Pumpkin Pie Day

Every year, pumpkin-pie lovers often see two dates celebrated: November 21 and December 25. While some sources mark November 21 as a fun early celebration of the beloved dessert and the start of the autumn-holiday baking season, the widely recognized “official” date is December 25, aligning with Christmas Day and listed as “National Pumpkin Pie Day” in major holiday calendars. Either way, both dates invite you to enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie and embrace the seasonal tradition.

History of Pumpkin Pie and the Day

The dessert itself has deep roots in North America: indigenous peoples used pumpkins and other squashes for food and crafts, and early colonists transformed them into dishes that eventually became the modern pumpkin pie. The pumpkin pie as we recognize it today—spiced custard filling baked in a pastry crust—first appeared in American cookbooks in the late 1700s.

As for the “day,” December 25 has been adopted by many food-holiday calendars as “National Pumpkin Pie Day,” likely because it coincides with a major festive occasion and gives pumpkin pie its own moment amid the holiday feast. Meanwhile, November 21 shows up in some references as an earlier nod to the pie’s seasonal debut, especially as people begin to think about Thanksgiving and holiday baking.

Why the Two Dates?

There are a few reasons why both November 21 and December 25 exist as observances:

• November 21 is close to the time when pumpkin pie becomes popular (after the fall harvest and as people gear up for Thanksgiving).
• December 25 is one of the biggest dessert days of the year (Christmas), and so naming it “National Pumpkin Pie Day” gives the pie a spotlight in a major holiday context.
• Food-holiday calendars often evolve informally, which means multiple dates can emerge and both stick over time.

How to Celebrate Pumpkin Pie Day

Whichever date you choose to observe (or you might just enjoy it on whichever suits you best!), the day is about celebrating a timeless dessert. Bake or buy a pumpkin pie, share some slices with friends or family, maybe try a new version (with different spices, crusts or toppings), and take a moment to appreciate a dish that has become a symbol of the season.

• Try baking a classic pumpkin-pie recipe or experiment with a twist (vegan, gluten-free, creative spice blend).
• Share your pie with friends or neighbors and maybe talk about family traditions around pumpkin pie.
• Visit a local bakery and pick up a ready-made pumpkin pie—especially nice if you’re short on time during a busy season.
• Post a photo of your pie with a fun note or tag a friend who loves pumpkin pie too.
• Use the day as an excuse to reflect on food traditions, harvests, shared meals, and what brings people together.

Pumpkin Pie Day Dates Table