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- Special Interest
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- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 21
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National Crossword Puzzle Day challenges word lovers every December 21. This day honors the enduring appeal of the classic word game, first published in 1913. Grab a pen and a fresh puzzle, challenge a friend, or explore the rich history of crosswords. Sharpen your mind and enjoy the satisfaction of a completed grid!
Want to sponsor National Crossword Puzzle Day? Learn how
Expected National Crossword Puzzle Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that National Crossword Puzzle Day often sparks deals from various retailers. Expect discounts on puzzle books from major booksellers like Barnes & Noble and Amazon. Digital puzzle apps, such as The New York Times Crossword and PuzzlePage, may offer free trials or reduced subscription rates. Stationery stores like Paper Source could feature sales on pens, highlighters, and specialty puzzle pads. Even coffee shops might run promotions, encouraging customers to solve puzzles over a warm drink. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Crossword Puzzle Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CrosswordPuzzleDay. Share photos of your favorite completed puzzles or challenge friends with a tricky clue.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #CrosswordPuzzleDay. Tweet out a fun crossword fact or ask for recommendations on the best puzzle apps.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CrosswordPuzzleDay. Share a link to a free online crossword or organize a virtual puzzle-solving session.
National Crossword Puzzle Day Hero
Arthur Wynne
National Crossword Puzzle Day timeline
The world's first crossword puzzle appeared in The New York World December 21 issue, and was created by Arthur Wynne.
The first Times crossword puzzle was published.
Will Weng became the second editor of The New York Times crossword puzzle.
Wordplay - a documentary film featuring popular crossword constructors and solvers like Will Shortz, debuts.
National Crossword Puzzle Day FAQs
When is National Crossword Puzzle Day?
National Crossword Puzzle Day 2026 falls on Monday, December 21. It’s the perfect occasion to sharpen your wits and dive into a challenging grid before the holiday rush.
Who invented the first crossword puzzle?
The first crossword puzzle was invented by journalist Arthur Wynne and published on December 21, 1913, in the New York World newspaper. His ‘word-cross’ puzzle quickly gained popularity, leading to its widespread adoption.
How many people solve crosswords?
Millions of people worldwide enjoy solving crossword puzzles regularly. Estimates suggest that tens of millions of Americans alone engage with crosswords in newspapers, magazines, and digital apps, making it a hugely popular pastime.
What is the origin of the crossword puzzle?
The crossword puzzle originated in the early 20th century, with Arthur Wynne’s ‘word-cross’ in 1913 often cited as the first. Its popularity exploded in the 1920s, quickly becoming a staple in newspapers across the United States and beyond.
National Crossword Puzzle Day Activities
Do a crossword with a friend
Sometimes two heads are better than one. If you’re new at doing crossword puzzles, you’re probably going to struggle a little bit. Make it a bit more fun and do the puzzle with a friend! You can even team up with a significant other for more crossword puzzle fun. It’s a great way to find out what weird facts your SO knows!
Try an online crossword
Thank goodness for the internet; there are so many sites that offer free crosswords! There’s basically an endless supply at your fingertips, so you’re sure to never get bored. Pick from ones that suit your ability and interest level, or try to challenge yourself with one that’s a bit more tricky. Can you complete it? Only one way to find out!
Find a specialized crossword
Are you a mycological expert? Do you know everything there is to know about geology? Find a subject that you're an expert in and try completing a crossword about that. You’ll be able to figure out tons of clues based on your prior knowledge, and you might even complete the entire crossword! You’ll feel great and start expanding your knowledge in a field that interests you.
Why We Love National Crossword Puzzle Day
They're great for your brain
Studies have shown that doing crossword puzzles prevents dementia, improves verbal skills, help practice problem solving skills, helps the brain identify patterns, and improves your ability to do trivia. That’s a lot of wins — and a lot of reasons to become a master crossword puzzle solver. Up your crossword puzzle game and win at trivia the next time you play with your friends!
They're fun
We do a lot of waiting in our lives, whether we’re waiting for the bus on our daily commute or waiting a flight to leave. There’s a lot of potential to be bored! However, there’s a way to engage your mind while making time fly by. Do you see where we’re heading? Crossword puzzles are portable and cost nothing. They’re perfect for taking everywhere with you! What could be better?
They expand your knowledge
Crossword puzzles help you learn about new subjects. It’s hard not to get stuck on a question, unless you’re a crossword puzzle fanatic. And we’ve all been guilty of looking online to find the answer. However, even though that’s technically cheating, when you search for answers you learn new facts and expand your mind. Crossword puzzles are meant to stump you, so you’ll always learn something new! Who cares if it’s something you didn’t want to know in the first place?
National Crossword Puzzle Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 21 | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | December 21 | Thursday |
| 2029 | December 21 | Friday |
| 2030 | December 21 | Saturday |
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