and seasonal anticipation, November provides a grounding, purposeful close to late autumn.
November carries two federal holidays and a cluster of health awareness campaigns, most of which trace to specific presidential proclamations that can be read in the Federal Register.
The month is unusual in having better documentation than most. Where an October or January observance often has no findable origin, November’s health months mostly have numbered proclamations behind them.
Table of Contents
National Days in November 2027
| Date | National & International Days Observed |
| November 1 | National Authors’ Day, World Vegan Day, National Calzone Day, National Cinnamon Day, National Deep Fried Clams Day, All Saints’ Day |
| November 2 | National Deviled Egg Day, DÃa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Look for Circles Day, All Souls’ Day, International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists |
| November 3 | National Sandwich Day, World Jellyfish Day, National Housewife’s Day, Cliché Day |
| November 4 | National Candy Day, Use Your Common Sense Day, National Roast Dinner Day (UK), King Tut Day |
| November 5 | National Donut Day (Fall edition), Guy Fawkes Night, World Tsunami Awareness Day, National Love Your Red Hair Day, American Football Day |
| November 6 | National Nachos Day, Saxophone Day, International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict, Marooned Without a Compass Day |
| November 7 | National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day, National Hug a Bear Day, National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, Notary Public Day |
| November 8 | National STEM/STEAM Day, World Town Planning Day, National Cappuccino Day, National Harvey Wallbanger Day, World Radiography Day, Cook Something Bold Day |
| November 9 | World Freedom Day, National Scrapple Day, National Chaos Never Dies Day, Carl Sagan Day |
| November 10 | Marine Corps Birthday, World Science Day for Peace and Development, National Forget-Me-Not Day, National Vanilla Cupcake Day, World Keratoconus Day |
| November 11 | Veterans Day, Remembrance Day / Armistice Day, Singles’ Day, National Sundae Day, Pepero Day |
| November 12 | World Pneumonia Day, National French Dip Sandwich Day, National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day, Chicken Soup for the Soul Day |
| November 13 | World Kindness Day, National Indian Pudding Day, Caregiver Appreciation Day, Symphonic Metal Day |
| November 14 | World Diabetes Day, National Pickle Day, National Spicy Guacamole Day, Operating Room Nurse Day |
| November 15 | America Recycles Day, National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day, National Bundt Day, National Raisin Bran Cereal Day, National Philanthropy Day, I Love to Write Day |
| November 16 | National Fast Food Day, International Day for Tolerance, National Button Day, World Philosophy Day (third Thursday) |
| November 17 | National Take a Hike Day, World Prematurity Day, National Homemade Bread Day, National Baklava Day, International Students’ Day |
| November 18 | Mickey Mouse Day, National Vichyssoise Day, National Princess Day, National Apple Cider Day, European Antibiotic Awareness Day |
| November 19 | National Play Monopoly Day, World Toilet Day, International Men’s Day, National Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day |
| November 20 | World Children’s Day, Transgender Day of Remembrance, National Peanut Butter Fudge Day, Africa Industrialization Day, Universal Children’s Day |
| November 21 | World Television Day, National Red Mackerel Day, National Stuffing Day, World Hello Day, World Pancreatic Cancer Day (third Thursday) |
| November 22 | National Cranberry Relish Day, Humane Society Anniversary Day, Go For a Ride Day, National Cashew Day |
| November 23 | National Espresso Day, Fibonacci Day, National Cashew Day (observed), Eat a Cranberry Day |
| November 24 | Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day, National Sardines Day, Use Even If Seal Is Broken Day |
| November 25 | International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, National Parfait Day, Blasé Day, Shopping Reminder Day |
| November 26 | National Cake Day, Good Grief Day (Charles Schulz’s Birthday), Anti-Obesity Day |
| November 27 | National Bavarian Cream Day, National Craft Jerky Day, Pie in the Face Day |
| November 28 | National French Toast Day, Red Planet Day, It’s Letter Writing Day |
| November 29 | Native American Heritage Day (day after Thanksgiving), Electronic Greetings Day, National Chocolates Day, International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People |
| November 30 | Computer Security Day, National Mousse Day, National Meth Awareness Day, Cities for Life Day, Saint Andrew’s Day |
Election Day is not a federal holiday, despite being set by federal law as the Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Black Friday is not one either, though several states observe it.
Veterans Day falls on a Thursday in 2027, so there is no long weekend.
The stock market trades normally that day while the postal service closes — one of only two federal holidays where those diverge.
Below is the complete day-by-day guide to the key national and international days celebrated across November.
November 1: National Authors’ Day / World Vegan Day
Celebrates the creativity, labor, and cultural impact of published writers and storytellers, encouraging readers to support local book authors.
Globally, the day also promotes plant-based living, animal welfare, and sustainable vegan nutrition.
