National Princess Day, observed each year on November 18, is a light-hearted, feel-good celebration that invites people, especially children, to embrace imagination, kindness, confidence, and the playful pageantry of being a “princess.”
Initially inspired by the animated film The Swan Princess (released November 18, 1994).
The day has grown into an annual opportunity for families, libraries, schools, and communities to host themed events, crafts, storytimes, and lessons that highlight courage, compassion, and leadership rather than only crowns and gowns. (National Today)
Origins and meaning
The modern idea of National Princess Day is often traced to the release of The Swan Princess, which introduced Princess Odette and a fairy-tale sensibility distinct from, but sometimes associated with, mainstream Disney princess culture.
Organisers and calendar sites use this tie-in as a friendly origin story. Since then, the date (November 18) has been adopted by national-day calendars and community groups who want to celebrate the “princess” qualities, imagination, kindness, and bravery in every girl (and anyone who wishes to play along).
The day is not an official public holiday but rather a cultural observance that communities mark with activities and events. (National Today)
Why National Princess Day matters today
At face value, National Princess Day is about costumes, tiaras, and tea parties—but its deeper value comes from reimagining what a “princess” can be.
Modern celebrations emphasise positive character traits: leadership, empathy, education, and service.
Libraries, schools, and child-focused organisations increasingly use the day to showcase real-world role models (scientists, activists, and civic leaders who happen to be women) and to teach children that they can be protagonists in their own stories, generous, brave, and capable.
This subtle reframing helps move the idea of a princess away from passive tropes and toward empowerment. (Multicultural Kid Blogs)
How communities celebrate (events and programs)
Local libraries, community centres, and schools commonly host National Princess Day programs, story hours, craft sessions, costume parades, and film screenings.
For example, public library systems have run family-friendly gatherings featuring crafts, snacks, and movie showings tied to princess stories.
These events encourage imaginative play while often including reading and learning components that give the celebration educational value.
If you’re organising an event, practical tips include a designated craft station, a short princess-themed story time, and a photo corner with props.
15 creative, kid-friendly activities
Below are simple, low-cost activities that work for a classroom, library program, or home celebration:
- DIY Tiaras & Crowns: Use cardstock, glitter glue, ribbon, and stickers.
- Princess Story Circle: Read classics and modern retellings that feature brave heroines.
- Royal Tea Party (kid-style): Small cups, biscuits, and a table decorated with paper flowers.
- Courage Collage: Kids create collages showing what courage looks like to them.
- Princess Career Day: Spotlight women in STEM, arts, and civic leadership—show short videos or pictures.
- Royal Relay & Games: Physical games with a “rescue the castle” or “quest” theme.
- Design a Throne: Cardboard box chairs decorated to look like thrones.
- Sing-along & Dance: Songs from family musicals and a gentle dance session.
- Map the Kingdom: A simple map activity where kids name places and decide rules (teaches geography and leadership).
- Make a Pledge: Kids write small pledges about how they’ll be kind or brave.
- Princess-in-History Lesson: Short bios of real princesses/royal figures who did social work.
- Craft a Magic Wand: Using dowels, ribbon, and felt shapes.
- Character Role-play Scenes: Encourage improv where kids solve problems as leaders.
- Photo Station: Instant photos or phone prints as mementoes.
- Charity Drive: Collect books or winter clothes to teach civic responsibility.
Many of these ideas borrow from longstanding community practice and from curated lists of National Princess Day activities used by educators and parenting sites. (Twinkl)
Teaching moments: beyond glitter
National Princess Day can be an educational springboard. Use the opportunity to:
- Discuss consent and boundaries (e.g., not everyone likes to be hugged or dressed up).
- Highlight cultural diversity: talk about princess-like figures from different cultures and mythologies, so children see a range of stories and role models.
- Introduce story analysis: what qualities make a character admirable? How does courage appear differently in modern tales?
- Encourage service by pairing celebrations with small charity projects—empathy is a royal trait worth cultivating. Sources that promote inclusive, learning-focused activities suggest this broader approach. (Multicultural Kid Blogs)
Ideas for grown-ups: make it meaningful (and fun)
Adults can join the fun without turning the day into a pure cosplay fest. Consider:
- Mentoring sessions: Invite young girls (or mixed groups) to meet women working in a range of fields.
- Book clubs: Read and discuss books that centre on strong female protagonists (real or fictional).
- Community awards: Recognise local women who lead by example—teachers, health workers, and volunteers.
- Family rituals: Breakfast in bed, a handwritten note celebrating a child’s kindness, or a mini household awards ceremony (e.g., “most helpful sibling”).
These approaches align the whimsical elements of Princess Day with real-world values.
Inclusivity tips: make it for everyone
National Princess Day should be accessible and welcoming:
- Offer gender-neutral invitations: anyone can play princess, prince, hero, or leader.
- Provide low-sensory options for children who may find costumes or loud music overwhelming (quiet craft areas, calm story corners).
- Be mindful of cost—offer simple, recycled, or community-supplied costume elements rather than expensive outfits.
- Highlight non-traditional princesses—scientists, explorers, and activists—to expand the notion of what a princess can be.
These small design choices make celebrations richer and more impactful for broader audiences.
Digital celebration ideas (social media & virtual events)
If meeting in person isn’t possible, go digital:
- Host a virtual story hour or craft tutorial over video.
- Run a #PrincessPledge social challenge—short clips of kids or adults pledging one kind act.
- Share a curated playlist of empowering songs and film clips.
- Create downloadable printables (crowns, activity sheets, and colouring pages) to distribute via your website or social channels. Many educational platforms and creators provide such resources around November 18 each year.
Safety & practical considerations
- Check costume pieces for small parts that pose a choking hazard to very young children.
- If serving food, note allergies and provide ingredient lists.
- For public events, ensure proper adult supervision ratios and simple emergency procedures. Local libraries and community organisations that run these events often publish safety checklists and sign-up recommendations.
Final note: make it about character, not just crowns
National Princess Day can be a joyful, silly, and imaginative holiday—or it can be a gentle lesson in empowerment.
When parents, teachers, and organisers frame the day around kindness, courage, creativity, and leadership, they help children internalise values that matter far beyond a single November day.
Whether your celebration includes a crown, a story, a craft, or a pledge to help a neighbour, the central idea is simple: everyone deserves to be treated with respect and to feel special—just like royalty should.