World Children’s Day

Celebrate World Children’s Day on November 20!

Every year, on November 20, people around the world mark World Children’s Day. This special day is an opportunity to celebrate children, raise awareness of their rights, and listen to what matters to them. Let’s explore the purpose behind the day and some meaningful ways to celebrate with your family!

The Origin of World Children’s Day

According to the United Nations, the General Assembly recommended establishing a Universal Children’s Day in a 1954 resolution. It envisioned a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children, as well as an opportunity to promote the ideals of the UN Charter and the welfare of children. November 20 was later associated with the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989. The Convention sets out children’s rights, including the rights to life, health, education and play, and to have their views heard.

Why It Matters

World Children’s Day is an opportunity to focus on children’s rights and the issues that matter to them. The United Nations highlights rights including protection from violence, family life, education, and the right to be heard. UNICEF calls on people and leaders to protect and fulfill every child’s rights, without discrimination, and to put children first when making choices about their future.

Fun Facts About World Children’s Day

• Global Participation: The United Nations recommended that all countries institute a Universal Children’s Day as a day of worldwide fraternity and understanding between children.
• Turn It Blue: UNICEF says schools and landmark buildings around the world light up or are painted blue on November 20 to show support for children’s rights.
• Children’s Voices Matter: Children may take over high-visibility roles in media, politics, business, sport and entertainment to share their ideas and draw attention to issues that matter to them.
• A Day of Action: UNICEF describes World Children’s Day as a global day of action for children, by children, focused on their rights and futures.

Ways to Celebrate World Children’s Day

There are plenty of meaningful ways to celebrate World Children’s Day with your family! Here are some ideas:

• Join a Local Event: Look for community activities that focus on children’s rights and give children opportunities to share their views.
• Host a Family Activity: Spend time together with a day at the park, a board game marathon, or a craft activity. Make space for children to share what matters to them.
• Spread Awareness: Talk with your family about children’s rights, or share information about the day and why children’s voices should be heard.
• Support Children’s Rights: Find ways to support organizations or community efforts that work to protect and fulfill children’s rights.
• Read Together: Choose books that explore children’s experiences and perspectives, then talk about the ideas and questions they bring up.

Creating a Brighter Future

World Children’s Day is a chance to celebrate children and focus on their rights, ideas, and hopes for the future. By listening to children and supporting their rights in our communities, we can help build a friendlier world for them. Let’s remember to cherish and uplift children—not just today, but every day!

Mark your calendars for November 20. Together, let’s make World Children’s Day a meaningful one, filled with compassion and a commitment to listening to children and supporting their rights.

Reviewed by the Holiday List editorial team on October 22, 2026 · Last updated October 22, 2026.

Related holidays

Oct 24World Development Information DayOct 26Intersex Awareness DayOct 28National First Responders DayOct 30National Publicist Day

🎂 Find out what's celebrated on your birthday →