Sesame Street Day 2026

Visit the street on Sesame Street Day. November 10 marks the 1969 premiere of Sesame Street, the public-TV show that mixed Muppets, music, and research-based lessons for preschoolers — and still shapes how adults think early learning on screen can work.

Sesame Streetchildren's televisionNovember 10Jim HensonJoan Ganz CooneyPBSeducation

Sesame Street Day - Visit the street on Sesame Street Day. November 10 marks the 1969 premiere of Sesame Street, the public-TV show that mixed Muppets, music, and research-based lessons for preschoolers — and still shapes how adults think early learning on screen can work.

About Sesame Street Day

History & origins

Sesame Street Day falls on November 10, the anniversary of the show’s U.S. premiere on 10 November 1969. It is a media-and-education observance, not a federal holiday.

Sesame Street was created by Joan Ganz Cooney and the team at the Children’s Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop), with Muppet characters from Jim Henson’s workshop and a curriculum shaped by researchers and educators. The show aimed to reach children across income levels with letters, numbers, and social skills through comedy and music. It became one of the most widely known children’s programs in the world, with international co-productions.

On the show’s 40th anniversary in 2009, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg issued a proclamation designating November 10 as Sesame Street Day, and related anniversary events used the name. Fans and calendars have kept November 10 as an informal annual observance since.

Keep the page about education and children’s media history.

Why it matters

Sesame Street proved entertainment and learning could share a screen without talking down to kids. The anniversary is a chance to thank that model and to watch with a child — or rewatch with adult eyes.

How to celebrate

Watch a classic or current episode with a child. Donate to or stream via public-media partners if that fits you. Read a short history of the 1969 launch and Cooney’s workshop model. Teach a letter or number the playful way. Skip copyright-infringing bootlegs; use legal streams.

Facts

Sesame Street premiered in the United States on November 10, 1969
Joan Ganz Cooney led the Children’s Television Workshop that created the show
Jim Henson’s Muppets were central to the program’s style
In 2009, New York City proclaimed November 10 as Sesame Street Day for the 40th anniversary
It is not a U.S. federal holiday

Upcoming dates

Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Wednesday, November 10, 2027
Friday, November 10, 2028
Saturday, November 10, 2029
Sunday, November 10, 2030

Frequently asked questions

When is Sesame Street Day in 2026?

Sesame Street Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Is today Sesame Street Day?

No. Sesame Street Day in 2026 falls on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, not today.

What is Sesame Street Day?

It is an observance on the anniversary of Sesame Street’s November 10, 1969, premiere, celebrating the show’s educational television legacy.

Who started Sesame Street Day?

The date is the premiere anniversary. New York City formally proclaimed Sesame Street Day around the 40th anniversary in 2009; fans continue the informal annual observance.

How do you celebrate Sesame Street Day?

Watch with a child, support public educational media, or learn the show’s history. Keep it about learning and kindness.

Is Sesame Street Day an official holiday?

No. It is not a U.S. federal holiday. A 2009 New York City proclamation used the name for the anniversary.

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