One of the best ways to keep your faith is to learn and participate in religious holidays. This list of Christian Holidays gives you a basic understanding of important dates in Christianity.
Christians are naturally happy individuals that are always looking forward to serving GOD. This holiday list is not only about learning, but taking action and celebrating our Christian faith.
List of Christian Holidays
Epiphany
Christian holiday Epiphany is celebrated on the 6th of January every year. This holiday commemorates the day when the three Kings, also known as the Three Wise Men, arrived in Bethlehem to bring gifts to baby Jesus.
Epiphany is also a time when Christians reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and remember that Jesus is the light of the world.
For many Christian denominations, Epiphany marks the end of the festive season and the beginning of preparations for Lent.
In countries with a strong Catholic tradition, such as Spain and Mexico, Epiphany is one of the most important holidays of the year. Read More>>
| Holiday | Christian holiday Epiphany |
|---|---|
| Date | 6th of January Yearly |
| Who Celebrates it | Catholics, Eastern Orthodox Christians, Anglicans, Lutherans, and certain Protestant denominations. |
| Reason | For many Christians, Epiphany symbolizes the dawn of a promising new year filled with hope and the profound discovery of Jesus. It marks the momentous journey of the three Magi or Wise Men as they embark on a quest to seek out the infant Jesus. Additionally, in numerous cultures worldwide, Epiphany serves as a commemoration of the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. |
| How to Celebrate | In lots of places, people celebrate Epiphany with special events. In Spain, they have parades where they dress up as the Three Wise Men. Some go to church for special ceremonies like baptisms, and then they have big dinners with their families. |
| Time Off Work | In some places, people get a day off for Epiphany, like it's a public holiday. But in the U.S., it's not recognized as a day off for most people. |
The Baptism of Jesus
The Baptism of Jesus is a Christian holiday that commemorates the moment when Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist.
The event is recorded in all three of the canonical Gospels, and it is seen as an important moment in the life of Jesus.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is quoted as saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." This statement is seen as significant because it affirms Jesus's identity as the Son of God.
The Baptism of Jesus also marks the beginning of his public ministry. After his baptism, Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, where he resisted temptation from Satan. Read More>>
Candlemas
Christian holiday Candlemas is celebrated annually on February 2. This holiday commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
It is also sometimes known as the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin. On this day, Christians take candles to church to be blessed.
The candles are then used throughout the year in prayer and worship. In some Christian denominations, Candlemas is considered to be the end of the Christmas season.
In others, it marks the beginning of Lent, which is a time of fasting and penance leading up to Easter.
Whatever its significance, Candlemas is a significant day in the Christian calendar. Read More>>
St Valentine's Day
St. Valentine's Day is a Christian holiday that dates back to the 3rd century. This holiday celebrates the martyrdom of Saint Valentine, who was killed for his belief in Christianity.
While the exact origins of the holiday are unclear, it is thought to have originated as a way to commemorate Saint Valentine's sacrifice.
Today, the holiday is celebrated with gifts and cards exchanged between loved ones. In recent years, the holiday has also become a popular time for couples to get married or engaged.
Whether you are single or in a relationship, St. Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love in all forms. Read More>>
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is a Christian holiday that occurs on the first day of Lent. It is a day of fasting and repentance, and it is observed by many Christian denominations.
During Ash Wednesday services, worshipers have ashes placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross.
The ashes are typically made from palm fronds that have been blessed during the previous year's Palm Sunday service.
Ash Wednesday derives its name from the practice of placing ashes on the forehead as a sign of repentance.
The ashes are intended to serve as a reminder of human mortality and frailty, and they also symbolize the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal. Read More>>
St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day is a Christian holiday that is celebrated on the 17th of March. It is believed that the day commemorates the death of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
This day is celebrated in many parts of the world, but it is particularly significant in Ireland, where it is a public holiday.
In recent years, the holiday has become increasingly popular in other countries, and it is now celebrated by people of all nationalities.
On St Patrick's Day, many people wear green clothing or accessories, and there are often parades and parties. Read More>>
St Joseph's Day
Christian holiday St Joseph's Day is celebrated on March 19 to commemorate Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters and the Catholic Church.
This holiday is observed primarily in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Malta, and Gozo.
