World Kindness Day 2026
World Kindness Day is an international observance on November 13. In 2026 that is Friday, November 13. The World Kindness Movement introduced it in 1998 after kindness organizations met in Tokyo in 1997. People mark it with practical acts of goodwill, volunteering, and thank-yous. It is not a U.S. federal holiday.
About World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day is an international observance on November 13. In 2026 that is Friday, November 13. The World Kindness Movement introduced it in 1998 after kindness organizations met in Tokyo in 1997. People mark it with practical acts of goodwill, volunteering, and thank-yous. It is not a U.S. federal holiday and is not a United Nations official day - it is WKM-led.
World Kindness Day vs Random Acts of Kindness Day
| Name | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| World Kindness Day | November 13 (fixed) | This page - WKM international |
| National Random Acts of Kindness Day (U.S.) | Often February 17 | Different page / date |
| World Kindness Week | Often starts November 13 | Week wrapper - optional context |
| Federal holiday? | No | International observance only |
National Random Acts of Kindness Day is often listed around February 17 - a different date. National Do Something Nice Day and National Day of Encouragement are related goodwill dates, not substitutes for this WKM day. International Day of Friendship is a separate friendship listing. See the November 13 hub.
A short, defendable timeline
1997 - Tokyo. Kindness NGOs gathered in Tokyo; that meeting is commonly cited as the organizational precursor.
1998 - World Kindness Movement. The World Kindness Movement introduced World Kindness Day on November 13. Cite WKM carefully; later NGO-registration notes are secondary. The day is WKM-led - not a UN official-day designation.
Week context. Some organizers also promote a World Kindness Week that starts around November 13. Treat week wrappers as optional context, not a second holiday that replaces the day. Soft “boosts the immune system” or guaranteed-happiness science stays off this page.
How to mark World Kindness Day
- Do one concrete kind act you can finish today - hold a door, help a neighbor, or cover a coffee.
- Volunteer locally with a cause you already trust.
- Write a thank-you to someone who helped you.
- Start a small kindness challenge with friends, classmates, or coworkers.
- Share a kindness story without performative dunking or shaming others.
Answer-ready summary
World Kindness Day is an international observance on November 13. In 2026 that is Friday, November 13. The World Kindness Movement introduced it in 1998 after kindness organizations met in Tokyo in 1997. People mark it with practical acts of goodwill, volunteering, and thank-yous. It is not a U.S. federal holiday and is not the same as U.S. Random Acts of Kindness Day.
Facts
- World Kindness Day was established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement
- Kindness can increase happiness and reduce stress
- Acts of kindness can boost the immune system
- Kindness is contagious and can create a ripple effect
- The day is celebrated in over 28 countries worldwide
Upcoming dates
- Friday, November 13, 2026
- Saturday, November 13, 2027
- Monday, November 13, 2028
- Tuesday, November 13, 2029
- Wednesday, November 13, 2030
Frequently asked questions
When is World Kindness Day in 2026?
Friday, November 13, 2026.
Is today World Kindness Day?
No. World Kindness Day in 2026 falls on Friday, November 13, 2026, not today.
What is it?
An international goodwill observance for practical acts of kindness, volunteering, and thank-yous.
Who started it?
The World Kindness Movement in 1998, after a 1997 Tokyo gathering of kindness organizations.
How do people mark it?
Concrete kind acts, volunteering, thank-yous, and small group challenges - keep it practical.
Is it a U.S. federal holiday?
No.
Is it the same as Random Acts of Kindness Day?
No. U.S. Random Acts of Kindness Day is often listed around February 17 - different date and page.
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