National Peeps Day (April 5th)

Quick facts
When is it?	Every April 5th
Tagged as:	Dessert Food & Drink
What's the hashtag?	#NationalPeepsDay
When was it founded?	2009
Who founded it?	National Confectioners Association
We first published this page on:	Apr 25th, 2025
We last updated this page:	Apr 25th, 2025

Contents

Bright colors, soft textures, and a sugary bite—National Peeps Day brings it all together with one simple treat. These marshmallow snacks, shaped like chicks or bunnies, light up candy aisles and spark smiles every spring.

They’re more than sweets; they’re a pop of joy in pastel form. Whether perched on cupcakes or peeking from baskets, Peeps bring a playful touch wherever they go.

What makes this day special isn’t just the candy—it’s the feeling it stirs. Peeps remind people of carefree moments, shared laughter, and bursts of creativity.

People craft scenes with them, stack them high, even test how they puff up in the microwave. This isn’t just about taste. It’s about turning something small into a spark of fun that stretches far beyond the snack.

How to Celebrate National Peeps Day

National Peeps Day, celebrated every April 5th, offers a delightful opportunity to enjoy these marshmallow treats in creative ways.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the festivities, here are some engaging activities to make the most of the day.

Craft Edible Art

Transform Peeps into colorful masterpieces. Use them to create vibrant centerpieces by layering them with jelly beans in clear jars.

Alternatively, design “Peepshi” by wrapping Peeps with rice cereal treats and fruit leather, mimicking sushi rolls. These crafts are both fun to make and delicious to eat.

Conduct Sweet Science Experiments

Explore the science behind Peeps with simple experiments. Test their buoyancy by seeing if they float or sink in water.

Observe how they dissolve in various liquids like vinegar or soda. For a fun twist, build a catapult using popsicle sticks and rubber bands to launch Peeps and study their flight patterns.

Host a Peeps Tasting Party

Gather an assortment of Peeps in different flavors and colors. Set up a tasting station where participants can sample and rate each variety.

This activity not only satisfies sweet cravings but also sparks lively discussions about favorites and surprises.

Organize a Peeps Diorama Contest

Encourage creativity by hosting a diorama contest featuring Peeps. Participants can recreate scenes from movies, books, or historical events using Peeps as characters. Display the dioramas and have attendees vote for their favorites.

Enjoy Peeps-Themed Games

Plan games that incorporate Peeps for added fun. Try “Peep Jousting” by placing two Peeps with toothpicks in a microwave and watching them expand until one touches the other.

Alternatively, set up a relay race where participants balance Peeps on spoons. These games are sure to bring laughter and excitement to the celebration.

History of National Peeps Day

National Peeps Day began in 2009. The National Confectioners Association picked April 5th as the official date.

That time of year made sense, since Peeps are most popular around Easter. The candy itself first hit shelves in 1953, when Just Born, a candy company, bought Rodda Candy.

Rodda had been hand-making marshmallow chicks. Bob Born, part of the Just Born family, changed everything by automating the process. What once took nearly a day could now be done in minutes. That change helped turn Peeps into a spring tradition.

Over the years, Peeps grew beyond Easter. New colors, shapes, and flavors appeared. People began using them in crafts, baking, and even science experiments. National Peeps Day became a way to celebrate that history—and have fun with it.

Though it’s not a public holiday, fans treat it like a yearly tradition. It honors both the candy’s past and its place in pop culture today.

Need some inspiration?

Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!

National Peeps Day