November 2: National Deviled Egg Day / Day of the Dead (DÃa de los Muertos)
Celebrates the classic party hors d’oeuvre made from hard-boiled yolks whipped with mayonnaise, mustard, and paprika. It also coincides with the culmination of DÃa de los Muertos, honoring departed loved ones with ofrendas, marigolds, and celebration.
November 3: National Sandwich Day / World Jellyfish Day
Marks the birth of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who popularized eating meat tucked between bread slices for convenience. Marine biologists also spotlight the ancient ecological roles of jellyfish in marine ecosystems.
November 4: National Candy Day / Use Your Common Sense Day
Provides a timely occasion to indulge in leftover sweet treats right after Halloween. It also serves as a lighthearted reminder to apply practical logic and sound judgment in everyday decision-making.
November 5: National Donut Day (Fall Edition) / Guy Fawkes Night
Celebrates fried dough pastries with seasonal autumn glazes like apple cider and maple bacon. In the UK and the Commonwealth, it marks Guy Fawkes Night with bonfires and fireworks, commemorating the failed 1605 Gunpowder Plot.
November 6: National Nachos Day / Saxophone Day
Honors the beloved Tex-Mex staple invented by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in 1940, featuring tortilla chips melted with cheddar and pickled jalapeños. Music lovers also honor Antoine-Joseph “Adolphe” Sax, inventor of the saxophone, on his birthday.
November 7: National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day
Celebrates the balanced pairing of dark, antioxidant-rich bittersweet cocoa and roasted almonds, spotlighted in artisan chocolate shops and holiday baking recipes.
November 8: National STEM/STEAM Day / World Town Planning Day
Inspires youth engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math education. Concurrently, urban planners and civic leaders highlight sustainable architecture and smart city design.
November 9: World Freedom Day / National Scrapple Day
A federal commemorative day marking the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, celebrating democratic resilience and the collapse of iron-curtain communism. In regional cuisine, it highlights the traditional Mid-Atlantic pork-and-cornmeal loaf.
November 10: Marine Corps Birthday / World Science Day for Peace and Development
Commemorates the 1775 founding of the Continental Marines at Tun Tavern in Philadelphia. Globally, UNESCO highlights the essential role of ethical scientific research in fostering peace and sustainability.
November 11: Veterans Day / Singles’ Day
A major U.S. federal holiday honoring all living military veterans who served honorably in times of war and peace. Globally, it also marks Singles’ Day, originally started in China as a celebration of bachelorhood that evolved into the world’s largest digital shopping event.
November 12: World Pneumonia Day / National French Dip Sandwich Day
Led by global health organizations to raise awareness, improve childhood vaccination rates, and fund treatment for pneumonia. Concurrently, food enthusiasts celebrate the roast beef sandwich served au jus on a French roll.
November 13: World Kindness Day
Promotes empathy, bridge-building, and intentional acts of goodwill across borders, races, and religions, organized by the World Kindness Movement.
November 14: World Diabetes Day / National Pickle Day
Created by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO on the birthday of insulin co-discoverer Frederick Banting to drive diabetes prevention and care access. It also celebrates tangy dill and sour pickles.
November 15: America Recycles Day / National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day
A Keep America Beautiful initiative encouraging household waste reduction, curbside recycling education, and circular manufacturing. It also urges families to prep refrigerator space ahead of Thanksgiving.
November 16: National Fast Food Day / International Day for Tolerance
Celebrates the speed, convenience, and iconic menu items of quick-service restaurant chains. The UN also marks this day to advocate for mutual respect, dialogue, and human rights among diverse cultures.
November 17: National Take a Hike Day / World Prematurity Day
Encourages outdoor exploration and physical activity along regional trails as autumn foliage peaks. Healthcare advocates also spotlight the clinical needs and challenges of premature infants and their families.
November 18: Mickey Mouse Day / National Vichyssoise Day
Commemorates the 1928 theatrical premiere of Walt Disney’s animated short Steamboat Willie, marking Mickey and Minnie Mouse’s historic cultural debut.
November 19: National Play Monopoly Day / World Toilet Day
Celebrates the world’s most famous property-trading board game, first popularized during the 1930s. The UN also spotlights the global sanitation crisis, advocating for clean water infrastructure and safe hygiene facilities worldwide.
November 20: World Children’s Day / Transgender Day of Remembrance
Marks the UN adoption of the Declaration and Convention on the Rights of the Child, promoting global youth safety and welfare. Solemnly, communities also remember transgender individuals lost to anti-trans violence.
November 21: World Television Day / National Red Mackerel Day
Proclaimed by the UN to acknowledge the power of broadcast television in educating public opinion, shaping culture, and disseminating vital global news.
November 22: National Cranberry Relish Day / Humane Society Anniversary Day
Highlights the zesty, sweet-tart Thanksgiving side dish prepared with fresh raw cranberries, citrus peel, and sugar. Animal advocates also honor humane sheltering and animal welfare operations.
