Food holidays might look like small moments on the calendar, but they’re absolute gold for restaurants. They give operators an easy way to spark guest engagement, roll out low-lift marketing, and test seasonal menu ideas without committing to a full campaign.
And with Australians dining out two to three times per week—with over one-third of household food and non-alcoholic beverage budgets spent on eating out—these timely touchpoints can meaningfully influence where guests choose to dine.
For venues across Australia and New Zealand, keeping a national food holidays list on hand makes it easier to plan promotions with intention—whether that’s a quick social post, a themed dish, or a clever tie-in with what guests are already searching for.
2026 Food Holidays by Month
As a team who’s worked with venues across Australia and New Zealand over the last decade, we’ve seen food holidays become an easy win, especially for new operators who don’t yet have a strong seasonal playbook.
Some of the biggest revenue jumps we’ve helped venues achieve came from simple, well-timed promotions around these dates:
January
January brings relaxed summer moods, family outings, and plenty of appetite for fresh, vibrant food. Many diners lean into “new year, new habits,” and brunch demand stays consistently high.
Warmer weather also shapes spending habits — the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reports notable lifts in ice cream, beer, and BBQ-related purchases, which often translate into higher demand for chilled drinks, light bites, and summer-friendly dishes across venues.
Observances & celebrations in January:
- 1st Jan – New Year’s Day: Summer brunches and light, feel-good menus.
- 4th Jan – World Braille Day: Highlight accessible menus and inclusive service.
- 26th Jan – Australia Day: Busy day for BBQ-style dishes, seafood, and family-friendly specials.
Food holidays in January:
- 13th Jan – Gluten-Free Day: Promote GF dishes or create a small GF feature.
- 15th Jan – Strawberry Ice Cream Day: Simple berry desserts and ice-cream add-ons.
- 16th Jan – International Hot & Spicy Day: Spicy specials or a heat-level menu.
- 20th Jan – Cheese Lovers Day: Cheese boards and easy wine pairings.
- 28th Jan – International Blueberry Pancake Day: Berry pancakes and holiday-friendly brunch items.
February
February often feels like a “reset month” for operators — slower weekdays balanced by major peaks for Valentine’s Day and cultural observances like Waitangi Day in New Zealand. Couples dine out earlier in the evening, and bookings tend to be made well in advance.
Observances & celebrations in February (AU + NZ):
- 6th Feb – Waitangi Day (NZ): Feature Kiwi ingredients and simple nods to Aotearoa flavours.
- 14th Feb – Valentine’s Day: Prix-fixe menus, shared plates, and premium add-ons.
Food holidays in February:
- 2nd Feb – World Wetlands Day: Spotlight sustainable or local produce.
- 5th Feb – World Nutella Day: Nutella desserts, pastries, and brunch add-ons.
- 9th Feb – National Pizza Day: Limited-edition pizzas or bundle deals.
- 18th Feb – Drink Wine Day: Wine flights, pairings, and regional highlights.
- 27th Feb – National Strawberry Day: Seasonal strawberry desserts and drinks.
March
March is a lively month with a mix of long weekends, cultural events, and globally recognised celebrations. Venues often find this a great time to introduce playful, themed promotions before the heavier Easter period begins.
Observances & celebrations in March:
- 2nd March – Labour Day (WA): Long-weekend bookings, daytime dining, group tables
- 9th March – Labour Day (VIC): Brunch, family-group dining, comfort-food spikes
- 8th March – International Women’s Day: Celebratory menus, community events
- 17th March – St Patrick’s Day: Green menus, Irish dishes, beverage-led specials
Food holidays in March:
- 1st March – World Compliment Day: A guest experience moment (team challenge: compliment every table)
- 9th March – Meatball Day: Classic comfort dishes, pasta specials
- 12th March – Plant Power Day: Plant-based trials, vegan features, flexitarian menus
- 20th March – International Day of Happiness: Lighthearted promos, joyful menu items
- 25th March – International Waffle Day: Brunch boards, sweet-and-savoury waffles
- 27th March – International Whiskey Day – Whiskey flights, cocktail pairings
April
Heading into autumn, diners start leaning toward warm, comforting dishes, and demand becomes more predictable. Objectively, Easter and ANZAC Day stand out as two of the strongest booking periods outside Christmas, and from experience, pre-orders can make or break these weekends.
That’s where tools like Now Book It’s AI Receptionist, Sadie, make a real difference—handling bookings instantly, reducing wait times, and keeping your team free to focus on service rather than the phone.
Observances & celebrations in April:
- 3rd Apr – Good Friday: Easter weekend dining, family-friendly menus.
- 6th Apr – Easter Monday: Brunches, seasonal desserts, festive specials.
- 25th Apr – ANZAC Day (NZ): Traditional dishes, commemorative menus, morning services refreshments.
Food holidays in April:
- 2nd Apr – PB&J Day: Simple PB-inspired treats or nostalgic desserts.
- 19th Apr – Garlic Day: Garlic-forward dishes or limited-time sides.
