Social Media Calendar for Every Holiday of 2026 (+ Ideas for Posts)

Trends, launches, algorithm shifts, new platforms... As a social media manager or creator, there's a lot beyond your control. But there are some things you can plan for.

And doing that makes creating space for the many spur-of-the-moment posts you’ll need to create in 2026 just a smidge easier.

Enter: This comprehensive list of all major dates you might need to create content about, from January to December. Everything from key national holidays, culturally important dates, headline-making events, and tongue-in-cheek holidays.

Superbowl LX? Dress Up Your Pet Day? Mother’s Day? It’s all here.

Use this comprehensive list to mark what matters for your audience, pause during slower periods, and spark ideas you can queue up in Buffer across Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon.

Whether you want to schedule some posts in advance (gold star for you!) or just note these dates on your calendar for 2026, it all helps.

Pro tip: Note the travel and holiday slowdowns — like European summer or U.S. Thanksgiving — where you might scale back or switch to lighter content.

Bonus pro tip: These dates are accurate for the USA and many other parts of the world. But if the majority of your audience is not based in the US, you might want to double-check them for your region. Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are big ones to note.

January 2026

Monthly themes and events

• National Mentoring Month
• National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
• Dry January

Jan 1 — New Year's Day (Federal Holiday)

Jan 2 — Science Fiction Day

Jan 8 — World Typing Day

Jan 11 — Golden Globe Awards

Jan 12 — Clean Off Your Desk Day

Celebrated on the second Monday of January, this is one of my personal favorites. This day is the perfect time for decluttering and organizing workspaces for better productivity and mental clarity. Fun fact: An organized workspace is proven to boost focus and reduce stress.

Content ideas:

• Time-lapse your desk reset. Here’s a great example for TikToker Cozy K.
• Share "5 declutter tips" carousel
• Host a "desk glow-up" photo challenge

Jan 14 — Dress up your pet day

Jan 15 — National Hat Day

Jan 16 — International Hot and Spicy Food Day

Jan 19 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S.)

Jan 19 — National Popcorn Day

Jan 20 — Blue Monday

Blue Monday, supposedly the “worst Monday of the year,” was originally started as a travel company marketing stunt in 2005. While the science behind it is questionable (it was based on a made-up formula), the day has evolved into something a little more meaningful.

Between cold weather, tight budgets after the holidays, and abandoned New Year's resolutions, January can genuinely feel heavy for a lot of people. Mental health organizations have co-opted Blue Monday as a springboard for conversations around self-care and checking in on each other.

Content ideas:

• Share mental health resources or tips for beating the winter blues
• Post feel-good content like cute pets, uplifting music, or inspiring stories — a “carousel of positivity”
• Start a "Brighten Blue Monday" challenge, encouraging random acts of kindness
• Share what you're doing to prioritize well-being this month

Jan 21 — National Hugging Day

Jan 24 — International Education Day

Jan 25 — Opposite Day

Jan 26 — Community Manager Appreciation Day (Fourth Monday)

Jan 27 — Chocolate Cake Day

Jan 28 — Data Privacy Day

Jan 28 — International Lego Day

Jan 31 — Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

February 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Black History Month (US)
• LGBT+ History Month (UK)
• Winter Olympics Milan 2026 (Feb 6–Feb 22)

Feb 1 — Grammy Awards

Music's biggest night returns to Los Angeles on February 1.

Content ideas:

• Share your top artist predictions
• Post a "soundtrack to our brand" playlist
• React to viral moments from the ceremony

Feb 2 — Groundhog Day

Feb 3 — Carrot Cake Day

Feb 4 — World Cancer Day

Feb 5 — National Nutella Day

Feb 6 — Winter Olympics begins

Feb 7 — National Send a Card to a Friend Day

Feb 8 — Super Bowl LX

Whether your audience watches for the game, the commercials, or halftime show, the Super Bowl is a cultural moment that transcends sports. Super Bowl LX is set to take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, and will dominate social feeds all over the world. (Take it from someone in South Africa — it even reaches us here!)

The 2025 game drew over 123 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched events of the year. Beyond the game itself, the Super Bowl has become synonymous with creative advertising, viral halftime moments, and watch parties. For brands, it's a chance to join the conversation without needing to buy a $7 million ad spot.

