Updated Aug 28th, 2024 by Marissa Stone
With countless events and holidays throughout the year, it can feel overwhelming to select the most relevant ones for your holiday marketing. Some marketers play it safe by focusing solely on significant holiday marketing days like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. However, by limiting campaigns to these mainstream events, you miss out on numerous opportunities to engage your audience and drive sales through your email marketing calendar and social media marketing calendar.
Savvy brands don’t just rely on the big holidays. They create marketing campaigns and use a marketing calendar template to identify lesser-known events that align with their niche. Diversifying your email marketing calendar content to include unique observances can help you tap into fresh and engaging narratives – just be sure to segment down for your target audience when sending out seasonal campaigns!
While the array of marketing opportunities in 2024 might seem overwhelming, rest assured that strategically aligning your campaigns with key dates is a surefire way to maximize sales and engagement for not only enterprise companies but for those of us in the small business realm too. From major holidays to everyone’s favorite summer bank holiday, there’s a treasure trove of opportunities to connect with your audience throughout the year – just be sure to do your event planning for seasonal campaigns ahead of time.
To make the content planning process effortless, tell your marketing team to subscribe to our AddEvent Marketing Key Dates Calendar and have all these crucial dates added directly to their calendars so they can plan for seasonal campaigns ahead of time. Our subscription calendar plays nicely with Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar, Apple Calendar, Yahoo Calendar, and more!
Here are the key marketing events you can’t afford to miss each month of 2024.
New Year’s Day (1/1)
Kick off the year by interacting with your subscribers. Reflect on the past year and offer flash sales to clear out remaining holiday stock. Remember, your audience might be recovering from the holiday rush, so consider promoting gift card usage.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1/15)
Promote kindness and community service to honor Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. Partner with charitable causes and highlight how purchases contribute to social impact. Use inclusive messaging and imagery to inspire and engage your audience.
Holocaust Remembrance Day (1/27)
On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we solemnly honor the millions of victims who perished during the Holocaust and pay tribute to the survivors. Remember their stories, educate future generations, and stand united against hatred, bigotry, and intolerance. Let’s vow to never forget and strive for a world where such atrocities are never repeated.
Black History Month (February)
Commence Black History Month by honoring the resilience, achievements, and cultural heritage of Black communities. Celebrate the contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and activists who have shaped history and inspired change. Let’s reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a more equitable future for all.
Galentine’s Day (2/13)
Gather your closest friends and celebrate the power of female friendship on Galentine’s Day! Show appreciation for the incredible women in your life with laughter, love, and support. Let’s cherish the bonds of sisterhood and celebrate each other’s strengths and accomplishments.
Valentine’s Day (2/14)
This is a prime time for brands in jewelry, fashion, and candy. Boost sales by offering the perfect gifts for loved ones. Need ideas? Check out our Valentine’s Day email marketing guide for tips and examples.
President’s Day (2/20)
Leverage this federal holiday to drive sales, especially for big-ticket items. With many people receiving tax refunds around this time, offer exclusive discounts and use presidential imagery in your promotions.
Chinese New Year (2/10)
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with vibrant campaigns. Offer red envelope rewards, discounts on gifts, and create urgency with limited-time deals.
Super Bowl LVIII (2/11)
Capitalize on the biggest sporting event in the US by promoting fan gear, party supplies, and entertainment. Launch contests and social campaigns to boost engagement.
Women’s History Month (March)
Kick-off Women’s History Month by honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of women throughout history. Celebrate the trailblazers, leaders, and change-makers who have shaped our world. Let’s amplify women’s voices, recognize their accomplishments, and continue striving for gender equality.
International Women’s Day (3/8)
Celebrate women’s achievements by showcasing female-led products and collaborations. Offer rewards and discounts, and encourage user-generated content with inspirational stories.
St. Patrick’s Day (3/17)
Embrace the festive spirit with green-themed emails. Highlight products related to the celebration and tap into the significant consumer spending associated with this holiday.
