National Play Monopoly Day

Celebrated on 11/19/2026

Quick Fact

National Play Monopoly Day is celebrated annually on November 19. This date was chosen to honor the day in 1935 when Parker Brothers acquired the rights to Monopoly, which had been independently created by Elizabeth Magie in 1903 as The Landlord's Game.

Origins and Establishment of National Play Monopoly Day

National Play Monopoly Day was established to commemorate the day when Parker Brothers purchased the rights to Monopoly from Charles Darrow on November 19, 1935. Darrow, a salesman from Pennsylvania, had developed a version of the game that became wildly popular during the Great Depression. However, the game's origins trace back to Elizabeth Magie, who created The Landlord's Game in 1903 to illustrate the economic consequences of land monopolism. Parker Brothers initially rejected Magie's game but later acquired Darrow's version, which became the iconic board game we know today.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the decades, Monopoly has evolved with numerous themed editions, digital versions, and international variants. The holiday is now celebrated by board game enthusiasts and families who gather to play Monopoly, often hosting tournaments or themed game nights. Many commemorate the day by sharing facts about the game's history or by playing special house-ruled versions. In recent years, online communities and social media have helped spread awareness, making it a global celebration of one of the best-selling board games in history.

Facts & General Observations

• Monopoly has been published in over 114 countries and in 47 languages, with an estimated 1 billion players worldwide.
• The longest recorded Monopoly game lasted 1,680 hours (70 days), played by a group in Pennsylvania in 1983.
• The most expensive Monopoly set is a version crafted by jewelry company Franklin Mint, valued at over $2,000, featuring 24-carat gold tokens and a mahogany box.

Explore more celebrations, trivia, and quests on National Day Quest.