Content ideas:

• Live-react to standout commercials or halftime performances
• Host a "Big Game prediction" poll on who will win or which ad will steal the show
• Share game-day recipes or setup ideas for the ultimate watch party
• Post a relatable meme about tuning in just for the commercials

Feb 9 — National Pizza Day

Feb 10 — Safer Internet Day

Feb 11 — Make a Friend Day

Feb 14 — Valentine's Day

Celebrate love, community, and kindness — not just couples.

Content ideas:

• "Letter to our customers" carousel
• Self-love giveaway with small gifts
• Post stories of partnerships or collaborations you cherish

Feb 17 — Lunar New Year (Year of the Fire Horse)

The Lunar New Year marks renewal and prosperity across East and Southeast Asia, celebrated with family gatherings, traditional foods, and vibrant customs. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which symbolizes ambition, strength, and a bold, energetic spirit.

Content ideas:

• Share a carousel about Lunar New Year traditions and their meanings
• Create a post exploring Fire Horse personality traits and ask followers if they resonate
• Feature Asian-owned businesses, creators, or recipes tied to the celebration
• Post a "Happy Lunar New Year" message with festive visuals

Feb 16 — Presidents' Day (U.S.)

Feb 17 — Random Acts of Kindness Day

Feb 18 — Ash Wednesday

Feb 21 — International Mother Language Day

Feb 22 — World Thinking Day

Feb 28 — National Skip the Straw Day

March 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Women's History Month
• American Red Cross Month

Mar 1 — World Compliment Day

Mar 2 — Read Across America Day (Dr. Seuss' Birthday)

Mar 3 — World Wildlife Day

Mar 4 — National Grammar Day

Mar 6 — Employee Appreciation Day

Mar 7 — National Day of Unplugging

Mar 8 — Daylight Saving Time begins

Mar 8 — International Women's Day

International Women's Day celebrates the achievements of women and promotes gender equality worldwide. Each year, the day centers around a theme (2026’s theme is “Give to Gain”), offering a framework for meaningful conversations about progress and what still needs to change.

Social media lights up with tributes to women leaders, stories of resilience, and calls to action around equal pay, representation, and access to opportunities. It's a day to spotlight the women in your life, in your community, or in your industry.

Content ideas:

• Spotlight women on your team with behind-the-scenes stories
• Share the year's theme and three ways you're supporting it
• Collaborate with a women-led brand or creator for a takeover or co-post
• Ask your audience: "Which woman inspires you and why?"

Mar 10 — International Day of Awesomeness

Mar 10 — National Landline Telephone Day

Mar 13 — Popcorn Lover's Day

Mar 14 — Pi Day

Mar 14 — World Sleep Day

Did you get enough sleep last night? Me neither. Hence: World Sleep Day. The date was created to boost awareness about the importance of sleep for health and well-being. The theme changes annually, but the core message is consistent: better sleep equals better health, mood, and productivity.

Content ideas:

• Share science-backed tips for better sleep (blackout curtains, screen-free time, consistent schedule)
• Post a poll: "How many hours of sleep did you get last night?"
• Create a carousel on common sleep myths vs. facts
• Share your team's favorite ways to wind down at night

Mar 15 — World Consumer Rights Day

Mar 17 — St. Patrick's Day

Mar 18 — Global Recycling Day

Mar 15 — Academy Awards (Oscars)

Mar 20 — International Day of Happiness

Mar 21 — World Down Syndrome Day

Mar 22 — World Water Day

Mar 28 — Earth Hour

At 8:30 p.m. local time, millions of people around the world switch off their lights for one hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental action. Started by the World Wildlife Fund in 2007, Earth Hour has become a global movement encouraging both people and organizations to take tangible steps toward sustainability.

Earth Hour is an easy, visual moment for brands (or creators!) to show their commitment to sustainability without requiring a massive campaign. The before-and-after photos alone make for compelling social content.