Easter (3/31)
Easter offers a chance to run spring sales and promote family-oriented products. Consider a “Spring Sale” to avoid religious associations and start preparing for Mother’s Day campaigns.
International Day of Transgender Visibility (3/31)
On the International Day of Transgender Visibility, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and beauty of transgender individuals. Raise awareness, advocate for equality, and support the rights of transgender people worldwide. Together, let’s create a more inclusive and accepting society where everyone can live authentically.
Arab American Heritage Month (April)
Commence Arab American Heritage Month by honoring the rich cultural tapestry and contributions of Arab Americans. Embrace diversity, celebrate heritage, and amplify Arab voices in our communities. Let’s recognize the resilience and vibrant traditions of Arab American culture throughout the month and beyond.
April Fool’s Day (4/1)
Show off your brand’s personality with playful pranks. Use creative product announcements or silly discounts, but ensure your audience knows it’s a prank to avoid backlash.
National Pet Day (4/11)
Celebrate pets with promotions on pet toys and essentials. Engage your audience with a pet-themed contest and share pet care tips in your newsletter.
National Customer Appreciation Day (4/18)
Express gratitude to the lifeblood of your business on Customers Day! Celebrate the loyalty, trust, and support of your customers who fuel your success and inspire your growth. Whether it’s offering exclusive deals, personalized service, or simply saying thank you, let’s show appreciation for every customer who chooses to engage with our brand.
Earth Day (4/22)
Highlight your brand’s commitment to sustainability. Promote eco-friendly products and share your green practices to inspire your audience to make environmentally conscious choices.
Lovers Day (4/23)
Cherish the bonds of love and affection on Lovers Day, a time to celebrate romance, devotion, and connection. Whether you’re expressing your love to a partner, family member, or friend, let’s embrace the beauty of love in all its forms. Shower your loved ones with heartfelt gestures, affectionate words, and moments of togetherness that create lasting memories.
Small Business Week (4/28 – 5/4)
Celebrate the backbone of our economy during Small Business Week! Show your support for local entrepreneurs, shop small, and champion the unique offerings of small businesses. Let’s recognize the vital role small businesses play in driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening communities.
Global Employee Health & Fitness Month (May)
Empower your team to prioritize health and wellness during Global Employee Health & Fitness Month. Encourage physical activity, offer wellness resources, and promote a culture of well-being in the workplace. Let’s inspire each other to lead healthier lives together.
National Inventor’s Month (May)
Celebrate creativity and innovation during National Inventor’s Month! Honor the visionaries whose ideas have shaped our world and inspire future inventors. Let’s recognize the power of imagination and ingenuity in driving progress and solving challenges.
Start of Asian American and Pacific Islander AAPI Month (May)
Kick-off Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by celebrating the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of AAPI communities. Amplify AAPI voices, share stories of resilience, and promote cultural diversity and inclusion. Let’s honor the diversity and strength of the AAPI community.
The Met Gala (5/1)
Step into the spotlight and embrace fashion’s biggest night at The Met Gala! From breathtaking couture to dazzling celebrities, join the glamorous festivities and immerse yourself in the world of haute couture and artistry. Let’s witness the magic of fashion come to life on the red carpet.
International Workers’ Day (5/1)
Celebrate workers’ achievements with exclusive discounts on productivity-enhancing products. Use powerful imagery and messaging related to workers’ rights.
Star Wars Day (5/4)
May the Force be with you on Star Wars Day! Join fans around the world in celebrating the beloved saga with screenings, cosplay, and themed events. Let’s unite in our love for a galaxy far, far away, and may the fourth be with you!
Cinco de Mayo (5/5)
¡Celebra la cultura y la herencia mexicana en el Cinco de Mayo! Disfruta de la música, la comida y la alegría de esta festividad que conmemora la valentía y la determinación del pueblo mexicano. ¡Viva México! Celebrate Mexican culture with festive promotions. Showcase products inspired by Mexican heritage and use vibrant visuals and copy.
