National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
November 12 every year
The story
The roots of this special day trace back to the early 1990s when motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen joined forces to compile a collection of over 100 motivational stories. During their daily meditations to find a fitting title, Jack envisioned his grandmother's healing chicken soup, drawing a parallel between the comforting remedy and the transformative power of their stories. In 1993, the first edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul was released, becoming a bestseller with its compilation of true stories from ordinary people.
The origins of National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day are somewhat mysterious, with some attributing it to Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, a company headquartered in Cos Cob, Connecticut. However, the company denies creating the day, and its true inception remains unclear. Regardless, the day provides a platform to celebrate not only the inspirational books but also the broader ethos of uplifting and enlightening individuals.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul series, now having over 200 titles, has evolved into a social phenomenon, selling over 100 million copies in the United States and Canada alone and touching lives globally in over 40 languages. Beyond books, the brand has expanded into various realms, including food, pet food, and television.
About National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day
- When is National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day?
- National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is November 12 every year. In 2026, National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day falls on Thursday, November 12, 2026.
- When is National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day in 2026?
- In 2026, National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is Thursday, November 12, 2026 (November 12 every year).
- Which country is National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day from?
- National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is on the United States Food Holidays calendar.
- Is today National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day?
- No. Today is not National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. It returns on November 12 every year. In 2026, that is Thursday, November 12, 2026.
- How do you celebrate National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order chicken soup for the soul. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find chicken soup for the soul nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day happen every year?
- Yes. National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day recurs on November 12 every year.