National Crayon Day
March 31
About National Crayon Day
National Crayon Day is celebrated annually on 31 March, marking the anniversary of the very first box of Crayola crayons, which went on sale in 1903. The day honours the humble crayon’s role in childhood creativity, education, and artistic expression, and is observed by schools, families, and art enthusiasts across the United States.
What is National Crayon Day?
National Crayon Day is an annual celebration of crayons and the creativity they inspire. The day recognises crayons as one of the most iconic art supplies ever made, tools that have shaped the early artistic experiences of billions of children around the world. From simple colouring pages to ambitious masterpieces, the crayon remains a gateway to imagination for every generation. Schools, libraries, and community centres often host special colouring events and art activities to mark the occasion.
When is National Crayon Day?
National Crayon Day falls on Tuesday, 31 March 2026. The date is fixed each year on 31 March, aligning with the anniversary of Crayola’s first box of crayons in 1903.
How to Celebrate National Crayon Day
National Crayon Day is a perfect excuse to reconnect with your inner artist, regardless of your age.
- Sit down and colour — Grab a colouring book and a box of crayons and spend some time colouring. Adult colouring books have become hugely popular for stress relief and mindfulness, and the tactile feel of a crayon is hard to beat.
- Create crayon art with children — Set up an art station for the kids in your life with plenty of paper, crayons, and encouragement. Let them create freely without any rules or expectations.
- Try melted crayon art — Broken crayons can be melted in moulds to create multi-coloured crayon shapes, or arranged on canvas and melted with a hairdryer to create stunning abstract drip art.
- Donate crayons to a school or charity — Many schools and children’s charities welcome donations of art supplies. A box of crayons is a small gift that opens up a world of creative possibility.
- Visit Crayola Experience — If you are near Easton (Pennsylvania), Orlando (Florida), or one of the other Crayola Experience locations, plan a visit. These interactive attractions offer hands-on activities, factory tours, and the chance to name your own crayon colour.
- Learn about colour theory — Use National Crayon Day as a springboard to explore the science of colour. How are colours mixed? What makes certain combinations visually appealing? Crayons are a perfect hands-on tool for colour exploration.
- Share your artwork online — Post your crayon creations on social media and encourage others to do the same. There is something universally charming about crayon art, regardless of skill level.
- Explore crayon history — Read about how crayons evolved from simple chalk and pigment mixtures to the vast colour ranges available today.
The History of National Crayon Day
National Crayon Day has been celebrated since at least 2006, though the original creator of the holiday has not been formally identified. The date of 31 March was chosen to mark the anniversary of Crayola’s founding product — the first box of crayons sold by Binney and Smith in 1903.
Edwin Binney, together with his wife Alice Stead Binney, developed a line of wax crayons as a safer and cheaper alternative to the art materials available at the time. Alice coined the name “Crayola” by combining “craie,” the French word for chalk, with “ola” from “oleaginous,” meaning oily. The first box contained just eight colours — black, brown, orange, violet, blue, green, red, and yellow — and sold for five cents.
From that modest beginning, Crayola has grown into one of the most recognised brands in the world. The company has produced over 100 billion crayons in more than 200 different colours since 1903, and today manufactures approximately 3 billion crayons per year — roughly 12 million every single day. Over the decades, Crayola has retired colours (including “Dandelion,” which was ceremonially retired on National Crayon Day in 2017), introduced new ones, and expanded into markers, coloured pencils, and other art supplies. The crayon itself, however, remains the company’s most iconic product and the heart of National Crayon Day celebrations. For another day celebrating childhood creativity and learning, consider International Children’s Book Day on 2 April.
Fun Facts About National Crayon Day
- Crayola produces approximately 3 billion crayons per year — about 12 million per day.
- More than 100 billion Crayola crayons have been manufactured since 1903, enough to circle the Earth nearly five times if laid end to end.
- The smell of Crayola crayons is among the top 20 most recognisable scents in the world, according to a Yale University study.
- The most popular Crayola colour is blue, consistently ranked first in consumer surveys for decades.
- “Dandelion” was retired on National Crayon Day 2017 in a public ceremony, making it the most recent Crayola colour to be removed from production.
- The first Crayola box of eight crayons sold for 5 cents in 1903 — equivalent to roughly $1.75 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Crayon Day?
National Crayon Day is an annual celebration on 31 March honouring crayons, creativity, and the anniversary of the first Crayola crayons sold in 1903.
When is National Crayon Day in 2026?
National Crayon Day falls on Tuesday, 31 March 2026.
Why is National Crayon Day on 31 March?
The date marks the anniversary of the first box of Crayola crayons, which went on sale on 31 March 1903.
Spread the Word
Join the celebration and share your best crayon art on social media with #NationalCrayonDay and #NationalCrayonDay2026. Tag your friends and challenge them to pick up a crayon and create something colourful!
Related Awareness Days
- International Children’s Book Day — Celebrated on 2 April, promoting a love of reading and creativity among young people.
- World Nursery Rhyme Week — Held in November, celebrating early childhood education through music, art, and language.
- Jazz Appreciation Month — The whole of April is dedicated to celebrating one of the world’s most creative and expressive art forms.
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