Mother’s Day (US) (5/12)
Prepare for the most popular gift-giving day in May. Tailor your marketing to your brand’s image and sales cycle, and check out our Mother’s Day subject lines for inspiration.
Eurovision (5/ 7-11)
Experience the magic of music and diversity at Eurovision! From dazzling performances to cultural celebrations, join the international spectacle and discover new sounds from around the world. Let’s unite in song and celebrate the universal language of music.
Cannes Film Festival Begins (5/14)
Step into the spotlight and experience the glamour of the silver screen as the Cannes Film Festival begins! From red-carpet premieres to cinematic masterpieces, immerse yourself in the world of film and celebrate the artistry of storytelling. Let’s embark on a cinematic journey filled with creativity, inspiration, and unforgettable moments.
French Open (5/20)
Celebrate the thrilling action of the French Open by engaging tennis fans with exclusive promotions and content!
Memorial Day (5/27)
Kick off the summer season with promotions on summer clothing, party items, and grilling gear. Offer deep discounts to draw attention and boost sales.
Pride Month celebrates diversity and inclusivity with vibrant campaigns. Highlight LGBTQ+ inclusive products and share stories within your brand. Encourage user-generated content that celebrates love and acceptance.
Father’s Day (US) (6/16)
Following Mother’s Day, capitalize on Father’s Day with promotions on products dads will love. Check out our blog from our founder, Michael Nilsson, with some fatherly advice for inspiration!
Juneteenth (US) (6/19)
Honor the significance of Juneteenth by highlighting products that celebrate African American culture and history, and consider donating a portion of sales to relevant causes.
National Selfie Day (6/21)
Engage your audience with fun and interactive campaigns. Encourage customers to take selfies with your products and offer rewards for the best ones. This is the perfect excuse to ask your audience to tag you in their social media posts!
Disability Pride Month
Celebrate Disability Pride Month by showcasing inclusive products and sharing stories that promote disability awareness and inclusion. Highlight your brand’s commitment to accessibility and support for the disability community.
Canada Day (7/1)
Celebrate Canadian pride with patriotic email campaigns. Offer special deals, free shipping, and loyalty rewards.
Independence Day (7/4)
Promote summer wear, party goods, and BBQ essentials. Use Independence Day in your subject lines to capture attention and boost engagement, brand awareness, and your business.
World Chocolate Day (7/7)
Satisfy your sweet cravings and celebrate the delectable delight of chocolate on World Chocolate Day! Whether it’s dark, milk, or white chocolate, let’s indulge in the velvety richness and heavenly flavors of this beloved treat. You don’t need to wait for National Chocolate Cake Day (1/27) to revel in the irresistible allure of chocolate.
Emoji Day (7/17)
Get playful with emoji-filled subject lines and content. Craft fun and interactive messages and invite subscribers to share their favorite emojis.
Ice Cream Day (7/21)
Scoop up some happiness and celebrate Ice Cream Day with your favorite frozen treats! Whether you prefer classic flavors, exotic concoctions, or dairy-free alternatives, let’s indulge in creamy scoops of deliciousness. Whether it’s a cone, cup, or sundae, let’s beat the heat and savor every lick of ice cream bliss.
Summer Olympics (7/26)
Generate excitement with themed campaigns related to the Olympics. Highlight sports-related products and create countdown emails to build anticipation.
Back to School Season
Kick off the back-to-school season with special promotions on school supplies, clothing, and electronics. Tailor your campaigns to help parents and students get ready for the new academic year with exciting deals and helpful tips.
Book Lovers Day (8/9)
Celebrate the joy of reading and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of books on Book Lovers Day! Whether you’re curled up with a classic novel, exploring new genres, or sharing your favorite stories with friends, today is all about honoring the magic of literature. Let’s embark on literary adventures, spark imagination, and spread the love of reading far and wide.