Customs vary by country, but often include processions with statues of Saint Joseph, special meals, and giving gifts to loved ones.
In some places, it is also traditional to leave shoes out for Saint Joseph to fill with gifts overnight. While the holiday is not as widely known as others, it is still an important day for those who celebrate it. Read More>>
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.
It is observed on the Sunday before Easter and is typically celebrated with processions, palm branches, and special church services.
The date of Palm Sunday varies from year to year, but it always falls within the period of Lent.
For Christians, Palm Sunday is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and his triumphant entry into heaven. It is also a reminder of the need to be prepared for Christ's return at the end of time. Read More>>
Maundy (Holy) Thursday
Maundy Thursday is a Christian holiday that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ. It is typically observed with a mass or church service, followed by a meal and the stripping of the altar.
This holiday gets its name from the Christian doctrine of the Maundy, which urges followers to follow the Golden Rule "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
In addition to being a time for reflection and worship, Maundy Thursday is also a reminder of the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ and an opportunity to recommit oneself to Christian values.
For many Christians, Maundy Thursday is a day of special significance and meaning. Read More>>
Good Friday
Good Friday is a Christian holiday commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at Calvary.
It is observed during Holy Week as part of the Paschal Triduum on the Friday preceding Easter Sunday and may coincide with the Jewish observance of Passover.
It is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Black Friday, or Easter Friday, though the last term properly refers to the Friday in Easter week.
Good Friday traces its origins to the Good Shepherd liturgy of early Christianity, which included an annual commemoration of the death of a sheep or lamb on Good Friday.
Also, by AD 368, it had been expanded to include a commemoration of Christ's sacrifice. Read More>>
Easter and Easter Monday
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is observed on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring.
Easter Monday is a public holiday in many countries, and it is also known as Easter Tuesday in some places. Easter celebrations typically include attending church services, decorating Easter eggs, and eating special meals.
For Christians, Easter is a time of joy and new beginnings. It is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and to celebrate His everlasting life.
Easter Monday is a day to spend time with family and friends and to enjoy all the treats that come with the Easter season. Read More>>
St George's Day
St George's Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the life and work of St George, a Roman soldier who is said to have died defending Christians from persecution.
This holiday is celebrated on April 23rd, the date of St George's death, and is typically marked with religious ceremonies and pilgrimages to St George's tomb in Palestine.
In some countries, St George's Day is also a national holiday, and it is often observed with parades, festivals, and other public festivities.
Whether you're celebrating St George's Day in your country of origin or exploring the holiday for the first time, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make the most of this special day. Read More>>
Ascension of Jesus
Ascension Day is a Christian holiday commemorating the Ascension of Jesus into heaven, according to the New Testament.
Ascension Day is traditionally celebrated on the 40th day of Easter (the Thursday following the Sixth Sunday of Easter), although some churches celebrate it on the Sunday after Easter.
In the Eastern Church, Ascension Day is also known as "Holy Thursday". It is one of the twelve Great Feasts of Orthodoxy.
Ascension Day is not a public holiday in many countries, but Ascension Thursday is a feast day in the Catholic and Lutheran churches.
In the Catholic Church, Ascension Day is a Holy Day of Obligation, meaning that Catholics are required to attend Mass on that day.
Protestants typically observe Ascension Day with special church services, often including the reading of the Ascension narrative from the Bible. Read More>>
Pentecost
Pentecost is a Christian holiday that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Virgin Mary. It is observed 50 days after Easter Sunday and 10 days after Ascension Thursday.
Pentecost is also known as Whit Sunday or Whitsunday. The name Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekostos, which means "fiftieth." Pentecost is a feast day in the Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican churches.
In the United Church of Christ, it is a principal festival. Pentecost is considered one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. Many Christians believe that it marks the beginning of the Church.
Pentecost commemorates the day when Jesus' followers received the Holy Spirit an event that is described in the Bible's Acts of the Apostles. Read More>>
Trinity Sunday
Trinity Sunday is a Christian holiday that falls on the first Sunday after Pentecost. It commemorates the Trinity, the three persons of the Christian Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Trinity Sunday is considered one of the most important celebrations of the year in some Christian denominations, and special Trinity Sunday services are often held.
In addition to worship, Trinity Sunday is also a time for Christians to reflect on the nature of the Trinity and what it means for their faith.
