National Cranberry Relish Day

Celebrate National Cranberry Relish Day on November 22 — a tasty tribute to the bright burst of flavor brought by cranberry relish at holiday meals.

History of National Cranberry Relish Day

The origins of National Cranberry Relish Day are somewhat informal and the exact founder is not widely known. Generally, it is recognised every year on November 22.
The day celebrates the tangy-sweet condiment of cranberry relish, which became popular in the United States through thanks to family recipes and broadcast-media exposure. For example, the recipe of Susan Stamberg (radio correspondent) helped a distinctive version of cranberry relish gain wide recognition.

Why is National Cranberry Relish Day important?

This day gives recognition to a side dish that often plays a meaningful role in holiday-meals and food traditions. The bright colour, tartness and texture of cranberry relish help round out rich roasted dishes and bring contrast in flavour.
It also invites people to reconnect with culinary heritage, experiment with recipes and share food traditions with family and friends. Food-based traditions help us gather, talk and remember, and this day encourages that around a humble but beloved condiment.

• It highlights cranberry relish as more than just a flavour note, but a part of shared holiday meals.
• It encourages trying homemade recipes rather than always relying on store-bought.
• It invites people to adapt and personalise recipes with different flavours and textures.
• It offers a moment to reflect on how food traditions evolve across generations.
• It helps draw attention to a native North American fruit (the cranberry) and its culinary uses.

How to Celebrate (or Observe) National Cranberry Relish Day

Celebrating this day can be both practical and heart-warming: cook a fresh batch of cranberry relish, try a new twist (for example with orange, apple or spice), and share it at a get-together or on a virtual call. Use the occasion to talk about family traditions or invite others to bring their own beloved version of the relish. Preparation ahead of time also means the dish is ready for any upcoming big meal.
It’s also a good day to consider the journey of the cranberry: from native flora to modern table, and appreciate the simple pleasures of side dishes that complete a meal. Whether you’re hosting or just enjoying, make space for conversation, flavour and gratitude.

• Make a fresh cranberry relish using raw or cooked cranberries and experiment with add-ins.
• Share a photo of your creation on social media and tag friends to join in.
• Invite a friend or family member to compare your favourite versions of the recipe.
• Include your cranberry relish as part of a larger meal — roast, vegetarian dish, or gathering.
• Write down or record the recipe you used this year, so it becomes part of your tradition.

National Cranberry Relish Day Dates Table