Holidays in the Bible

When Every week, from sunset on Friday to nightfall on Saturday. 2026 Every week.

Shabbat is the Jewish day of rest, from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall. This guide also explores Sunday worship and the seventh-day Sabbath in Christian traditions.

Exodus 20 connects Sabbath rest with creation, while Deuteronomy 5 connects it with freedom from slavery. Rabbinic teaching, including the Mishnah's categories of labor, explains traditional observance in greater detail.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities, from Friday sunset to Saturday nightfall; the seventh-day Sabbath is also kept by Seventh-day Adventists, Seventh Day Baptists and some other Christians.

In the Bible Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:8-11, Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Sources

When Every Sunday. 2026 Every week.

Sunday is the principal day of worship in many Christian churches, associated with Jesus' resurrection.

The Catholic Catechism connects Sunday worship with the resurrection and distinguishes it from the Jewish Sabbath. Seventh-day Adventist teaching continues to identify the seventh day as the Sabbath. The Shabbat guide explains these positions with sources.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecostal and most other Christian churches, which gather for worship on the first day of the week.

In the Bible Matthew 28:1, John 20:19, John 20:26 Sources

When The first day of every Hebrew month, and the day before it when the previous month has thirty days. 2026 Monthly.

The new moon, marked in the Torah with offerings and trumpet blasts, kept today with extra prayers and a Torah reading.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities, with added prayers (Hallel and Musaf) and a Torah reading; in many communities a day women especially mark.

In the Bible Numbers 28:11-15, Numbers 10:10, 1 Samuel 20:5 Sources

When 15 to 21 Nisan (22 outside Israel), beginning at the full moon of the first month. 2026 Evening of 1 April to 9 April; eighth day only outside Israel.

Passover, or Pesach, is the Jewish festival commemorating the Israelites' freedom from slavery in Egypt. The seder meal brings families and friends together to tell the Exodus story.

The Mishnah describes the seder's readings, questions and symbolic foods. The Gospels also place the Last Supper and Jesus' death in the Passover setting, with differences in chronology. The Passover guide discusses these accounts and Samaritan observance separately.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities: seven days in Israel and in Reform practice, eight in Orthodox and Conservative communities outside Israel, with a seder on the first night (and the second, outside Israel) and no leaven for the whole festival. Samaritans keep their own Passover with a lamb sacrifice on Mount Gerizim.

In the Bible Exodus 12:1-28, Exodus 12:43-51, Exodus 13:3-10 Sources

When The forty-nine days from the second day of Pesach to Shavuot. 2026 Evening of 2 April to 21 May.

The seven weeks the Torah says to count from the barley offering to the Feast of Weeks, counted aloud each night between Pesach and Shavuot.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities count the forty-nine days aloud each night; Orthodox and many Conservative Jews also keep a period of semi-mourning (no weddings, no haircuts) for part of it.

In the Bible Leviticus 23:9-16, Deuteronomy 16:9 Sources

When 6 Sivan in the fixed rabbinic calendar, after the forty-nine-day Omer count; a second festival day is observed in many diaspora communities. 2026 Evening of 21 May to 23 May; one day in Israel and many Reform communities; two days in many diaspora communities.

Shavuot celebrates the wheat harvest and, in rabbinic Jewish tradition, the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Christian Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit. Their histories are connected, but each has its own meaning and calendar.

Leviticus describes the harvest offering and the count leading to Shavuot. Rabbinic tradition connects the festival with the giving of the Torah at Sinai. Acts 2 places the coming of the Holy Spirit at this Jewish festival; Christian Pentecost is now a distinct observance.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities; one day in Israel and in Reform practice, two in Orthodox and Conservative communities outside Israel, with all-night Torah study, the reading of Ruth and dairy meals.

In the Bible Exodus 23:16, Exodus 34:22, Leviticus 23:15-22 Sources

When 1 and 2 Tishrei. 2026 Evening of 11 September to 13 September; the Hebrew year 5787 begins.

Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days. Prayer, the sound of the shofar and festive meals mark a time of reflection and hope for the year ahead.

The Torah describes a sacred day in the seventh month. The Mishnah discusses the new year and judgment. Two-day observance is widespread, including in Israel, though practice varies.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities; two days in Orthodox and Conservative practice everywhere, and in Israel; many Reform congregations keep one. The shofar is sounded, apples are dipped in honey, and tashlich is said by water.