November 23: National Espresso Day / Fibonacci Day
Celebrates the concentrated, pressure-brewed Italian coffee that forms the foundation of lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos. Math enthusiasts also observe Fibonacci Day (11/23) reflecting the opening sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3.
November 24: Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day / National Sardines Day
Encourages people to embrace and share eccentric skills, artistic hobbies, and unique personal abilities. Concurrently, seafood lovers celebrate the nutrient-dense, omega-3-packed small fish.
November 25: International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women / National Parfait Day
Kicks off the UN’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, advocating for global legal protection and physical safety for women and girls.
November 26: National Cake Day
A pre-holiday dessert celebration honoring sponge cakes, chiffon layers, pound cakes, and frosted birthday cakes across culinary traditions.
November 27: National Bavarian Cream Day
Celebrates the classic pastry cream dessert thickened with gelatin and whipped cream, often featured in donuts, fruit tarts, and Charlotte cakes.
November 28: Thanksgiving Day (Fourth Thursday) / National French Toast Day
America’s cornerstone harvest holiday centered on gratitude, family reunions, and festive dining. Concurrently, breakfast lovers enjoy custard-dipped griddled toast sprinkled with cinnamon.
November 29: Black Friday (Day after Thanksgiving) / Native American Heritage Day
The premier retail kickoff for holiday shopping, featuring doorbuster sales and major digital discounts. Concurrently, the federal government honors the history, sovereign rights, and enduring traditions of Native Americans.
November 30: Small Business Saturday (Saturday after Thanksgiving) / Computer Security Day
Encourages holiday shoppers to support local brick-and-mortar storefronts and independent entrepreneurs. Cybersecurity teams also highlight password strength, multi-factor authentication, and data hygiene.
Month-Long November Observances
| Observance | Founding Organization / Originator | Year Established | Purpose & Context |
| National Native American Heritage Month | President George H.W. Bush (Joint Resolution) | 1990 | Formally honors the ancestral traditions, diverse tribal cultures, civil achievements, and history of Indigenous peoples. |
| Movember / Men’s Health Awareness Month | Movember Foundation | 2003 | A global campaign prompting men to grow moustaches to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. |
| National Adoption Month | The Children’s Bureau / U.S. Dept. of HHS | 1995 | Raises national awareness about children in foster care awaiting permanent families and supports adoptive households. |
| National Family Caregivers Month | Caregiver Action Network / Presidential Proclamation | 1997 | Recognizes the millions of unpaid family members who care for elderly, ill, or disabled relatives. |
| National Diabetes Month | American Diabetes Association (ADA) / NIH | 1975 | Educates communities about type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, promoting clinical screenings and dietary balance. |
| National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) | Chris Baty & creative writing communities | 1999 | A global creative writing challenge tasking aspiring authors with drafting a 50,000-word novel manuscript in 30 days. |
Notable Floating Observances in November
- Daylight Saving Time Ends (US): First Sunday in November
- World Philosophy Day: Third Thursday in November
- Thanksgiving Day (US): Fourth Thursday in November
- Black Friday: Friday immediately following Thanksgiving
- Small Business Saturday: Saturday immediately following Thanksgiving
- Cyber Monday: Monday immediately following Thanksgiving
- Giving Tuesday: Tuesday immediately following Cyber Monday
Native American Heritage Month came from Congress
The sequence is frequently reversed. Public Law 101-343 designated November 1990 and requested that the President issue a proclamation. Bush then issued Proclamation 6230. The statute created the observance; the proclamation implemented it.
The path there was long. A Cherokee author, J.C. Elliott-High Eagle, wrote the resolution behind the first week of national recognition — Native American Awareness Week, October 1976, signed by President Ford as Proclamation 4468. Week-long observances followed in 1986, 1987 and 1989 before the month arrived in 1990.
Movember has no US designation at all
Movember is a registered charity founded in Melbourne in 2003. It has no American statutory or proclamation basis and is not a federal observance in any sense.
It appears here because it is genuinely observed and people search for it — but a calendar listing it alongside Native American Heritage Month without distinguishing the two is describing them as equivalent, and they are not.
Frequently asked questions
Who designated Native American Heritage Month?
Congress, through Public Law 101-343 in 1990. The law designated November 1990 and requested a presidential proclamation, which George H. W. Bush issued as Proclamation 6230. The observance grew out of week-long recognitions dating to 1976.
Is Movember an official observance?
No. Movember is a charity founded in Melbourne, Australia in 2003 and has no United States statutory or proclamation basis. It is widely observed without being officially designated.
What federal holidays are in November?
Two: Veterans Day on Thursday, November 11 and Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 25, 2027. Election Day, Black Friday and Giving Tuesday are not federal holidays.
