National Peking Duck Day
January 18 every year
The story
With origins tracing back to the 13th century Yuan Dynasty, Peking duck is a dish steeped in history and culinary mastery. Celebrated every January 18th, National Peking Duck Day honors a delicacy perfected over 700 years, evolving from an imperial court dish during the Ming Dynasty to a global icon of Chinese cuisine. Peking duck’s journey is one of tradition and innovation.
Restaurants like Bianyifang (est. 1416) and Quanjude (19th century) honed techniques that define the dish today. Even diplomacy had its moment with Peking duck—served to President Nixon during his 1970s China visit.
The process is meticulous. White Beijing ducks in China and Pekin ducks in the U.S.
are prepped with care. After plucking, air is pumped under the skin for that signature crispiness, followed by boiling, glazing, and a 24-hour drying ritual. The duck is then roasted in a hung oven, allowing fat to baste the skin as it crackles to golden perfection.
About National Peking Duck Day
- When is National Peking Duck Day?
- National Peking Duck Day is January 18 every year. In 2026, National Peking Duck Day falls on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- When is National Peking Duck Day in 2026?
- In 2026, National Peking Duck Day is Sunday, January 18, 2026 (January 18 every year).
- Which country is National Peking Duck Day from?
- National Peking Duck Day is on the United States Food Holidays calendar.
- Is today National Peking Duck Day?
- No. Today is not National Peking Duck Day. It returns on January 18 every year. In 2026, that is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
- What food is National Peking Duck Day for?
- National Peking Duck Day is a food holiday for Pecking Duck.
- How do you celebrate National Peking Duck Day?
- There isn’t a single official way to celebrate. Read the story on this page, then cook or order pecking duck. The iOS app’s Where to Eat can help you find pecking duck nearby — this website does not list restaurants.
- Does National Peking Duck Day happen every year?
- Yes. National Peking Duck Day recurs on January 18 every year.