National Peppermint Bark Day celebrates the beloved holiday treat that combines layers of dark and white chocolate infused with peppermint and topped with crushed candy canes. This festive confection has become as synonymous with winter holidays as pumpkin spice is to fall.
Quick Facts
When is it?: December 1st annually
Tagged as: Food Holiday
What’s the hashtag?: #PeppermintBarkDay
When was it founded?: 2021
Who founded it?: Williams Sonoma
History
Williams Sonoma popularized peppermint bark in 1998 when founder Chuck Williams challenged his team to create retro-inspired confections. The treat became an instant success, selling out in its first year and earning a coveted spot on the holiday catalog cover. Today, Williams Sonoma uses over 1 million pounds of Guittard chocolate and 65,000 pounds of peppermint bits annually to meet seasonal demands.
Timeline
- 1966: Earliest documented existence of peppermint bark
- 1998: Williams Sonoma launches their Original Peppermint Bark
- 2021: First National Peppermint Bark Day established
- 2023: 25th anniversary of Williams Sonoma’s Original Peppermint Bark
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | December 1st | Sunday |
| 2025 | December 1st | Monday |
| 2026 | December 1st | Tuesday |
| 2027 | December 1st | Wednesday |
| 2028 | December 1st | Friday |
How It’s Observed
People celebrate by visiting Williams Sonoma stores for samples, participating in the annual Peppermint Bark-Off competition, and sharing their own peppermint bark creations on social media.
Fun Facts About Peppermint Bark
- It takes 24 hours to create one batch of peppermint bark
- The original recipe required 20 rounds of testing to perfect
- Only a select few know the actual recipe
- Production occurs in just 12 weeks to meet holiday demand
- Williams Sonoma offers 35 different peppermint bark products
Quiz
- When was peppermint bark first popularized by Williams Sonoma?
- How many pounds of chocolate does Williams Sonoma use annually?
- How long does it take to make one batch?
-(Answers: 1998, 1 million pounds, 24 hours)
FAQs
Q: Can you make peppermint bark at home?
A: Yes, it’s a relatively simple treat to make with chocolate, peppermint extract, and crushed candy canes.
Q: When is it available?
A: Typically from October through the holiday season.
Importance of Peppermint Bark Day
This holiday celebrates a modern holiday tradition that has become a cultural phenomenon and essential part of the winter season, bringing people together through shared love of this festive treat.
Related
- National Candy Cane Day
- National Chocolate Day
- National Peppermint Day
- Winter Holidays
- Christmas Food Festivals