If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. OK, that’s a little dramatic — but a little planning ahead will go a long way in helping you map out your social media content for the coming months.
My favorite way to start some content planning? Mapping out all the year’s key dates and holidays.
That’s where this hefty list comes in. It covers monthly themes, major international and U.S. holidays, and fun ‘national celebration’ dates — National Dress Up Your Pet Day, anyone?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to go through this list and mark dates that might impact or resonate with your customers or audience in your social media calendar.
This practice is a great first step for both businesses and creators alike. Even if you don’t already have some fully fleshed-out social post ideas for the occasions, don’t sweat — just noting these dates is a great start. Inspiration might strike closer to the time. Plus, I’ve included some additional context and ideas on some key dates to help get your creative juices flowing!
It’s also a good idea to note times like U.S. Thanksgiving, or European summer holidays, when audiences might be less inclined to be online. At Buffer, we tend to pause our content calendars over slower periods like this — and it’s healthy to take a break every now and again.
While we’re at it: do you have an efficient social media calendar to help you plan the year ahead? If not, you might want to check out our guide to creating your own social media content calendar from scratch or even grab one of our free social media calendar templates so you can hit the ground running.
Alright then — calendar at the ready? Here’s a month-by-month breakdown of holidays and observances to bookmark.
January 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
National Mentoring MonthNational Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention MonthParis Fashion Week (January 20–25)
Dry January
What began as a UK public health campaign in 2013 has since become a worldwide movement. With millions all over the world participating, it’s more than just a chance to hit the reset button on your health after holiday indulgences — it spotlights the health risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
According to studies, participants in Dry January often report improved sleep, weight loss, and better focus, all of which resonate with audiences looking for a fresh start in the New Year.
Brands and creators focused on wellness, mindfulness, or even food and beverage can tap into this trend.
Content ideas
Share the benefits of taking a break from alcohol with data and tips.Run a weekly series highlighting alcohol-free mocktail recipes, inviting your audience to share theirs.
📅 Key dates
January 1: New Year’s Day
January 5: Golden Globe Awards
The Golden Globes kick off the glitz, glamor, and memes of the 2025 awards season. With stars stepping out in breathtaking outfits and delivering headline-worthy speeches, the Golden Globes are a cultural touchstone. Social media is flooded with memes, red-carpet looks, and viral moments, offering plenty of moments for both poignant engagement and some tongue-in-cheek fun!
Content ideas
Share a live reaction thread to key moments, such as surprise wins or emotional speeches.Make your own “Golden Globe Awards” for your niche — best team member, best customer story, etc.Keep an eye out for viral, relatable moments you might be able to share or comment on — like this one from 2024’s show:
January 13: Clean Off Your Desk Day
Is there anything better than working from a clean, fresh space? Celebrated every second Monday of January, this day is the perfect time for decluttering and organizing workspaces for better productivity and mental clarity. Fun fact: An organized workspace is proven to boost focus and reduce stress.
Content ideas:
Share “X Tips to Declutter Your Workspace” with actionable advice.Host a “Desk Glow-Up Challenge” and encourage followers to share before-and-after photos.Share a time-lapse video of the process of cleaning your desk — don’t forget the ASMR ambient sound! Here’s a great example for TikToker Cozy K:
@cozy.games the chair is always sneakily the dirtiest!🫧 inspired by the king of resets: @Jack Callaghan 🫶🏽 #cleanwithme #deskreset #deskorganization #sundayreset #cleaningtiktok #deskcleanup #cleaningasmr #asmrcleaning ♬ original sound – Speedy sounds
January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet DayJanuary 19: National Popcorn DayJanuary 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S.)January 27: Community Manager Appreciation DayJanuary 23: National Pie DayJanuary 29: National Puzzle Day
January 29: Lunar New Year (Year of the Earth Snake)
The Lunar New Year marks the start of a new year in the traditional lunar calendar, celebrated widely across East and Southeast Asia. It’s a time of family gatherings, traditions, and renewal.
2025 is the year of the Earth Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, resourcefulness, and transformative growth.
Content ideas:
Share a carousel about Lunar New Year traditions and their meanings.Create a post exploring Earth Snake personality traits — ask followers if they resonate.Highlight Asian-owned businesses, creators, or recipes tied to the celebration.
February 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
National Black History Month (U.S.)LGBT+ History Month (UK)New York Fashion Week (February 6–11)London Fashion Week (February 20–24)Ramadan: (February 28–March 29)
📅 Key dates
February 2: Groundhog DayFebruary 2: Grammy Awards
February 9: Super Bowl (U.S.)
