Christian Holy Days

Fall 2026- Spring 2027

Assumption of Mary – Catholic Christian

Observance that commemorates the belief that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life.

Dormition of the Theotokos – Orthodox Christian

Eastern Orthodox Christian observance that commemorates the “falling asleep” (death) of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and her bodily assumption into heaven.

Passion of St. John the Baptist – Catholic Christian

Observance that commemorates the martyrdom of John the Baptist, who was executed by beheading for speaking truth to power.

Ecclesiastical year begins – Orthodox Christian

Marks the start of the liturgical calendar, setting the rhythm for feasts, fasts, and sacred seasons throughout the year.

Nativity of Mary – Christian

Feast that honors the birth of the Virgin Mary, recognizing her role in salvation history and her preparation to become the mother of Jesus.

Holy Cross Day – Christian

Feast that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena and celebrates the cross as a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death.

Meskel – Ethiopian Orthodox Christian

Festival celebrated in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church that commemorates the discovery of the True Cross by Saint Helena, marked with joyful gatherings, bonfires, and processions.

Saint Francis Day – Christian

Observance honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, known for his love of nature, animals, and the poor; many communities mark the day with pet blessings and environmental awareness.

Saint George’s Day – Christian

Feast day honoring Saint George, a martyr and soldier often celebrated as a symbol of courage and faith, best known in legend for slaying a dragon.

Reformation Day – Protestant Christian

Protestant Christian holiday that commemorates Martin Luther’s posting of the Ninety-Five Theses in 1517, which sparked the Protestant Reformation and led to significant changes in Christian theology and church practice.

Milvian Bridge Day – Christian

Commemorates the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE, where the Roman Emperor Constantine claimed to have a divine vision that led to his conversion to Christianity and ultimately to the legalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire.

All Hallow’s Eve – Christian

The evening before All Saints’ Day, it has both Christian and pre-Christian roots, traditionally marking a time to honor the dead, reflect on mortality, and recognize the thin veil between worlds.

All Saints’ Day – Christian

Feast honoring all saints—known and unknown—who have attained spiritual fullness and now dwell in the presence of God.

All Souls’ Day – Catholic Christian

Commemoration dedicated to remembering and praying for the faithful departed, especially those believed to be in purgatory on their journey toward eternal peace.

Nativity Fast – Orthodox Christian

Period of spiritual preparation, prayer, and fasting leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas.

Feast of Christ the King – Christian

Celebrated on the last Sunday of the liturgical year (typically in late November), this observance honors the sovereignty of Christ over all creation and invites reflection on his reign of justice, peace, and love.

Advent – Christian

Season of expectant waiting and spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas, observed during the four weeks leading up to December 25.

Saint Andrew’s Day – Christian

Feast honoring Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles and the patron saint of Scotland, Greece, and several other countries, often observed with religious services and cultural celebrations.

Saint Nicholas Day – Christian

Honors Saint Nicholas of Myra, a 4th-century Christian bishop known for his generosity and compassion, and is especially popular in European traditions as a celebration of gift-giving and care for children.

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception – Catholic Christian

Honors the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin, preparing her to be the mother of Jesus.

Feast of our Lady of Guadalupe – Catholic Christian

Honors the miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary to Saint Juan Diego in 1531 near Mexico City and is a major Catholic celebration of faith, cultural identity, and devotion, especially among Mexican and Latin American communities.

Las Posadas – Christian

Devotional celebration held over nine nights from December 16 to 24, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter and culminating in community gatherings with prayer, song, and hospitality.

Yule – Christian

Often associated with early Christmas traditions, refers to the Christian adaptation of older winter solstice celebrations, honoring the birth of Jesus as the light of the world and incorporating symbols like evergreens, candles, and feasting to celebrate hope, joy, and divine presence during the darkest time of the year.

Dec 21, 2025–Jan 1, 2026

Dec 21, 2026–Jan 1, 2027

Christmas Eve – Christian

The evening before Christmas Day and holds special significance in many Christian traditions as a time of anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, often marked with worship services, candlelight rituals, and family gatherings.

Christmas Day – Christian

Holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with worship services, festive meals, gift-giving, and expressions of joy, hope, and goodwill.

St. Stephen’s Day – Christian

Honors Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and traditionally observed with acts of charity, reflection on service, and, in some cultures, festive gatherings following Christmas.

Holy Innocents Day – Christian

Remembrance of the male children killed by King Herod in his attempt to eliminate the infant Jesus, honoring their innocence and symbolizing the cost of injustice and the hope of redemption.

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God – Catholic Christian

Solemn feast honoring Mary as the Mother of Jesus and affirming her role in the mystery of Christ’s incarnation and in the life of the Church.

Epiphany – Christian

Commemorates the revelation of Christ to the world, traditionally marked by the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus and recognized as a manifestation of divine presence.

Clean Monday (Lent Begins) – Orthodox Christian

Marks the beginning of Great Lent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, a day of spiritual cleansing, fasting, and reflection as believers prepare for Pascha (Easter).

Ash Wednesday (Lent Begins) – Christian

Marks the beginning of Lent in Western Christianity, observed with the imposition of ashes as a sign of repentance and reflection in preparation for Easter.

Saint Valentine’s Day – Christian Catholic

Honors Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr associated with love and compassion, whose feast day has evolved into a broader cultural celebration of affection and romantic love.

Saint Patrick’s Day – Catholic Christian

Honors Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, known for spreading Christianity to the Irish people, and is widely observed with cultural and religious festivities.

Palm Sunday – Christian

Commemorates Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, marking the beginning of Holy Week and observed with the blessing and procession of palms.

Maundy Thursday – Christian

Commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, highlighting themes of service, humility, and the institution of the Eucharist, often observed with foot-washing rituals and communion service.

Good Friday – Christian

Commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ, observed with solemn services, prayer, and reflection on the themes of sacrifice and redemption.

Easter – Christian

The most important Christian celebration, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizing hope, renewal, and victory over death, often marked with joyful worship and community gatherings.

Pascha – Orthodox Christian

Pascha, or Orthodox Easter, is the most sacred celebration in Eastern Christianity, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ with midnight liturgies, joyful processions, and the proclamation of new life and divine victory over death.

Ascension Day – Christian

Commemorates the risen Christ’s ascension into heaven, occurring 40 days after Easter and symbolizing his exaltation and the promise of the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost – Christian

Celebrated 50 days after Easter; commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian Church and the spread of the gospel.

Trinity Sunday – Protestant Christian

Celebrated the Sunday after Pentecost; honors the Christian doctrine of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and emphasizes the unity and mystery of God’s threefold nature.

Corpus Christi – Catholic Christian

Corpus Christi, meaning “Body of Christ,” is a Catholic feast celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, honoring the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist through Mass, processions, and adoration.