National Buffet Day (January 2)

ByClare Brown Updated on
People standing in line at a buffet table with a variety of dishes displayed in serving trays.

National Buffet Day is celebrated on January 2, recognizing the tradition of self-serve dining and the appeal of having many food choices in one place.

From breakfast spreads to international dishes and comfort food classics, the day highlights the variety that makes buffets popular.

While some people head to restaurants, others celebrate at home with DIY food bars or themed meals.

Below you’ll find the history of buffets, interesting facts, and simple ways to mark this weird January holiday.

When is the Holiday?

National Buffet Day is celebrated every year on January 2. It’s a great excuse to enjoy an all-you-can-eat feast after the holiday season!

Who Invented It?

The origins of this holiday remain unclear. There is no official record of who created it, but it likely emerged as a fun way to appreciate the long-standing tradition of buffets and their popularity across the world.

home buffet table

The History of the Holiday

The concept of a buffet dates back to 17th-century Europe, where people set up breakfast items on a sideboard, allowing guests to serve themselves.

This style, known as a smorgasbord, became a common feature in Scandinavian homes.

By the late 1930s, the smorgasbord was introduced to the United States at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

From the 1940s onward, buffets became a popular restaurant style, offering an affordable and diverse dining experience.

Today, buffets are common in hotels, casinos, and restaurants worldwide, allowing diners to enjoy unlimited portions of their favorite foods.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

  1. The word “buffet” comes from the French term for a sideboard or serving table.
  2. Las Vegas is home to some of the most famous and extravagant buffets in the world.
  3. The largest buffet restaurant in the U.S. is Shady Maple Smorgasbord in Pennsylvania, offering over 200 feet of buffet tables.
  4. All-you-can-eat buffets became popular in the U.S. in the 1940s and 1950s.
  5. Some buffets charge customers based on weight rather than an all-inclusive price.

Coloring Page

This National Buffet Day coloring sheet features a buffet table filled with different foods, giving kids a fun way to explore the idea of self-serve dining.

National Buffet Day Coloring Sheet
national buffet day coloring page

Activities to Celebrate

Here are a few ways to celebrate:

  • Host a DIY buffet at home – Set up a taco, pasta, or breakfast bar with various toppings and sauces.
  • Try a new buffet restaurant – Explore a local buffet to sample different cuisines.
  • Create a themed potluck – Have guests bring different dishes to share.
  • Challenge yourself to a buffet-style cooking night – Make small portions of multiple dishes to create a mini buffet at home.
  • Teach kids about buffet etiquette – A fun way to introduce table manners and portion control.
buffet table with vegetables and chicken

Related Recipes

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Links to Resources

  • Party Essentials Buffet Party Banquet Serving Set. A high-quality buffet set, perfect for hosting events with durable stainless steel chafing dishes to keep food warm and stylishly presented.
  • Inflatable Serving Bar. An inflatable serving bar that can be filled with ice to keep salads, drinks, and other perishables chilled during your event.
  • Mini Chalkboard Signs. A set of 24 mini chalkboard signs, perfect for labeling dishes at your buffet, adding a charming and informative touch to your setup.

Related Holidays

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January 2 - Ways to celebrate National Buffet Day