Whether your audience watches for the game, the ads, or the half-time performance, the Super Bowl is a cultural moment that transcends sports. Super Bowl LIX will take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is set to dominate social media globally. The event drew over 126.3 million viewers in 2024.
Content ideas:
Share live reactions to memorable ads or halftime performances.Host a “Big Game Prediction” poll on who will win or which commercial will steal the show.Post game-day recipes or setup ideas for the ultimate watch party.Share a relatable meme or clip about tuning in just for the halftime show.February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in ScienceFebruary 14: Valentine’s Day
February 15: Singles Awareness Day
Celebrated the day after Valentine’s Day, this holiday flips the script by honoring self-love and individuality. With the rise of self-care and mindfulness trends, Singles Awareness Day resonates with a broad audience — it’s all about celebrating independence.
Here are some content ideas
Share self-love affirmations or tips for prioritizing yourself.Ask your audience: “What’s the best thing about being single?”Post a humorous take on Valentine’s leftovers or date fails.Partner with self-care brands for giveaways or exclusive offers.February 16: BAFTA Film AwardsFebruary 17: Random Act of Kindness DayFebruary 17: Presidents’ Day (U.S.)
March 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Women’s History MonthAmerican Red Cross Month
📅 Key dates
March 1: Endometriosis Awareness DayMarch 3: Academy Awards (Oscars)March 4: Mardi GrasMarch 5: Ash WednesdayMarch 7: National Day of UnpluggingMarch 8: International Women’s DayMarch 9: Daylight Savings start (U.S.)March 15: World Consumer Rights DayMarch 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20: International Day of Happiness
Established by the United Nations in 2012, this day emphasizes happiness as a fundamental human goal. Each year, it focuses on a theme, such as “Happiness Together” (2025’s theme has yet to be announced), promoting well-being and positivity globally.
Social media thrives on feel-good content, and this day provides an opportunity to create uplifting, shareable posts that spark joy.
Content ideas:
Share quotes about happiness and invite followers to share what makes them happy.Run a poll: “What’s your instant happiness booster? (Music, food, friends, other).” If you’re on the hunt for some happiness-boosting tips, we have a great read on science-backed tactics that can help.Create a reel of moments that spark joy in your niche (e.g., behind-the-scenes bloopers, user testimonials).Offer a surprise discount or giveaway to spread happiness among your followers.March 21: World Down Syndrome DayMarch 22: Earth HourMarch 23: National Puppy DayMarch 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
April 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Stress Awareness MonthNational Poetry Month
📅 Key dates
April 1: April Fools’ Day
Dating back to the 16th century, this day is all about pranks and light-hearted fun. On social media, brands often participate by sharing funny fake announcements or playful content.
Humor humanizes your brand and boosts engagement. However, it’s essential to keep jokes light-hearted and avoid anything that might confuse or alienate your audience.
Content ideas:
Ask followers to share the best (or worst) prank they’ve ever played.Post a meme or clip about skepticism about everything you see online today.Let’s start with the obvious: Announce a fictional product or feature that aligns humorously with your brand. Here is one of my favorites from 2024, when UK gym chain Gymbox ‘launched’ Gymbarks classes for dogs.
April 5: National Self Care DayApril 7: World Health DayApril 10: National Siblings DayApril 16: World Semicolon DayApril 18: Good FridayApril 20: Easter SundayApril 22: Earth Day
April 28: Pay It Forward Day
Inspired by the concept of passing on good deeds, this global event encourages acts of kindness to create a ripple effect. This celebration can foster positivity and community engagement — and also an opportunity to showcase your brand’s values.
Content ideas:
Share a story of how a small act of kindness made a big difference.Challenge your audience: “Perform one kind act today and share it with us!”Partner with a nonprofit to highlight their initiatives.April 25: National DNA DayApril 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
May 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
National Barbecue MonthLupus Awareness MonthCannes Film Festival (May 13–24)
📅 Key dates
May 4: Star Wars Day
“May the Fourth be with you,” a pun on the famous Star Wars quote, has transformed into an annual celebration of the beloved franchise. Star Wars has a global fanbase spanning generations, making this a fun and engaging content opportunity.
