What Are The Holidays In Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

Following the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players were all abuzz about Bunny Day. This enthusiasm quickly deteriorated into frustration. Thankfully, Bunny Day is far from the only holiday in the world of Animal Crossing, giving Nintendo plenty of opportunities to make things up to fans. These events also offer the chance to win coveted, rare prizes or just hang out with your favorite villagers. 

Because Animal Crossing games use a real time clock, these holidays are spread out across the course of the year, much like typical holidays. In this way, it pays off to check into the game each and every day, just to be sure you're not missing out on anything. Here are all the notable holidays to mark in your calendars.

New Year's Day, Jan. 1

No plans for New Years'? No problem. Just boot up New Horizons and enjoy the countdown on your very own island getaway. As in previous Animal Crossing titles, the town counts down the minutes to midnight and then ring in the New Year with song and fireworks.

Groundhog Day, Feb. 2 (North America)

Even in Resetti's absence, Groundhog Day or Mole Day is celebrated. This holiday is fairly simple: the villagers guess if spring will arrive early or late, depending on the weather. A cloudy day signifies winter holding on for a few more weeks, whereas a sunny day says spring is well on its way.

Festivale

A combination of Mardi Gras and Carnival, Festivale is a celebration of color and music. On this day, the peacock Pave will grace your island with his ostentatious presence and demand that you gather some multi-colored feathers floating on the wind. In exchange, he'll give you some exclusive furniture, modeled after his beautiful self (because of course).

This day might fall in either February or March, depending on the year.

Valentine's Day, Feb. 14

In Animal Crossing, Valentine's Day is all about chocolate. A few weeks before the holiday, be sure to take note of the hints your villagers might be dropping: each and every one has a special someone in mind for the occasion. They're also fond of you, so expect some kind cards and chocolate in your mailbox that day.

Shamrock Day, March 17 (Europe and North America)

Shamrock Day offers players the chance to gather up some clovers. These typically grow in bunches in the wild, but aren't considered to be weeds on this particular holiday.

Bunny Day, April 12

While Bunny Day takes place on April 12, the event is in full swing the moment April starts. On April 1, a mysterious rabbit named Zipper will appear and challenge players to gather up all the eggs he has scattered around the island. If players are able to craft each and every Bunny Day-themed recipe, then Zipper will reward them with a prize on Bunny Day itself. In the meantime, these hidden eggs can be found in trees, underground, in the sky, in rocks, and even underwater.

Earth Day, April 22 (North America)

Earth Day, otherwise known as Nature Day, is a chance to appreciate the earth, nature, and all things natural. It also might be your chance to receive a Cool Globe if you're lucky.

Weeding Day (North America and Europe)

Taking place on the last Friday in April for North America and the last Saturday in April for Europe, this holiday gives players the chance to beautify their island even further. You and your villagers come together to eradicate your island of all weeds. The event's appropriately named organizer, Leif, will reward you with flower-themed furniture in exchange for certain amounts of weeds.

Summer Solstice, June 20 or 21

On the longest day of the year, the sun doesn't set. To celebrate the summer, the sun will shine well into the night. Enjoy this topsy turvy time by observing some nighttime insects in broad daylight.

Labor Day, Sept. 7 (North America)

Labor Day is an occasion for picnicking in the sunshine and recognizing hard work. And maybe even receiving some commemorative gifts.

Autumn Moon, Oct. 1 (North America and Europe)

The Japanese moon viewing festival has been rebranded as a day to celebrate the harvest moon in the North American and European versions of the game. Check out the beautiful moon and collect any celestial gifts from your neighbors.

Explorer's Day (North America)

The equivalent of Columbus Day, Explorer's Day takes place on the second Monday in October. In the past, the holiday has involved Tortimer, an elderly tortoise who hands out ship-themed swag.

Halloween, Oct. 31

Candy, costumes, and more candy. Halloween is a time for all things spooky, so be sure to put together a costume before the day of reckoning arrives. In the evening, a pumpkin-headed mystery man named Jack will appear and lead the quest for candy. Store any valuable items at home, because otherwise it might just be transformed into lollipops and sweets!

Harvest Festival

The Harvest Festival is a stand-in for the U.S. holiday of Thanksgiving. A certain turkey named Franklin will grace the island with his gobbling presence on the fourth Thursday in November and lead the feast planned for that evening. He might need some help gathering ingredients so that he doesn't wind up on the menu.

Winter Solstice, Dec. 21

In contrast with the sunny Summer Solstice, the Winter Solstice is dark all day. The sun will refuse to rise on the longest night of the year, but otherwise things will stay mostly the same.

Toy Day, Dec. 24

In the weeks before this event, villagers will mention what they hope Jingle the reindeer might bring for them for the occasion. When Jingle arrives, he'll also quiz you on what you might want to receive. If you happen to have an outfit that matches Jingle's own, he may just deputize you as a gift giver and present deliverer.