Written by: Brenna Finlay
If the groundhog sees his shadow, do we have six more weeks of winter? Holidays can be confusing – especially when it comes to incorporating them into your social strategy. But don’t worry, we have you covered.
Anticipating holidays and promoting them on social media can be a great way to draw attention to your brand. But before posting holiday social content ask yourself:
Brands don’t have to participate in every holiday, but it is best practice to be aware of observance. Check out the holidays below to help prepare your social calendar and download the full 2018 holiday calendar cheat sheet for quick reference all year long!
Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is celebrated the US and Canada, but the most well-known celebration happens in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. If groundhog Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, the superstition is that there will be six more weeks of winter.
Date: Friday, February 2nd
Hashtag(s): #groundhogday #punxsutawneyphil
Example: See how Target celebrated Groundhog Day on Instagram
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
This day marks the anniversary of the influential American Civil leader’s birth. Some schools are open on this holiday in order to educate students on the importance of Martin Luther King’s influence on the world.
Date: Monday, January 15th
Hashtag(s): #MLK
Example: See how Pop Chips promoted Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Mardi Gras
Also known as “Fat Tuesday,” this vibrant holiday is celebrated in New Orleans and across the United States. It is a holiday before Ash Wednesday where people start fasting for Lent.
Date: Tuesday, February 13th
Hashtag(s): #mardigras #fattuesday
Example: Check out how Coca Cola celebrates Mardi Gras 
Valentine’s Day
The day of love. This is not a public holiday, but it’s definitely a cute one! Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Mexico, and Australia.
Date: Tuesday, February 14th
Hashtags: #valentinesday #bemine #galentinesday #valentines
Examples: Pepsi , Krispy Kreme, and Target
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year marks the first day of the New Year in the Chinese calendar. It’s not a federal public holiday in the United States.
Date: Friday, February 16th
Hashtags: #chinesenewyear
Example: See how Uber promotes the Chinese New Year
President’s Day
George Washington’s birthday is the reason behind celebrating all the presidents in the United States on the third Monday in February each year.
Date: Monday, February 19th
Hashtags: #presidentsday
Example: Check out L.L. Bean’s celebration of President’s Day
Read Across America Day
Read Across America Day is celebrated each year on Dr. Seuss’s birthday to promote reading across the United States. People come together and take part in reading books.
Date: Friday, March 2nd
Hashtags: #readacrossamerica #drseuss
Example: Check out these Pinterest ideas!
Employee Appreciation Day
Bosses across the United States have a chance to support, thank, and appreciate their workers on this day each year.
Date: Friday, March 2nd
Hashtags: #employeeappreciation
Example: See how Petra Bistro & Cafe appreciates employees
St. Patrick’s Day
Celebrated by the United States and Ireland. There are many Irish-themed parties with the color green displayed everywhere.
Date: Saturday, March 17
Hashtags: #stpatricksday #shamrock #leprechaun #green #irish #stpattys
Examples: Krispy Kreme and Dunkin Donuts
Easter
Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday. The Easter bunny also makes an appearance of this day – laying, decorating, and hiding eggs as a symbol of new life.
Date: Sunday, April 1
Hashtags: #easter #eastersunday #eastereggs
Example: See how Peeps celebrates Easter
Tax Day
For Americans, this is the deadline to file their income tax details.
Date: Tuesday, April 17
Hashtags: #taxseason #taxday
Example: Check out T-Mobile’s promotion of tax day on Twitter
Earth Day
Hug a tree, go green, and celebrate the earth. Celebrated worldwide.
Date: Sunday, April 22
Hashtags: #earthday #earthdayeveryday #gogreen
Examples: Ben & Jerry’s , Crayola, and Ikea
Take Our Sons and Daughters to Work Day
Date: Thursday, April 26
Celebrated by: A non – profit educational program in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Parents take their kids to work for one day.
Hashtags: #tyktwd
Learn More: Know the dos and don’ts of taking your kids to work!
Cinco De Mayo
This holiday is commonly confused with Mexico’s independence day. Cinco De Mayo is a celebration of the defeat of the French army. It is not a U.S. federal holiday.
Date: Saturday, May 5th
Hashtags: #cincodemayo #fiesta
Examples: See how Taco Bell uses Snapchat to celebrate Cinco De Mayo
Mother’s Day
In the United States, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. It’s the celebration of motherhood and a time to appreciate mothers.
Date: Sunday, May 13
Hashtags: #mothersday #happymothersday
Example: Check out how Country Crock celebrates Mom’s around the world
Memorial Day
Summer is here! Memorial Day is a celebration of all the men and women who served in the military for the United States and the unofficial start of summer for Americans.
Date: Monday, May 28
Hashtags: #memorialday
Example: Check out Coca-Cola’s campaign to promote Memorial Day
Father’s Day
Celebrated in the United States on the third Sunday of June, Father’s Day celebrates the contributions of father figures.
