You should plan your content strategies, advertising campaigns, and promotional plans ahead to boost sales and increase profits.
In online retail or media publishing, you should use every opportunity to drive traffic and sales and convert users into regular customers. Holidays are the perfect occasion for targeting. So the first thing to do is find events relevant to your company goals. The marketing calendar with important dates is here for you.
To help you start planning and save time, we share a list of 30 world-famous feasts. Create a schedule and target your audience throughout the whole year. We recommend some ideas on meaningfully doing it, as even a good reason to celebrate can become a brand’s disaster or even crash.
Use the dates below to make 2024 a profitable year!
TL:DR – Download the marketing calendar for 2024
New Year’s Day, January 1
Some countries celebrate New Year on different days. For example, in China, it comes from January 21 to February 21, depending on the moon phase. Indians celebrate the feast a few times per year. Moreover, many countries have different calendars. Check the New Year dates before mailing the audience greeting cards and promotional offers.
A new year is an excellent chance to start all over again. Many people like challenges, bucket lists, and commitments. They often adopt a new lifestyle or improve their skills. Use these facts in your marketing campaign. Help your customers reach their goals by providing helpful content or discount offers. And give them anything for free. People love giveaways.
Important dates and holidays in Q1
Grammy Awards, February 4
Grammy is an annual music award presented by the American National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. It is awarded based on the results of voting by active members of the academy: artists, musicians, producers, studio sound engineers, and other professionals from the world of sound recording. This is probably the highest music industry award, which is something like “Oscar” in cinematography and “Emmy” in television. Traditionally, the awards are presented in February or March.
If your business is related to music, this is a great opportunity. If not, you can post reviews, topical articles, forecasts, and other relevant information to attract the event’s target audience.
Chinese New Year, February 10 – February 24
China has been observing New Year’s Day from February 10 to February 24 this year. The festival is based on the Lunar Calendar, so the dates vary a little yearly. During the two-week celebration, people participate in the Spring Festival, Lantern Festival, and Dragon Boat Festival.
It’s one of the brightest holidays in Chinese culture. If you work with the Chinese community or target people who adhere to the Chinese horoscope, then include this holiday in your marketing strategy. Use Dragon, the year’s symbol, as your main content and design element. Why not?
Valentine’s Day, February 14
The feast of love has spread around the world. People from every corner of the planet mark this day by presenting romantic gifts such as flowers, candies, soft toys, jewelry, and Valentine’s cards. Of course, it is not the whole list of stuff that lowers give to each other.
Preparing your Valentine’s Day marketing campaign, leverage fresh ideas to launch holiday traffic. Send charming emails with Valentine’s cards inside. Set some social media activity adding relevant hashtags to your posts. Write a blog article revealing new thoughts on how to spend the day of love and friendship.
NBA All-Star Game, February 18
Basketball is among the most popular sports in the United States, so the annual National Basketball Association All-Star Game (NBA All-Star Game) has a huge audience of fans all around the country. The All-Star Game gathers the best active NBA basketball players of the Western and Eastern Conferences. The first All-Star Game was played on March 2, 1951, in Boston 1950, and since that time, this grandiose show has been held annually in the USA in February. This is a great opportunity to attract American basketball fans if you mention this event on your social networks and website.
Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday) February, 19
This federal holiday is celebrated in the USA in February. Although since the 1970s, this holiday has been known as Presidents’ Day to honor all former US presidents, in many states, it is known as George Washington’s birthday. The Monday Uniform Federal Holiday Act of 1968 established the holiday on the third Monday in February, creating a long weekend as with several other US federal holidays.
A business that honors national holidays and traditions has a good among customers, so you have to mention this holiday in your marketing campaign.
International Women’s Day, March 8
March is a women’s month. They celebrate the feast of rights and gender equality. If your audience consists mainly of ladies, it’s one more chance to pay attention to your female customers and launch campaigns to make the most out of this girls’ holiday. Moreover, the date is associated with the beginning of spring. Use this season’s elements to create the design of your emails or a website.
To be different from your rivals, create a user-generated content (UGC) campaign and give a discount or a gift to award a winner. Also, write about female entrepreneurship or women from your industry and post the article to your blog and Facebook. Storytelling drives traffic and brings leads. You can support any local women’s community and run a charity. If females are your business’s principal readers or buyers, celebrate women’s day all year round.
Academy Awards, March 10
Academy Awards, also known as Oscars are the most prestigious award in US cinema and an annual prize with many nominations. The first Oscar was awarded by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1929, and since that time the best directors, cinematographers, actors, screenwriters, sound and scenery specialists and all those involved in the production of films have been awarded with this small statuette, which is considered the highest recognition in the industry.
Surely, the best option would be advertising during the event, but its cost is huge (more than $1 million for a 30-second video). However, it’s still worthwhile to mention Oscar in your posts, since this event really has a large audience and not only in the USA. News and highlights from the ceremony, as well as predictions for the winner – everything is good to attract the attention of your audience.
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17
People from the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, though the date is well-known everywhere. It is a cultural and religious holiday established on the death day of Saint Patrick, who was the foremost patron of Ireland. Traditionally, everyone who observes this feast wears green clothes and anything shamrock-shaped and participates in beer and musical festivals.
