The start of a new year is the perfect time to set up a calendar of promotions so that you have lots to celebrate in your social media. Not all of these holidays and month-long observations will fit with your store’s product mi, But they are a good starting point!

Here are a few examples – you can find more from the great oracle of Wikipedia by clicking on this link, or on the website of the National Press Club.

January

New Year’s Day

Dry January

Shape Up US Month

February

Valentine’s Day

American Heart Month

Black History Month

Ramadan (in 2026)

March

St. Patrick’s Day

Women’s History Month

Youth Art Month

April

Easter (sometimes is in March)

National Poetry Month

National Volunteer Month

Passover (sometimes is in March)

May

Mother’s Day

National Pet Month

National Bike Month

Memorial Day

June

Father’s Day

LGBTQ Pride Month

National Dairy Month

July

4th of July 

Disability Pride Month

Hot Dog Month

August

Black Business Month

Boomers Making a Difference Month

Traffic Awareness Month

September 

Labor Day

National Hispanic Heritage Month (mid-September to mid-October)

Mushroom Month

October

Halloween

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

National Pizza Month

November

Thanksgiving

Movember

Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

December

Christmas

Hanukkah (in 2026)

Kwanzaa

Why is it important to have a year-round calendar of events and promotions? Because social media demands constant opportunities for engagement – and the algorithm does not favor announcements of new merchandise arrivals and clearance sales.  

Creating a tie-in with a charity or an important social message (Pride month, for example) gives you the chance to benefit from cause marketing. Many customers prefer to shop at a business that demonstrates that it shares their values. Your staff is also likely feel more inspired when they know something new is coming up, especially if you involve them in the planning.

Happy Retailing,
Carol “Orange” Schroeder