Ice cream. The magical dessert that can heal a bad day, make summer afternoons bearable, and unite even the pickiest eaters. And guess what? National Ice Cream Day 2025 is almost here—landing this year on Sunday, July 20—and it’s a full-on sundae of savings, giveaways, and pure creamy joy!
With over 25 delicious deals, from free Dilly Bars at Dairy Queen to exclusive one-day flavors at Clementine’s, this year’s celebration promises to be bigger, bolder, and brain-freezier than ever.
Whether you’re a classic vanilla purist or someone who swears by pineapple coconut (yes, that’s trending!), here’s the scoop on where to get your fill of icy goodness—for less.
What’s the Scoop on America’s Favorite Ice Cream?
Let’s set the stage. According to Instacart’s summer 2024 data, vanilla continues its reign as America’s top flavor, making up a whopping 27% of ice cream sales. Chocolate and cookies & cream followed closely behind.
But adventurous palates are rising. Flavors like pineapple coconut (+37% growth), pistachio, and green tea are gaining ground fast. So if you’ve been stuck in a chocolate chip rut—this is your year to explore!
The Best National Ice Cream Day 2025 Deals
🍦 Major Chains Offering Freebies & Discounts
| Brand | Deal Highlights | Dates Active |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy Queen | Free Dilly Bar w/ $1+ order via DQ Rewards | Through July 20 |
| Baskin-Robbins | $5 off $20+ orders via BR app | July 20–26 |
| Halo Top | Free pint if your name matches an ice cream brand | Through July 20 |
| 16 Handles | Free $5 treat via app | July 20 |
| Bruster’s | Double points for loyalty members | July 18–20 |
💡 Pro Tip: Most of these require joining a rewards app—don’t wait till the last minute!
🏪 Retail Deals from Grocery Stores
- Publix, Kroger, Target: BOGO on brands like Breyers, Popsicle, and Talenti.
- Wakefern: Talenti 2 for $9 through July 20.
- Lidl: Spend $40+ in-store, get a free frozen treat on July 20 via app.
📦 Online + Delivery App Perks
- DoorDash: $5 off two Ben & Jerry’s pints through July 23.
- Instacart: Rising flavors = growing shelf space. Look out for pineapple coconut and pistachio this year.
- Dippin’ Dots: 25% off online with code NICD2025 on July 20.
Unique One-Day-Only Flavors & Limited-Time Offers
🍌 Clementine’s Creamery (July 20 Only)
- The Blonde Bombshell: Madagascar vanilla + fudge + Amarena cherries + candied peanuts.
- The One-Speed Dean: Banana pudding ice cream + cornflake crunch. 😋
🧙 Harry Potter Shops (NYC & Chicago)
- First 100 customers get free Butterbeer ice cream + toppings!
- All other July 20 shoppers get free toppings on purchases.
Sweepstakes, Loyalty Rewards & Year-Long Freebies
Some brands go all out for the festivities with year-long giveaways and exclusive loyalty perks.
- Bruster’s: Enter online by July 31 to win ice cream for a year.
- Kilwins: Tag a friend on Instagram to win $600 worth of ice cream (ends July 31).
- My/Mochi: Follow, like & comment to win a year’s supply.
- KIND Frozen Bars: Enter via Instagram + BOGO 50% on Target Circle.
How to Maximize National Ice Cream Day 2025
Here’s a quick checklist to help you make the most of this creamy holiday:
- Download brand apps ahead of time (DQ, BR, 16 Handles, etc.)
- Join rewards programs (many are free and take seconds!)
- Check social media for sweepstakes (Halo Top, Keebler, KIND)
- Bring a friend—many promotions require tagging or sharing
- Start early on July 20—some freebies are limited to the first 100!
Fun Fact: Why Do We Even Celebrate This?
You can thank President Ronald Reagan, who in 1984 declared the third Sunday of July as National Ice Cream Day and made July National Ice Cream Month. He believed it was “a fun and nutritious food that is enjoyed by over 90 percent of the people in the United States.” Honestly? He wasn’t wrong.A Scoop for Everyone
National Ice Cream Day isn’t just about grabbing a deal (though that’s the cherry on top). It’s about nostalgia. Sharing a cone with a sibling. Trying pistachio for the first time. Sneaking a sundae before dinner. For one day, dessert gets to be the main event.
So whether you’re chasing freebies, planning a full family outing, or just want an excuse to try “Butterbeer” ice cream, National Ice Cream Day 2025 has something for you.
👉 Got a favorite deal or flavor? Share your scoop in the comments below!