National Dog Day (8/26)
Give a wag of appreciation to our furry friends on National Dog Day! Celebrate the unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship that dogs bring into our lives. Whether it’s a playful romp in the park, cozy cuddles at home, or a special treat-filled adventure, let’s pamper our pups and show them how much they mean to us.
Labor Day (9/2)
Mark the end of summer with last-minute promotions. Offer deals on back-to-school essentials and highlight end-of-season sales.
Start of Latinx Heritage Month (9/15)
Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month by highlighting products, stories, and traditions from the Latinx community. Use this month to feature special promotions on items that honor Latinx culture and contributions and engage your audience with vibrant and culturally rich content.
Oktoberfest (9/21)
Celebrate with discounts on beer-related items and tips on hosting an Oktoberfest party. Share recipes for German dishes that pair well with beer.
International Day of Peace (9/21)
Promote peace and harmony with supportive campaigns. Highlight your brand’s social impact and encourage subscribers to join you in spreading kindness.
National Daughter’s Day (9/25) & National Son’s Day (9/28)
Celebrate family bonds with heartwarming campaigns. Offer exclusive discounts on family-oriented products and create sentimental messaging.
Start of LGBTQ+ History Month
Kick-off LGBTQ+ History Month by celebrating diversity and inclusion. Showcase LGBTQ+ themed products and share stories that honor the contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Let’s start this awareness month with pride and solidarity.
Start of National Disability Employee Awareness Month
As we begin National Disability Employee Awareness Month, let’s recognize the valuable contributions of disabled employees in the workforce. Highlight inclusive workplace practices and support initiatives that promote diversity and accessibility. Together, let’s foster an environment where everyone can thrive.
Start Preparing for Cyber Week (10/1)
Get ahead of the game and start preparing for Cyber Week now! Plan your promotions, optimize your website, and strategize your email campaigns, social posts on your social media calendar, and any other marketing campaigns to make the most out of this high-traffic shopping period.
World Mental Health Day (10/10)
Compassionate campaigns show empathy and support for mental health. They also offer exclusive promotions on self-care products and share resources and tips.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (10/14)
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, honor the rich cultures and histories of Indigenous communities. Celebrate diversity by showcasing Indigenous-inspired products and sharing stories that highlight their resilience and contributions. Let’s recognize and support Indigenous voices and initiatives.
Thanksgiving (Canada) (10/14)
Express gratitude with personalized offers and holiday recipes. Highlight charitable causes and invite subscribers to join you in giving back.
National Chocolate Day (10/28)
Indulge your sweet tooth and savor the decadent delights of Chocolate Day! Treat yourself to velvety truffles, rich cocoa creations, and irresistible chocolate treats that melt away stress and bring joy to your taste buds. Let’s revel in the deliciousness of chocolate and share its delectable delights with friends and loved ones.
National Cat Day (10/29)
Purr-fectly celebrate our feline friends on National Cat Day! Honor the independent spirit, grace, and charm of cats who enrich our lives with their unique personalities. Whether it’s curling up for a nap, chasing toys with wild abandon, or simply enjoying a sunbeam, let’s shower our cats with love and appreciation.
Halloween (10/31)
Engage customers with Halloween-themed promotions. Offer deals on costumes, decorations, and treats.
Start of Native American History Month (November)
As Native American History Month begins, let’s honor the rich heritage and traditions of Native American communities. Highlight Indigenous voices, showcase culturally significant products, and support initiatives that promote understanding and respect. Together, let’s celebrate and learn from the diverse cultures of Native peoples.
Diwali (11/1)
Illuminate the spirit of Diwali with joy and prosperity! Showcase festive products and share the warmth of this Festival of Lights with your audience. Let’s spread happiness and celebrate new beginnings together.