Launch your own green campaign on official channels and social networks and start the hunt for a pot of gold.
Major League Baseball Opening Day, March 28
Baseball is among the most popular sports, along with football, basketball, hockey, and boxing. Thirty teams are divided into two leagues: the American League (AL) and the National League (NL), playing their games in MLB. Since the time of the NL foundation in 1876, these matches have attracted thousands of fans around the country. This year, the opening day of the regular season is March 28.
Large sporting events are always a good opportunity to promote your brand, especially now that marketers have these great tools for targeting. Why not take advantage of them?
Easter, March 31 (May 5 – Orthodox)
Easter and Christmas are two main Christian holidays, so don’t miss the holy days to send greeting cards to the audience that observes Easter Sunday. The holiday dates can be at any time between March 27 and April 24 (except Orthodox). Eastern and Western churches keep celebrating Easter according to the different calendars. More than 250 million Orthodox Christians will celebrate it on May 5 this year.
Businesses that run spring sales around Easter are getting bigger and bigger. The first thing to remember is that holidays are religious. Therefore, you do not need to speculate on them.
Important dates and holidays in Q2
April Fools’ Day, April 1
There is another good reason to show your sense of humor and add a cheerful mood to your brand’s tone of voice. Fools’ Day is famous in different countries, but mostly in the West. The main idea of April Fools’ Day is to joke and have fun. Usually, folks take part in various fests and wear extraordinary costumes.
Launch short videos on your social media channels, YouTube, or your website to drive engagement on this day. You may use a viral marketing strategy to grow the audience.
Earth Day, April 22
On this day celebrated since 1970, people support our planet’s protection from man-made harm and ecological disasters. They hold events and participate in charity events. Your target audience is those who care about a massive oil spill, wildfires, extinction of some animal species, and conscious consumption.
It would be best if you analyzed whether this theme is relevant to your business. But first of all, think if it correlates with your principles. If yes, demonstrate your company’s attitude toward saving the planet. Charity events are a good idea as well. You can demonstrate how your products can contribute to such movements.
Eurovision Song Contest, May 7 – May 11
The international song contest released in 1956 is little known in the USA because European countries mainly participate in it. The entertaining performances of the artists are always broadcast live on air. Every participant presents an original song. Television viewers and jury members vote for the winner in the final stage.
Mother’s Day, May 12
Mothers, grandmothers, and mothers-to-be are the leading figures of this day. The holiday recognizes women’s important contributions to personal and social life. Mother’s Day originates in the USA, where it remains one of the most meaningful days of the year.
Besides, the holiday is popular in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, and most European countries. Since the celebration is becoming more marketable, many brands organize heartwarming campaigns. Many countries have different days for celebration, so verify them before targeting.
Cannes Film Festival 2020, May 14 – May 25
Suppose the film industry is a close theme to your customers and potential audience. In that case, it’s worth adding the festival to your holiday marketing strategy—one of the most incredible film events, the Berlin International Film Festival, and the Venice Film Festival.
The movie news and reviews will always be on top. Compose the list of the most rated films or create your short film and post it to the video blog. If your company is big, arrange polling for the best movie of the current year among the team members and publish the results on site.
International Children’s Day, June 1
If you deal with children’s products or topics of responsible parenthood, then this day should be on top of your holiday list. The World Conference on Child Welfare proclaimed International Children’s Day in 1925. Since that, people annually celebrate on the first day of summer. The events are devoted to children’s rights and wellbeing.
Universal Children’s Day, another similar event, falls on November 20. The United Nations established it in 1954 to protect all children worldwide. If you do not know which date to choose for greetings, send your congratulations twice.
USA Flag Day, June 14
The US flag was adopted on June 14, 1777, shortly after the Declaration of Independence. 160 years have passed, the country’s flag has acquired new stars, and on June 14, 1937, Pennsylvania became the first US state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. By the way, June 14 is also considered the birthday of the US Army. Although Flag Day is not an official federal holiday today, many Americans still observe it.
On this day, the national flag adorns most social media pages and appears on branded websites. What is not a reason for a business to once again emphasize its respect for its country? This creates a positive image of the business.
Father’s Day, June 16
People who live in the US, Canada, European countries, India, China, and Japan, besides Mother’s Day celebrate Father’s Day. Though, it’s not such a commercial holiday as Mother’s Day.
Many countries celebrate it on a different day, so check the dates before targeting the audience related to fatherhood. Then, reach high engagement by preparing interactive content such as dad’s quizzes, photo contests, and personality tests.
Important dates and holidays in Q3
USA Independence Day, July 4
The American Revolution marked the official separation of the first thirteen colonies from Great Britain when the Second Continental Congress proclaimed the US Declaration of Independence, and the document was signed on July 4, 1776. The practice of the official celebration began only in 1812, and since then, its popularity has been growing yearly.
Traditional parades, picnics, and, of course, fireworks are everywhere around the country on this day. No matter what your business is about, this is a great opportunity for everyone, but if you do not know what to do on this day, you can always please your customers with discounts; they will definitely appreciate it.
