When Is Father’s Day 2025—and Why Do We Celebrate It?

The History and Meaning of Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a special occasion to honor fathers and father figures for their role in our lives. In the United States, it’s celebrated on the third Sunday of June — in 2025, it falls on June 15.

The idea of this holiday began in 1908 in West Virginia, where a church held a memorial service for 362 fathers who died in a coal mine explosion. But it wasn’t until 1910, thanks to the efforts of Sonora Smart Dodd — the daughter of a single father — that Father’s Day was officially celebrated in the state of Washington. After more than 60 years of advocacy, President Richard Nixon signed it into law as a national holiday in 1972.

Despite early criticism for being too commercial, the holiday became a beloved cultural tradition, especially during wartime and economic hardship when honoring fathers took on deeper meaning.

When Is Father’s Day Celebrated in Other Countries?

• U.S. and most European countries: Third Sunday of June

• Catholic countries (e.g., Mexico, Italy, Spain): March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day)

• Australia, New Zealand, Fiji: First Sunday of September

How Much Do Americans Spend on Father’s Day?
According to recent data, total spending on Father’s Day in 2024 exceeded $22 billion, with over $4.5 billion allocated to outings alone—reflecting how much dads are truly appreciated.

Ideas to Celebrate Father’s Day

• Host a backyard BBQ or treat Dad to his favorite restaurant

• Create handmade cards, gifts, or write a heartfelt poem

• Watch classic Father’s Day movies or play his favorite songs

• Share a laugh with dad jokes or simply ask what he wants to do