National Mad Hatter Day

The National Mad Hatter Day is celebrated each year on October 6. It’s a whimsical occasion dedicated to embracing silliness, donning odd hats, and tipping one’s cap to the eccentric Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

History of National Mad Hatter Day

The idea for Mad Hatter Day traces back to 1986, when a group of computer enthusiasts in Boulder, Colorado decided to adopt October 6 as a day of playful absurdity. They based their choice on a small but curious detail in Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations of the Hatter: his top hat is labeled “In this style 10/6” (meaning ten shillings and sixpence). Interpreted in U.S. format, “10/6” reads as October 6, and so the date was pinned on that detail.

In the ensuing years, Mad Hatter Day gained traction as an unofficial fun holiday. By 1988 it began appearing in national press and various calendars of quirky observances. Over time it became a moment for fans of Alice in Wonderland, hat aficionados, and lovers of whimsy to pause and celebrate eccentricity.

Why is National Mad Hatter Day important?

At first glance, Mad Hatter Day may seem purely whimsical, a playful nod to fictional characters and silly hats. But its charm lies deeper: it invites us to step outside routine seriousness and indulge our imaginations. In an era where so much is regulated, scheduled, and optimized, having a day that explicitly encourages randomness and joy is a gentle counterbalance. It whispers: life doesn’t always have to make strict sense.

Moreover, Mad Hatter Day connects us to literary history, reminding us how stories endure. The Hatter — eccentric, puzzling, unpredictable — continues to capture hearts and minds more than a century after Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was published. Through celebrating him, we keep alive a spirit of curiosity, the delight of paradox, and the freedom of absurdity.

Here are some simple reasons one might feel Mad Hatter Day matters

• It gives permission to embrace silliness and lighten one’s mood
• It honors creativity and the unpredictable side of imagination
• It connects fans of literature and whimsy across time
• It turns an obscure detail (the “10/6” on a hat) into symbolic celebration
• It serves as a reminder that not everything needs to be serious

How to Celebrate National Mad Hatter Day

You don’t need a big budget or elaborate plans to participate — the essence of the day is play. One easy way is to wear an outlandish hat all day: whether it’s a top hat, a floppy straw hat with ribbons, or something entirely improvised. Let it spark smiles, conversations, and surprises. Pair it with reading or watching Alice in Wonderland, especially the Mad Tea Party chapter, allowing yourself to revisit the whimsy and absurd logic that makes the story timeless.

Another fun path is to host a mini tea party — inside or outside — with a twist. Mix up unusual teas or flavors, serve bites with playful names (“Eat Me” cookies, anyone?), and ask guests to recite riddles or speak in odd phrases. Let the rules bend, the laughter flow, and expectations loosen. Invite even one friend to join, or let yourself be your own guest.

Here’s a handful of easy celebration ideas

• Wear a silly hat (or decorate one yourself)
• Read Alice in Wonderland or share a favorite passage
• Host an eccentric tea (with whimsical names or mismatched cups)
• Watch a film or adaptation of Alice and the Hatter
• Make up your own riddle or hat‑themed art

National Mad Hatter Day Dates Table