Few beverages are as deep-rooted in culture of Americans’ collective childhood quite like hot chocolate. This drink reminds us of raining days, skiing, sledding, or even a quiet day watching the snow fall. It’s thick, silky, toasty, and usually smothered in whipped cream—no other drink brings warmth to our lives and tastebuds quite like hot chocolate. Cozy up with your favorite mug because on January 31, we celebrate National Hot Chocolate Day, a day devoted to our favorite chocolate beverage.
National Hot Chocolate Day timeline
The Ancient Mayans drank chocolate made from crushed cocoa seeds mixed in water and chili peppers.
Explorer Cortez carried cocoa beans and tools for making hot chocolate with him to Europe.
Swiss Chocolatier Daniel Peter created the first milk chocolate by combining powdered milk with chocolate.
Popular hot chocolate manufacturer Swiss Miss started selling its first powdered hot chocolate that could be mixed with water instead of milk.
National Hot Chocolate Day Activities
Drink up
Indulge in your favorite hot chocolate by heading down to your local coffee shop or restaurant with your go-to drink. The truly best way to celebrate hot chocolate in all it's chocolatey glory is simply drinking it!
Make your own marshmallows and whipped cream
Whipped cream and marshmallows are surprisingly easy to make. Marshmallows are a simple combination of gelatin, vanilla, sugar and corn syrup while whipped cream is just whipping cream beaten with sugar. Find a new recipe online and put your culinary skills to this easy test—you'll have a tasty recipe to sweeten up your chocolate-y repertoire.
Host a hot chocolate sampler
Today there's an endless array of hot chocolate concoctions: Mexican hot chocolate, white hot chocolate, creme de menthe hot chocolate, gingerbread hot chocolate... you get the idea. Make the happy hour a sweet sensation with friends by preparing some quirky hot chocolate flavors—it'll liven up everyone's favorite winter sip.
Why We Love National Hot Chocolate Day
It's the perfect winter drink
When it's cold outside, staying cozy by the fire with a mug of hot chocolate between our hands is one of our favorite winter traditions. And let’s be real – when all you need is a little snuggle and warmth, this drink warms your whole body and tastes luxurious too!
It's good for you
Chocolate contains many vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and biochemical compounds—all of which help give our body a satisfying health boost. Hot chocolate even increases the microcirculation in your skin. Who knew a hot chocolate obsession could be so good for our health?
It boosts your mood
When we drink hot chocolate, its chemical compounds signal the brain to release endorphins and serotonin, which elicit our feelings of calmness. These neurotransmitters work to reduce pain and stress, keeping us worry-free and happy! Hot chocolate is clearly happiness in a cup.
National Hot Chocolate Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | January 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | January 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 31 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 31 | Wednesday |
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