What Is National Hugging Day™?

National Hugging Day™ is a global kindness observance celebrated every year on January 21st. Founded in 1986 by Kevin Zaborney in Caro, Michigan, the holiday encourages people everywhere to share connection, compassion, and emotional well‑being through the simple act of a hug — or any supportive gesture that feels comfortable.

For 40 years, National Hugging Day™ has inspired millions across more than 100 countries. Families, schools, workplaces, mental‑health advocates, autism organizations, and communities participate in ways that reflect their own traditions, cultures, and comfort levels.

National Hugging Day™ is trademarked.

Why January 21?

The holiday was intentionally placed in late January — a time when many people experience seasonal loneliness, reduced social interaction, and post‑holiday emotional fatigue. National Hugging Day™ offers a moment of warmth, connection, and kindness during one of the coldest, quietest periods of the year.

The Mission

National Hugging Day™ exists to:

• Promote the power of hugs, kindness and emotional connection
• Support mental health and stress reduction
• Encourage inclusive, autism‑friendly social interaction
• Strengthen relationships and community bonds
• Provide a positive, uplifting moment during winter

The Global Hug Challenge

The Hug Challenge is the modern centerpiece of National Hugging Day™ — a worldwide invitation to share a hug, a heart‑hand gesture, a kindness note, or any sensory‑friendly alternative.

Participants post their moments to FACEBOOK using #HugChallenge and #NationalHuggingDay, helping spread kindness across social platforms and communities.

Autism‑Friendly Participation

Not everyone enjoys physical touch — especially autistic individuals or those with sensory sensitivities. National Hugging Day™ offers alternatives such as:

• Heart‑hand gestures
• Visual hugs
• Scented kindness notes
• Sensory plushies or stuffed animals
• Supportive affirmations
• Gentle high‑fives
• “I’m thinking of you” scented cards

40 Years of Kindness

2026 marks the 40th anniversary of National Hugging Day™ — a milestone celebrating four decades of connection, compassion, and global participation.

The anniversary includes:

• The Global Hug Challenge
• Autism‑friendly resources CLICK HERE
• Founder reflections
• Global kindness stories
• New digital toolkits (pending)
• Community participation highlights

About the Founder

National Hugging Day™ was created by Kevin Zaborney, who believed people needed a dedicated day to express kindness and connection primarily through hugging — especially during winter months when emotional well‑being often declines.

His vision has grown into a worldwide movement embraced by millions.

How to Participate

Anyone can join:

• Hug someone you care about
• Share a kindness gesture
• Try a sensory‑friendly alternative
• Post your moments to FACEBOOK using #HugChallenge and #NationalHuggingDay
• Download free resources
• Encourage your school, workplace, or community to participate

Join the Movement

National Hugging Day™ is more than a holiday — it’s a global kindness tradition.
Everyone is welcome. Everyone can participate. Everyone can make a difference!

Copyright 1986-2026 National Hugging Day, LLC. National Hugging Day™ was established in 1986 then formally copyrighted in 1989 at the US Copyright Office under “National Hugging Day Collection.” The name, National Hugging Day™, is under Trademark. This does not limit the celebration of such a day or observance. It does, however, provide limited ownership and full credit of the name and observance to the creator and founder as well as negotiating rights of any profit from any sales or marketing using National Hugging (Hug) Day™. Photos on this site are the copyright of their respective owners. No infringement is intended. See WordPress privacy terms. National Hugging Day LLC only collects information provided by visitors through email, phone and the store.