- 27th Apr – Prime Rib Day: Roast specials or premium Sunday-style plates.
May
May is a standout month thanks to Mother’s Day — one of the most critical revenue days in the AU/NZ hospitality calendar. Venues across the region report elevated brunch and daytime dining, along with higher average spend.
Observances & celebrations in May:
- 10th May – Mother’s Day: Brunches, family meals, high-margin specials.
- 15th May – International Day of Families: Family-friendly menus, shared platters.
Food holidays in May:
- 5th May – Cinco de Mayo: Tex-Mex dishes, themed drinks.
- 6th May – International No Diet Day: Indulgent menu items, dessert specials.
- 11th May – Eat What You Want Day: Fun, flexible menu options.
- 28th May – International Burger Day: Specialty burgers, limited-time offers.
June
Winter kicks off across the pacific, shifting demand toward warming comfort foods, hearty drinks, and cosy indoor dining. A great month for seasonal menu refreshes and mid-year campaigns.
Observances & celebrations in June:
- 1st June (NZ), 8th June (most states in AU) – King’s Birthday: Public holiday dining, long-weekend specials.
- 21st June – Winter Solstice: Winter warmers, hearty mains, seasonal menus.
Food holidays in June:
- 1st June – World Milk Day: Dairy-forward dishes, drinks, desserts.
- 2nd June – National Donut Day: Bakery specials, sweet treats.
- 4th June – International Cheese Day: Cheese boards, dishes with local cheeses.
- 7th June – Chocolate Ice Cream Day: Dessert specials, ice-cream promos.
- 18th June – International Sushi Day: Sushi specials, tasting events.
- 25th June – International Seafood Day: Seafood promotions, fresh catches.
July
July sees the peak of winter, where warm drinks, baked goods, and indulgent desserts see strong demand. Matariki adds a cultural celebration in NZ, creating opportunities to feature local ingredients and Māori-inspired dishes.
Observances & celebrations in July:
- 14th Jul — Matariki (NZ): Celebrate Māori New Year with local produce, seasonal menus, and cultural storytelling.
Food holidays in July:
- 7th July – World Chocolate Day: Chocolate desserts, cakes, and hot drinks.
- 13th July – French Fries Day: Loaded fries, shareable sides, or burger pairings.
- 16th July – Fresh Spinach Day: Incorporate spinach into salads, mains, or smoothies.
- 20th Jul – International Cake Day: Specialty cakes, dessert flights, afternoon tea specials.
- 29th July – Lasagna Day: Hearty pasta specials and comfort-food promotions.
August
August is a mildly cooler month, perfect for beverage-led promotions, rich desserts, and hearty snacks. It’s also a great time for themed nights, brewery collaborations, and indulgent sweet treats.
Observances & celebrations in August:
No major national public holidays, so venues can focus on mid-winter specials and creative promotions.
Food holidays in August:
- 3rd Aug – Watermelon Day: Refreshing fruit specials, smoothies, or dessert pairings.
- 4th Aug – International Beer Day: Craft beer flights, pub-style menus, beer pairings.
- 10th Aug – S’mores Day: Dessert boards, hot chocolate add-ons, campfire-inspired treats.
- 16th Aug – Rum Day: Cocktails, dessert pairings, spiced drinks.
- 24th Aug – Waffle Day: Sweet and savoury waffle specials, brunch promotions.
September
September marks the beginning of spring, with diners craving fresh, vibrant flavours after winter. Seasonal produce like leafy greens, berries, and early citrus start appearing on menus. It’s also a key month for family gatherings, with Father’s Day driving brunches, pub lunches, and hearty mains.
Observances & celebrations in September:
- 6th Sep — Father’s Day: Brunches, pub-style lunches, hearty mains, and family specials.
Food holidays in September:
- 5th Sep – International Cheese Pizza Day: Pizza deals, specialty toppings, family-friendly offers.
- 20th Sep – Pepperoni Pizza Day: Pizza specials, combo deals, and takeaway promotions.
- 29th Sep – International Coffee Day: Coffee tastings, seasonal latte specials, and pastry pairings.
October
October brings a lively mix of spring energy, global food celebrations, and the build-up to Halloween. With warmer weather returning, diners lean into fresher dishes, colourful menus, and social dining occasions. It’s also a month where plant-based dishes naturally shine—perfect timing for venues exploring flexitarian options.
Halloween at the end of the month gives restaurants and bars a chance to go playful with themed cocktails, dessert boards, and late-night events.
Observances & celebrations in October:
- 31st Oct – Halloween: Themed cocktails, spooky desserts, late-night events, and family-friendly specials.
Food holidays in October:
- 1st Oct – World Vegetarian Day: Spotlight plant-based dishes, seasonal produce, and flexitarian-friendly menus.
- 4th Oct – Taco Day: Taco specials, build-your-own taco boards, and margarita pairings.
- 14th Oct – Dessert Day: Dessert flights, sweet boards, and indulgent add-ons.
- 16th Oct – World Food Day: Celebrate global flavours, multicultural dishes, and locally sourced produce.
