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NATIONAL DAYPOP CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

National Adoption Day

Every year on November 21, courtrooms open their doors so children in foster care can officially join their forever families. National Adoption Day is a nationwide celebration where policymakers, practitioners, and advocates finalize thousands of adoptions from foster care. In 2026 it falls on Saturday, November 21, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It is a day about belonging, and it changes lives one family at a time.

NOV21
Saturday, November 21Saturday Before Thanksgiving
 days to go
Roots
Launched in 2000 by a coalition including the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, the Alliance for Children's Rights, and the Children's Action Network
Hashtag
#NationalAdoptionDay
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3 ways to celebrate

AT HOME

Learn Together at Home

Talk with your family about foster care adoption and what it means for a child to find a forever home. Read an adoption story together; an estimated 47 million Americans have considered adopting a child from foster care, and the conversation starts at home.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Celebrate in the Community

Attend a local National Adoption Day event or courtroom celebration, and share an adoptive family's story with #NationalAdoptionDay. Your voice helps raise awareness for the children still waiting.

AT WORK OR SCHOOL

Support at Work or School

Invite a speaker from a local adoption agency for a short talk, organize a fundraiser for foster youth, or share resources about adoption with coworkers. Small efforts can open big doors for waiting children.

Plan ahead

National Adoption Day is observed on Saturday before Thanksgiving. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sat, Nov 21this year
2027Sat, Nov 20
2028Sat, Nov 18
2029Sat, Nov 17
2030Sat, Nov 23
2031Sat, Nov 22
2032Sat, Nov 20
2033Sat, Nov 19
2034Sat, Nov 18
2035Sat, Nov 17
2036Sat, Nov 22

Fast facts

To date, National Adoption Day has helped more than 80,000 children move from foster care to permanent families.
Share a story of adoption with #NationalAdoptionDay.

Keep the party going

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2027 Wall Calendar, signed by Marlo Anderson2027 Wall Calendar, signed by Marlo AndersonSigned by the founder of National Day Calendar.
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