The anticipation is building! As the summer sun warms up, our thoughts inevitably turn to cool, creamy delights. And what better way to celebrate than on National Ice Cream Day 2025? This beloved annual tradition is more than just a day to enjoy your favorite frozen treat; it’s a nationwide celebration often marked by incredible promotions, discounts, and even free scoops from your most cherished ice cream parlors. From the classic cones at Dairy Queen to the artisanal pints from Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, prepare your taste buds for a truly special day.
Whether you’re a fan of rich chocolate fudge, refreshing mint chip, or innovative new flavors, National Ice Cream Day 2025 promises to be a highlight of the summer. We’re here to guide you through what to expect, how to snag the best deals, and make the most of this deliciously important occasion.
What is National Ice Cream Day and Why Do We Celebrate?
National Ice Cream Day falls on the third Sunday of July each year, making National Ice Cream Day 2025 officially celebrated on July 20th. This delightful observance began in 1984 when President Ronald Reagan designated July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. His proclamation recognized ice cream as a “wholesome and nutritious food” enjoyed by over 90 percent of Americans, and called upon all people of the United States to observe these events with “appropriate ceremonies and activities.”
Since then, the day has evolved into a highly anticipated event for ice cream enthusiasts and casual treat-seekers alike. It’s a day when major chains and local shops across the country roll out the red carpet (or perhaps, the waffle cone!) for customers, offering everything from significant discounts to buy-one-get-one-free deals, and sometimes, even complimentary scoops. It’s a testament to America’s enduring love affair with ice cream, a simple pleasure that brings joy to people of all ages.
Scooping Up Savings: Top Deals for National Ice Cream Day 2025
One of the biggest draws of National Ice Cream Day 2025 is the opportunity to indulge without breaking the bank. Major national chains are almost guaranteed to participate, and many local establishments will also join in the fun. While specific deals for 2025 are still under wraps, based on historical trends, here’s a peek at what you might expect from some of the biggest names in the ice cream world:
Dairy Queen (DQ) – Blizzard Bonanza & More!
Dairy Queen is a perennial favorite for its iconic Blizzards, soft-serve cones, and a wide array of frozen treats. On past National Ice Cream Days, DQ has offered various promotions that make enjoying their creamy delights even sweeter. Keep an eye out for potential offers such as:
- BOGO Deals: Buy one Blizzard, get one free or at a reduced price.
- App-Exclusive Discounts: Special pricing or free items available only through the DQ mobile app.
- Percentage Off: Discounts on specific menu items or entire orders.
To ensure you don’t miss out on DQ’s National Ice Cream Day 2025 deals, be sure to download their mobile app and sign up for their rewards program well in advance.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams – Artisanal Treats at a Discount
For those who appreciate high-quality, artisanal ice cream with unique and inventive flavors, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams is a must-visit. While Jeni’s premium products typically come at a higher price point, National Ice Cream Day often presents an opportunity to try their exquisite flavors for less. Historically, Jeni’s has offered:
- Special Discounts on Scoops: A fixed price for a single or double scoop.
- Pint Promotions: Reduced prices on their popular pints, perfect for enjoying at home.
- Exclusive Flavor Launches: Sometimes, they might even introduce a limited-time flavor to celebrate.
Keep a close watch on Jeni’s social media channels and sign up for their email list for the latest updates as National Ice Cream Day 2025 approaches.
Baskin Robbins – 31 Flavors, Countless Deals!
With its promise of 31 flavors—one for every day of the month—Baskin Robbins is a classic destination for ice cream lovers. They consistently participate in National Ice Cream Day with exciting promotions. Anticipate offers such as:
- Dollar Deals: Scoops priced at a special low rate, like $1 or $2.
- Free Scoops: Occasional giveaways for loyalty program members or specific promotions.
- Discounted Sundaes and Shakes: Special prices on their more elaborate creations.
The Baskin Robbins mobile app is your best friend for uncovering exclusive coupons and being among the first to know about their National Ice Cream Day 2025 festivities.
Cold Stone Creamery – Mix-Ins and Savings
Cold Stone Creamery stands out for its unique “create your own” experience, where your chosen ice cream and mix-ins are expertly blended on a frozen granite stone. Their National Ice Cream Day deals can be quite enticing. Look for potential offers like:
- BOGO Creations: Buy one signature creation, get one free or half off.
- Loyalty Program Perks: Bonus points or exclusive discounts for My Cold Stone Rewards members.
- Discounted Shakes & Smoothies: A chance to try their other frozen delights at a reduced price.
Make sure you’re a part of the My Cold Stone Rewards program to unlock the best possible offers on National Ice Cream Day 2025.
Other Sweet Spots: Regional & Local Favorites
While the national chains get a lot of attention, don’t forget to check your local ice cream parlors and regional chains! Many independent shops and smaller franchises will also offer special promotions to celebrate National Ice Cream Day 2025. These might include:
- Community-specific deals like “buy one scoop, get one for a friend.”
- Discounts on pints or quarts.
- Special limited-time flavors created just for the occasion.
- Fun activities or entertainment alongside the deals.
A quick search online or a look at their social media pages closer to July 20th will often reveal these hidden gems and their sweet offerings.
How to Maximize Your National Ice Cream Day 2025 Experience
To ensure you make the most of National Ice Cream Day 2025, a little planning goes a long way. Here are some pro tips:
- Sign Up for Loyalty Programs & Apps: This is perhaps the single most important tip. Many of the best deals are exclusive to members or app users. Sign up for rewards programs for DQ, Baskin Robbins, Cold Stone, and Jeni’s now.
- Check Social Media: Follow your favorite ice cream brands on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. They often announce their deals there first.
- Visit Official Websites: A week or two before July 20th, check the “promotions” or “news” sections of the brands’ websites.
- Read the Fine Print: Some deals might have restrictions (e.g., specific flavors, times, or sizes).
- Plan Your Route: If you’re ambitious, map out which ice cream shops you want to hit to maximize your freebies and discounts.
- Go Early: Popular spots can get crowded on National Ice Cream Day. Arriving earlier in the day can help you beat the lines.
- Bring Friends & Family: Deals like BOGO are perfect for sharing the joy (and saving money!).
Beyond the Cone: Celebrating Ice Cream at Home
Even if you can’t make it to a store to snag a deal on National Ice Cream Day 2025, you can still celebrate the spirit of the day at home! Consider these fun ideas:
- Homemade Ice Cream: Dust off that ice cream maker and try a new recipe. There are countless no-churn recipes available if you don’t have a machine.
- Toppings Bar Extravaganza: Buy a few different flavors of store-bought ice cream and set up an epic toppings bar. Think sprinkles, hot fudge, caramel, whipped cream, cherries, cookies, candies, and fresh fruit.
- Ice Cream Floats & Sundaes: Get creative with root beer floats, classic banana splits, or your own unique sundae creations.
- Ice Cream Taste Test: Purchase a variety of unusual or new flavors from your local grocery store and do a blind taste test with your family.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, the goal is to enjoy the simple, delightful pleasure that ice cream brings.
So mark your calendars for July 20th, 2025! National Ice Cream Day 2025 is poised to be a fantastically flavorful day filled with opportunities to enjoy your favorite frozen treats at a fraction of the cost. Get ready to indulge in the creamy, dreamy goodness, whether it’s a classic scoop from your local parlor or a creative new concoction. Happy National Ice Cream Day!