The Nobel Prizes are awarded annually, typically during the first two weeks of October, with the official award ceremonies held on December 10, the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death. The announcements are made for six categories: Physiology or Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature, Peace, and Economic Sciences. Except in extraordinary circumstances such as war, all six prizes are given every year.

In summary:

• Nobel Prizes are awarded once a year.
• Announcements occur over about a week in October.
• The formal award ceremony is on December 10.
• Six prizes are routinely awarded annually unless extraordinary events occur.