Content ideas:

• Share your participation with a simple “lights off” video
• Share before-and-after images of your office or home during Earth Hour
• Post a carousel on "3 easy eco swaps you can make this week."
• Use your platform to boost the reach of an environmental nonprofit or eco-creators by reposting their content

April 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Stress Awareness Month
• National Poetry Month

Apr 1 — April Fools' Day

Apr 2 — World Autism Awareness Day

Apr 3 — Good Friday

Apr 5 — Easter Sunday

Apr 10 — National Siblings Day

Apr 11 — National Pet Day

Apr 14 — International Moment of Laughter Day

Apr 16 — National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day

This content practically creates itself, doesn’t it? The lighthearted holiday celebrates comfort and gives everyone permission to stay cozy. For remote workers like me, it's basically just another Tuesday — but it's still a fun excuse to acknowledge the shift toward flexible work culture and the blurring lines between home and office.

Content ideas:

• Post a team photo in matching or themed pajamas
• Share your "WFH uniform" and ask followers to do the same
• Create a reel showing the quick transition from pajamas to "Zoom-ready"
• Run a "best pajama" contest with a small prize

Apr 21 — World Creativity and Innovation Day

Apr 22 — Earth Day

Apr 23 — World Book Day

Apr 23 — Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

Apr 28 — Pay It Forward Day

Founded in 2007, Pay It Forward Day is a global movement encouraging small acts of kindness that create a ripple effect. The idea is simple: do something kind for someone without expecting anything in return, and inspire them to do the same for someone else.

This day is perfect for community-focused brands and creators who want to spotlight good happening in the world. User-generated content around acts of kindness tends to perform well because people genuinely want to share and celebrate these moments.

Content ideas:

• Post "one small act" challenges and invite followers to share what they did
• Highlight a customer, creator, or community member doing good
• Partner with a nonprofit to amplify their work, or simply boost their reach by resharing their content to your own followeres

Apr 30 — International Jazz Day

May 2026

Monthly themes and events

• National Barbecue Month
• Lupus Awareness Month
• Mental Health Awareness Month

May 1 — May Day / International Workers' Day

May 3 — World Press Freedom Day

May 4 — International Firefighters' Day

May 4 — Star Wars Day

Because "May the Fourth be with you." What started as a pun has become a full-blown pop culture holiday, celebrated by Star Wars fans around the globe. From movie marathons to themed merchandise drops, brands across industries find creative ways to tie into the force.

Star Wars Day is one of those rare holidays where even brands with no connection to the franchise can jump in with a clever pun or reference, and the audience will love it. It's lighthearted, nostalgic, and endlessly meme-able.

Content ideas:

• Run a poll: "Which Jedi power would you choose?"
• Post a team photo with lightsabers or Star Wars props
• Share which Star Wars character best represents you or your brand and why

May 5 — Cinco de Mayo

May 8 — World Red Cross Day

May 9 — National Train Day

May 10 — Mother's Day (U.S.)

Celebrated on the second Sunday of May, Mother's Day honors moms, caregivers, and maternal figures. It's one of the biggest retail holidays of the year, of course, but it’s got a far more important message at its core.

Mother's Day content that focuses on genuine appreciation, storytelling, and community tends to resonate most. User-generated campaigns work particularly well here, as people love sharing tributes to the mother figures in their lives.

Content ideas:

• Launch a "Thank you, mom" user-generated campaign asking followers to share tributes
• Create a gift guide carousel with thoughtful, accessible options
• Spotlight employees or customers sharing the best advice they got from their moms
• Post a heartfelt message acknowledging all types of caregivers

May 15 — International Day of Families

May 17 — International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia & Biphobia

May 20 — World Bee Day

May 21 — World Whisky Day

May 24 — National Scavenger Hunt Day

May 25 — Memorial Day (U.S.)

June 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Pride Month
• 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11–July 19)
• Men's Health Week (June 15–21)

Jun 1 — World Milk Day

Jun 3 — World Bicycle Day

Jun 4 — National Cheese Day

Jun 4 — Hug Your Cat Day

Another post that practically creates itself. This extra special day is dedicated to celebrating our feline overlords, whether they like it or not.

Pet content is one of the most reliable engagement drivers across platforms, and cat people are especially enthusiastic. This is an easy win for creators or brands looking to post something fun and approachable.