For many, it is a day to celebrate the unity of the three persons of the Trinity as well as their roles within the Godhead. Read More>>
Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the body and blood of Jesus Christ. It is also known as the Feast of Corpus Christi and is celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday.
Corpus Christi is Latin for "Body of Christ."
This holiday commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
Corpus Christi is a time for Catholics to reflect on the sacrificial nature of Jesus' body and blood and to remember that they are called to follow in His footsteps.
The feast day is also a time to celebrate the gift of Communion and to give thanks for the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Read More>>
Saint Vladimir
Saint Vladimir's day is celebrated by Christians on July 15th. Saint Vladimir was a ruler of Kievan Rus', who Converted to Christianity in 988. After his death, he became venerated as a Saint by the Orthodox Church.
Saint Vladimir's day is celebrated as a holiday in many countries, including Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.
In Russia, Saint Vladimir's day is an official holiday, and schools and businesses are closed. Saint Vladimir's day is also a popular day for weddings.
In Ukraine, Saint Vladimir's day is a public holiday, and many Ukrainians celebrate by attending church services, decorating their homes with flowers, and eating traditional foods.
Belarusians also celebrate Saint Vladimir's day with special church services and meals.
Saint Vladimir's day is a special day for Christians all over the world to remember Saint Vladimir and his contributions to Christianity. Read More>>
Saints Peter and Paul
Saints Peter and Paul were two of the most important early Christian leaders. Saint Peter, known as the "apostle to the Gentiles," was responsible for spreading Christianity to non-Jews.
Saint Paul, meanwhile, was a prolific writer whose epistles helped to define Christian doctrine. Saints Peter and Paul are traditionally celebrated on the same day, June 29th.
This holiday commemorates their martyrdom - Saints Peter was crucified upside down, while Saint Paul was beheaded.
Saints Peter and Paul are revered as patron saints of the Catholic Church, and their feast day is an important part of the Church calendar. Read More>>
St James the Great Day
St James the Great Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the life and martyrdom of St James the Great. He is one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ.
St James was one of the first disciples to be called by Jesus, and he played an important role in the early days of the Church.
After Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, St James continued to preach the gospel throughout Judea and Samaria. He is said to have performed many miracles, including the healing of a blind man.
St James was eventually martyred by King Herod Agrippa, but his faith and courage continue to inspire Christians today.
St James the Great Day is celebrated on July 25th, and it is a day for Christians to remember the witness of St James and all those who have faithfully followed Christ. Read More>>
Lammas Day
Lammas Day is a Christian holiday that celebrates the beginning of the wheat harvest. It is typically celebrated on August 1st and marks the end of summer.
Lammas Day has its roots in ancient pagan festivals and was originally a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest.
Over time, the holiday came to be associated with the Virgin Mary, and Lammas Day became a day of prayer and devotion.
Today, Lammas Day is still observed by some Christians, though it is not as widely celebrated as it once was.
For those who do celebrate Lammas Day, it is a time to give thanks for all that they have and to remember the importance of sharing with those less fortunate. Read More>>
The Assumption of Mary
The Assumption of Mary is a Christian holiday that celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up into heaven after her death.
This holiday is typically celebrated on August 15th, and it is observed by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians.
The Assumption is not just a day to celebrate Mary; it is also a reminder of the hope of resurrection for all believers.
The Assumption teaches that even though we experience death, we can also have life eternal in heaven with God.
This hope is at the heart of Christianity, and it provides comfort and strength to believers in times of trouble or sorrow.
On this day, we give thanks for the gift of eternal life and remember that our own lives are a temporary journey. We ultimately belong to God, and we will one day be reunited with Him in heaven. Read More>>
Holy Cross Day
Holy Cross Day is a Christian holiday that falls on September 14th. This holiday commemorates the day when Jesus Christ was crucified and is celebrated by many Christians around the world.
Holy Cross Day is not a major holiday, but it is an important day of remembrance for Christians.
On this day, Christians reflect on the sacrifice that Jesus made for them and give thanks for His gift of eternal life.
Holy Cross Day is a day of prayer and reflection, and many Christians use this day to focus on their own personal spiritual journey.