Content ideas:
“If you could have one Jedi power, what would it be?”Use Star Wars imagery to tie into your brand (e.g., “Social media management as easy as using The Force!”).Post memes or trivia about the franchise.May 5: Cinco de MayoMay 8: World Ovarian Cancer DayMay 10: National Small Business DayMay 11: Mother’s Day (U.S.)May 20: World Bee DayMay 26: Memorial Day (U.S.)May 31: World No-Tobacco Day
June 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Pride Month
June celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, commemorating the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. Pride Month is about visibility, equality, and support for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride Month fosters inclusivity, kindness, and support. It’s a time to amplify LGBTQ+ voices.
Content ideas:
Highlight LGBTQ+ creators, employees, or businesses.Share a post explaining the history and significance of Pride.Post messages of inclusivity and support using Pride colors.Launch a Pride-themed product or initiative, with proceeds benefiting LGBTQ+ organizations.Men’s Health Week (June 10–16)
📅 Key dates
June 3: World Bicycle DayJune 14: Flag DayJune 15: Father’s DayJune 18: International Sushi Day
June 19: Juneteenth (U.S.)
Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, specifically the announcement of freedom in Texas on June 19, 1865. Recognized as a federal holiday, Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and African American culture. It’s also an opportunity to educate and honor history.
I shared this in our 2024 calendar guide and want to highlight it again here: It’s important to note that Juneteenth — like many other important dates on this list — should not be seen as a marketing opportunity to exploit.
Brands have been called out for not practicing what they preach for celebrating the holiday in their marketing materials while having no policies and practices that support Black employees internally or the Black community more broadly.
“It is a holiday that marks the end of 200+ years of slavery, bondage, and abuse of African Americans,” multicultural marketing expert Lizette Williams pointed out in an interview with Forbes in 2022. “It is a celebration of resilience — not a marketing moment, carefully crafted social media post, or latest African American-targeted innovation drop.”
Rather than a performative marketing campaign, Williams suggests diverting these resources. “Support Black-owned businesses or organizations such as Black Girls Code, Loveland Foundation, and others to help in the continuous fight for racial justice, equality, and equity,” she suggested.
Content ideas:
Share posts on the history and significance of Juneteenth.Highlight Black-owned businesses or creators or partner with organizations supporting racial equality and justice.June 20: Summer SolsticeJune 21: International Yoga Day
June 21: National Selfie Day
A fun celebration of self-expression, National Selfie Day encourages people to share their best selfies. User-generated content (UGC) thrives on this day, and brands can tap into trends by encouraging engagement and showcasing their audience.
Content ideas:
Run a selfie challenge: “Show us how you use [product/service].” Don’t forget to include prizes!Share your team’s selfies with captions like “Meet the faces behind the brand!”Post tips for taking the perfect selfie.June 30: Social Media Day
July 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
National Ice Cream MonthNational Grilling Month
📅 Key dates
July 1: International Joke DayJuly 2: Made in the USA DayJuly 4: Independence Day (U.S.)July 13: Embrace Your Geekness DayJuly 17: National Tattoo Day
July 17: World Emoji Day
Created in 2014, this day celebrates the growing role of emojis in digital communication. Emojis are universally understood and add personality and tone to your content. They’re also highly engaging — especially when it comes to how different generations interpret each emoji. (Just ask your nearest Millennial and Gen Z friends what they think the thumbs-up emoji means. I’ll bet my World Emoji Day post they say something different.)
Content ideas:
Challenge followers to describe their day using only emojis.Use emojis to tell a story about your brand.Post a poll: “What’s your most-used emoji?”July 18: Nelson Mandela DayJuly 30: International Day of Friendship
August 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
National Immunization Awareness MonthBlack Business Month
📅 Key dates
August 9: Book Lovers Day
Celebrated globally, this day is a tribute to bibliophiles and the joy of reading. Book-related content performs well for audiences interested in self-growth, creativity, or storytelling.
Content ideas:
Share your team’s favorite books or recommendations for your audience. Speaking of — check out the Buffer team’s recent reads.Host a poll: “Which genre do you love most?”Post quotes from books that align with your brand values.August 12: International Youth DayAugust 13: Left-Handers DayAugust 21: Senior Citizens Day
August 26: National Dog Day
Founded in 2004, National Dog Day honors the bond between humans and their furry companions while promoting adoption. Also: you really can’t go wrong with pet content. This is a great opportunity to connect with your audience on a personal, emotional, tail-wagging level.
