National Play Monopoly Day – November 19, 2026

National Play Monopoly Day
Categories:
Tags:
AmericanFamilyPop Culture
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every November 19
Holiday emoji:
🎲

National Play Monopoly Day arrives every November 19, inviting players to dive into the classic board game of real estate and ruthless negotiation. Gather your tokens, roll the dice, and strategize your way to victory. Buy properties, collect rent, and try to avoid landing on Boardwalk with a hotel!

Want to sponsor National Play Monopoly Day? Learn how

Expected National Play Monopoly Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows that retailers and game stores often roll out special offers for National Play Monopoly Day. Look for discounts on various Monopoly editions at major retailers like Target and Walmart, as well as online at Amazon. Specialty game stores like Barnes & Noble may also feature deals on board games and accessories. Keep an eye out for promotions from Hasbro, the game’s publisher, which might include digital game sales or themed merchandise. Pizza places like Domino’s and Pizza Hut often have family meal deals perfect for a game night. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 19 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Play Monopoly Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #PlayMonopolyDay. Share photos of your game night setup, favorite tokens, or epic wins and losses.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #PlayMonopolyDay. Film short videos of game highlights, funny moments, or creative Monopoly-themed challenges.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #PlayMonopolyDay. Organize a virtual game or share your family’s Monopoly traditions.

Social Media Tips for National Play Monopoly Day

Individuals

Dust off your Monopoly board and invite friends or family for a competitive game night. Remember to bring your A-game and maybe some snacks.

Creators

Create content around unique house rules, strategies for winning, or a 'Monopoly challenge' where you play for a set amount of time.

Brands

Retailers can run promotions on board games, while local businesses can host Monopoly tournaments with prizes or offer game-night bundles.

Top Brands for National Play Monopoly Day

  1. Hasbro

    Founded in 1923, Hasbro is one of the largest toy and game companies in the world, headquartered in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. They are the current publisher of Monopoly, producing countless editions and variations of the classic game.

  2. Parker Brothers

    Founded by George S. Parker in 1883, Parker Brothers was a prominent American toy and game manufacturer. They originally published Monopoly after acquiring the rights in 1935, making it a household name before Hasbro's acquisition.

  3. Target

    Established in 1902 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Target Corporation is the eighth-largest retailer in the United States. They are a major seller of board games, including a wide array of Monopoly editions, often featuring exclusive versions.

  4. Walmart

    Founded by Sam Walton in Arkansas in 1962, Walmart is the world's largest company by revenue. As a leading general merchandise retailer, Walmart consistently offers various Monopoly sets, often at competitive prices, making the game accessible to many.

  5. Amazon

    Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, Amazon is the world's largest online retailer and a prominent cloud service provider. It offers an extensive selection of Monopoly games, from classic versions to themed editions, available for delivery worldwide.

  6. Barnes & Noble

    Founded in 1886, Barnes & Noble is the largest retail bookseller in the United States. Beyond books, their stores feature a dedicated section for board games and puzzles, including many different versions of Monopoly, appealing to game enthusiasts.

  7. The Op Games (USAopoly)

    Founded in 1994 as USAopoly, The Op Games is a leading publisher of custom games, including many licensed versions of Monopoly. They create unique editions based on popular culture franchises, from movies and TV shows to video games.

National Play Monopoly Day Hero

Charles Darrow

Charles Darrow is widely credited with inventing the modern version of Monopoly. An unemployed salesman from Philadelphia during the Great Depression, Darrow created the game in 1933, initially hand-making sets. He later sold the rights to Parker Brothers in 1935, leading to its widespread commercial success and global phenomenon status.

History of National Play Monopoly Day

In 1903, Lizzie Magie from the United States created “The Landlord’s Game.” The idea behind the invention was to demonstrate that an economy that appreciates wealth creation is better than where monopolists have few restrictions. Monopoly is said to have derived from this game. In 1935, Parker Brothers released Monopoly, excluding the capitalistic taxation rule.