Content ideas:

• Share photos of your team's cats (or your office cat if you have one. Can I come visit, please?)
• Run a "cutest cat" photo contest with a small prize. Scritches?
• Partner with a local animal shelter to highlight cats available for adoption

Jun 5 — World Environment Day

Jun 5 — National Donut Day

Jun 8 — World Oceans Day

Jun 8 — Best Friends Day

Jun 11 — FIFA World Cup kicks off

Jun 12 — Loving Day

Jun 14 — Flag Day

Jun 14 — World Blood Donor Day

Jun 18 — International Sushi Day

Jun 18 — Sustainable Gastronomy Day

Jun 19 — Juneteenth (U.S.)

Jun 20 — World Refugee Day

Jun 21 — Father's Day (U.S.)

Celebrated the third Sunday of June, Father's Day honors dads, father figures, and the people who've stepped into mentorship roles.

Father's Day content that's personal, funny, or tied to specific memories tends to perform best. Dad jokes, nostalgic photos, and heartfelt tributes all have a place here.

Content ideas:

• Share customer or follower stories about meaningful father figures
• Post a "dad jokes only" thread (bonus points if they're really bad)
• Create a photo carousel: "Our team's dads through the years."
• Spotlight fathers on your team and what they've learned from fatherhood

Jun 21 — International Yoga Day

Jun 21 — World Music Day

Jun 21 — Summer Solstice (First Day of Summer)

Jun 21 — National Selfie Day

Jun 30 — Social Media Day

July 2026

Monthly themes and events

• National Ice Cream Month
• National Grilling Month

Jul 4 — Independence Day (U.S.)

Jul 7 — World Chocolate Day

Jul 16 — National Ice Cream Day

Jul 17 — World Emoji Day

Celebrated since 2014, World Emoji Day honors the tiny symbols that have become a universal language online. The date was chosen because it appears on the calendar emoji 📅 — a fitting bit of meta humor for a day dedicated to digital communication.

Emoji-related content is playful, accessible, and tends to drive high engagement because everyone uses emojis. It's also an easy opportunity for brands to show personality.

Content ideas:

• Challenge your audience: "Describe your day in 3 emojis."
• Post a caption using only emojis and ask followers to guess what you mean
• Run a poll: "Which emoji needs to retire?" or "Which emoji do you overuse?"
• Share the emoji that best represents your brand

Jul 18 — Nelson Mandela International Day

Jul 22 — National Hammock Day

Jul 24 — National Tequila Day

Jul 30 — International Day of Friendship

August 2026

Monthly themes and events

• National Immunization Awareness Month
• Black Business Month

Aug 1 — National Girlfriend Day

Aug 8 — International Cat Day

Aug 9 — Book Lovers Day

A tribute to readers, writers, and the stories that shape us. While it's not as widely recognized as World Book Day, it's gained a dedicated following among literary communities and anyone who loves a good recommendation. (It’s me. 🙋‍♀️)

Book content — whether it's reading lists, covers, quotes, or cozy reading setups — performs consistently well on visual platforms like Instagram. It's also a great way to show a more personal side of your brand.

Content ideas:

• Post your team's current reading list or all-time favorites
• Ask followers for book recommendations in your niche
• Share a book that inspired your brand or business
• Create a "summer reading" carousel with quick summaries

Aug 12 — International Youth Day

Aug 13 — International Left-Handers Day

Celebrated since 1976, International Left-Handers Day raises awareness about the unique challenges left-handed people face in a predominantly right-handed world (scissors, notebooks, can openers — the list goes on). About 10% of the global population is left-handed, including some pretty famous names like Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Leonardo da Vinci.

This is a fun, niche holiday that lets you celebrate a specific part of your audience or team in a lighthearted way.

Content ideas:

• Spotlight left-handed people on your team
• Share fun facts about left-handedness (like how it's more common in creative fields)
• Ask followers: "Are you left-handed? What's the most annoying thing about it?"
• Post a poll: "Left-handed or right-handed?" to see the split

Aug 15 — National Relaxation Day

Aug 19 — World Photography Day

Aug 21 — Senior Citizens Day (U.S.)

