Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

673 Shares
673 Shares
SunNov 23

Wolfenoot – November 23, 2025

Wolfenoot occurs every year on November 23. This day celebrates both the Spirit of the Wolf and kindness. It’s also a day that encourages people to show kindness to animals, especially dogs since they are descendants of the wolf. Wolfenoot — pronounced “wolf-uh-noot” — came into being after a seven-year-old New Zealand boy told his mom about the holiday he had created.

Jax Goss, his mom, shared this information on Twitter and it quickly went viral. The account @realwolfenoot acquired nearly 1,900 followers in less than three weeks of being created. News about this holiday spread like wildfire. Today, there are Wolfenoot fans all over the globe.

History of Wolfenoot

According to the inventor of this holiday, on this day the Spirit of the Wolf brings and hides small gifts around the house for everyone. Those who have been or are kind to dogs receive better gifts than anyone else. To mark this holiday, you should eat roast meat (because wolves eat meat) and cake decorated to resemble a full moon.

His mom helped him develop the idea and turn it into an annual event. The boy is an animal lover who has been exposed to various conservation efforts from a young age. Because of the public’s overnight delight in the holiday and the rise of imposter social media accounts offering knockoff merchandise, Goss quickly formed a nonprofit organization. She also sponsored a contest for a logo design and set up official merchandise at wolfenoot.com/wolfeloot.

All proceeds from Wolfenoot initiatives go to the charity the winning logo designer selected — Wolf Park, a research and education facility in Battle Ground, near Lafayette. According to Wolf Park’s events coordinator Caity Judd, money from Wolfenoot merchandise purchases will be dedicated to a multiple-year, million-dollar-plus re-fencing project at the Park. The facility was founded by Purdue University Professor Dr. Erich Klinghammer in 1972 and houses coyotes, foxes, and bison.

Goss encourages people to celebrate the holiday in ways that they feel most comfortable with. Vegetarians don’t have to eat meat. They can make vegetarian or vegan pies instead. She implores people to go ahead and interpret Wolfenoot however they would like. Her emphasis is that the one thing that needs to remain is the expression of kindness. The culture of kindness and giving each other small presents has somehow gotten lost. We need to think about what the person would like and look for something that will please them.

Wolfenoot timeline

1977—1978
Wolves Poisoned

Illegal poisoning campaigns are started in several places in Canada to contain what the Alberta Fish and Game Association calls “an apparent wolf population explosion” in 1974.

1987
Help For the Wolves

The Central Rockies Wolf Project is founded as a non-profit agency dedicated to field research projects on wolf population recovery near Banff National Park and its environs.

2006
Wolf Massacre

Wolves are shot from helicopters in the west-central foothills during winter as part of the Alberta Woodland Caribou Recovery Plan.

2019—2020
Wolf Population Management

Wolf culling remains a management component by the Alberta government to stabilize certain woodland caribou herds within the province.

Wolfenoot FAQs

Why are wolves important?

Wolves are a keystone species and without them, the ecosystem in which they live would be dramatically different or cease to exist.

How long do wolves live?

Wolves can live up to 13 years in the wild and up to 16 years in captivity.

What is the biggest threat that wolves face?

The main threat to the survival of wolves is habitat loss due to destruction, development, and encroachment by humans.

Wolfenoot Activities

  1. Eat meat

    In appreciation of wolves and other canines, the Wolfenoot tradition encourages people to eat meat on this day. Whip up your fave meat dish or try a new recipe.

  2. Donate to animal-related charities

    Animal welfare is central to this holiday. Therefore, donating to your local animal shelter is a fantastic way to celebrate.

  3. Post your dog on social media

    Post a pic of your or a friend's dog on social media stating your appreciation for them. Use the hashtag #Wolfenoot to increase awareness about this day.

5 Interesting Facts About Wolves

  1. Long-distance trekkers

    Wolves roam long distances, sometimes up to 12 miles in a single day.

  2. Two-month pregnancy

    A wolf's gestation period is 63 days.

  3. Largest of their kind

    Wolves are the largest members of the dog family.

  4. Canine dental formula

    Adult wolves have 42 teeth.

  5. Fast runners

    Wolves can sprint from 36 to 38 miles for short distances.

Why We Love Wolfenoot

  1. It promotes kindness to animals

    The world would be a much better place if people were more kind to animals. Wolfenoot reminds us to treat animals with respect.

  2. It’s an ode to creativity

    This holiday wouldn't exist if Goss had dismissed her son's creativity. Wolfenoot honors the ingenuity that children have which makes the world livelier.

  3. It creates unity

    The Wolfenoot tale has garnered fans worldwide. They come together to share their passion for being kind to animals.

Wolfenoot dates

Year Date Day
2025 November 23 Sunday
2026 November 23 Monday
2027 November 23 Tuesday
2028 November 23 Thursday
2029 November 23 Friday
November
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.