Celebrated every third Sunday in the month of July, National Ice Cream Day is a delightful event dedicated to everyone’s beloved frosty treat - ice cream. It’s a day that unites everyone and tickles everyone’s taste buds, from the lovers of timeless vanilla to those who prefer flavours off the beaten path.
National Ice Cream Day is all about uniting people over the joy and simplicity of savouring this deliciously chilled dessert.
History of National Ice Cream Day
Every year, on the third Sunday of July, National Ice Cream Day is observed in the U.S. This tradition was initiated by President Ronald Reagan in 1984, marking July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday specifically as National Ice Cream Day.
Reagan acknowledged the wide appeal of ice cream among Americans, where more than 90% of the population enjoys this sweet treat. He wanted July to be filled with fitting festivities and events celebrating ice cream. He formally introduced this initiative on July 15, 1984.
Since then, National Ice Cream Day has been informally recognized nationwide. Ice cream manufacturers and shops across America embrace the day with special activities and ice cream deals. Essentially, this annual event is a cheerful nod to ice cream’s role as a widespread, nutritious dessert loved by more than 90% of the U.S. population. Even though it began as a U.S. holiday, National Ice Cream Day is now marked in several other countries too.
Ice cream has a long, rich history that dates back centuries, with many global cultures having enjoyed its sweetness. National Ice Cream Day does more than just honor the dessert - it also highlights its significant cultural contributions, from the beloved ice cream trucks to its iconic appearances in TV shows and movies.
National Ice Cream Day Timeline
Origin of Ice Cream
Ice cream-like food was first eaten in China in 618 AD. King Tang of Shang had ice men who helped make a dish of buffalo milk, flour, and camphor.
Marco Polo Brings Ice Cream to Europe
Marco Polo reportedly returned to Italy from the Far East with a recipe that closely resembled what is now ice cream.
Café Procope Opened in France
Café Procope, the premier ice cream shop, opened in France and introduced Parisians to sorbets and ice cream.
Ice Cream Churn Patented
Nancy Johnson patented the first hand-cranked ice cream churn.
Invention of Ice Cream Cone
At the World's Fair in St. Louis, an ice cream cone was reportedly invented.
National Ice Cream Day Created
President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day.
Rise of artisanal ice cream
Artisanal and craft ice cream becomes a trend, with emphasis on local ingredients and innovative flavors.
Ideas to Celebrate National Ice Cream Day
Ice Cream Making Party
Invite friends and family for an Ice cream making party. Provide various flavors and toppings for everyone to create their own unique creations.
Ice Cream Social
Organize an ice cream social at your workplace or community center. Invite employees or community members and enjoy different flavors together.
Ice Cream Flavor Test
Try out weird or new ice cream flavors that you wouldn’t normally try. It can be a fun taste test experience.
Visit Local Ice Cream Shops
Spend the day hopping from one local ice cream shop to another and try their specialties, promoting local businesses while enjoying a variety of flavors.
Ice Cream Mobile
Recreate the nostalgia of the ice cream truck by delivering ice cream to your friends or family in a decorated vehicle, making stops at different houses to bring the ice cream joy.
7 Interesting Facts About Ice Cream
Ice Cream Origins
Ice cream's origin dates back to the Tang period (A.D. 618-907) in China. It's not clear who invented it, but many credit Marco Polo for bringing an early form back from China to Italy.
Presidential Love for Ice Cream
U.S. President Thomas Jefferson was a big fan of ice cream and introduced his recipe for vanilla ice cream, which is still used today.
Most Expensive Ice Cream
The world's most expensive ice cream is called Byakuya, costing $6,309 for 122g. It is made by Cellato in Japan.
World's Tallest Ice Cream Cone
The world's tallest ice cream cone was over 3.08 m (10 ft 1.26 in) and was created by Hennig-Olsen Is AS and Trond L Wøien at Kristiansand, Norway in 2015..
Longest Ice Cream Sundae
The longest ice cream sundae was created in 2016 in Michigan. It measured 1,386 meters (4,549 feet and 3.36 inches) in length.
Most Popular Flavor
Vanilla is the most popular flavor of ice cream, followed by chocolate.
Strange Flavors
Some of the world's strangest ice cream flavors include raw horse flesh, octopus, and charcoal.
National Ice Cream Day FAQs
Next National Ice Cream Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | July 16th | Sunday |
| 2024 | July 21st | Sunday |
| 2025 | July 20th | Sunday |
| 2026 | July 19th | Sunday |
| 2027 | July 18th | Sunday |
| What is the pattern? | Third Sunday in July | |
National Ice Cream Day Word Search
- Scoop
- Cone
- Chocolate
- Vanilla
- Strawberry
- Gelato