National Cotton Candy Day

Categories:: Food & Beverage
Tags:: Candy Children
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every December 7
Holiday emoji:: 🍬

National Cotton Candy Day celebrates the iconic sugary confection every December 7. Originally invented by a dentist, this fluffy treat has become a staple of fairs and carnivals worldwide. Indulge your sweet tooth, share its history, and find creative ways to enjoy this whimsical dessert.

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FAQs
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Expected National Cotton Candy Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Cotton Candy Day often brings sweet deals. Look for special offers from retailers like Target and Walmart on packaged cotton candy. Specialty candy shops such as Sugarfina or Dylan’s Candy Bar might offer discounts on their gourmet versions. Amusement parks like Six Flags and Disney Parks, known for their classic cotton candy, could feature themed treats or promotions. Even grocery stores like Kroger and Publix often stock seasonal cotton candy flavors. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 7 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Cotton Candy Day

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalCottonCandyDay. Film a creative recipe or a ‘how-it’s-made’ video.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalCottonCandyDay. Share vibrant photos of cotton candy creations or throwback fair memories.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalCottonCandyDay. Ask followers to share their favorite cotton candy memories or flavors.

National Cotton Candy Day Hero

William Morrison and John C. Wharton

William Morrison, a dentist, and John C. Wharton, a confectioner, are credited with inventing the first electric cotton candy machine in 1897. They introduced 'Fairy Floss' at the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, selling 68,655 boxes and popularizing the sweet treat globally. Their invention transformed sugar into the airy, melt-in-your-mouth confection we know today.

National Cotton Candy Day timeline

1897

Dentists made the sweet treat

Dentist William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton are credited for the invention of machine-spun cotton candy.

1904

Cotton candy's debut

Following the invention of machine-spun cotton candy, it was finally introduced to a wide audience at the World’s Fair in St Louis, as 'fairy floss.'

1921

Cotton candy got its name

It came about when a dentist, Josef Lascaux, built a machine and sold the treat to patients in his Louisiana office.

1966

That Fluffy Stuff

The world's biggest cotton-candy manufacturer - Tootsie Roll Industries, produces bagged cotton candy called called Fluffy Stuff.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Cotton Candy Day

Local businesses can celebrate National Cotton Candy Day by offering themed treats and promotions. Bakeries could create cotton candy-flavored cupcakes or macarons, while ice cream shops might feature a cotton candy swirl. Event planners could highlight their ability to provide cotton candy machines for parties. Even non-food businesses could offer a small bag of cotton candy with a purchase to add a touch of whimsy and sweetness to their customers’ day.

National Cotton Candy Day FAQs

When is National Cotton Candy Day?

National Cotton Candy Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 7. This sweet day is a perfect excuse to indulge in the fluffy confection as the holiday season gets into full swing.

Who invented cotton candy?

Cotton candy was famously invented by dentist William Morrison and confectioner John C. Wharton in 1897. They debuted their ‘Fairy Floss’ at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, selling over 68,000 boxes.

How much cotton candy is consumed annually?

While exact global figures are hard to pinpoint, millions of servings of cotton candy are consumed at fairs, amusement parks, and events each year. The market for packaged cotton candy also sees significant sales, especially in the US.

What is the difference between cotton candy and fairy floss?

There is no difference between cotton candy and fairy floss; they are simply different names for the same sugary confection. ‘Fairy Floss’ was the original name given to the treat when it was introduced at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair.

National Cotton Candy Day Activities

Eat all the cotton candy you can
Buy some and celebrate! Maybe try a new flavor for the first time. Banana? Green apple? Strawberry?
Give some to your siblings or childhood friends
If you enjoyed cotton candy with someone at a young age, celebrate with them. We're sure sweet memories will accompany this sweet fix.
Try making it at home
Think you could do better than the dentists who created it? Give it a shot and try various flavors while you're at it.

3 Reasons We Can't Seem To Get Enough

Sugar's the only true ingredient
When spun, cotton candy's all white because it's made from just sugar. Adding dye can transform the color.
A thread of cotton candy is thinner than a strand of human hair
Though thin, the treat can be very long. In fact, the longest cotton candy was created in July 2009 and stretched over 1,400 meters.
Cotton candy has different names around the world.
In England, it’s called candy floss. In Australia and Finland, it’s called fairy floss. In the Netherlands, it’s known as suikerspin, which means “sugar spider.” Traveling to France? Call it barbe à papa, which means papa’s beard.

Why We Love National Cotton Candy Day

All sugar — all the time
If you're needing a sweet fix, this is your ticket to that sugar high you're craving.
Quick, easy, and no crumbs
Not only is cotton candy easy to store, it makes no mess. It's just soft clouds of sugar that can easily be folded up and eaten in less than a minute.
It gets us nostalgic
Carnivals, fairs, and more. Cotton candy brings the memories back. We love feeling like kids again.