November
November is a transition month—warmer weather, longer days, and the start of the pre-holiday rush. It’s also packed with global food celebrations, perfect for themed nights and creative specials.
Black Friday at the end of the month has quickly grown in hospitality this part of the world, driving strong foot traffic with value-led offers, bundles, and dine-in incentives. For inspiration and practical ideas, see our guide on Black Friday deals and promotion ideas for restaurants.
Observances & celebrations in November:
- 3rd Nov – Melbourne Cup Day (VIC): Major day for long lunches, bottomless specials, group bookings, and race-day menus.
- 11th Nov – Singles’ Day: “Treat yourself” deals, cocktails, indulgent desserts, and solo-friendly sets.
- 27th Nov – Black Friday: High foot traffic; ideal for bundle deals, dine-in incentives, set menus, or drink promos.
Food holidays in November:
- 1st Nov – World Vegan Day: Feature plant-forward dishes, vegan desserts, and sustainable specials.
- 6th Nov – Nachos Day: Bar snacks, share plates, Tex-Mex pairings.
- 21st Nov – World Fisheries Day: Highlight local seafood, sustainability stories, and chef specials.
- 28th Nov – Turkey Day (in conjunction with Thanksgiving): Roast-style mains, family platters, festive preview menus.
December
December is the peak season for hospitality across Australia and New Zealand. Warm weather, end-of-year celebrations, office parties, and tourist traffic all combine to create one of the highest-demand months on the calendar.
Diners look for festive flavours, summer-friendly dishes, and shareable plates that suit big groups. Cocktails, seafood, pavlovas, and BBQ-inspired menus all perform especially well. Christmas and New Year’s Eve bookings often lock in early, giving venues a chance to upsell set menus and premium experiences.
Observances & celebrations in December:
- 25th Dec – Christmas Day: Festive menus, seafood platters, roasts, and celebratory desserts.
- 26th Dec – Boxing Day: Relaxed dining, leftovers-inspired specials, light summer dishes.
- 31st Dec – New Year’s Eve: Prix-fixe dinners, late-night events, cocktail packages.
Food holidays in December:
- 4th Dec – Cookie Day: Cookie boxes, coffee pairings, festive treats.
- 8th Dec – Brownie Day: Dessert specials, brownie flights, choc-forward add-ons.
- 13th Dec – Ice Cream Day: Summer ice-cream flavours, dessert pairings, kids’ promos.
- 21st Dec – Fried Shrimp Day: Seafood specials, summery platters, cocktail pairings.
- 30th Dec – Bacon Day: Brunch add-ons, bacon-themed specials, burger upgrades.
Restaurant promotion ideas for leveraging food holidays
Food holidays thrive on social media, especially when you give guests something irresistibly shareable. Bring out your most photogenic dishes, create a fun branded hashtag, or run a quick “tag-to-win” competition. Even simple smartphone content can outperform polished ads when it feels authentic. The goal: generate buzz without blowing the marketing budget.
Limited-time menus
Seasonal or one-day-only dishes are proven traffic drivers. Research across major POS platforms shows spikes in customer visits whenever venues launch limited-time offers — especially when they tie into a recognisable food holiday. These menus don’t just spark curiosity; they create an urgency guests can’t resist.
Social-media-ready promos
Food holidays thrive on social media, especially when you give guests something irresistibly shareable. Bring out your most photogenic dishes, create a fun branded hashtag, or run a quick “tag-to-win” competition. Even simple smartphone content can outperform polished ads when it feels authentic. The goal: generate buzz without blowing the marketing budget.
Collaborations with local suppliers
This is where community meets commercial benefit. Partnering with local growers, brewers, distillers, or artisanal producers lets you spotlight regional flavours while expanding your reach. Cross-promotion is a powerful (and free!) marketing tactic — suppliers share your menu with their audiences. Plus, diners love a good “local hero” story.
Gift card campaigns
Food holidays are ideal for promoting gift cards around occasions like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or cultural events such as Lunar New Year. Even a simple offer, like “Buy a $100 gift card, get a $20 bonus,” can boost revenue. Tools like Now Book It make it easy to manage digital gift cards, track redemptions, and tie campaigns directly to your bookings.
Loyalty program boosts
If you’ve got a loyalty program, holidays are prime time to re-energise it. Offer double points, exclusive menu previews, or a small freebie for members during major food celebrations. Operators using loyalty tools often see higher repeat visits and larger average orders. Learn more about optimising loyalty campaigns with our guide on restaurant loyalty programmes.
How restaurant tech can support your 2026 food holiday planning
Restaurant tech makes food holiday planning feel a whole lot easier. Tools like booking links, QR menus, digital vouchers, and integrated POS reporting help streamline operations while giving guests a smoother experience. These digital touches also make it simple to track what works and refine your promotions.
The real wins come from planning ahead, keeping staff aligned, and reviewing results regularly. Even small, creative ideas can boost engagement when they’re consistent, data-informed, and fun for guests.