For some, Holy Cross Day is a time to recommit to their faith and to living a Christ-centered life. Holy Cross Day is an important day in the Christian calendar, and one that is celebrated by Christians all over the world. Read More>>
Michael and All Angels
Michael and All Angels is a Christian holiday celebrated on November 8. It honors the archangel Michael and all angels. In some denominations, it is also known as Archangel Michael's Day or Feast of Saint Michael.
This holiday is celebrated by praying, fasting, and attending church services.
The date of the holiday commemorates the day that the Catholic Church celebrates the feast of Saint Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.
The three archangels mentioned in the Bible. This holiday was first celebrated in the Middle Ages. Read More>>
All Hallows Eve
All Hallows Eve, better known as Halloween, is a Christian holiday that falls on October 31st.
This holiday has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, which was a time to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Over time, the holiday evolved into a celebration of All Saints Day, and All Hallows Eve became a time to honor the dead.
Today, Halloween is celebrated all over the world, and it is one of the most popular holidays of the year.
People dress up in costumes, decorate their homes with spooky decorations, and hand out candy to trick-or-treaters. Halloween is a fun and festive holiday that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Read More>>
All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is a Christian holiday celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. It is celebrated on November 1st.
This day before, October 31st, is known as All Hallows' Eve and is considered to be the eve of All Saints' Day.
The origins of All Saints' Day are unknown, but it was first recognized as a holiday by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century. This day was originally celebrated in May or June, but it was later moved to November 1st.
All Saints' Day is celebrated with Masses, prayers, and sometimes processions.
It is also customary to visit graves of family members and friends and to decorate them with flowers and candles. Read More>>
All Souls' Day
All Souls' Day, a Christian holiday celebrated annually on November 2, honors the dead. This day is dedicated to praying for and remembering the souls of the departed.
All Souls' Day originated in medieval Europe as a day to pray for the redemption of deceased sinners.
This holiday was later extended to include all Christians who had died, regardless of their sinfulness.
Today, All Souls' Day is celebrated by Catholics and some Protestant denominations as a day of remembrance and prayer.
Special Masses are held, and prayers are offered for the dead. Some people visit cemeteries to decorate graves or leave flowers. Read More>>
Christ the King Sunday
Christianity has a number of holidays that are important to adherents. Easter, Christmas, and Pentecost are among the most well-known. Lesser known, but still observed by many Christians is Christ the King Sunday.
This holiday celebrates the belief that Jesus is the rightful ruler of all creation. It is often seen as a time to reflect on Jesus' role in history and what it means for believers today.
For some Christians, Christ the King Sunday marks the end of the liturgical year. This means that the focus of worship shifts from celebrating Jesus' victory over death to preparing for his return.
In addition to sermons and special prayers, this time may also be marked by giving alms to those in need or performing other acts of service. Read More>>
Thanksgiving (USA)
Thanksgiving is one of the most important Christian holidays in the US. This celebration commemorates a time when the early settlers in America were united and grateful for their continued survival despite difficult conditions.
Over hundreds of years, Thanksgiving has taken on many forms, each unique to its individual culture and customs.
Today, Thanksgiving is typically celebrated with family gatherings, feasts full of traditional Thanksgiving dishes like roasted turkey and pumpkin pie, and time spent reflecting on what we are thankful for.
While the holiday has many secular aspects as well, it remains an important reminder of our faith and our values as Americans.
Whether you're part of a large extended family or simply spending time with close friends, Thanksgiving is a special way to come together and celebrate everything that makes our country great.
So here's to Thanksgiving - may we all be blessed with happiness, love, health, and bounty this holiday season! Read More>>
Advent - First Sunday
Advent is a Christian holiday celebrated at the beginning of the Advent season, which officially begins on the first Sunday of Advent.
This period is meant to be a time of preparation and reflection, leading up to the Christmas celebration on December 25th.
The Advent season culminates in a special worship service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. On the first Sunday of Advent, many Christians begin their preparations by setting up a small Advent wreath at home.
This wreath typically contains four candles that are lit each week on each successive Sunday of Advent, with an extra candle known as a 'fifth' or 'Christ' candle reserved for Christmas Day itself.
Many people also use Advent as an opportunity to reflect more deeply on what it means to live as faithful Christians during this joyous but often challenging time of year.
