National Play Monopoly Day celebrates one of the world’s most beloved board games that has taught millions about property trading, money management, and strategic thinking while providing endless entertainment.

Quick Facts

  • When is it?: November 19
  • Tagged as: Board Game Holiday
  • What’s the hashtag?: #PlayMonopolyDay #MonopolyFun
  • When was it founded?: Early 2000s
  • Who founded it?: Hasbro Gaming

History of National Play Monopoly Day

The holiday emerged from the incredible success of Monopoly, which began as “The Landlord’s Game” created by Lizzie Magie in 1903. The game we know today was officially released by Parker Brothers in 1935 and has since become a global phenomenon, available in over 37 languages and licensed in more than 130 countries.

Timeline

  • 1903: Lizzie Magie creates “The Landlord’s Game”
  • 1935: Parker Brothers releases Monopoly
  • 1991: Hasbro acquires Parker Brothers
  • 2003: First national Monopoly tournament on a train
  • 2000s: National Play Monopoly Day established

Dates by Next Year

YearDateDay
2024Nov 19Tuesday
2025Nov 19Wednesday
2026Nov 19Thursday

How It’s Observed

People celebrate by organizing game nights, participating in tournaments, sharing their Monopoly memories on social media, and exploring different versions of the game. Many families use this day to teach children about financial literacy through gameplay.

Fun Facts About Monopoly

  • The longest Monopoly game ever played lasted 70 days
  • Over 300 different versions exist
  • The game is licensed in more than 130 countries
  • Special editions were created for WWII prisoners with hidden escape tools
  • The game pieces were inspired by Charles Darrow’s nieces

Quiz

  1. Who created the original “Landlord’s Game”?
  2. How many languages is Monopoly available in?
  3. What year did Parker Brothers release Monopoly?
    (Answers: 1. Lizzie Magie 2. Over 37 3. 1935)

FAQs

Q: How long does an average game take?
A: 60-180 minutes

Q: How many players can play?
A: 2-8 players

Q: What’s the most expensive property?
A: Boardwalk

Importance of National Play Monopoly Day

The day highlights the educational value of board games in teaching financial literacy, negotiation skills, and strategic thinking while bringing families together for quality entertainment.

Related Holidays

  • International Chess Day
  • National Board Game Day
  • World Play Day
  • International Games Day
  • National Card Playing Day