Date: Sunday, June 7
Hashtags: #fathersday #dad #bestdad
Example: Check out how Audi recognizes Father’s Day
Independence Day
The anniversary of the United State’s Declaration of Independence from Great Britain in 1776. Patriotic displays are organized throughout the United States.
Date: Wednesday, July 4
Hashtags: #4thofjuly #independenceday
Example: See how Coca-Cola celebrates Independence Day on Twitter
Women’s Equality Day
Women’s Equality Day is the anniversary of the adoption of the 19th amendment to the United States, which granted the women to vote.
Date: Sunday, August 26th
Hashtags: #nationalwomenequality #womensequality #heforshe
Example: Check out how Emma Watson and Twitter promoted women’s equality
Labor Day
Labor Day celebrates labor unions’ strengths of and contributions to the United States economy.
Date: Monday, September 3rd
Hashtags: #laborday #happylaborday #labordayweekend
Example: Check out this Coca-Cola campaign about Labor Day
Related: How to Increase Revenue Through Digital Marketing
National Grandparents Day
Grandparents are celebrated in the United States, Australia, Italy, Canada, Estonia, Pakistan, Singapore, and Taiwan on this day.
Date: Sunday, September 9
Hashtags: #nationalgrandparentsday #grandparents
Example: See how Cheetos celebrated Grandparents
Boss’ Day
Boss’s Day is a time for workers to appreciate their employers throughout the United States.
Date: Tuesday, October 16
Hashtags: #bossday #bossesday
Example: Check out how Burger Boss celebrates Boss’ Day
Halloween
This celebration of all things spooky is celebrated primarily in the United States, Canada, and Ireland with costumes and trick-or-treating.
Date: Wednesday, October 31
Hashtags: #halloween #spooky #happyhalloween #costumes #pumpkins
Examples: Chipotle , Pepsi , and Taco Bell
Veterans Day
Celebration in USA for the anniversary of ending World War I. In the United States, we thank veterans for their service on this day.
Date: Sunday, November 11th
Hashtags: #veteransday
Example: Check out how American Eagle celebrates Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving is an American holiday falling on the fourth Thursday of November. It was first celebrated by the pilgrims after the first harvest.
Date: Thursday, November 22nd
Hashtags: #happythanksgiving #thanksgiving #thankful #turkeyday #gobblegobble
Example: See how Doritos gives thanks
Black Friday
Black Friday is the busiest shopping day in the USA. The day after Thanksgiving, people stay up all night to get the best deals.
Date: Friday, November 23rd
Hashtags: #blackfriday #blackfriday2018
Examples: Check out these 5 remarkable Black Friday posts
Cyber Monday
Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving and has become the busiest online shopping day in the United States.
Date: Monday, November 26th
Hashtags: #cybermonday #online #shopping
Examples: See how Lilly Pulitzer celebrates Cyber Monday
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights celebrated worldwide with the nightly lighting of the menorah.
Starts: Monday, December 3rd
Hashtags: #happyhanukkah #hanukkah #menorah #eightdays
Examples: See how Target celebrates Hanukkah on Facebook
Christmas Eve
For Christians, Christmas Eve is a reminder of Jesus’ birth. Celebrated around the world, children are anxiously waiting for Santa on this night.
Date: Monday, December 24th
Hashtags: #christmasseve #christmastree #winter #waitingforsanta #christmastime
Examples: Dunkin Donuts , Coca-Cola , and Chipotle
Related: If You're Trying to Reach Potential Clients on Facebook, Think Differently
Christmas
Celebrated around the world for Jesus’ birth. There are many Christmas traditions, but Santa is a commonly known figure on this jolly holiday.
Date: Tuesday, December 25th
Hashtags: #christmas #merrychristmas #christmascountdown #tistheseason #seasonsgreetings
Examples: Pepsi , Hershey Kisses , and Target
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a week-long holiday celebrating African culture and tradition.
Starts: Wednesday, December 26th
Hashtags: #kwanzaa
Learn More: Check out the history of Kwanzaa
New Year’s Eve
Celebrated by: This is a social holiday for people around the world. New York has one of the biggest celebrations. Snapchat stories are prominent on this night.
Date: Monday, December 31st
Hashtags: #NYE #newyearseve #newyear #2019 #newyearnewme
Examples: Pop Chips and Pepsi (also, check out different traditions from around the world!)
New Year’s Day (2019)
Whether it’s smashing bottles in Egypt, burning scarecrows in Ecuador, or stuffing 12 grapes in your mouth to achieve good luck for the new year in Spain, there are many ways to celebrate this wonderful holiday around the world.
Date: Tuesday, January 1st
Hashtag(s): #happynewyear #goodbye2018 #healthyeating
Example: See how Target celebrated New Year’s Day
Download the full 2018 holiday calendar or activate the 2018 holiday template in your Torchlite account to stay on top of these holidays while planning your social content this year.