Celebrate National Pumpkin Day October 26, 2023
National Pumpkin Day is celebrated every year on October 26th.
Embrace the fall spirit as we gear up to celebrate one of the most cherished symbols of the season on National Pumpkin Day!
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and the air grows crisper, it’s that time of the year when pumpkins take center stage in our culinary creations, decorations, and heartwarming traditions.
This special day beckons us to dive into a world of pumpkin-spiced delights, jack-o’-lantern carving adventures, and a deeper appreciation for the humble yet iconic pumpkin.
When is National Pumpkin Day?
National Pumpkin Day is celebrated on October 26th every year.
Why is National Pumpkin Day celebrated?
National Pumpkin Day celebrates one of the most delightful fall foods, the pumpkin. Pumpkins are versatile and used for many things including many delicious recipes, fall decor, and to even create a jack-o’-lantern for Halloween.
What does the pumpkin symbolize?
Pumpkins are well-known symbols of Halloween and fall. Pumpkins can also symbolize abundance, as well as protection from negative energy and evil spirits.
Facts about pumpkins
Illinois grows more pumpkins than any other state in the United States according to the USDA.
Pumpkins are thought to be vegetables, but are actually fruits because they grow from seed plants.
Pumpkins, squash, and gourds all belong to the plant family called Cucurbitaceae.
The largest pumpkin on record was 2,702 pounds and 13.9 ounces, grown in Chianti, Italy in 2021.
Pumpkins are rich in nutrients, including vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
According to the Guinness World Records, the fastest time that was ever recorded to carve a pumpkin was 16.47 seconds by Stephen Clarke in New York in 2013.
The name “pumpkin” came from the Greek word “pepon,” which means “large melon.”
How do we celebrate National Pumpkin Day?
There are many activities you can do on National Pumpkin Day to celebrate the holiday. Below we have listed our favortie ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day with your family and friends!
7 National Pumpkin Day Activities
We’ve put together a list of the coolest things to do on National Pumpkin Day to make your celebration extra special.
Visit a pumpkin patch
Nothing says fall like a visit to the local pumpkin patch. Wander through rows of vibrant pumpkins in various shapes and sizes, and find the one that ‘gourd-geously’ stands out to you! Don’t forget to grab photos while you are there to remember the moment!
Carve a jack-o’-lantern
Carving your pumpkin is probably one of the best ways to celebrate National Pumpkin Day. There are a variety of ways to dress up a pumpkin but the best way is to carve a face into it. We like to use this kit to make it easier, but you can also just carve by hand.
Decorate for fall using pumpkins
Decorating for fall with pumpkins is a great way to embrace the season and National Pumpkin Day. Create a warm, rustic charm to your home – indoors and outdoors – by buying or creating a front porch display, a pumpkin wreath, table centerpieces, and more. Here are a few budget friendly Fall decor ideas.
Create a pumpkin-themed craft
We love crafting and that’s why we think that doing a pumpkin craft is the perfect way to celebrate National Pumpkin Day. Here are 20 pumpkin crafts for kids via Good Housekeeping, including 3-d paper pumpkins, yarn pumpkins, pumpkin garlands and more.
Create them as a fun National Pumpkin Day activity to do with kids or in the classroom, or grab a bunch of friends to have an adult craft night.
Grab a pumpkin spice latte
What would National Pumpkin Day be without the classic Pumpkin Spiced Latte? When autumn rolls around, it’s almost impossible not to start daydreaming about this cozy beverage.
The sweetness of the pumpkin goes perfectly hand in hand with the warm blend of spices. This popular beverage can evoke feelings of nostalgia and tradition for many during autumn, so it’s the perfect activity for National Pumpkin Day!
Watch the movie, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.”
This classic movie features the Peanuts gang on Halloween night. Watch what happens when they embark on a quest to catch a glimpse of the elusive “Great Pumpkin.”
Bake a pumpkin treat
There are endless varieties of pumpkin treats to bake on this special day. Below we have listed three pumpkin recipes to help you get started.
3 Pumpkin Recipes for National Pumpkin Day
Here are a few of our favorite pumpkin recipes to try to create at home on National Pumpkin Day. Make sure to give one a try on National Pumpkin Day! It’s a great activity to do with kids at home to get them in the mood for this celebration!
Pumpkin bread via Once Upon a Chef
Pumpkin spice latte via Feel Good Foodie
Pumpkin pie via Preppy Kitchen