Christians attend special Advent services or simply spend quiet time alone with their thoughts and prayers.
Also, many find that this quiet and reflective period offers them much-needed moments of spiritual peace and calm amidst the hectic holiday rush. Read More>>
St Andrew's Day
St Andrew's Day is a Christian holiday that falls on the 3rd of December each year. This special day commemorates St Andrew, who is known as Scotland's patron saint.
St Andrew is traditionally celebrated with special church services and family gatherings, and many people also mark the occasion by whipping up a delicious St Andrew's Day feast.
Some popular Scottish dishes to enjoy on St Andrew's Day include haggis, neeps and tatties (a dish made with boiled turnips and potatoes), bannocks (a type of traditional bread), and scotch eggs (hard-boiled eggs wrapped in sausage meat).
Whether you celebrate St Andrew's Day by indulging in some traditional fare or finding your own unique way to commemorate this important time, one thing is for sure: there is no better time to embrace all things Scottish! Read More>>
St Nicholas Day
St Nicholas Day is a Christian holiday that is celebrated around the world on December 6th. This day commemorates St Nicholas, who was a popular figure in both Eastern and Western Christianity centuries ago.
St Nicholas is said to have been known for his generosity, as he is often depicted giving gifts to children or helping the poor.
Today, St Nicholas Day is typically marked by community events that bring people together to celebrate St Nicholas' legacy of compassion and charity. These celebrations often involve food, music, and other festive activities.
And of course, a hallmark of St Nicholas Day is the giving of gifts to others, whether it be through donations to charity or simple acts of kindness toward one's family and friends.
Whatever form it takes, St Nicholas Day serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for others and doing what we can to help make our communities stronger and more resilient.
So if you're looking for an occasion to give back this holiday season, look no further than St Nicholas Day! Read More>>
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is one of the most beloved Christian holidays, celebrated by people of all ages and backgrounds around the world.
Whether you are spending the evening in church, gathered around a Christmas tree with family, or simply enjoying some quiet time at home, Christmas Eve is a magical occasion full of hope, joy, and celebration.
Whether you are attending a candlelight service or exchanging gifts with loved ones, Christmas Eve is a time to remember all that we have to be grateful for and to look forward to the new year ahead.
So if you are looking for a way to get into the Christmas spirit this year, be sure to mark Christmas Eve on your calendar and join in on all the holiday fun! Read More>>
Christmas
Christmas is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated on December 25th in countries around the world, and is typically marked by feasting, gift-giving, and special religious services.
Christmas has also come to be associated with Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and other symbols of the holiday season.
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration for Christians, and a time for family and friends to come together.
It is a time to reflect on the blessings of the year gone by, and to look forward to the year ahead. Christmas is a special time of year that is cherished by many. Read More>>
Holy Innocents
Holy Innocents is a Christian holiday that commemorates the lives of all infants who lost their lives at the hands of King Herod in his quest to eliminate Jesus from the Holy Land.
This tragic event was the inspiration for many Christian holiday traditions, including nativity plays and beautiful Christmas carols.
Despite its somber origins, Holy Innocents is often celebrated with great cheer and excitement, as Christians remember the sacrifice of these small but courageous souls.
Whether you are observing Holy Innocents in church or at home with loved ones, take time to reflect on the courage and resilience of those little children who continue to inspire us all today. Blessed be Holy Innocents! Read More>>
Watch Night
Watch Night is a Christian holiday that has its roots in the history of slavery. It commemorates the night when Africans in America gathered for prayer and fellowship, watching and waiting for the promise of freedom.
This special tradition continued long after slavery was ended, and it remains an important part of many Christian communities to this day.
Whether they are gathering in churches or community centers, Watch Night celebrations enable people to reflect on the struggles of the past while looking towards hope and liberation in the future.
Whether you are new to Watch Night or have grown up with it as a part of your own tradition, there is sure to be something meaningful and inspiring to be found in this beloved holiday. Read More>>
Summary
There are a number of Christian holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. While some may be more familiar to people than others, they all hold special significance for Christians.
If you are curious about any of these holidays, or would like to learn more about them, please go to the website's search bar and search for your favorite Christian holiday.
And finally, I invite you to join us in celebrating these special occasions as we commemorate the love and grace of God shown to us through Jesus Christ.