Content ideas:
Promote dog adoption by using your platform to share some of the pups waiting for forever home.Share photos of your team’s dogs or invite followers to submit their pet pictures. We opted to use a similar post idea on Halloween in 2024:
September 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Suicide Prevention MonthFriendship Month
📅 Key dates
September 1: Labor DaySeptember 1: Back to Hogwarts DayOktoberfest (Sep 20—Oct 5)
September 8: International Literacy Day
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966, this day highlights literacy as a human right and a foundation for development. It’s an opportunity to advocate for education and self-improvement.
Content ideas:
Share stats about global literacy and how followers can support literacy programs.Ask: “What book had the biggest impact on your life?”Highlight organizations working to improve literacy worldwide.September 21: International Day of Peace
September 30: International Podcast Day
Launched in 2014, this day celebrates the growth and influence of podcasts as a medium for storytelling and education. Podcasts are a fast-growing content format, and this day is perfect for connecting with podcast enthusiasts in your audience.
Content ideas:
Share your favorite podcasts and ask for your audience’s recommendations. On the hunt for new shows? Check out this list of our favorite podcasts from 2024.If you host a podcast, share a sneak peek of your setup or upcoming episode.
October 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October has been dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer since 1985, focusing on education, research, and early detection. This month brings attention to a cause that affects millions. If it makes sense for you to do so, creating thoughtful, supportive content can align your brand with a meaningful issue.
Content ideas:
Share resources about early detection and prevention.Highlight stories of survivors or organizations making a difference.Invite followers to share how they support loved ones affected by breast cancer.
📅 Key dates
October 1: Yom KippurOctober 7: World Teacher’s Day
October 10: World Mental Health Day
Long gone are the days when mental health issues were swept under the rug. Organized by the World Health Organization, this day raises awareness about mental health issues and promotes support for mental well-being.
Content ideas:
Post tips for managing stress and improving mental health, or partner with a mental health expert for a Q&A or AMA. In 2024, the official Olympic Games accounts shared mental health tips from the world’s top athletes:
If life ever feels like this, sometimes a little breathwork can go a long way. ✨
More tips and tools for everyday mental fitness practices used by Olympians here: https://t.co/knDYEzjPt9#WorldMentalHealthDay @POWERADE @Athlete365 pic.twitter.com/bHpw4Ko2QQ
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 31, 2024
Share personal or team stories about prioritizing mental well-being.Ask followers: “What’s one small thing you do for self-care?”
October 20: Diwali
Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. It’s one of the most significant festivals in Hindu culture. Diwali’s themes of renewal, hope, and community make it universally inspiring. The festival is also a visual feast, perfect for creating captivating social media content — again, it makes sense for you or your brand to do so.
Content ideas:
A simple happy Diwali message to all your followers or customers who celebrate will go a long way.Spotlight South Asian creators or businesses.October 31: Halloween
November 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Men’s Health Awareness Month (Movember)Epilepsy Awareness Month
📅 Key dates
November 2: Daylight Savings ends (U.S.)November 23: Espresso DayNovember 27: Thanksgiving (U.S.)November 28: Black Friday
November 29: Small Business Saturday
You’ve heard of Black Friday, but what about Small Business Saturday? Launched in 2010 by American Express, this day encourages consumers to support local small businesses during the holiday shopping season. Championing small businesses resonates with audiences who value community and entrepreneurship.
Content ideas:
Curate a list or carousel that spotlights your favorite small businesses (and don’t forget to tag them!).Run a campaign: “Tag your favorite small business below!”Partner with other small businesses for giveaways or bundles.November 30: Artists Sunday
December 2025
🗓️ Monthly themes and events
Hanukkah: December 14–22Kwanzaa: December 26 – January 1
📅 Key dates
December 1: Cyber Monday
The Monday after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest online shopping days of the year, with deals across all industries. Cyber Monday generates massive online engagement, making it a prime opportunity for sales and promotions.
Content ideas:
Curate a list of your favorite products that are on sale. Here’s a great video to emulate by home office creator, Michelle Graviet:
@michellegraviet Amazon big deal days!! The perfect time to stock up or get gifts for everyone 🤭 Let me know if there’s anything else you’re looking for! #primeday #primeday2024 #amazonfinds2024 #amazonprime #amazonbigdealdays ♬ original sound – michelle
Highlight sustainable shopping tips to stand out in a sea of sales posts.December 4: National Cookie DayDecember 8: Pretend to be a Time Traveller DayDecember 19: National Ugly Christmas Sweater DayDecember 21: Winter SolsticeDecember 24: Christmas EveDecember 25: Christmas DayDecember 31: New Year’s Eve