Aug 23 — Ride the Wind Day

Aug 26 — National Dog Day

Aug 31 — National Trail Mix Day

September 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Suicide Prevention Month
• Friendship Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15–Oct 15)

Sep 4 — National Wildlife Day

Sep 7 — Labor Day (U.S.)

Sep 8 — International Literacy Day

Sep 12 — National Video Games Day

Sep 13 — Positive Thinking Day

Sep 15 — Hispanic Heritage Month begins

Sep 15 — Make a Hat Day

Sep 19 — International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Started in 1995 as an inside joke between two friends, International Talk Like a Pirate Day has become a beloved internet holiday. It's silly, it's harmless, and it gives everyone an excuse to say "arrr" and "matey" without (much) judgment.

Brands that lean into the absurdity and have fun with it tend to see great engagement. It's one of those rare days where being a little ridiculous is not only acceptable but encouraged.

Content ideas:

• Rewrite your product descriptions in pirate speak for the day
• Post a pirate-themed meme related to your industry
• Run a caption contest: "Best pirate pun wins"
• Share a "treasure map" graphic pointing to your best resources or products

Sep 20–21 — Yom Kippur

Sep 21 — World Gratitude Day

Sep 22 — First Day of Fall (Autumn Equinox)

Sep 26 — National Pancake Day

Sep 27 — World Tourism Day

Sep 29 — National Coffee Day

Sep 30 — International Podcast Day

October 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Oct 1 — International Coffee Day

Oct 2 — National Custodial Worker's Day

Oct 4 — World Animal Day

Oct 5 — World Teachers' Day

Established by UNESCO in 1994, World Teachers' Day celebrates educators and their role in shaping lives and communities. Teachers are often underpaid and underappreciated, making this day a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge all the good they do.

It's also a good reminder that education and mentorship happen in all kinds of settings, not just classrooms.

Content ideas:

• Thank teachers with a community shoutout asking followers to share their favorite teacher
• Feature an educator or education-focused creator in your industry
• Donate to a classroom wishlist on DonorsChoose and encourage others to do the same
• Post about mentors or teachers who influenced your career path

Oct 10 — World Mental Health Day

Established by the World Health Organization in 1992, World Mental Health Day raises awareness about how important mental health is. Each year focuses on a different theme, but the core message remains: mental health is health, and it deserves the same attention and resources as physical health.

Mental health content consistently resonates because it's something nearly everyone thinks about, even if they don't always talk about it. Sharing openly and authentically makes a difference.

Content ideas:

• Share three small, science-backed habits for reducing stress
• Collaborate with a therapist or mental health expert for a Q&A or guest post
• Highlight your team's mental health practices (therapy benefits, mental health days, etc.)
• Ask followers: "What's one thing you're doing to support your mental health?"

Oct 11 — International Day of the Girl Child

Oct 12 — Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples' Day (Second Monday)

Oct 13 — International Suit Up Day

Oct 16 — World Food Day

Oct 20 — International Sloth Day

Oct 24 — United Nations Day

Oct 29 — National Cat Day

Oct 31 — Halloween

November 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Men's Health Awareness Month (Movember)
• Epilepsy Awareness Month

Nov 1 — Daylight Saving Time ends (US)

At 2 a.m., clocks "fall back" one hour, giving everyone an extra hour of sleep (in theory). While most people appreciate the bonus hour, the time change can mess with sleep schedules, productivity, and even social media posting times if you're not careful.

This is a practical and relatable moment that nearly everyone in the US experiences simultaneously. A friendly reminder post might actually be helpful.

Content ideas:

• Post a reminder graphic the day before
• Share a cozy (tongue-in-cheek?) "extra hour of sleep" meme
• Ask: "What are you doing with your extra hour?"

Nov 8 — Diwali

Nov 11 — Veterans Day (Federal Holiday)

Nov 13 — World Kindness Day

Nov 19 — International Men's Day

Nov 21 — World Hello Day

Nov 25 — National Day of Listening

Nov 26 — Thanksgiving (U.S.)

Nov 27 — Black Friday

Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season and is the biggest retail day of the year in the US (and now, in many countries all over the world). What started as a single day of in-store sales has evolved into a week-long (or longer) shopping event spanning online and offline channels.

