Annual observance

Have a Bagel Day

December 11 Food / Dessert Updated 2025-12-18

This holiday is featured in the Obscure Holiday Calendar app with emoji-style visuals, reminders, and daily fun facts.

Overview

Have a Bagel Day is a joyous occasion dedicated to celebrating the beloved bagel, a deliciously chewy bread product with a rich history. This day encourages everyone to indulge in their favorite bagel, whether it's plain, everything, sesame, or pumpernickel, topped with cream cheese, lox, or any other delightful spread. It's a perfect excuse to enjoy a breakfast staple that has brought smiles to faces for centuries.

Observed each year on December 11, Have a Bagel Day invites people to pause, share the story, and bring a little themed joy to their day.

Why it matters: Have a Bagel Day on December 11 celebrates the rich history and cultural significance of bagels, which trace their origins to Jewish communities in Poland. This holiday invites food enthusiasts to appreciate the versatility and joy of a beloved breakfast staple that has delighted taste buds for centuries.

Origin and story

Bagels originated in Jewish communities of Poland, with the first known mention dating back to 1610 in Kraków.

The word 'bagel' is derived from the Yiddish word 'beygl,' which means 'ring' or 'bracelet.'

Quick facts

  • DateDecember 11
  • TypeFood / Dessert
  • Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.
  • Try a playful twist: cover non-traditional foods in chocolate or sauces inspired by Have a Bagel Day.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why Have a Bagel Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the food / dessert vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Share one fast fact about Have a Bagel Day: Bagels originated in Jewish communities of Poland, with the first known mention dating back to 1610 in Kraków.

Fun facts

  • Bagels originated in Jewish communities of Poland, with the first known mention dating back to 1610 in Kraków.
  • The word 'bagel' is derived from the Yiddish word 'beygl,' which means 'ring' or 'bracelet.'
  • Traditionally, bagels are boiled for a short time before being baked, which gives them their unique shiny crust and chewy interior.
  • New York City is renowned for its bagels, with many attributing their distinct taste and texture to the city's tap water.
  • Bagels were once used as teething toys for babies due to their hard, chewy consistency.
  • The first bagel-making machine was invented in 1963, revolutionizing mass production and making bagels more widely available.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


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FAQ

When is Have a Bagel Day?
It is observed on December 11 each year.
What is Have a Bagel Day?
Have a Bagel Day is a joyous occasion dedicated to celebrating the beloved bagel, a deliciously chewy bread product with a rich history. This day encourages everyone to indulge in their favorite bagel, whether it's plain, everything, sesame, or pumpernickel, topped with cream cheese, lox, or any other delightful spread. It's a perfect excuse to enjoy a breakfast staple that has brought smiles to faces for centuries.
How do people celebrate Have a Bagel Day?
Pair music, snacks, or décor that match the theme and enjoy a small break.

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