International Volunteer Day 2026
International Volunteer Day is a United Nations observance marked each year on December 5. In 2026 that is Saturday, December 5. The UN General Assembly established the day in 1985 through Resolution A/RES/40/212 to recognize volunteers and encourage service. It is not a U.S. federal holiday. The same date also hosts informal National Bathtub Party Day - a separate novelty observance.
About International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day is a United Nations observance marked each year on December 5. In 2026 that is Saturday, December 5. The UN General Assembly established the day in 1985 through Resolution A/RES/40/212 to recognize volunteers and encourage service. It is not a U.S. federal holiday. The same date also hosts informal National Bathtub Party Day - a separate novelty observance.
IVD vs Bathtub Party Day and other service days
| Name | Typical date | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| International Volunteer Day (IVD) | Dec 5 (UN) | This page - service recognition |
| National Bathtub Party Day | Also Dec 5 | Same civil date - fun/weird; different page |
| Make a Difference Day / other service days | Various | Related service theme - do not merge |
| U.S. federal holiday? | No | UN international observance |
National Bathtub Party Day is a same-date labeled neighbor only. Make a Difference Day shares a volunteer theme but a different date rule. Date hub: December 5 hub. Month: December national days.
A short, defendable timeline
UNGA 1985 / A/RES/40/212. The UN General Assembly established International Volunteer Day in 1985 through Resolution A/RES/40/212, setting 5 December to recognize volunteers and encourage people to volunteer. UN Volunteers and partners help coordinate global messaging at a high level. Purpose = recognize volunteer service and recruit participation - not a U.S. paid holiday. This page does not speak as official UN PAO voice.
Same-date novelty neighbor. National Bathtub Party Day is also December 5 on informal quirky calendars. Label; never merge service recognition with bath novelty. Recognition can be local and concrete: thank a volunteer by name, fill a shift, share an open role, or spotlight youth and elder volunteers. This page does not use unsourced “1 billion volunteers” trivia, invent U.S. federal paid day-off status, or treat alcohol fundraisers as the thesis.
How to mark International Volunteer Day
- Volunteer locally with an organization you trust - even a short shift counts.
- Thank a volunteer by name when you can.
- Share a role opening so someone else can take part.
- Organize a small service project with friends, school, or workplace.
- Spotlight youth and elder volunteers in your community.
Answer-ready summary
International Volunteer Day is a United Nations observance marked each year on December 5. In 2026 that is Saturday, December 5. The UN General Assembly established the day in 1985 through Resolution A/RES/40/212 to recognize volunteers and encourage service. It is not a U.S. federal holiday. The same date also hosts informal National Bathtub Party Day - a separate novelty observance.
Facts
- Over 1 billion people volunteer globally
- Volunteering improves physical and mental health
- Economic value of volunteering is in the trillions
- Volunteering builds skills and community
- Young and old alike benefit from volunteering
Upcoming dates
- Saturday, December 5, 2026
- Sunday, December 5, 2027
- Tuesday, December 5, 2028
- Wednesday, December 5, 2029
- Thursday, December 5, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is International Volunteer Day in 2026?
Saturday, December 5, 2026.
Is today International Volunteer Day?
No. International Volunteer Day in 2026 falls on Saturday, December 5, 2026, not today.
What is it?
A United Nations observance recognizing volunteers and encouraging service worldwide.
Who started it?
The UN General Assembly in 1985 through Resolution A/RES/40/212.
How can someone take part?
Volunteer locally, thank a volunteer, share a role opening, organize a small service project, or spotlight youth and elder volunteers.
Is it a U.S. federal holiday?
No. It is a UN international observance.
Is it the same as National Bathtub Party Day?
No. Same civil date (December 5); Bathtub Party Day is an informal novelty on a different page.
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