National PopCorn Day 2026!

Danna Bananas
January 19, 2026

On the 19th of January, National Popcorn Day bursts onto the scene, offering the delightful crunch that we all love to savour! This annual celebration pays homage to a treat that satisfies cravings, whether it’s day or night. Whether savoury or sweet, buttered, caramel-coated, or plain, shaped into a candied ball (popcorn balls, which my grandma made when I was a kid), or mixed with nuts and chocolate, this timeless snack brings joy.

2026 Update: National Popcorn Day is celebrated every year on January 19. In 2026, it falls on Monday, January 19. We’ve refreshed this post with a few current ideas and internal links to keep it popping.

The term “corn” in Old English originally meant “grain,” or, more specifically, the predominant grain cultivated in a particular region. When Native Americans introduced their primary grain, maize, to early Europeans, they appropriately adopted the term “corn.”

As far back as the 16th century, the Aztecs incorporated popcorn into headdresses worn during ceremonies honouring Tlaloc, their god of maize and fertility. Early Spanish explorers were captivated by the corn that burst forth like a white flower. Popcorn gained popularity in the mid-1800s. It wasn't until Charles Cretors, a candy-store owner, invented a steam-powered popcorn-popping machine that this delectable treat became more widely available. By 1900, horse-drawn popcorn wagons were roaming the streets.

Around the same period, Louise Ruckheim added peanuts and molasses to popcorn, introducing Cracker Jack to the world. In 1908, the national anthem of baseball was born when Jack Norworth and Albert Von Tilzer wrote “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” forever linking popcorn, especially Cracker Jack, to the sport.

Another love affair tied to popcorn may have had a slow start but eventually flourished. Today, it's hard to envision going to the movies without grabbing a box of buttered popcorn. Although popcorn was an economical snack choice, the expense of installing a machine and properly venting the building deterred many theatre owners. Thanks to Glen W. Dickson, who invested the effort and money to place machines inside his theatres, the trend caught on.

The microwave oven marked the next significant leap for popcorn. Percy Spencer, credited with its invention, used popcorn in his initial experiments during the microwave's development, opening up a new market for this beloved snack.

Billions of popcorn are devoured annually.

When ordering at a movie theatre, ask for layered butter, please. And if you make it at home, I highly recommend a stovetop popcorn popper.

Lately, I’ve been catching up on movies, and if I’m not popping popcorn myself, my go-to movie theatre in Toronto is The Fox Theatre. They have the ultimate buttery, salty popcorn, the kind that reminds you why movie popcorn is in a category all its own. Always ask for layered butter. Trust me. If you’re planning a cozy staycation or a little time off at home, this kind of movie night pairs perfectly with the spirit of taking it slow, something I’ve written about in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation + Popcorn = The Smartphone Projector 2.0 Experience.

Celebrate National Popcorn Day, and every day, in style with Popcorn Socks! These whimsical and comfortable socks are the perfect way to showcase your love for this beloved snack, adding a playful touch to your wardrobe while keeping your feet cozy. Let your feet pop with flavour and fun with Popcorn Socks!