- Categories:
- Food & Beverage
- Tags:
- American foodBakingFestivities
- Where:
- United States
- Date change rule:
- Every December 25
- Holiday emoji:
- 🥧
National Pumpkin Pie Day arrives every December 25, celebrating the iconic dessert that graces holiday tables across the nation. This spiced, creamy treat is a staple of fall harvests and winter feasts, bringing warmth and comfort to gatherings. Bake a homemade pie, try a new recipe, or simply enjoy a generous slice with loved ones today!
Want to sponsor National Pumpkin Pie Day? Learn how
Expected National Pumpkin Pie Day Deals
While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Pumpkin Pie Day, December 25, brings sweet deals from various brands. Look for discounts on frozen pies from Marie Callender’s and Sara Lee, often available at major grocery retailers like Kroger and Walmart. Baking enthusiasts can expect sales on pumpkin puree from Libby’s and pie crusts from Pillsbury. Local bakeries and cafes may offer special slices or whole pie promotions. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as December 25 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Pumpkin Pie Day
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalPumpkinPieDay. Film a quick recipe tutorial or a fun taste test.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalPumpkinPieDay. Share mouth-watering photos of your pumpkin pie creations or favorite slices.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalPumpkinPieDay. Post a poll asking followers about their favorite pumpkin pie spices.
National Pumpkin Pie Day Hero
Amelia Simmons
History of National Pumpkin Pie Day
While it is uncertain how National Pumpkin Pie Day celebrations started, pumpkin pie itself has quite a rich history. The name originates from the Greek word ‘pepon’, meaning ‘large melon’. This was adopted by the French as ‘pompon’ and was eventually changed into ‘pumpion’ by the English.
The first pilgrims who settled in the Plymouth Colony may have made a sort of pumpkin pie. With the pumpkins brought to them by Native Americas, the first settlers were able to make a pumpkin custard using milk, honey, and spices. This is also what led to the serving of the pumpkin pie at the first Thanksgiving ever.
In 1651, famous French Chef François Pierre de la Varenne published one of his most important French cookbooks, “Le Vrai Cuisinier François” (The True French Cook). This was translated into English in 1653 and featured a recipe for pumpkin pie under the name ‘Tourte of Pumpkin’.
Recipes for ‘pumpion pie’ made their way into English cookbooks by the 1670s. Experimental recipes lessened, and a more defined version started appearing, with the inclusion of spices. Other optional ingredients included raisins, apples, and currants.
But in 1796 the pumpkin pie really took shape when “American Cookery” was authored and published by American orphan Amelia Simmons. It was the first of its kind to contain recipes more suited to American tastes and had a recipe for pumpkin pudding, which is baked in a crust. It was similar to the pumpkin pie we eat today.
Nowadays, the recipe inspirations for pumpkin pie are endless, thanks to Pinterest and other sources. A staple dessert on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, pumpkin pie really is the perfect holiday treat.
National Pumpkin Pie Day timeline
The first pilgrims in America begin making their own variation of a pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin pie recipes start appearing in English cookbooks, like in Hannah Woolley’s “The Gentlewoman’s Companion”.
The Thanksgiving poem ‘Over the River and Through the Wood’ composed by Lydia Maria Child, features a pumpkin pie.
Starbucks adds the original Pumpkin Spice Latte to its menu.
The world’s biggest pumpkin pie, weighing 3,699 pounds, is made in New Bremen, Ohio.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Pumpkin Pie Day
Local businesses can sweeten National Pumpkin Pie Day by offering special promotions and engaging with customers. Bakeries can feature unique pumpkin pie flavors, offer mini pies, or host a ‘decorate your own pie’ event for families. Restaurants might add a signature pumpkin pie dessert to their holiday menu or offer a complimentary slice with a meal. Grocery stores can create festive displays with pie ingredients, offer discounts on baking essentials, and share easy-to-follow recipes to inspire home bakers.
National Pumpkin Pie Day FAQs
When is National Pumpkin Pie Day?
National Pumpkin Pie Day 2026 falls on Friday, December 25. It’s a deliciously festive occasion, perfectly coinciding with Christmas Day for a double celebration of sweet treats.
How popular is pumpkin pie during the holidays?
Pumpkin pie is incredibly popular, especially during the holiday season. Millions of Americans enjoy it, with peak consumption around Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it one of the most anticipated desserts of the year.
What are the key ingredients in a classic pumpkin pie?
A classic pumpkin pie typically features a creamy custard filling made from pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and a blend of warm spices. These ingredients create its signature rich flavor and smooth texture.
What is the origin of pumpkin pie?
The concept of pumpkin pie can be traced back to early American colonists, who hollowed out pumpkins, filled them with milk, honey, and spices, and baked them in hot ashes. It evolved from these early preparations into the modern pie we know today.
National Pumpkin Pie Day Activities
Enjoy a large slice
Cut yourself a slice of pumpkin pie and really take your time adding the perfect garnish and add-ons like whipped cream. Sweet indulgence at its finest!
Try a variation
The pumpkin pie filling is now used in other food items as well, such as smoothies and cookies. If a pie is not your thing, try it in a different form but with the same great taste!
Share it on social media
If you’ve baked a pie, discovered a new bakery that makes it best, or tried a new recipe, post it on social media! Don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalPumpkinPieDay.
5 Pumpy-umpy Facts About Pumpkins
That’s a lot of baking!
The largest pumpkin pie in the world was 20 feet long and arrived at the New Bremen Pumpkinfest. It consisted of 109 gallons of milk, 1212 pounds of canned pumpkin, 2796 eggs, 15 pounds of cinnamon, and 525 pounds of sugar!
It used to be the other way round
In the olden days, pumpkins were mostly used as an ingredient for making pie crusts, rather than used as a filling.
Pumpkins as a remedy
Pumpkins were once famous for curing snake bites and getting rid of freckles.
Only in America!
The traditional American pumpkin is the Connecticut field variety.
The pumpkin wasn’t the original choice for carving
The first jack-o’-lanterns were made using potatoes or turnips! It wasn’t until much later on when pumpkins were considered a more suitable choice.
Why We Love National Pumpkin Pie Day
Pumpkin fever
We have to admit, we have pumpkin fever! We love the versatility in which pumpkin is used in recipes, from sweet to spicy. There is a reason Americans go crazy for the pumpkin spice latte!
Pumpkin deserves recognition
Which other fruit is so iconic that it spans over three big holiday celebrations? Pumpkins are at the center of Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas and deserve their own big day!
Part of tradition
The dinner table is incomplete on Christmas without a pumpkin pie. It gets passed around a lot and is loved by almost everyone. It is a tradition to have pumpkin pie during the holiday season.
National Pumpkin Pie Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | December 25 | Friday |
| 2027 | December 25 | Saturday |
| 2028 | December 25 | Monday |
| 2029 | December 25 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | December 25 | Wednesday |
Social Media Tips for National Pumpkin Pie Day
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