National Ice Cream Day 2025 is celebrated on Sunday, July 20.
Although this frozen treat has been around for centuries as far back as the Persian Empire, it didn’t become a holiday in the U.S. until 1984.
That year, President Ronald Reagan declared the third Sunday in July “National Ice Cream Day.”
Today, chain restaurants are cashing in on the “holiday” spirit and by offering deals and freebies on ice cream on Sunday and beyond.
National Ice Cream Day 2025 deals and freebies
Here are some of the deals and freebies you can get this week.
16 Handles: Get a free soft-serve treat when you download the 16 Handles app and visit a participating store on Sunday.
Baskin Robbins: From now through July 26, rewards members can get $5 off any order of $20 placed through a third-party delivery app.
Burger King: Rewards members can get a free soft serve with any purchase $1 or more on National Ice Cream Day.
Dairy Queen: DQ Rewards loyalty program members can get a free Dilly Bar from now through July 20 with any DQ Rewards order of $1 or more. Must have the DQ App and sign up for DQ Rewards to get the offer.
Dippin’ Dots: Get free mini cups of Dippin’ Dots at 120 locations nationwide on July 20. Check with your local store when the freebies will be given out, since it will take place during a 2-hour window. You can find a location here.
Friendly’s: Get 90-cent single-scoop ice cream cones or dishes either in-store or to-go. Rewards members can get a free cone or dish of ice cream Sunday for free.
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