Summer Olympic Games, Paris, 2024, July 26 – August 11
The XXIII Summer Olympic Games, unofficially known as Paris 2024 are scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, 2024. The Olympic Games is undoubtedly the largest international sports event, which this time is hosted by France.
We highly recommend verifying the USOC’s brand guidelines before carrying out any marketing campaigns. The reason is that it’s prohibited to use the Olympic properties. To connect your products or services with the Olympics, associate your brand with motivational slogans.
International Day of Friendship, July 30
On April 27, 2011, the General Assembly of the United Nations declared July 30 as official International Friendship Day. As early as 1930, the founder of Hallmark cards incorporated the idea of celebrating friendship.
Historically many countries commemorate Friends’ Day on various days of the year. Prepare a few campaigns to launch them according to different dates. Set up a photo contest and give something for free to those customers who will post the funniest picture with their buddies on social media.
USA Labor Day, September 2
Labor Day was first celebrated in New York in 1882 on the initiative of the Knights of Labor. In 1894, the US Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday.
Since this is a federal holiday, you should take advantage of the opportunity to attract people’s attention with something dedicated to the event on your resources.
2024–25 UEFA Champions League, September 17, 2024 – May 31, 2025
The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League is the 70th season of Europe’s premier club football tournament organized by UEFA. The final will be played at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany.
One of the most significant football events, with millions of people worldwide cheering for their favorite club. It is an excellent opportunity to attract audiences by posting recent news, highlights, or your team’s predictions for the winner.
Oktoberfest, September 21 – October 6
It’s time to create fun content around world-famous beer and musical festivals. If your target audience is from Germany or a fan of the event, you should not miss these dates. It’s the world’s largest beer fest that attracts more than 6 million visitors from different corners to visit Munich.
Come up with a fun blog post to embrace the Oktoberfest spirit. Then, create funny marketing activities around your items or services. Finally, visit it by yourself and launch a live interactive show.
Important dates and holidays in Q4
Halloween, October 31
Halloween originally came from Ireland. Then, a festival marked the end of the harvest season and the coming of winter. Now Halloween is one of the favorite days of millions of people. Western countries arrange celebrations that are usually accompanied by spooky and, at the same time, funny activities.
Add this day to your marketing plan as it is viral among youth. Share some ideas with the audience about how your brand will be spending Halloween, showing the costumes and decorations you prepare. Then, send some “horrible” emails with the promotional offers of your products or services.
Thanksgiving, November 28 (October 14 – Canada)
One of the largest holidays in Northern America is traditionally celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and the second Monday of October in Canada. Thanksgiving starts a big holiday season that goes all the way to New Year’s
Traditionally, everyone preparing for Black Friday will buy something, but consumers have become more discerning and do not make impulse purchases so easily, so on this day, it is better to remind once again about your products or services so that potential customers can learn more about you and buy your product on Black Friday.
Black Friday, November 29
This crazy day means everything for the shoppers. It comes right after American Thanksgiving. So if you run an e-commerce business, you must prepare Black Friday sales as early as possible.
Some companies choose another way of using high consumer interest for this period. They promote slow and responsible shopping, of course, offering discounts too. This way, they look different during the holiday shopping season.
Cyber Monday, December 2
Monday, right after Black Friday, is known as Cyber Monday. In the last few years, people have been shopping online more on this day because some retailers set even higher discounts.
While Black Friday is associated with regular offline business, Cyber Monday brings much traffic to e-commerce brands. It is more popular in the USA and other western regions.
Christmas Eve, December 24 – 25 (January 6-7 – Orthodox)
Christmas is an annual religious holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Billions of Christians worldwide celebrate it, gathering with their families for traditional meals and gift exchange. Christmas is a public holiday in many places, so prepare your congratulations beforehand. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 6 and 7.
Besides the special offers that every company tries to offer each year, concentrate on warm-hearted greetings and wishes. Don’t miss sharing some fresh thoughts in a blog on how to spend Christmas or prepare an unusual present. Give some hints demonstrating your stuff as well.
New Year’s Eve, December 31
The last day of the year falls on December 31. Many countries celebrate it in pubs, nightclubs, concerts, or other public places. Traditionally, families gather at home for a typical dinner to say goodbye to the year. After feasting and gifts exchanges, people watch or light fireworks. New Year’s Eve celebrations go on the next day, on January 1. Besides public festivities, people from Ghana, South Sudan, and Bangladesh go to the church.
December is a perfect time to take stock of achievements and challenges. And it’s a good idea to tell your audience about the progress your business has made for the passing year.
Build stable customer relationships using holiday marketing calendar
We hope this guide will help you create your own 2024 marketing calendar based on your business needs. Every event is a good reason to improve brand awareness and boost sales, so use the opportunities for sincere greetings and marketing ideas.
Some holidays require thorough preparation. Start planning as early as possible so as not to miss important occasions and major holidays relevant to your brand.
To drive traffic constantly, use Adtelligent demand-side platform. It’s a self-serve advertising platform for granular targeting to reach your audience and boost performance and sales.