Sherlock Holmes Day (May 22)

ByClare Brown Posted on Updated on

Sherlock Holmes Day is celebrated annually on May 22, honoring the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of the world’s most iconic detective.

With his sharp mind, signature deerstalker hat, and unmatched logical reasoning, Holmes has inspired generations of readers, writers, and even real-world detectives.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting started with the stories, this quirky tribute is a fun excuse to indulge your inner sleuth. One of many weird holidays in May.

When is the Holiday?

Sherlock Holmes Day takes place on May 22, marking the birthday of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, born in 1859.

Who Invented It?

The origins aren’t officially documented, but the day emerged through fan communities and literary circles.

Sherlockians and Holmesians worldwide began informally celebrating Doyle’s contributions to detective fiction—and the tradition stuck.

The History of the Holiday

While not established by an institution, Sherlock Holmes Day has grown in popularity thanks to ongoing fascination with the character.

Libraries, schools, and fans host themed events on or around May 22 to explore Holmes’s influence on literature, logic, and pop culture.

Top 5 Facts About the Holiday

221B Baker Street is a real address in London and now home to a Sherlock Holmes museum.

Holmes first appeared in A Study in Scarlet (1887).

Doyle once tried to kill Holmes off but had to bring him back due to public outrage.

Holmes’s methods influenced early forensic science.

Guinness World Records lists him as the most portrayed literary human character on screen.

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Activities to Celebrate

Host a Holmes Night: Victorian snacks, candlelight, and crime-solving make a fun themed evening.

Read a Story: Start with The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes or explore Doyle’s lesser-known tales.

Watch a Film: Classic or modern, Holmes has been portrayed by more than 75 actors.

Solve a Mystery: Try logic puzzles, printable clue hunts, or the Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective game.

Dress the Part: Don a deerstalker and channel your inner sleuth for a themed day or party.

Attend an Event: Some libraries and bookstores host read-alouds or trivia nights.

Links to Resources

The Complete Sherlock Holmes – This all-in-one hardcover edition includes every novel and short story written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A perfect collector’s piece or deep dive for anyone wanting the full Holmes experience.

Sherlock Holmes Puzzle Collection – Packed with logic puzzles, riddles, and deductions that channel Holmes’s thinking style. Great for sharpening your mind while staying on theme.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum – Located at the famous 221B Baker Street in London, this museum recreates Holmes’s Victorian lodgings and includes period artifacts, wax figures, and memorabilia from the stories.

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective – Jack the Ripper & West End Adventures Board Game – A cooperative board game that puts players in Holmes’s shoes. Solve intricate cases by reading through casebooks, visiting locations, and piecing together clues—no dice, just brainpower.

Related Holidays

  • National Book Lovers Day (Aug 9) – A perfect excuse to curl up with a classic mystery. Celebrate by revisiting your favorite Holmes story or exploring other iconic detective fiction.
  • National Puzzle Day (Jan 29) – Honor the spirit of deduction with logic games, escape rooms, or brain teasers—activities that would make Holmes proud.
  • National Read a Book Day (September 6) – Whether it’s your first dive into A Study in Scarlet or a return to The Hound of the Baskervilles, it’s the ideal day to get lost in a good mystery.
  • Frankenstein Day (August 30) – Celebrating Mary Shelley’s birthday, this day highlights another literary icon of the 19th century. Pair it with a Holmes tale for a gothic double feature.
  • Tolkien Reading Day (March 25) – While Tolkien’s world is more fantasy than foggy London streets, both authors created rich, enduring worlds. A fun day to explore literary classics across genres.

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