In the Bible Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-6, Nehemiah 8:1-12 Sources

When 10 Tishrei. 2026 Evening of 20 September to nightfall 21 September.

Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, is a Jewish day of repentance, prayer and fasting. It concludes the ten Days of Repentance that begin with Rosh Hashanah.

Hebrews 9 interprets the Temple service in relation to Jesus. This Christian reading differs from the continuing Jewish observance of the Day of Atonement.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities, with a twenty-five hour fast, five prayer services, the Kol Nidre and Ne'ilah, and white clothing; the most widely observed day of the Jewish year.

In the Bible Leviticus 16, Leviticus 23:26-32, Numbers 29:7-11 Sources

When 15 to 21 Tishrei. 2026 Evening of 25 September to 2 October; the first two days are Yom Tov outside Israel.

Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish festival of harvest and remembrance. Its temporary shelters, called sukkot, recall the Israelites' life in the wilderness.

John 7 sets a whole chapter at "the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles", with Jesus teaching in the Temple and, on "the last and greatest day of the feast", speaking of living water. Zechariah 14 has the nations coming up to Jerusalem to keep Sukkot, a text some Christian pilgrims act on by travelling there for the festival each year.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities, eating (and in many homes sleeping) in a sukkah for seven days and waving the lulav and etrog; the first day (two outside Israel) is a full festival day.

In the Bible Leviticus 23:33-43, Numbers 29:12-34, Deuteronomy 16:13-15 Sources

When 22 Tishrei. 2026 Evening of 2 October to nightfall 3 October.

The Torah's eighth day of solemn assembly after Sukkot, a festival of its own, on which the prayer for rain begins.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities; a festival day in its own right with the prayer for rain and Yizkor. In Israel and in Reform practice it is combined with Simchat Torah.

In the Bible Leviticus 23:36, Leviticus 23:39, Numbers 29:35-38 Sources

When 23 Tishrei outside Israel, 22 Tishrei in Israel. 2026 Evening of 3 October to nightfall 4 October; a day earlier in Israel, with Shemini Atzeret.

The day the annual Torah reading ends and begins again, celebrated with dancing; the name and the custom are medieval, grown on the second day of Shemini Atzeret.

The one-year reading cycle that ends on this day was the Babylonian custom; the Land of Israel once read the Torah over three years or more. The name Simchat Torah appears in the Middle Ages.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities, dancing with the Torah scrolls as the yearly reading cycle ends with Deuteronomy and begins again with Genesis. On 23 Tishrei outside Israel; on 22 Tishrei, together with Shemini Atzeret, in Israel and in Reform practice.

In the Bible Deuteronomy 34, Genesis 1, Joshua 1 Sources

When 3 Tishrei (moved to 4 Tishrei when 3 Tishrei is Shabbat). 2026 Dawn to nightfall 14 September.

The fast for the murder of Gedaliah, the governor Babylon left in Judah, one of the four fasts Zechariah names.

Who keeps it Orthodox and many Conservative Jews, as a dawn-to-nightfall fast.

In the Bible Zechariah 8:19 (the fast of the seventh month), 2 Kings 25:22-26, Jeremiah 41:1-3 Sources

When 25 Kislev to 2 or 3 Tevet, eight days. 2026 First candle on the evening of 4 December; 5 December to 12 December.

Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights. It commemorates the rededication of the Temple in Jerusalem, and families mark it by lighting candles each evening.

Whose Bible includes this account? The rededication is described in 1 Maccabees 4 and 2 Maccabees 10. Catholic and many Orthodox Bibles include these books as Scripture; they are absent from the Tanakh. Some Protestant editions include them as Apocrypha. John 10:22 explicitly names the Feast of Dedication in the New Testament. The Talmud discusses the oil and lights, and synagogue readings include Numbers 7. See the books of the Bible for distinctions among collections.

Who keeps it Observed across Rabbinic Jewish communities, commonly with lights for eight nights and prayers of thanksgiving. Hanukkah itself does not prohibit work, but Shabbat restrictions still apply.

In the Bible 1 Maccabees 4:36-59, 2 Maccabees 10:1-8, 2 Maccabees 1:18 Sources

When 10 Tevet. 2026 Dawn to nightfall 20 December.

