National Game & Puzzle Week

National Game & Puzzle Week: A Celebration of Fun and Bonding

National Game & Puzzle Week is a week-long celebration dedicated to games and puzzles, spanning Thanksgiving week from November 20 to November 26. It encourages families and friends to bond, unwind, and enjoy quality time together through board games, puzzles, and other interactive activities. This tradition promotes creativity, cognitive skills, and social interaction while taking a break from digital distractions.

Quick Facts

When is it? November 20–26 (Thanksgiving week)
Tagged as: Family bonding, creativity, cognitive development
What’s the hashtag? #GamesAndPuzzleWeek
When was it founded? Early 1980s
Who founded it? Unknown

History of National Game & Puzzle Week

Games and puzzles have been integral to human culture for centuries. From ancient dice relics found in Roman ruins to card games originating in China over a thousand years ago, they have evolved into tools for strategy, learning, and fun. The concept of dedicating a week to games and puzzles emerged in the 1980s to encourage families to bond during Thanksgiving. This tradition celebrates the timeless joy of creative play.

Timeline

1760: John Spilsbury creates the first jigsaw puzzle for geography education.
1913: Arthur Wynne introduces the first crossword puzzle in New York World.
1980s: National Game & Puzzle Week is established.
200 million Rubik’s Cubes sold: Highlighting the global popularity of puzzles.

National Game & Puzzle Week Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	November 20–26	Thursday–Wednesday
2026	November 20–26	Friday–Thursday
2027	November 20–26	Saturday–Friday
2028	November 20–26	Monday–Sunday
2029	November 20–26	Tuesday–Monday
2030	November 20–26	Wednesday–Tuesday

Observed During National Game & Puzzle Week

National Game & Puzzle Week is observed by playing board games, solving puzzles, and hosting game nights. Families gather to enjoy classics like Monopoly or Scrabble or dive into challenging puzzles like Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles. Libraries often host events featuring games and puzzle-related resources. This week also inspires creativity through designing custom puzzles and encourages unplugging from technology to reconnect with loved ones.

Fun Facts About National Game & Puzzle Week

Crossword puzzles are vertically symmetrical.
Rubik’s Cube was accidentally discovered as a puzzle.
Will Shortz holds the only degree in enigmatology—the study of puzzles.
The Rhind Papyrus contains ancient mathematical puzzles.
Anagrams can turn phrases into clever riddles.

Quiz

What year was the first jigsaw puzzle created?
(Answer: 1760)
Who invented the Rubik’s Cube?
(Answer: Erno Rubik)
What is the hashtag for National Game & Puzzle Week?
(Answer: #GamesAndPuzzleWeek)
Which newspaper published the first crossword puzzle?
(Answer: New York World)
What does “light” refer to in crossword puzzles?
(Answer: Blank spaces)

FAQs

What types of games are celebrated during this week?
Board games, card games, jigsaw puzzles, word games, and logic puzzles are popular choices.

Is this week only for families?
No, it’s for everyone—friends, seniors, kids, and anyone who enjoys games and puzzles.

Can I participate online?
Yes! Many websites offer free online puzzles like Sudoku or jigsaw challenges.

Why is it during Thanksgiving week?
It encourages families to bond after Thanksgiving celebrations.

Are there official events for this week?
Some libraries and communities host game nights or puzzle competitions.

Importance of National Game & Puzzle Week

National Game & Puzzle Week fosters family bonding by creating opportunities for shared experiences through interactive play. It also boosts mental health by enhancing cognitive abilities like problem-solving and pattern recognition. Additionally, this week promotes creativity as players design their own challenges or explore new games.