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National Spouses Day

Show your spouse some extra love this National Spouses Day - surprise them with a romantic dinner, thoughtful gift, or just a heartfelt hug.

Tuesday

January 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEJanuary 26

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYRelationships

SUBCATEGORYRomance

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Celebrate the bond of marriage and show your appreciation for your spouse on National Spouses Day, January 26! This special day was created in 1996 by Thomas & Ruth Roy from Wellcat Holidays to celebrate all types of spouses. Whether you are married, divorced, or widowed; this is a great opportunity to honor the person who has been with you through thick and thin. Let's take some time out of our busy lives to appreciate those closest to us!

TIMELINE

National Spouses Day Timeline

National Spouses Day Birth

National Spouses Day was first observed in the United States as a day for spouses to show appreciation for one another.

Emergence of Recognition

The holiday gained traction during this decade with various media outlets acknowledging the day and promoting appreciation between spouses.

Internet Renews Interest

The advent of social media and online forums renewed interest in the holiday and led to wider observance across the country.

Commercial Recognition

The holiday sees commercial recognition for the first time, with various businesses offering special deals and promotions for couples.

Virtual Celebrations

With the global pandemic causing lockdowns, couples are forced to celebrate the day virtually but the importance of the day is felt stronger than ever before.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Spouses Day

Plan a special date night

Take your spouse out for a romantic dinner or to see a show. If you can't go out, plan an intimate evening at home with candles, music, and their favorite food.

WRITE

Write a love letter

Let your spouse know how much they mean to you by taking the time to write down your feelings. Tell them why you married them and what makes them special.

RECREATE

Recreate your first date

Relive the days of your first date by returning to the location and doing all the same activities that you did on that special night.

GET

Get crafty

Make something special for your spouse. Whether it's a photo album or scrapbook of memories or a handmade card expressing your love, it'll be sure to make their day.

Share an experience

Go on an adventure together – something neither of you has done before – like skydiving or snorkeling. The shared experience will bring you closer together.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Spouses Day

It's a reminder of commitment and partnership

When two people decide to take on life together, that's a big step and requires commitment and hard work from both parties. Every year on National Spouses Day, couples can get a chance to pause and reflect on their journey thus far as well as look ahead and set new goals for the future.

It's a day to celebrate life together

National Spouses Day is the perfect occasion to express your appreciation for the person who has been by your side throughout it all. It's an opportunity to spend time together, and relive all the memories that you've created together over the years.

It's a chance to show your love

Everyday words and gestures are often not enough to truly convey the depth of our feelings, but National Spouses Day gives us another way to let our significant others know just how much we appreciate them. Whether it's a small gift, card or simply taking the time to listen, there are many ways to show the other person what they mean to you.