Every year, on the third Sunday of July, Americans mark the date on their calendars for one of the most scrumptious celebrations in the country: National Ice Cream Day. In 2025, it will fall on Sunday, July 20th. It is a sweet day to celebrate a dessert that gives happiness to millions, no matter the age, and what better idea when the summer is in full swing than to eat a scoop (or three) of your favorite frozen dish! Whether you like it in a cone, cup, or as part of a sundae, National Ice Cream Day celebrates the creamy treat that over 90% of Americans enjoy.
Local ice cream shops, cafes, and restaurants often have some kind of promotion with unique flavors to honor the day. Whether sampling new flavors or making ice cream at home, there are several ways to celebrate. The celebrations may make you ask what this frozen celebration is and why July feels like a prolonged ice cream celebration. Let's look at the history, meaning, and celebration of this chilly holiday.
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Why is National Ice Cream Day Celebrated?
National Ice Cream Day isn't just a fun opportunity to have dessert; it was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. In 1984, President Reagan recognized the nationwide love, popularity, and culturally significant aspects of ice cream and declared July as both National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day on the third Sunday in July. In his proclamation, President Reagan praised ice cream for being a fun and nutritious food enjoyed by a vast majority of the American population.
Not only did President Reagan's aim intend to be a fun celebration, but there was also the intention to help support the dairy industry and small producers of ice cream across the United States. What started out as a one-time celebration of ice cream became a fun annual event.
Is There Only One National Ice Cream Day?
There is even more! There is also a National Vanilla Ice Cream Day on July 23 to celebrate what is the most popular ice cream flavor in America. What more could you ask? Lost in the chaos of the holiday season, please eat ice cream all month long and enjoy every moment of summer without guilt. celebrate, ice cream lovers across the country can indulge guilt-free throughout the entire month.
What is the History of Ice Cream in America?
Ice cream may be a familiar treat now, but it was once restricted to a luxurious indulgence. Before 1718, recipes for ice cream were a secret kept for only the royal and the elite. Legend has it that one of the first parties in history to celebrate the serving of ice cream was hosted by King Charles II of England in the 17th century.
In the United States, it was President Thomas Jefferson who popularized this treat for social gatherings when he served it at the White House in 1802. He even wrote his own vanilla ice cream recipe down by hand. It was reported that George Washington, our Founding Father, spent over $200 on ice cream in one summer, which would be nearly $7,000 in today's economy.
Ice cream did not become widely available until advancements in refrigeration technology made it more accessible, which turned ice cream into an American cultural staple.
Why Does National Ice Cream Day Matter?
On the surface, National Ice Cream Day may seem like a standard food holiday. But aside from the fun and the flavor, it's about community, nostalgia, and happiness. It's about the summer memories, the childhood favorites, and the differences and diversity we can see in the flavors, styles, and cultures of ice cream.
In addition, this holiday also benefits local businesses and dairy farmers, stimulating the economy while providing joy one scoop at a time. Ultimately, it is about the simple things in life, and on July 20, that simple thing is a cone of your favorite ice cream.
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Conclusion
Whether you prefer the classic vanilla or are down for something wild like lavender honey or chili chocolate, National Ice Cream Day is your opportunity to treat yourself, so put it on your calendar, gather friends and family, and don’t forget the sprinkles, because July 20th is more than just a day on the calendar, it’s a nationwide celebration of America’s coolest dessert!
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