December is a festive month filled with holidays, gatherings, and an abundance of delicious food. Alongside traditional feasts and celebrations, many eateries and brands embrace the spirit of giving by offering freebies in honor of national food holidays.
Contents
- 16 December National Food Holidays That Offer Freebies
- December 4 – National Cookie Day
- December 5 – National Comfort Food Day
- December 8 – National Brownie Day
- December 9 – National Pastry Day
- December 10 – National Lager Day
- December 12 – National Cocoa Day
- December 12 – National Gingerbread House Day
- December 14 – National Biscuits and Gravy Day
- December 15 – National Lemon Cupcake Day
- December 17 – National Maple Syrup Day
- December 20 – National Sangria Day
- December 21 – National French Fried Shrimp Day
- December 24 – National Eggnog Day
- December 25 – National Pumpkin Pie Day
- December 27 – National Fruitcake Day
- December 30 – National Bacon Day
- How to Stay Updated on Freebies
16 December National Food Holidays That Offer Freebies
Here’s a roundup of notable December national food holidays where you can score some tasty treats.
December 4 – National Cookie Day
The holiday season is synonymous with cookies, and National Cookie Day makes it even sweeter! Popular bakeries and chains often give out free cookies to celebrate.
- Subway: In previous years, Subway has given away free cookies with any purchase.
- Great American Cookies: Some locations have offered a free cookie with no purchase necessary.
- Insomnia Cookies: Check for free cookie promotions or discounts through their app.
December 5 – National Comfort Food Day
National Comfort Food Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in your favorite hearty dishes that warm both the heart and soul. From creamy mac and cheese to savory pot pies, this day is all about celebrating the foods that make us feel at home. Many restaurants and diners honor the occasion with discounts or even free comfort food classics, so check your local spots for deals. Whether you’re cooking up a family favorite or grabbing a bite out, this is the day to savor the cozy flavors of comfort.
December 8 – National Brownie Day
Chocolate lovers rejoice! National Brownie Day is your excuse to indulge in this decadent treat.
- Killer Brownie Co.: Keep an eye on online deals for free brownie samples.
- Local Bakeries: Many neighborhood bakeries celebrate this day with giveaways—check their social media pages for updates.
December 9 – National Pastry Day
National Pastry Day is a sweet celebration of flaky, buttery delights, from croissants to danishes and beyond. This is your chance to indulge in your favorite pastries without guilt! Many bakeries and cafes join the fun by offering free pastries or discounts, so be sure to check local spots or chains like Panera Bread and Krispy Kreme. Whether you prefer savory treats or sugary confections, this day is perfect for satisfying your pastry cravings. Grab a coffee, pair it with a pastry, and celebrate in style!
December 10 – National Lager Day
Raise a glass to National Lager Day, a celebration of this crisp and refreshing beer variety. Breweries, pubs, and restaurants often mark the occasion with special offers, including free samples, discounted pints, or limited-edition lagers. Whether you enjoy a classic light lager or a craft brew with unique flavors, this day is the perfect opportunity to toast to one of the world’s most popular beer styles. Don’t forget to check local breweries for special events!
December 12 – National Cocoa Day
Warm up your winter with a cup of velvety hot cocoa on National Cocoa Day. This cozy holiday is celebrated by cafes, bakeries, and even grocery stores offering free or discounted cups of cocoa, often with festive toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, or candy canes. Look for promotions from coffee chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks or local spots hosting cocoa-themed events. Whether you’re sipping by the fire or on the go, this day is a sweet reminder of the simple joys of the season.
December 12 – National Gingerbread House Day
Celebrate this whimsical holiday with gingerbread-themed treats.
- Coffee Shops: Many cafes offer gingerbread-flavored drinks, and some include a free gingerbread cookie or mini house kit with purchase.
- Grocery Stores: Stores like Whole Foods may host events where kids can decorate gingerbread cookies for free.
December 14 – National Biscuits and Gravy Day
A comfort food classic, biscuits and gravy take center stage on this day.
- Local Diners: Some local diners and chains like Cracker Barrel might offer free or discounted biscuits and gravy with any meal.
December 15 – National Lemon Cupcake Day
Brighten up your day with a zesty treat on National Lemon Cupcake Day! This sweet and tangy dessert gets its moment to shine as bakeries and cafes celebrate with special promotions. Some places may offer free mini lemon cupcakes, discounts, or even baking classes. Check out local bakeries or chains like Sprinkles for lemon-inspired goodies. Whether you bake your own or snag a freebie, it’s the perfect way to savor this citrusy delight during the holiday season.
December 17 – National Maple Syrup Day
Maple syrup fans, this one’s for you!
- IHOP: Keep an eye out for free pancakes with a variety of syrup flavors.
- Local Maple Farms: Many farms offer tastings or small free samples of their syrup.
December 20 – National Sangria Day
Toast to the season with a fruity glass of sangria on National Sangria Day! This festive beverage, a blend of wine, fruit, and other flavorful additions, is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy evening in. Restaurants and bars often celebrate with sangria specials or complimentary tastings. Check out tapas bars or wine lounges for deals on red, white, or sparkling sangrias. Raise your glass and enjoy this delicious tradition!
December 21 – National French Fried Shrimp Day
Celebrate crispy, golden goodness on National French Fried Shrimp Day! This day is all about savoring perfectly fried shrimp, a favorite at seafood restaurants and diners alike. Many spots offer specials like free shrimp appetizers or discounted platters. Look for deals at chains like Red Lobster or local seafood joints. Whether you dip them in cocktail sauce or enjoy them plain, these crunchy bites are a tasty way to mark the occasion.
December 24 – National Eggnog Day
Get into the holiday spirit with a cup of this festive drink.
- Coffee Chains: Starbucks and other cafes often include eggnog lattes in their holiday promotions. Some smaller coffee shops may even give away a free small cup of eggnog.
December 25 – National Pumpkin Pie Day
Celebrate Christmas Day with a slice of a holiday classic—pumpkin pie! National Pumpkin Pie Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy this spiced, creamy dessert that’s become a festive favorite. While most people have pumpkin pie as part of their holiday meal, some bakeries and grocery stores offer discounts or freebies on this day. If you’re not baking your own, check out local spots for last-minute pie deals to make your Christmas celebration extra sweet!
December 27 – National Fruitcake Day
Love it or hate it, fruitcake gets its well-deserved spotlight on National Fruitcake Day! This dense, fruit-filled treat has a long history as a holiday staple. Bakeries and specialty shops may offer free samples or discounts to mark the occasion. It’s also a great time to try modern twists on the classic recipe or share a slice with friends and family. Embrace the tradition and discover why fruitcake continues to be a festive favorite!
December 30 – National Bacon Day
End the year with a bang—or a sizzle—with National Bacon Day.
- Denny’s: Some locations have offered free bacon with a meal.
- Local Restaurants: Check for “bacon happy hours” or free sides of bacon with certain purchases.
How to Stay Updated on Freebies
- Follow Social Media Accounts: Restaurants and chains often announce freebie promotions on their Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts.
- Sign Up for Loyalty Programs: Apps and newsletters for chains like Subway, Starbucks, and IHOP frequently include freebie offers.
- Check Food Deal Websites: Websites like RetailMeNot and The Krazy Coupon Lady regularly list promotions tied to national food holidays.
Take advantage of these December national food holidays to enjoy complimentary treats while spreading a little holiday cheer. Whether it’s a warm cookie or a savory biscuit, December is the perfect time to savor freebies and celebrate the flavors of the season.