The fast for the day Nebuchadnezzar's siege of Jerusalem began, one of the four fasts Zechariah names.

Who keeps it Orthodox and many Conservative Jews, as a dawn-to-nightfall fast; in Israel also a day of Kaddish for Holocaust victims whose date of death is unknown.

In the Bible Zechariah 8:19 (the fast of the tenth month), 2 Kings 25:1-2, Jeremiah 52:4 Sources

When 15 Shevat. 2026 Evening of 1 February to nightfall 2 February.

The Mishnah's new year for trees, a tax date for tithing fruit, grown into a day of fruit, planting and care for the land.

Who keeps it Jewish communities of every kind, with fruit, a kabbalistic seder in many homes and synagogues, and tree planting in Israel.

In the Bible Leviticus 19:23-25, Deuteronomy 20:19, Deuteronomy 8:7-10 Sources

When 13 Adar (moved earlier to Thursday when it falls on Shabbat). 2026 Dawn to nightfall 2 March.

A fast on the eve of Purim recalling the three days Esther fasted before going to the king; the fast day itself is post-Talmudic.

Who keeps it Orthodox and many Conservative Jews, as a dawn-to-nightfall fast on the day before Purim.

In the Bible Esther 4:16, Esther 9:31 (the matters of the fastings) Sources

When 14 Adar (Adar II in a leap year); 15 Adar in Jerusalem. 2026 Evening of 2 March to nightfall 3 March; Shushan Purim, kept in Jerusalem, is the following day; the Fast of Esther is the day before.

Purim celebrates the deliverance of the Jewish people in the Book of Esther. Observances include reading the story aloud, sharing food, giving to people in need and enjoying a festive meal.

Esther 9:20–28 describes letters establishing the annual celebration. The Purim guide explains the story and the festival's principal observances.

Who keeps it Many Rabbinic Jewish communities, with the reading of the Book of Esther, gifts of food, gifts to the poor, a festive meal and costumes; walled cities such as Jerusalem keep Shushan Purim a day later.

In the Bible Esther 9:20-32, the Book of Esther (the Megillah), Exodus 17:8-16 Sources

When 18 Iyar, the thirty-third day of the Omer. 2026 Evening of 4 May to nightfall 5 May.

Lag BaOmer is a day of celebration during the Omer, associated in Jewish tradition with Rabbi Akiva's students and Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

Who keeps it Jewish communities of every kind, as a break in the Omer's mourning: bonfires, weddings, haircuts, and a pilgrimage to Meron in Israel.

In the Bible no text Sources

When 17 Tammuz (moved to Sunday when it falls on Shabbat). 2026 Dawn to nightfall 2 July.

The fast for the breach of Jerusalem's walls, one of the four fasts Zechariah names; the Mishnah lists five calamities on the day.

Who keeps it Orthodox and many Conservative Jews, as a dawn-to-nightfall fast that opens the Three Weeks of mourning before Tisha B'Av.

In the Bible Zechariah 8:19 (the fast of the fourth month), Jeremiah 39:2, Jeremiah 52:6-7 Sources

When 9 Av (moved to 10 Av when it falls on Shabbat). 2026 Evening of 22 July to nightfall 23 July.

Tisha B'Av is a Jewish day of mourning for the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem and other tragedies in Jewish history. Observances include fasting and reading Lamentations.

The Mishnah lists five calamities on the ninth of Av, and later tradition added the expulsions from England in 1290 and Spain in 1492, both said to fall on or near the day.

Who keeps it Orthodox and Conservative Jews with a twenty-five hour fast, Lamentations read by candlelight sitting on the floor, and no leather shoes; many Reform communities hold a service of remembrance.

In the Bible Zechariah 8:19 (the fast of the fifth month), 2 Kings 25:8-9, Jeremiah 52:12-13 Sources

When 15 Av. 2026 Evening of 28 July to nightfall 29 July.

The Mishnah's day when the daughters of Jerusalem danced in the vineyards, which it pairs with Yom Kippur as the happiest days of the year; the vineyard dance at Shiloh in Judges is the closest biblical echo.

Who keeps it A minor day of joy; in Israel a popular day for weddings and a festival of love; no fasting or mourning prayers.

In the Bible Judges 21:19-21 Sources

When The four Sundays before Christmas in the West; 15 November to 24 December in the East. 2026 29 November to 24 December.

