National Eggnog Day is celebrated every year on December 24, landing squarely on Christmas Eve and giving fans of the rich, spiced drink a perfect excuse to pour a glass. Whether served chilled, warmed, spiced, or spirit-free, eggnog is one of the most iconic beverages of the holiday season.
When is National Eggnog Day?
National Eggnog Day is a fixed observance held on December 24, so it lands on the same calendar date each year rather than floating to a specific weekday. In 2026 it falls on Thursday, December 24. Sharing the date with Christmas Eve is fitting, since eggnog is at the height of its popularity during holiday gatherings and family celebrations.
History and origin of National Eggnog Day
The observance’s own founder is not publicly documented; no individual or organization is credited with establishing the day. The drink itself, however, has deep roots. Eggnog is widely believed to descend from a medieval European beverage known as posset, a warm mix of milk and ale or wine. Over time, eggs were added for richness and spices such as nutmeg and cinnamon deepened the flavor. The drink became especially popular in the American colonies, where ingredients like eggs and rum were plentiful, evolving into the festive holiday staple recognized today. Because eggnog is so closely tied to Christmas, December 24 is a natural home for its celebration, even if the exact reason the date was chosen is not recorded.
Historical accounts add color to the drink’s journey. In colonial America, farms had ready access to milk and eggs, and rum imported through trade routes was often more affordable than other spirits, which helped eggnog take hold as a holiday favorite. Recipes varied by region and household, with some cooks reaching for brandy, whiskey, or sherry instead of rum, and others serving it entirely spirit-free. This long tradition of personalization is part of why so many families still guard their own “secret” eggnog recipe today.
Why National Eggnog Day matters
Eggnog is more than a drink; it is a seasonal tradition passed down through generations, with countless family recipes and regional variations. National Eggnog Day celebrates that heritage and the sense of togetherness that comes with sharing a holiday classic. It also invites experimentation, from dairy-free and non-alcoholic versions to eggnog-flavored baked goods and coffee drinks. For anyone making eggnog from scratch, food-safety guidance about eggs is worth following, and, as always, moderation matters for versions made with alcohol.
The drink also has a place in American commercial history. Eggnog is one of the best-selling seasonal beverages, appearing in grocery dairy cases for only a few weeks each year, which adds to its sense of occasion. Coffee shops and dessert makers lean into the flavor with lattes, ice creams, and baked goods, extending eggnog’s reach well beyond the glass. National Eggnog Day gives all of these traditions a shared focal point right as holiday gatherings reach their peak.
How to celebrate National Eggnog Day
- Pour a chilled glass of store-bought or homemade eggnog.
- Make eggnog from scratch with milk, cream, eggs, sugar, and spices.
- Try a dairy-free version using oat, almond, or coconut milk.
- Bake with eggnog, such as eggnog cookies, muffins, or French toast.
- Add eggnog to your coffee or hot chocolate for a festive twist.
- Host a tasting to compare different brands and homemade recipes.
- Share your creation online with the day’s hashtag.
Related days and observances
National Eggnog Day joins a cluster of December celebrations, including Christmas Eve, Christmas, National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day, and National Poinsettia Day. It also fits among cozy-beverage observances such as National Hot Cocoa Day.
Fun facts
The origins of the word “eggnog” are debated, with theories tying it to “noggin,” a small wooden mug, or to “grog,” a term for rum. Historic newspapers even noted eggnog being delivered to print shops during the holidays as a thank-you to typesetters, a charming reminder of how long the drink has been woven into seasonal tradition. Eggnog’s popularity is also strikingly seasonal: it appears on shelves for only a short window around the holidays and then disappears until the following winter, which helps explain why so many people treat that first glass of the year as a small celebration in itself. Whether homemade or store-bought, spiked or spirit-free, it remains one of the most nostalgic flavors of the Christmas season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Eggnog Day?
It is held every year on December 24, Christmas Eve, a fixed date that stays the same annually.
Who started National Eggnog Day?
The founder of the observance is not publicly documented, though eggnog itself dates back to medieval Europe.
Why do we celebrate National Eggnog Day?
The day honors a classic holiday beverage and fittingly falls on Christmas Eve, when eggnog is especially popular.
How do you celebrate National Eggnog Day?
Enjoy a glass of eggnog, make it from scratch, bake eggnog-flavored treats, or try a dairy-free or non-alcoholic version.
Is National Eggnog Day a public holiday?
No. It is an unofficial food observance, though it shares the date with Christmas Eve, which many people take off.
What is the hashtag for National Eggnog Day?
The commonly used hashtag is #NationalEggnogDay, sometimes shortened to #EggnogDay.