National Ice Cream Day

National Ice Cream Day History

National Ice Cream Day is a celebration that honors the frozen dessert, ice cream. This observance aims to promote the joy and excitement that ice cream brings to millions of people across the country. National Ice Cream Day is a time for people to indulge in their favorite flavors of ice cream.

The history of National Ice Cream Day dates back to 1984 when President Ronald Reagan signed a proclamation to declare the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day. This proclamation recognizes the importance of ice cream as one of America's favorite desserts and acknowledges the role it plays in the country's history and culture. Nowadays, National Ice Cream Day has become a popular event celebrated by families, friends, and ice cream lovers across America.

National Ice Cream Day is observed by engaging in a variety of activities such as going to the ice cream parlor, making homemade ice cream, and sharing ice cream with loved ones. Many ice cream shops and retailers offer special deals and promotions on this day, making it an excellent opportunity for people to try new flavors or stock up on their favorites. National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday in July, so mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy this sweet treat!

Top 10 Facts for National Ice Cream Day in 2026

• The 2026 celebration serves as a peak moment during National Ice Cream Month, providing a strategic opportunity for brands and local shops to launch limited-time flavors and exclusive 'show us your scoop' social media campaigns.
• Many national chains and local creameries coordinate special promotions, such as BOGO deals or rewards-account exclusives, to drive foot traffic and engagement during the mid-July festivities.
• Corporate offices and teams often leverage this day as a lighthearted, morale-boosting occasion to host ice cream socials, flavor contests, or team outings, fostering cohesion through the universal appeal of the frozen treat.
• The holiday originated in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan signed Proclamation 5219 into law, officially designating July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of that month as National Ice Cream Day.
• In his 1984 proclamation, President Reagan famously lauded ice cream as a 'nutritious and wholesome food' and noted that it was enjoyed by more than 90% of the United States population.
• Historical evidence of frozen treats dates back to the Persian Empire, where snow was gathered from mountain tops and stored in underground chambers called yakchals to be enjoyed with concentrated fruit juices.
• The transition to modern ice cream began in the 17th century, with credit often given to Antonio Latini of Naples, Italy, for creating one of the earliest milk-based sorbets.
• The United States owes much of its early ice cream culture to Quaker colonists who brought their original recipes to the New World, leading to the establishment of the first dedicated shops in cities like New York.
• Significant American advancements include Augustus Jackson’s 1832 creation of improved manufacturing techniques and Nancy Johnson’s 1843 patent for the first small-scale, hand-cranked ice cream freezer.
• * Among the most notable figures in American ice cream history is Thomas Jefferson, whose personal recipe for Old Fashioned Vanilla—held by the Library of Congress—is widely considered the oldest such recipe documented in the United States.

In the News and Trending in the US for National Ice Cream Day

Top things to do in the US for National Ice Cream Day

• Enjoy ice cream with your family and friends.
• Get free or discounted ice cream. Most ice cream shops giveaway free ice cream or offer special discounts on National Ice Cream Day.
• Make President Thomas Jefferson's favorite vanilla ice cream. The recipe, believed to have been hand written by Jefferson is archived at the Library of Congress.
• Liven up your ice cream by getting some healthy toppings. Our favorites:
  -Chopped Walnuts
  -Fresh Berries
  -Raw Cacao nibs
  -Goji Berries
  -Frozen chopped banana
  -Granola
  -Unsweetened shredded Coconut
• Try a non-dairy alternative to milk-based ice cream products. Whether it is for dietary choices or lactose-intolerance, there are a variety of non-dairy frozen desserts made from soy milk, coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk and rice milk. Here are some non-dairy frozen desserts to try:
  - Rice Dream Organic Vanilla
  - Luna & Larry’s Organic Coconut Bliss Chocolate Chip Cookie
  - Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey
  - So Delicious Dairy Free Cashew Milk in Salted Caramel Cluster flavor
  - Nada Moo Gotta Do Chocolate Ice Cream
  - So Delicious Almond Milk Chocolate Ice Cream