- Categories:
- Fun
- Tags:
- ActivitiesFun
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every November 20 through 26
- Holiday emoji:
- 🧩
National Game & Puzzle Week spans November 20 to 26, encouraging families to gather and enjoy all forms of games and puzzles. This week, often coinciding with Thanksgiving, is a perfect opportunity to unplug, bond over a board game, or challenge your mind with a jigsaw. Gather your loved ones, pick your favorite game, and create lasting memories.
Want to sponsor National Game & Puzzle Week? Learn how
History of National Game & Puzzle Week
Puzzles are games, issues, or toys that test one’s knowledge. It necessitates logically putting pieces together to arrive at the proper or enjoyable puzzle solution. Crossword, word search, number, relational, and logic puzzles are examples of distinct puzzle genres. Jigsaw puzzles are probably the most popular puzzle kind. Around 1760, British engraver and mapper John Spilsbury put a map on a piece of wood and cut out the outline of each country on the map.
In 1767, Spilsbury received credit for creating the first jigsaw puzzle. The principal usage of jigsaw puzzles as geography teaching aids persisted until around 1820, after which they became popular among the general public. Riddles were the earliest recorded puzzles — in Europe, Greek mythology created riddles such as the Sphinx’s riddle. The Middle Ages witnessed the creation of several puzzles.
By the early 20th century, magazines and newspapers had discovered that publishing puzzle contests, such as crosswords and, more recently, sudoku, might improve their audience. Adult puzzles first appeared around 1900; by 1908, they had become a full-fledged craze in the U.S. This puzzle saw a resurgence of popularity with the start of the Great Depression in 1929, peaking in early 1933.
National Game & Puzzle Week timeline
Germany creates “Solomon's Seal Puzzle,” another disentanglement puzzle.
The Burr puzzle, one of the most popular puzzle games in the world, is first documented after being depicted on the title page of Chambers' Cyclopaedia.
Jigsaw puzzles are used in American schools to teach geography to youngsters.
Erno Rubik invents the Rubik's cube, a three-dimensional combination puzzle.
National Game & Puzzle Week related content
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American Chess Day challenges minds and celebrates the 'Game of Kings' every September 1. This day honors the enduring popularity and intellectual rigor of chess across the United States. Sharpen your skills, challenge a friend, or discover the rich history of this captivating game.
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International Chess Day
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See MoreNational Game & Puzzle Week FAQs
When is National Game & Puzzle Week?
In 2026, National Game & Puzzle Week runs from Friday, November 20, through Thursday, November 26. It’s a fantastic opportunity to unwind and engage in some friendly competition.
What are the benefits of playing games and puzzles?
Playing games and puzzles offers numerous benefits, including cognitive enhancement, stress reduction, and improved social skills. Board games, in particular, can foster communication and strategic thinking among players.
How popular are board games and puzzles?
The global board games market was valued at approximately $15 billion in 2023 and is projected to continue growing. Puzzles also maintain strong popularity, especially jigsaw puzzles, which saw a resurgence in recent years.
What is the difference between a game and a puzzle?
A game typically involves multiple players, rules, and a goal, often with an element of competition or chance, such as Monopoly. A puzzle, like a jigsaw or crossword, is generally a solitary challenge designed to test one’s ingenuity and problem-solving skills.
National Game & Puzzle Week Activities
Plan a game night
Organize a game night; when sending out invitations, request that guests bring a game or puzzle, including a dish. Be mindful of age groups so that everyone can participate.
Share online
Take out the cards, board games, and puzzles and have fun with your family. To share on social media, use the hashtag #GamesAndPuzzleWeek.
Create your puzzles
Invent puzzles and games. Form your rules and have fun with family and friends.
5 Facts About Puzzles
Crossword puzzle light
‘Light’ refers to the blank areas in crossword puzzles.
Crossword puzzles have symmetry
Most crossword puzzles are vertically symmetrical and appear the same when flipped.
The Rubik's cube
Rubik wasn't aware he'd created a puzzle until he jumbled it for the first time and tried to fix it.
Ladder problem by Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll, the creator of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, coined the term ‘ladder problem.’
Enigmatology Degree
Will Shortz, the crossword puzzle editor at the New York Times, is the only person on earth with a degree in enigmatology ― the scientific study of puzzles.
Why We Love National Game & Puzzle Week
Playing games improves the mood
The brain produces dopamine ― a neurotransmitter that helps us concentrate and regulates our memory and emotions. Dopamine is released when solving a puzzle or playing video games, and this makes us happy.
It boosts pattern recognition
Puzzles help develop our ability to make logical connections. According to a study, our pattern recognition skills increase when we complete complex puzzles.
It allows for quality family time
Games and puzzle week is the perfect opportunity to get the whole family together and have fun. It's an enjoyable way of spending time with one another and making new fun memories while unwinding from thanksgiving.
National Game & Puzzle Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | November 20–26 | Friday–Thursday |
| 2027 | November 20–26 | Saturday–Friday |
| 2028 | November 20–26 | Monday–Sunday |
| 2029 | November 20–26 | Tuesday–Monday |
| 2030 | November 20–26 | Wednesday–Tuesday |
