National Winnie the Pooh Day

National Winnie the Pooh Day is an American holiday created to honor one of the most beloved children’s book characters. The holiday is celebrated annually on January 18, the birthday of A. A. Milne, the author who brought Winnie the Pooh and his friends to life.

History

The lovable bear first appeared in 1924 in the December issue of the *Evening Standard*, published on Christmas Day. A complete book of stories followed in 1925, introducing not only Winnie the Pooh but also his friends Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger.

The stories are set in the real Ashdown Forest in England, a landscape filled with glades, dense woods, and gentle hills. Milne’s careful attention to detail is evident both in his writing and in the original illustrations.

Winnie the Pooh has since become a massive cultural phenomenon, cherished by generations. The stories are known for their warmth, gentle humor, and a quintessentially English charm that gives them timeless appeal.

Interesting Facts

• All the characters were inspired by toys that belonged to Milne’s son, whose likeness appears in the stories as Christopher Robin.
• *Winnie the Pooh* was one of *The New York Times*’ best-selling books in 1958.
• Some scholars believe the Russian animated adaptation captures the spirit of Milne’s original stories more closely than Disney’s version, which significantly changed the characters’ designs and personalities.

How to Take Part

Celebrate National Winnie the Pooh Day by watching a cartoon or reading the original stories. You might also bake cookies shaped like Winnie the Pooh and serve them with honey—sure to delight fans of all ages!

Share your love for Winnie the Pooh on social media. Tell others how you first encountered the world of Pooh and his friends, and encourage them to revisit these timeless tales.

When is National Winnie the Pooh Day in 2026?

National Winnie the Pooh Day is observed on January 18 each year.

Observations