Annual observance

International Mountain Day

December 11 Cultural / community observance Updated 2025-12-18

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

Overview

International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlighting the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and building partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands.

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

Why it matters: International Mountain Day, observed on December 11, emphasizes the vital role mountains play in sustaining ecosystems and communities, while addressing the challenges faced in their development. This day fosters collaboration to promote sustainable practices that benefit both mountainous regions and the global population.

Origin and story

Mountains cover about 27% of the Earth's land surface.

They provide 60-80% of the world's freshwater.

Quick facts

  • DateDecember 11
  • TypeCultural / community observance
  • Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

  • Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by International Mountain, or play music that matches the mood.
  • Post a story with #international-mountain-day and invite others to try a tiny activity.
  • Plan a 10-minute activity that fits the cultural / community observance vibe and make it a mini tradition.
  • Plan something small on December 11: a quick nod to International Mountain Day with friends, family, or coworkers.
  • Write a note or journal entry on why International Mountain Day matters, then set a reminder for next year.

Fun facts

  • Mountains cover about 27% of the Earth's land surface.
  • They provide 60-80% of the world's freshwater.
  • Mountain ecosystems are home to 25% of the world's terrestrial biodiversity.
  • Around 15% of the world's population lives in mountain areas.
  • The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed December 11th as International Mountain Day in 2003.
  • Each year, International Mountain Day has a specific theme, such as sustainable tourism, mountain biodiversity, or mountain cultures.

Sources and attribution

Source not provided.


Continue to

FAQ

When is International Mountain Day?
It is observed on December 11 each year.
What is International Mountain Day?
International Mountain Day, observed annually on December 11th, is a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mountains to life, highlighting the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and building partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands.
How do people celebrate International Mountain Day?
Bring the theme into your day—decorate a workspace, cook or bake something inspired by International Mountain, or play music that matches the mood.

Get the app

Thousands of obscure holidays, daily widgets, reminders, and fun facts—free on iOS and Android.

Recently viewed holidays