Advent is a Christian season of preparation for Christmas, with readings about hope, watchfulness and the coming of Christ.

Advent readings include passages from Isaiah and accounts of John the Baptist. The season developed through church tradition, and its length and customs vary.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian and many other Western churches keep four Sundays before Christmas, with the Advent wreath; the Orthodox keep a forty-day Nativity Fast from 15 November.

In the Bible Isaiah 2:1-5, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:2-7 Sources

When 25 December (7 January or 6 January in the churches named). 2026 25 December (Julian-calendar observance: 7 January Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; 6 January in the Armenian Church.

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Many churches observe it on 25 December, while others use calendars or traditions that place the celebration in January.

Matthew and Luke offer different accounts of Jesus' birth. The Christmas guide explains their details, the evidence for early celebrations and the debate over the December date.

Who keeps it Nearly every Christian church, on 25 December in the West and in most Orthodox churches; on 7 January (25 December on the Julian calendar) in the Russian, Serbian, Georgian, Ethiopian, Eritrean and Jerusalem churches and Ukrainian churches that keep the old calendar; on 6 January in the Armenian Apostolic Church. Jehovah's Witnesses do not keep it.

In the Bible Luke 2:1-20, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38 Sources

When 26 December (27 December in the East). 2026 26 December (Julian-calendar observance: 8 January Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

The day after Christmas, kept for Stephen, whose death by stoning the Acts of the Apostles tells.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches on 26 December; the Orthodox on 27 December. A public holiday in several countries (Boxing Day in Britain falls on the same day).

In the Bible Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:54-60, Matthew 10:17-22 Sources

When 28 December (29 December in the East). 2026 28 December (Julian-calendar observance: 10 January Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

The children of Bethlehem killed on Herod's order, as Matthew tells it, remembered in the days after Christmas.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches on 28 December; the Orthodox on 29 December.

In the Bible Matthew 2:13-18, Jeremiah 31:15, Revelation 14:1-5 Sources

When 1 January, the eighth day after Christmas. 2026 1 January (Julian-calendar observance: 14 January Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

The eighth day of Christmas is associated with Jesus' naming and circumcision. Church calendars give 1 January different liturgical titles.

Who keeps it Catholics as the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God; the Orthodox as the Circumcision of Christ (1 January, or 14 January on the Julian calendar); Anglicans and Lutherans as the Holy Name or the Circumcision.

In the Bible Luke 2:21, Leviticus 12:3, Genesis 17:12 Sources

When 6 January (19 January on the Julian calendar); in the United States the Sunday between 2 and 8 January. 2026 6 January (Julian-calendar observance: 19 January Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; the nearest Sunday in the United States.

Epiphany celebrates Jesus being revealed to the world. Western traditions often focus on the visit of the magi; Eastern Orthodox Theophany celebrates his baptism.

Who keeps it In the West (Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran) the visit of the magi, on 6 January or the nearest Sunday; in the East (Orthodox) Theophany, the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, on 6 January (19 January on the Julian calendar), with the blessing of waters.

In the Bible Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11 Sources

When 2 February (15 February on the Julian calendar). 2026 2 February (Julian-calendar observance: 15 February Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

Jesus brought to the Temple forty days after his birth, as the Torah's law of purification required, and met by Simeon and Anna; told by Luke and kept in Jerusalem by the 380s.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches, forty days after Christmas, with the blessing of candles in the West.

In the Bible Luke 2:22-40, Leviticus 12:1-8, Exodus 13:2 Sources

When 25 March nominally; Julian-calendar equivalent 7 April Gregorian. Roman liturgical transfers apply. 2026 25 March (Julian-calendar observance: 7 April Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

Gabriel's message to Mary in Nazareth, told by Luke, kept nine months before Christmas.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches, nine months before Christmas; in the Roman calendar it moves when it falls in Holy Week or Easter week.

In the Bible Luke 1:26-38, Isaiah 7:10-14, Hebrews 10:4-10 Sources

When Forty-six days before Easter; Clean Monday is forty-eight days before Pascha. 2026 18 February (Clean Monday 23 February).

The first day of Lent in the West, when ashes are put on the forehead with the words of Genesis 3:19; the rite is medieval, the penitence it borrows is biblical.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and many other Western churches begin Lent with ashes on the forehead and a fast; the Orthodox begin Great Lent two days earlier on Clean Monday.