For brands, Black Friday is a major revenue opportunity, but it's also increasingly crowded. Standing out requires creativity, authenticity, and a clear value proposition. Some brands have also opted out of Black Friday entirely, choosing instead to promote values like sustainability or shopping small.

Here are some out-of-the box Black Friday marketing ideas for your campaign.

Content ideas:

• Promote ethical or small-business shopping alternatives
• Launch limited-time bundles or exclusive offers
• Share a "thank you" post to customers after the sale ends
• Highlight the story behind your products rather than just discounts

Nov 28 — Small Business Saturday

Nov 30 — Cyber Monday

December 2026

Monthly themes and events

• Hanukkah: Dec 4–12
• Kwanzaa: Dec 26–Jan 1
• Dec 1 — World AIDS Day
• Dec 3 — International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Dec 4 — Hanukkah begins

Dec 5 — World Soil Day

Dec 8 — Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day

I promise I did not make this one up! Started in 2007 on an online forum, Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day encourages people to dress, speak, and act like they're from another time period — whether that's medieval times, the 1920s, or the distant future.

This is peak "weird internet holiday" energy, and brands that embrace the absurdity often see surprisingly strong engagement. AI image and video generators mean there are no limits to what you could create for this content, too.

Content ideas:

• Post a "then vs. now" showing how your industry has evolved
• Share what you think your product or industry will look like in 50 years
• Ask followers: "What time period would you travel to?"
• Create a playful graphic: "If our brand existed in [time period]"

Dec 10 — International Human Rights Day

Dec 10 — Nobel Prize Day

Dec 11 — International Mountain Day

Dec 19 — National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day encourages people to embrace the tackiest, most over-the-top holiday knitwear they can find. What started as an ironic fashion statement has become a full-blown tradition. Ugly sweater party, anyone?

Ugly sweater content is fun, festive, and highly shareable. It's also an easy way to show your team's personality during the busy holiday season.

Content ideas:

• Post a team photo or reel in matching (or hilariously mismatched) ugly sweaters
• Run a follower photo contest for the best ugly sweater
• Offer a playful discount code like UGLYSWEATER20
• Share where to find the best (worst?) ugly sweaters online

Dec 21 — Winter Solstice (First Day of Winter)

Dec 23 — Festivus

Dec 24 — Christmas Eve

Dec 25 — Christmas Day

Dec 26 — Kwanzaa begins

Dec 26 — Boxing Day

Dec 31 — New Year's Eve

How to use this social media calendar

Now that you have all these dates saved, here's how to turn them into actual content without scrambling at the last minute.

1. Pick the dates that matter to your audience

Not every holiday or event will resonate with your community, and that's totally fine. Start by going through the list and marking the ones that align with your brand values, audience interests, or industry.

For example, if you run a pet supplies business, National Dog Day is a no-brainer. If you're a B2B SaaS company, Social Media Day or Labor Day might be better fits. Understanding what to post on each social media platform can help you match the right content to the right moment.

2. Schedule posts in advance

One of the best parts of having a content calendar is being able to schedule posts ahead of time. Social media management tools (like Buffer!) let you queue up content weeks or even months in advance, so you're not scrambling to post in real-time.

The best time to post on Instagram is typically around 3 p.m. on weekdays, while LinkedIn sees peak engagement during work hours. TikTok's sweet spot tends to be evenings and weekends. Scheduling your content at these optimal times can give your posts a better chance of reaching your audience when they're actually online.

3. Batch-create your content

Instead of creating one post at a time, try batching your content creation. Set aside a few hours to design graphics, write captions, and gather ideas for multiple holidays at once.

Repurposing content across platforms is also a huge time-saver. A carousel you create for Instagram can easily become a LinkedIn post or a Twitter thread with minor tweaks.

4. Leave room for spontaneity

While planning is great, don't lock yourself into a rigid schedule. Leave gaps for timely content, trending topics, or unexpected moments that might be more relevant than a planned holiday post.

Social media is about being social, after all. The best content often comes from jumping on a trend, responding to your community, or sharing something authentic in the moment.

Ready to plan your 2026 social media calendar? Start by adding these dates to Buffer, then schedule your posts at the times your audience is most active. You'll show up consistently without burning out — and that's the real win.