New York, NY – In a city that runs on ambition and black coffee, there’s a sweet, unifying force that brings New Yorkers together every summer: ice cream. And on Sunday, July 20, 2025, the five boroughs will once again join the nation in celebrating National Ice Cream Day, a holiday that offers a delightful excuse to indulge in a frozen treat.
This annual celebration, observed on the third Sunday of July, is more than just a marketing gimmick. It’s a tradition with a presidential seal of approval. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan, a man who clearly understood the simple joys of life, proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and the third Sunday of the month as National Ice Cream Day. His proclamation lauded ice cream as “a nutritious and wholesome food” enjoyed by over 90 percent of the nation.
New York City, a place with a surprisingly rich ice cream history, is poised to embrace this day with its signature enthusiasm. The city’s love affair with frozen desserts dates back to the 18th century, with one of the nation’s first ice cream parlors opening on Chatham Street (now Park Row) in 1777. Since then, the city has become a veritable playground for ice cream innovation, from classic scoops to avant-garde flavor combinations.
The City That Never Sleeps (On a Sugar High)
For New Yorkers, National Ice Cream Day presents a delicious dilemma: where to even begin? The city is dotted with an ever-growing number of artisanal ice cream shops, each with its own unique story and devoted following. While official 2025 deals are still being churned out, a look at past celebrations gives us a pretty good idea of the sweet savings to expect.
Big national chains with a presence in the city, like Baskin-Robbins and Dairy Queen, have historically offered discounts and freebies to their rewards members. Keep an eye on their apps for announcements as the day gets closer.
But the real magic for New Yorkers lies in the city’s homegrown heroes of cream. Shops like Van Leeuwen, born from a humble yellow truck in SoHo, are known for their decadent French-style ice cream and extensive vegan options. In previous years, they’ve offered special deals on their signature flavors. It’s a safe bet that their scoop shops across the city will be buzzing with activity.
Another beloved local institution, Ample Hills Creamery, with its whimsical flavors and playful aesthetic, has a history of celebrating in a big way. In the past, they’ve hosted family-friendly events with free scoops for early birds and other sweet perks. Checking their social media channels in the week leading up to July 20th is a must for any serious ice cream enthusiast.
A Borough-by-Borough Guide to Sweet Satisfaction
Beyond the well-known names, a universe of frozen delights awaits in every corner of the city. For those looking to explore, here are a few suggestions to get your ice cream adventure started:
- For the Traditionalist: Sometimes, you just want a perfect, classic scoop. Places like Morgenstern’s Finest Ice Cream on the Lower East Side have built a reputation on elevating the fundamentals, offering dozens of meticulously crafted flavors.
- For the Adventurous Palate: If you’re tired of plain vanilla, a trip to OddFellows in Brooklyn or the East Village is in order. With a rotating menu of eccentric and inventive flavors, you’re guaranteed to find something you’ve never tried before.
- For a Taste of History: The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has been serving up unique Asian-inspired flavors like lychee, black sesame, and durian for decades, offering a delicious link to the city’s diverse culinary landscape.
- For a Playful Twist: Big Gay Ice Cream, which started as a seasonal truck, has become a year-round destination for its fun and irreverent take on soft-serve, with creative toppings and a joyful atmosphere.
Your Actionable Guide to a Delicious Day
Ready to celebrate? Here’s your game plan for a successful National Ice Cream Day in NYC:
- Do Your Research: In the week leading up to July 20th, check the websites and social media pages of your favorite local ice cream shops. Many will announce their deals and special flavors in advance.
- Plan Your Route: The city’s best ice cream spots can get crowded, especially on a holiday. Consider visiting earlier in the day or exploring a new neighborhood to avoid the longest lines.
- Think Beyond the Cone: Many shops offer more than just scoops. Look for ice cream sandwiches, sundaes, and pints to take home.
- Share the Love: National Ice Cream Day is a great excuse to treat a friend or family member. Many deals are structured around buy-one-get-one offers.
- Try Something New: With so many incredible options, why stick to your usual? Be bold and sample a flavor that piques your curiosity.
The Sweet Statistics of Summer
While specific NYC ice cream consumption stats are hard to come by, the International Dairy Foods Association reports that the average American consumes about 20 pounds of ice cream each year. And with the plethora of options available, it’s safe to say New Yorkers are doing their part to uphold that average.
This National Ice Cream Day, as the city’s streets sizzle in the summer sun, take a moment to cool down and connect with a simple, sweet pleasure. Whether you find yourself in a line at a trendy new spot or revisiting an old favorite, you’ll be participating in a tradition that’s as much a part of New York’s story as a yellow cab or a slice of pizza.
