National Day

Alice In Wonderland Day

Celebrated on 07/04/2026

Quick Fact

Alice in Wonderland Day is celebrated on July 4th, the original date of the famous boat trip where Lewis Carroll first told the story to Alice Liddell. The day is marked by tea parties, costume parades, and readings from the book. Interestingly, the Mad Hatter's tea party is a central theme for many celebrations.

Origins and Establishment of Alice In Wonderland Day

Alice in Wonderland Day traces its roots to July 4, 1862, when Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (better known as Lewis Carroll) took a boat trip on the River Thames with three young girls, including Alice Liddell. To entertain them, he improvised a story about a girl named Alice who falls down a rabbit hole. Alice Liddell later asked him to write it down, leading to the publication of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland in 1865. The holiday was informally established by fans and literary societies in the early 20th century, with the first official celebrations recorded in the 1920s. It gained official recognition in the United States in 2015 when the Library of Congress declared July 4 as Alice in Wonderland Day.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Initially, the day was celebrated primarily by literary enthusiasts with small gatherings and readings. Over time, it expanded into a global phenomenon, especially after the release of Disney's 1951 animated film. In recent decades, celebrations have become more elaborate, featuring costume contests, tea parties, and themed events in libraries and bookstores. Social media has amplified the holiday, with fans sharing quotes, artwork, and cosplay. Today, it is also used to promote literacy and creativity, with many schools and community centers organizing Alice-themed activities.

Facts & General Observations

• The story has been translated into over 174 languages, making it one of the most translated works in the English language.
• The phrase "mad as a hatter" predates Carroll's book, but the character of the Mad Hatter popularized it.
• July 4 was chosen because it is the anniversary of the original boat trip, not because of U.S. Independence Day (though the two often coincide).

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