National Day

National Eskimo Pie Day

Celebrated on 01/24/2026

Quick Fact

National Eskimo Pie Day celebrates the invention of the chocolate-covered ice cream bar, originally called the 'Eskimo Pie.' It was created in 1920 by Christian Nelson, a candy shop owner from Onawa, Iowa, who partnered with chocolate manufacturer Russell Stover to mass-produce the treat.

Origins and Establishment of National Eskimo Pie Day

The Eskimo Pie was invented in 1920 by Christian Nelson, a Danish immigrant and candy shop owner in Onawa, Iowa. Nelson experimented with coating vanilla ice cream bars in chocolate, using a secret recipe to prevent the chocolate from cracking. He patented the process and partnered with Russell Stover, a chocolate maker, to form the Eskimo Pie Corporation. The first Eskimo Pies were sold in 1920, and the treat quickly became a national sensation. National Eskimo Pie Day is observed annually on January 24, though its exact origins as a designated holiday are unclear; it likely emerged as a marketing effort to boost winter sales.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the decades, the Eskimo Pie brand changed hands several times, with various companies producing and distributing the treat. In 2020, the brand was renamed 'Eskimo Pie' to 'Eskimo Pie' (later 'Eskimo Pie' was retired) due to cultural sensitivity concerns, but the holiday remains popular. Today, National Eskimo Pie Day is celebrated by enjoying the classic ice cream bar, sharing memories, and promoting the treat through social media campaigns. Many ice cream shops and retailers offer discounts or special promotions on this day.

Facts & General Observations

  • The original Eskimo Pie was sold for a nickel each and was an instant hit, selling over one million bars in its first year.
  • In 1922, Nelson sold the patent for the Eskimo Pie to the United States Foil Company for $30,000, a significant sum at the time.
  • The name 'Eskimo Pie' was officially retired in 2020 and replaced with 'Eskimo Pie' (later 'Eskimo Pie' was discontinued), but the holiday continues to use the original name.

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