What Is Father's Day and How It Is Celebrated?

What is Father's Day? It’s a time to honor dads for their love and support. Families celebrate with gifts, gatherings, and appreciation for fatherhood.

But where did it all start? The meaning of Father’s Day goes beyond traditions, recognizing the impact fathers have in shaping lives.

Want to make this Father’s Day celebration special? Keep reading for its history, significance, and ideas to show your appreciation.

When Is Father’s Day?

In the United States, Father's Day takes place on the third Sunday of June. In 2024, it will be observed on June 16. This date changes each year but always stays on a Sunday, making it easier for families to spend time together.

Other countries celebrate it at different times. For example, Australia and New Zealand observe it on the first Sunday of September, while the United Kingdom and Canada follow the same June tradition as the U.S.

Here are the dates for Father's Day from 2025 to 2030:

• 2025: Sunday, June 15
• 2026: Sunday, June 21
• 2027: Sunday, June 20
• 2028: Sunday, June 18
• 2029: Sunday, June 17
• 2030: Sunday, June 16

While the U.S. and U.K. follows this June tradition, other countries celebrate on different dates. Here are the Father’s Day celebration dates for 2025 and the next 10 years in some countries:

Father’s Day falls on different dates worldwide—Father's Day quotes reflect the love and appreciation shared on this special day.

The History Of Father’s Day

Father’s Day was first observed in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. Sonora Smart Dodd was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wanted to recognize her father, William Jackson Smart, a Civil War veteran who single-handedly raised six children.

The inaugural Father’s Day celebration occurred on June 19, 1910, with support from local churches and community organizations.

The first Father’s Day celebration took place on June 19, 1910, with local churches and community groups supporting the event. Over time, the idea spread, and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge encouraged states to recognize it. However, it remained unofficial for decades.

In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson officially declared the third Sunday of June as Father's Day through a presidential proclamation. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established it as a permanent national holiday in the United States.

Today, Father’s Day is widely observed, honoring the contributions of fathers and father figures in families and communities.

>> The journey of Father’s Day is a tribute to strong male role models—happy first Father's Day celebrates new dads experiencing this milestone for the first time.

Father’s Day Traditions From Around The World

Father’s Day is observed worldwide, with each country honoring the occasion in its own way. Here’s how different cultures honor fathers:

United States & United Kingdom

In the U.S. and U.K., Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. Families mark the occasion with thoughtful gifts, meaningful cards, and special moments together. Many take dads out for meals, enjoy outdoor activities, or surprise them with homemade treats.

>> From homemade gifts to backyard barbecues, traditions in the US and UK vary—Father's day message to husband adds a heartfelt touch to the celebration.

Germany

In Germany, Vatertag (Father’s Day) falls on Ascension Day, a national holiday. Many men mark the occasion by gathering for outdoor trips, often pulling wagons filled with beer and food. It’s a time for bonding and celebrating fatherhood.

>> German Father’s Day traditions often involve hiking, beer, and laughter—funny Father's Day quotes highlight the lighthearted side of celebrating dads.

France

The French celebrate Fête des Pères on the third Sunday in June. It became popular in 1950, initially promoted by a lighter company. Today, children give handmade gifts or poems, and families enjoy meals together to honor fathers.

Thailand

Thailand celebrates Father’s Day on December 5, honoring the birthday of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. A common tradition is gifting canna lilies, considered a symbol of masculinity. Many also take part in charitable activities as a way to show respect.

>>  Celebrations in Thailand focus on love and tradition—father son quotes highlight the deep respect given to fathers.

Brazil

In Brazil, Father's Day, known as Dia dos Pais, takes place on the second Sunday of August each year. Family barbecues are a popular tradition, bringing relatives together to express appreciation for fathers and their role in the family.

Japan

Japan's Chichi no Hi is observed on the third Sunday of June each year. Children often present their fathers with thoughtful gifts like sake, shochu, stylish accessories, or gourmet treats as a sign of gratitude.

>> Fathers in Japan are honored with thoughtful words and traditions—Father's day bible verses reinforce the values of love, respect, and wisdom.

Things To Do For Father's Day

Father’s Day is an opportunity to honor and appreciate dads and father figures. Here are some fun activities to make the celebration even more meaningful:

Spend Time Outdoors

Plan a day of fishing, hiking, or a scenic road trip. Spending time outdoors is a relaxing way to connect and appreciate nature’s fresh air.

>> Enjoying fresh air and good company is the best gift—father daughter quotes remind us that time together is the most meaningful present.

Watch a Live Sports Game

If your dad enjoys sports, consider bringing him to a baseball, basketball, or football game for a fun outing. If attending in person isn’t possible, set up a game-day experience at home with snacks and jerseys.

Fire Up the Grill

Grilling outdoors is a timeless way to enjoy the celebration. Cook his favorite meals, enjoy good company, and add lawn games like cornhole or frisbee for extra fun.

Have a Family Game Night

Playing board games, card games, or video games is a fun way for families to bond through friendly competition. Let Dad choose the game for a relaxed and entertaining evening.

>> Whether board games or video games, playing together strengthens connections—father in law quotes show how family games create lasting bonds.

Work on a DIY Project

If your dad enjoys hands-on activities, spend time building, fixing, or crafting something together. Whether it’s assembling furniture or making a custom gift, it’s a rewarding way to connect.

Learn Something New Together

Take a cooking, painting, or music class as a shared experience. Trying a new hobby together creates lasting memories and strengthens your bond in an enjoyable way.

No matter the celebration, spending meaningful time together is the most valuable gift. Choose something that suits his personality and interests to make Father’s Day meaningful.

Conclusion

What is Father's Day? It’s a time to appreciate dads and their impact on our lives. The meaning of Father’s Day goes beyond gifts—it’s about gratitude and love.

Across different cultures, Father’s Day celebrations vary, but the sentiment remains the same. Saying Happy Father’s Day can be as simple as sharing a meal, planning a fun activity, or spending quality time together.

Make the day special in a way that truly matters to your dad. A small effort can create lasting memories.