In the Bible Joel 2:12-18, Matthew 6:1-6, Matthew 6:16-18 Sources

When Roman Rite: Ash Wednesday until the evening of Holy Thursday; Byzantine Great Lent: Clean Monday through the Friday before Lazarus Saturday. 2026 18 February to 2 April (Great Lent 23 February to 3 April).

Lent is a Christian season of preparation for Easter through prayer, fasting and generosity. Holy Week recalls the final events of Jesus' life, leading to Easter Sunday.

Biblical accounts of forty-day periods helped shape Lent. The season developed over time, and churches differ in how they count its days and relate it to Holy Week.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and many other churches, as forty days of fasting, prayer and giving before Easter; most Baptist, Pentecostal and non-denominational churches do not keep a fixed season, though many now mark it.

In the Bible Mark 1:12-15, Luke 4:1-13, Isaiah 58:6-7 Sources

When The Sunday before Easter. 2026 29 March (Orthodox 5 April).

Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey to shouts of Hosanna, told by all four Gospels; the procession with palms is attested in Jerusalem in the 380s.

Who keeps it Nearly every church that keeps Easter, with palms or branches carried in procession; the Orthodox keep Lazarus Saturday the day before.

In the Bible Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-40 Sources

When The Thursday before Easter. 2026 2 April (Orthodox 9 April).

The night of the Last Supper and the washing of the disciples' feet; the name comes from the new commandment (mandatum) of John 13:34.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and many other churches, with the washing of feet and the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper.

In the Bible John 13:1-17, John 13:34-35, Luke 22:7-20 Sources

When The Friday before Easter. 2026 3 April (Orthodox 10 April).

The crucifixion and burial of Jesus, told by all four Gospels; the church's most solemn day.

Who keeps it Nearly every Christian church, with the reading of the Passion, the veneration of the cross and a fast; a public holiday in many countries.

In the Bible John 18, John 19, Matthew 27 Sources

When The Saturday before Easter. 2026 4 April (Orthodox 11 April).

Holy Saturday recalls Jesus' burial. Many churches begin celebrating the resurrection with an Easter Vigil that evening.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches; the day is kept in silence and the Easter Vigil begins after dark with the new fire, the readings of salvation history and baptisms.

In the Bible Matthew 27:57-66, Luke 23:50-56, 1 Peter 3:18-20 Sources

When The first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21 March (Gregorian in the West, Julian in the East). 2026 5 April (Orthodox 12 April).

Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus. It falls on a Sunday, though Eastern and Western churches often celebrate on different dates.

Church calendars use different methods to calculate Easter. The Easter guide explains the development of those methods and why Eastern and Western dates can differ.

Who keeps it Every Christian church, on the Gregorian date in the West and in the Orthodox Church of Finland, and on the Julian date in the rest of the Orthodox world; the two coincide in some years (2028) and can be five weeks apart (2027). Jehovah's Witnesses keep the Memorial of Christ's death on 14 Nisan instead.

In the Bible Matthew 28:1-10, Mark 16:1-8, Luke 24:1-12 Sources

When The fortieth day of Easter, a Thursday. 2026 14 May (Orthodox 21 May); the following Sunday where transferred.

Ascension Day commemorates Jesus being taken up into heaven. It traditionally falls on the fortieth day of Easter, a Thursday, though some churches celebrate it on the following Sunday.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran and many other churches, forty days after Easter; many Catholic dioceses in the United States move it to the following Sunday.

In the Bible Acts 1:1-11, Luke 24:50-53, Mark 16:19-20 Sources

When The fiftieth day of Easter, a Sunday. 2026 24 May (Orthodox 31 May).

Christian Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. It falls on the fiftieth day of Easter.

Acts 2 is set at the Jewish Feast of Weeks. Christian Pentecost commemorates that account using a date calculated from Easter, while Shavuot follows the Jewish calendar.

Who keeps it Observed by many Christian churches on the fiftieth day of Easter, counting Easter Sunday as day one. Orthodox observance also celebrates the Trinity; Pentecostal churches take their name from Pentecost.

In the Bible Leviticus 23:15-22, Deuteronomy 16:9-12, Acts 2:1-41 Sources

When The Sunday after Pentecost. 2026 31 May (Orthodox 7 June).