Singles’ Day (11/11)
Tap into the growing popularity of Singles’ Day with exclusive promotions. Highlight products that celebrate self-love and independence.
World Kindness Day (11/13)
Spread kindness like confetti and brighten someone’s day on Kindness Day! Whether it’s a simple act of compassion, a heartfelt compliment, or lending a helping hand, let’s make the world a better place one act of kindness at a time. Together, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion that uplifts hearts and inspires change.
Cyber Week (11/28-12/2)
Maximize sales opportunities during the five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday (often referred to as Cyber Week), although it has been creeping up to start before Thanksgiving over the past few years. Offer sneak peeks and countdowns to build anticipation.
Thanksgiving (11/28)
Connect with your customers by expressing gratitude and showcasing holiday deals. Highlight your brand values and social responsibility. If you’re looking for an example of how to speak about Thanksgiving, feel free to check out my Thanksgiving reflections.
Black Friday (11/29)
Drive sales with your biggest deals and create urgency with countdown emails. Use segmentation and personalization to target subscribers effectively.
Small Business Saturday (11/30)
Support local entrepreneurs and celebrate the heart of your community on Small Business Saturday! Show your love for small businesses by shopping small, both online and in-store. Let’s come together to make a big impact on our local economies and show appreciation for the unique contributions of small businesses.
World AIDS Day (12/1)
Unite in the fight against HIV/AIDS and show support for those affected on World AIDS Day. Raise awareness, promote education, and combat stigma as we strive for an AIDS-free future. Let’s honor the lives lost, support those living with HIV/AIDS, and work together toward prevention, treatment, and a cure.
Cyber Monday (12/2)
Increase conversions with online-exclusive deals. Offer free shipping, bundle products, and create a gamified shopping experience.
Giving Tuesday (12/3)
Showcase your brand’s commitment to giving back. Encourage subscribers to participate in your charitable initiatives and share stories of impact.
Human Rights Day (12/10)
Stand up for equality, justice, and dignity for all on Human Rights Day! Honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and advocate for the protection of human rights around the globe. Let’s amplify marginalized voices, combat discrimination, and work towards a world where everyone’s rights are respected and upheld.
Christmas Eve (12/24)
Embrace the magic of the season and spread joy with loved ones on Christmas Eve! Whether you’re gathering around the tree or sharing cherished moments, let the spirit of giving and togetherness fill your hearts. Wishing you warmth, laughter, and the joy of the holiday season.
Christmas Day (12/25)
Optimize your holiday email templates and offer post-Christmas discounts. Highlight any shipping cutoffs and promote gift card usage. Don’t forget to connect with your customers about the holidays leading up to Christmas and Hanukkah.
Hanukkah (12/25 – 1/2)
Illuminate the festival of lights and celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah! Share traditions, delicious recipes, and thoughtful gifts with family and friends. Let’s kindle the menorah together and cherish the warmth of this joyous holiday season.
Boxing Day (12/26)
Run clearance sales and promote discounted gift cards. Use last-chance savings and fast shipping to encourage purchases.
New Year’s Eve (12/31)Clear out remaining stock and engage with customers preparing for the new year. Include shipping cutoff notices for timely deliveries.
This 2024 marketing calendar highlights holidays beyond the typical seasonal campaigns, offering marketing tips and best practices to maximize these events. Use it to seize sales opportunities throughout the year, avoid busy dates for your product launches, start event planning, and create your advertising calendar.
With careful content planning, you can align successful campaigns around these dates, increasing brand awareness, growth, and revenue. Remember to put your performance tracking in place ahead of time! Whether you’re focusing on traditional seasonal campaigns or tapping into niche observances, content planning is key to boosting your brand awareness and revenue.
Stay organized and never miss a beat! Send this to your marketing team and tell them to subscribe to our AddEvent Marketing Key Dates Calendar. Use our 2024 marketing calendar to plan your marketing strategy and come up with new marketing ideas to try!