Groundhog Day is observed in the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 2 every year and falls on a Sunday in 2025. Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? Groundhog Day is more than just a classic movie starring PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. -- Here's a look at Groundhog Day, an American tradition that is meant to predict when spring will arrive. Facts. The groundhog emerges from its burrow on February 2. If the The observance of Groundhog Day in the United States first occurred in German communities in Pennsylvania, according to known records. The earliest mention of Groundhog Day is an entry on February 2, 1840, in the diary of James L. Morris of Morgantown, in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, according to the book on the subject by Don Yoder. This was a 3 of 15 | . FILE - The groundhog saw his shadow, Feb. 2, 1954, as the sun peeked through an overcast sky at Washington Park Zoo in Milwaukee, Wis. The arrival of annual Groundhog Day celebrations Friday, Feb. 2, 2024, will draw thousands of people to see celebrity woodchuck Phil at Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney, Pa. — an event that exploded in popularity after the 1993 Bill Murray movie. So the tradition carried on with the groundhog. MORE: 4 adorable Groundhog Day coloring pages for kids. The belief. It it said that if the groundhog sees its shadow, due to a clear sunny day, winter will go on for six more weeks. If it’s a cloudy day and the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, spring will come early. How Groundhog Day came to the U.S. — and why we still celebrate it 138 years later. By Rachel Treisman (NPR) Feb. 2, 2024 4:10 p.m. His department always has a Groundhog Day party, even in How did Groundhog Day start? According to the club, the holiday began as a part of the Christian celebration of Candlemas Day in Europe, which was first observed in A.D. 350. To celebrate Groundhog Day, Feb. 2, is coming up, and soon Punxsutawney Phil will tell us what to expect from the weeks to come. The holiday dates back hundreds of years, and has grown to be a widely The first official Groundhog Day celebration took place on February 2, 1887, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The annual ritual has roots in pre-Christian traditions and was brought to the U.S. by Most of us know the tradition: on February 2, our old friend the groundhog will emerge from hibernation, come out of his den, and predict whether winter will deliver more cold weather this year. If the groundhog sees his shadow, the story goes, cold weather will persist another few weeks. If not, warm weather is around the corner. If you like the folklore of holidays, you may be interested to Celebrate Groundhog Day with our Free Printable Groundhog Day Word Scramble—a festive and educational activity for everyone to enjoy. Not only does it provide a fun challenge, but it also highlights key words related to this unique holiday. But do you know why we celebrate Groundhog Day? Here are six facts about Groundhog Day that you may not have known! Fact #1 – The First Groundhog Day Was Celebrated in 1887 Following the popularity of the 1993 Bill Murray movie "Groundhog Day," the event increased in popularity. Thousands of people have turned out for recent events. So, who is Punxsutawney Phil? Groundhog Day Crafts For Kids. Torn Paper Groundhog Craft – Have your little ones create a groundhog peeking out of his burrow with torn paper! Tearing paper helps build fine motor skills and strengthens hand muscles, making this activity fun and beneficial. It’s a playful, hands-on way to celebrate Groundhog Day! Related: Groundhog Day The movie features a reporter who is covering the famous Groundhog Day ceremony in Punxsutawney, but because he never changes his ways, the same day keeps repeating over and over again. No matter how you celebrate the day, there is no denying Groundhog Day is a classic American tradition. Groundhog Day doesn’t have to be just another winter day—it’s such a fun excuse to get crafty and play a few games! With these 23+ ideas, you’ll have plenty of ways to keep the kids engaged and smiling, whether you’re at home or in the classroom. That's right: Groundhog Day is just around the corner, so here is everything you need to know about the tradition and how to celebrate. Groundhog Day is observed in the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 2 17 Groundhog Day Poems This collection features Groundhog Day poems celebrating tradition, humor, and seasonal charm. Short Poems & Quotes | Special Occasion Poems & Quotes | Groundhog Day Poems Updated January 4, 2025, by Catherine Pulsifer Groundhog Day brings smiles, laughter, and a bit of suspense as we wait to see what the groundhog predicts. Why do we celebrate Groundhog Day? CGPGrey explains the history behind the holiday. Watch. Think. 2 Multiple Choice & 1 Open Answer Questions. Dig Deeper. Learn More The Children's Museum in West Hartford has added a new groundhog to its animal sanctuary and is letting the public vote for its new name ahead of Groundhog Day.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.