Date
Thursday
Mar
20

March 20

Snowman Burning Day

Get ready to say goodbye to winter with a fiery twist! Join in on the fun of Snowman Burning Day and watch as these chilly creatures go up in flames.

Yearly Date
March 20
Type
Day
Category
Fun

Introduction

Get ready to say goodbye to winter and welcome the spring season with a unique celebration on March 20 – Snowman Burning Day! This fun holiday originated in Switzerland, where it is known as Böögg or Sechseläuten, and involves setting fire to large snowmen made of straw. The tradition symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of warmer weather. But don't worry, no real snowmen are harmed in this celebration! It's all in good fun and a great way to kick off the spring season with some fiery excitement. So gather your friends and family, and get ready to light up those snowmen!

Snowman Burning Day Timeline

1818
Böögg Festival Inception
The first recorded Böögg or Sechseläuten, was celebrated in Switzerland, a precursor to Snowman Burning Day.
1892
Snowman Sculpture
Swiss sculptor, Caspar Ulrich Brunner, makes a large snowman named Böögg, filled with explosives as part of the Sechseläuten celebration.
1971
American Adoption
Lake Superior State University in Michigan, USA adopts the Swiss tradition and celebrate their first Snowman Burning Day.
1992
Temporary Hiatus
Due to environmental concerns about smoke and potential toxins, Lake Superior State University temporarily halts the snowman burning tradition.
1998
Switch to Paper Snowman
Lake Superior State University resumes the tradition but now burning a snowman made of paper-mâché and straw.
2019
Flaming Celebration Continues
The tradition lives on at Lake Superior State University, marking nearly half a century of celebrating Snowman Burning Day.

How to Celebrate Snowman Burning Day

1

Build a snowman

Gather your friends and family and build a snowman together. Get creative with different accessories and decorations for your snowman.

2

Have a bonfire

Gather around a bonfire and enjoy some hot drinks and snacks while celebrating Snowman Burning Day. You can even make s'mores to add to the festivities!

3

Create a snowman-themed playlist

Put together a playlist of songs about winter, snow, or even specifically about snowmen. This will add to the fun atmosphere of your celebration.

4

Host a snowman burning party

Invite friends over for a snowman burning party! Have everyone bring their own mini snowman to burn and make it a competition for the best burning snowman.

5

Create snowman-themed crafts

Get crafty and make some snowman-themed crafts such as snowman ornaments, snowman hats, or even a snowman piñata to break open during the celebration.

Why We Love Snowman Burning Day

A

It's a unique tradition

Snowman Burning Day is an unusual holiday that is celebrated in some parts of the world. While it may seem odd, it's a fun and lighthearted way to mark the end of winter and welcome the warmer months ahead.

B

It brings communities together

In some places, Snowman Burning Day is celebrated as a community event. People come together to build snowmen and then gather to watch them burn. It's a great opportunity for people to bond and have some fun with their neighbors.

C

It symbolizes new beginnings

As the snowman burns away, it represents the end of one season and the start of another. It can also symbolize letting go of the past and embracing the future. Plus, who doesn't love a good bonfire?

Snowman Burning Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 19
Sunday
2024
Mar 19
Tuesday
2025
Mar 19
Wednesday
2026
Mar 19
Thursday
2027
Mar 19
Friday