Lollipop Day 🍭

Overview

National Lollipop Day, observed annually on July 20th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the iconic hard candy on a stick. It's a day for enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite flavored lollipops, from classic fruit varieties to creamy or gourmet versions, recognizing this timeless treat that has delighted palates for centuries across various cultures and generations.

Origin and story

The word "lollipop" is widely believed to have been coined by George Smith in 1908, who patented the first automatic lollipop-making machine and named his confection "Lolly Pop."

The largest lollipop ever made weighed 7,003 pounds (3,176.5 kg) and was created by See's Candies in 2012, setting a Guinness World Record.

Quick facts

• DateJuly 20
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

Also on this date

People also viewed

Ways to celebrate

Sugar on a stick goes back to medieval nobility, but the lollipop as we know it is a much younger invention, credited to competing early-1900s candy makers who each raced to mechanize the idea.

Have one

Celebrate by:

• Eating an actual lollipop today instead of a different candy.
• Trying a flavor or shape you don't normally reach for.

See where it actually came from

Helpful resources:

• A Cultural History of Candy (Smithsonian Magazine)

Did you know?

George Smith of New Haven is often credited with naming the modern lollipop in 1908, after a racehorse called Lolly Pop — but automated stick-candy machines from competitors in Wisconsin and California arrived around the same time, muddying who really invented it.

Fun facts

• The word "lollipop" is widely believed to have been coined by George Smith in 1908, who patented the first automatic lollipop-making machine and named his confection "Lolly Pop."
• The largest lollipop ever made weighed 7,003 pounds (3,176.5 kg) and was created by See's Candies in 2012, setting a Guinness World Record.
• Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and Chinese, consumed early forms of stick candy by candying fruits and nuts with honey and inserting sticks for easier handling.

Sources and attribution

A Cultural History of Candy (Smithsonian Magazine)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: National Daiquiri DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: Lamington DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: National Milk Chocolate DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: Moldy Cheese DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

Related holidays

• National Banana Bread DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• National Beer DayExplore another holiday from this category.
• National Cake DayExplore another holiday from this category.

FAQ

When is Lollipop Day?

It is observed on July 20 each year.

What is Lollipop Day?

National Lollipop Day, observed annually on July 20th, is an unofficial holiday dedicated to celebrating the iconic hard candy on a stick. It's a day for enthusiasts to indulge in their favorite flavored lollipops, from classic fruit varieties to creamy or gourmet versions, recognizing this timeless treat that has delighted palates for centuries across various cultures and generations.

How do people celebrate Lollipop Day?

Eat an actual lollipop and try a flavor you don't normally reach for — the modern candy is a much younger invention than you'd guess.

Recently viewed holidays