Trinity Sunday celebrates the Christian teaching of one God in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Reformed churches on the Sunday after Pentecost; the Orthodox keep Pentecost itself as the feast of the Trinity.

In the Bible Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, John 3:16-18 Sources

When The Thursday after Trinity Sunday, or the Sunday after. 2026 4 June (Orthodox 11 June); the following Sunday in many countries.

A feast of the Eucharist instituted by Pope Urban IV in 1264, with readings from the bread of life discourse and the Last Supper.

Who keeps it The Catholic Church, on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday or the following Sunday, often with a procession; some Anglicans and Old Catholics keep it. Not kept by the Orthodox or by most Protestants.

In the Bible John 6:51-58, Luke 22:19-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Sources

When 24 June (7 July on the Julian calendar). 2026 24 June (Julian-calendar observance: 7 July Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

The birth of John to Zechariah and Elizabeth, told by Luke, kept six months before Christmas because of Luke 1:36.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches, six months before Christmas, since Luke places John's conception six months before Jesus'.

In the Bible Luke 1:5-25, Luke 1:57-80, Luke 1:36 Sources

When 29 June (12 July on the Julian calendar). 2026 29 June (Julian-calendar observance: 12 July Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

This feast honors the apostles Peter and Paul and their place in early Christian history.

Who keeps it Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches; the Orthodox end the Apostles' Fast on it.

In the Bible Matthew 16:13-19, Acts 12:1-11, 2 Timothy 4:6-8 Sources

When 6 August; or the Sunday before Lent. 2026 6 August (Julian-calendar observance: 19 August Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; the Sunday before Lent in Lutheran and many Protestant churches.

The Transfiguration commemorates the Gospel account of Jesus appearing in glory before Peter, James and John, with Moses and Elijah beside him.

Who keeps it Catholic and Orthodox churches on 6 August (19 August on the Julian calendar), with the blessing of grapes in the East; Lutheran and many other Protestant churches keep it on the last Sunday before Lent.

In the Bible Matthew 17:1-9, Mark 9:2-8, Luke 9:28-36 Sources

When 15 August (28 August on the Julian calendar). 2026 15 August (Julian-calendar observance: 28 August Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

The Dormition and the Assumption commemorate the end of Mary's earthly life. Orthodox and Catholic Christians celebrate related teachings about Mary, with differences explained below.

Catholic and Orthodox teachings about the end of Mary's life draw on church tradition and theological interpretation. The Dormition and Assumption guide explains their similarities and differences.

Who keeps it The Orthodox as the Dormition, after a two-week fast, on 15 August (28 August on the Julian calendar); Catholics as the Assumption on 15 August, a holy day of obligation; some Anglicans keep 15 August as a feast of Mary. Most Protestant churches do not keep it.

In the Bible Psalm 132:8, Genesis 3:15, Revelation 11:19 Sources

When 8 September (21 September on the Julian calendar). 2026 8 September (Julian-calendar observance: 21 September Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

The birth of Mary to Joachim and Anna, a story told in the second-century Protoevangelium of James and not in the Bible; the day's readings are the genealogy and the promise of Bethlehem.

Who keeps it Orthodox and Catholic churches, and some Anglicans, on 8 September (21 September on the Julian calendar); the first of the Orthodox Twelve Great Feasts in the church year.

In the Bible Micah 5:2-5, Matthew 1:1-17, Matthew 1:18-23 Sources

When 14 September (27 September on the Julian calendar). 2026 14 September (Julian-calendar observance: 27 September Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

A feast of the cross itself, from the dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem in 335 and the tradition of Helena's finding of the cross; its readings are the bronze serpent and John 3.

Who keeps it Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches on 14 September (27 September on the Julian calendar); a strict fast day in the Orthodox Church.

In the Bible Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:13-17, John 12:31-33 Sources

When 29 September (Orthodox 8 November). 2026 29 September; nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; the Orthodox Synaxis of the Archangels is 8 November.

Michaelmas honors the archangel Michael. Some church calendars also commemorate other angels on this day.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches on 29 September; the Orthodox keep the Synaxis of Michael, Gabriel and all the angels on 8 November (21 November on the Julian calendar).

In the Bible Joshua 5:13-15, Revelation 12:7-12, Daniel 10:13 Sources

When 1 November; the Sunday after Pentecost in the East. 2026 1 November; nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; the Orthodox keep All Saints on the Sunday after Pentecost.

