National Alien Abduction Day (March 20)
National Alien Abduction Day is on March 20, which means yes, there is officially a day dedicated to being taken aboard a spacecraft against your will.
It’s the kind of holiday that makes you double-check the calendar. Not quite serious. Not entirely a joke either. Just sitting there between the first day of spring and whatever normal plans you had.
And somehow… it works.
When is the Holiday?
It falls on March 20 each year. There’s no official ceremony or parade, just people who enjoy leaning into the weird side of space stories.
Who Invented It?
No one seems to know exactly who started it. Like a lot of internet-born holidays, it likely grew out of online UFO communities and sci-fi fans who thought the idea was fun.
Science fiction, conspiracy theories, and alleged abduction experiences have contributed to the day’s appeal.
The History of the Holiday
The modern idea of alien abduction didn’t really take hold until the mid-20th century. While ancient myths mention celestial beings, the specific narrative of being taken aboard a spacecraft became widely known after the 1961 case of Betty and Barney Hill.
The couple reported missing time during a road trip through New Hampshire and later described undergoing medical examinations aboard a craft.
Their story, amplified through books and television interviews, helped shape what many people now picture when they think of an “alien abduction.” Large eyes. Examination tables. Lost time.
By the 1980s and 1990s, alien encounter stories were common in pop culture, fueled by shows like The X-Files and films such as Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
March 20, the spring equinox in many years, likely stuck because it already carries celestial symbolism. Longer days. Changing skies. A subtle cosmic feel.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
The Hill case shaped the “modern alien” image. Descriptions from the 1961 report closely resemble the gray, large-eyed beings that became iconic in later decades.
“Missing time” shows up again and again. Many abduction stories include unexplained gaps in memory, something psychologists often connect to sleep paralysis or stress-related episodes.
Roswell still draws thousands every year. If you ever visit New Mexico, you’ll find museums, alien statues, and an annual UFO festival that leans fully into the mystery.
The U.S. government now publicly investigates unidentified aerial phenomena. The All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office studies reports of unexplained aerial sightings.
Alien stories reflect cultural anxieties. Researchers often note that reported alien encounters tend to mirror the fears of the era, Cold War tension, technological change, or space exploration milestones.
**This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate and a participant in other affiliate programs, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.**
Coloring Page
If you’re celebrating with kids (or just want something lighthearted), this free National Alien Abduction Day coloring page adds a fun, sci-fi twist to the day.
Activities to Celebrate
If you’re going to acknowledge National Alien Abduction Day at all, I’d keep it light.
A movie night is the obvious choice, but it doesn’t have to turn into a sci-fi marathon. Close Encounters of the Third Kind is still worth watching, mostly because it feels more thoughtful than flashy. It’s slower than modern alien films, which actually makes it creepier in places.
If you have kids, ask them to describe their own “UFO sighting” and don’t over-direct it. The fun part is how quickly their stories spiral. Someone always adds glowing slime. Or telepathic cats. It escalates fast.
On a clear evening, just stepping outside and looking up works surprisingly well. You can talk about what astronomers actually call “unidentified aerial phenomena.” Most sightings have boring explanations, satellites, drones, aircraft, and that contrast between mystery and reality makes for a better discussion than pretending everything is paranormal.
With older kids or teens, this is a good excuse to talk about sleep paralysis. A lot of classic abduction stories include being unable to move, bright lights, shadowy figures. Once you learn what the brain does under stress or exhaustion, the overlap is fascinating.
You don’t have to decide what you believe. The conversation is the interesting part.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
If you’re going themed, keep it simple.
Green “alien” cupcakes are easy. Vanilla or chocolate, bright green icing, candy eyes stuck on slightly crooked so they look ridiculous instead of Pinterest-perfect. The messier they are, the better.
A so-called “Martian smoothie” is really just kiwi, green grapes, maybe a handful of spinach, and apple juice. It looks dramatic, tastes normal.
Popcorn drizzled with white chocolate and a little color swirl ends up looking like something from a low-budget galaxy scene. It doesn’t have to be precise. Once it’s in a bowl, no one’s grading the nebula effect.
Alien cookies work best if you don’t overthink them. A simple oval head, two oversized eyes, bold icing lines. Let kids decorate and accept that some aliens will look mildly concerned.
Links to Resources
- How to Draw a Spaceship. A simple drawing tutorial that works well for kids who immediately want to design their own UFO.
- Aliens Love Underpants Story Spoons. A fun storytelling craft inspired by the beloved children’s book.
- Paper plate flying saucer craft. A simple and engaging craft activity perfect for young space explorers.
- Top 50 Alien Abductions and UFO Sightings (Aliens, UFOs, and Cryptids: Unraveling the Unknown). A compilation of famous alien abduction cases and UFO sightings.
- The Abduction of Betty & Barney Hill – The Full Story | Documentary. A deep dive into one of the most well-documented alien abduction cases.
- National UFO Reporting Center. A database of UFO sighting reports from across the globe.
- All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO). The U.S. government’s official site for investigating unidentified aerial phenomena.
Related Holidays
- Science Fiction Day (January 2) – A celebration of classic and modern sci-fi stories, often linked to Isaac Asimov’s birthday, and a great excuse to revisit favorite space-themed books and films.
- World UFO Day (July 2) – A day dedicated to raising awareness about unidentified flying objects and encouraging skywatching events around the world.
- Space Exploration Day (July 20) – Also known as Moon Day, this holiday marks the anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing and celebrates human achievements in space travel.
- Pluto Demoted Day (August 24) – Recognizes the 2006 decision by the International Astronomical Union to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet, still controversial in many classrooms!
Pin it!
Share this post about National Alien Abduction Day on Pinterest!
