National Spouses Day Date in the current year: January 26, 2026

National Spouses Day has been around since at least the early 2000s and is celebrated in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. The holiday’s origins are unclear. Some sources claim that it may have been inspired by Military Spouse Appreciation Day, which was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. However, there is no proof of a link between the two holidays.

Although the term “spouse” is traditionally associated with married couples, National Spouses Day celebrates all couples in long-term committed relationships, whether or not they are legally married. The holiday serves as a reminder of the effort it takes to maintain a healthy relationship and provides an opportunity to rekindle your connection during a time of year that can otherwise feel dull and gloomy.

There are many ways to celebrate National Spouses Day, but they all share the same goal: spending time with your spouse and making them feel loved and appreciated. For example, when was the last time you went on a date? While the idea of “dating” your spouse may feel unusual, setting aside time to focus on one another is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship.

One of the easiest and most fulfilling ways to celebrate National Spouses Day is to set aside a few hours for an activity you both enjoy. You could have dinner at your favorite restaurant, whether upscale or a burger joint with cheap, delicious food. You could also take a long walk or hike, visit a museum or art gallery, book a wine tasting or brewery tour, or unwind at a spa. No matter how simple or elaborate your plans are, the goal remains the same: to spend time together and enjoy each other’s company while doing things you both enjoy.

If you have the time and money, arrange for a babysitter and plan a short getaway. Choose a destination that is far from your everyday distractions so you can focus on each other, or a destination that is special to you as a couple, such as the location of your first date, proposal, or engagement. You can keep costs low by keeping it as a day trip, or you can make the experience feel more special and romantic by adding an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast (or a fancy hotel, if you can afford to splurge).

Here are some more ideas for celebrating National Spouses Day. Look through your wedding photo album, listen to songs that were popular when you first started dating, rewatch the first movie you saw together, try something outside your shared comfort zone, make a list of things you love about each other, shower each other with small, thoughtful gestures, write each other love letters, and cook dinner together. Ultimately, how you celebrate National Spouses Day does not matter as long as you remind your spouse that you love them and want to spend the rest of your lives together.

National Spouses Day is not the only holiday with a focus on committed couples. For example, Japan has Good Spouses Day, which is celebrated annually on November 26.