During World War II, the British Secret Service asked the manufacturer of Monopoly, Jack Waddington Ltd, to create a special edition of Monopoly for the prisoners of war held by Nazi Germany. They hid objects like maps, currencies, and compasses in the game. The British Secret Service formed fake charity organizations to send this version of Monopoly to the prisoners of war.

Initially, when Parker Brothers released the game, it had only two versions; regular and deluxe. In 1991, when Hasbro overtook Parker Brothers, they developed many new versions of the game. In 2003, Hasbro organized a championship tournament of Monopoly on a chartered train going from Chicago to Atlantic City. Within a few years, Monopoly became a favorite among millions of people around the world, and it became their favorite pastime during get-togethers and long trips by train. In the U.S., National Play Monopoly Day was created as a dedication to this board game which brings joy to many families and friends.

National Play Monopoly Day timeline

1903
The Landlord’s Game is Created

Lizzie Magie from the U.S. creates “The Landlord’s Game.”

1935
Monopoly is Born

Parker Brothers release the game Monopoly, which is derived from “The Landlord’s Game.”

1991
The First-Ever Monopoly Championship

Hasbro, which took over Parker Brothers, organizes a national Monopoly tournament on a train from Chicago to Atlantic City.

2000s
National Play Monopoly Day

National Play Monopoly Day is created to recognize Monopoly as one of the most loved board games.

National Play Monopoly Day FAQs

When is National Play Monopoly Day?

National Play Monopoly Day 2026 falls on Thursday, November 19. It’s the perfect mid-week excuse to gather your family or friends for a classic board game showdown.

How many people play Monopoly?

Monopoly is one of the most popular board games globally, with over a billion people having played it since its creation. It’s available in 114 countries and 47 languages, making it a truly international pastime.

What is the most expensive Monopoly property?

In the classic U.S. version of Monopoly, Boardwalk is the most expensive property to buy, costing $400. It also yields the highest rent when developed with houses and hotels, making it a highly coveted asset.

Who invented Monopoly?

While Elizabeth Magie created ‘The Landlord’s Game’ in 1903, which served as a direct inspiration, Charles Darrow is widely credited with inventing the modern version of Monopoly in 1933. He later sold the game to Parker Brothers.

How To Celebrate National Play Monopoly Day

  1. Play Monopoly

    What better way to celebrate this day than play the game? Call your friends or family members for a game of Monopoly and let the fun begin!

  2. Post on social media

    Many people love Monopoly but don’t know that there’s a day dedicated to it. Share blogs or social media posts and let everyone know that National Play Monopoly Day is to celebrate with as many people as possible.

  3. Organize championships

    If you really want to take the celebrations to the next level, you can team up with your friends and organize a Monopoly Championship Tournament inviting people from your neighborhood to participate in this event. Distribute prizes for the winners and make this day remarkable for everyone.

5 Facts About Monopoly That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. It is extremely popular

    With a local license in over 130 countries and printed in more than 37 languages, Monopoly is one of the most popular board games ever.

  2. It was made with household materials

    When Charles Darrow first created the game, it was made using household objects like oilcloth and molding scraps.

  3. Darrow’s nieces inspired its pieces

    Charles Darrow’s nieces recommended the iron, purse, lantern, race car, and many other pieces of Monopoly.

  4. It was once played for 70 days

    The longest game of Monopoly to ever be played was for 70 straight days.

  5. It has over 300 versions

    Monopoly, sold by Hasbro, has over 300 versions of the game, including a Braille version.

Why We Love National Play Monopoly Day

  1. It celebrates an incredible game

    Monopoly is one the most recognizable board games globally, and National Play Monopoly Day is a fitting tribute to this wonderful game. The day provides the perfect opportunity to play the game with our friends and family and have a delightful time.

  2. Playing Monopoly can improve your thinking ability

    Playing Monopoly substantially improves your math and analytical thinking skills. It not only puts your cognitive ability to the test but also your decision-making skills.

  3. It is the perfect companion for parties and journeys

    Monopoly is one of the best games you can play at a get-together or when you’re traveling for many hours.

National Play Monopoly Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 November 19 Thursday
2027 November 19 Friday
2028 November 19 Sunday
2029 November 19 Monday
2030 November 19 Tuesday