All Saints' Day honors the saints, including those whose names are unknown. Many Western churches celebrate it on 1 November; Eastern Orthodox churches observe it on the Sunday after Pentecost.

Halloween takes its name from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints. Its customs developed over time, and Christians differ in whether and how they participate.

Who keeps it Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran and Methodist churches on 1 November (Halloween is its eve, All Hallows' Eve); the Orthodox keep All Saints on the Sunday after Pentecost. Many Protestant churches remember their dead on the nearest Sunday.

In the Bible Revelation 7:2-4, Revelation 7:9-17, Matthew 5:1-12 Sources

When 2 November. 2026 2 November; nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

All Souls' Day is a Catholic commemoration of the faithful departed, centered on prayer for the dead.

Who keeps it The Catholic Church on 2 November, with Masses for the dead; Anglicans and some Lutherans keep it; the Orthodox keep several Saturdays of the Souls through the year instead. In Mexico it is the Day of the Dead.

In the Bible 2 Maccabees 12:39-45, Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9, Romans 5:5-11 Sources

When The last Sunday before Advent. 2026 22 November.

Instituted by Pope Pius XI in 1925; its readings include the Son of Man in Daniel 7, the trial before Pilate and the sheep and the goats, depending on the lectionary year.

Who keeps it The Catholic Church on the last Sunday before Advent, and Anglican, Lutheran, Methodist and Presbyterian churches that follow the Revised Common Lectionary.

In the Bible Daniel 7:13-14, John 18:33-37, Revelation 1:4-8 Sources

When 21 November (4 December on the Julian calendar). 2026 21 November (Julian-calendar observance: 4 December Gregorian); nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply.

Mary brought to the Temple as a child, a story from the Protoevangelium of James and not the Bible; the feast's readings are the Temple texts of the Old Testament.

Who keeps it The Orthodox as one of the Twelve Great Feasts on 21 November (4 December on the Julian calendar); Catholics as a memorial on the same day.

In the Bible Exodus 40:1-16, 1 Kings 8:1-11, Ezekiel 44:1-4 Sources

When 8 December (Orthodox 9 December). 2026 8 December; nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; the Orthodox Conception of the Theotokos is 9 December.

The Catholic teaching, defined in 1854, that Mary was conceived without original sin; the Bible does not state it, and the church reads Genesis 3:15 and Luke 1:28 in its light.

Who keeps it The Catholic Church on 8 December, a holy day of obligation; the Orthodox keep the Conception of the Theotokos by Anna on 9 December without the Catholic doctrine; Protestant churches do not keep it.

In the Bible Luke 1:28, Genesis 3:9-15, Ephesians 1:3-6 Sources

When 10 Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic year, for three to four days. 2026 27 May to 30 May (Umm al-Qura; a day earlier or later by local sighting).

Eid al-Adha, the Muslim Feast of the Sacrifice, remembers Abraham's willingness to obey God. It takes place during the final days of Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca.

Genesis 22 names Isaac. The Qur'an's sacrifice account does not name the son; Muslim interpretations have differed, with Ishmael the usual identification today. The Eid al-Adha guide explains the accounts in their own religious settings.

Who keeps it Muslims everywhere, Sunni and Shia, at the close of the hajj: the Eid prayer, the sacrifice of an animal with a third given to the poor, new clothes and visits over three or four days.

In the Bible Genesis 22:1-19, Genesis 21:8-21 (Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness), Genesis 16 · in the Qur'an and hadith: Qur'an 37:99-113 Sources

When 10 Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year. 2026 25 June (Umm al-Qura; a day earlier or later by local sighting).

Ashura falls on 10 Muharram in the Islamic calendar. Sunni observances often emphasize fasting and Moses' deliverance, while Shia observances center on mourning Husayn, the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.

The Islamic traditions associated with Ashura have distinct emphases. The Moses narrative can be compared with Exodus 14; Karbala belongs to later Islamic history rather than the biblical narratives.

Who keeps it Sunni Muslims with a recommended fast, on the tenth of Muharram and the day beside it; Shia Muslims as the day of mourning for Husayn ibn Ali, killed at Karbala in 680, with processions and passion plays. The two observances are different in meaning.

In the Bible Exodus 14, Exodus 15:1-21 · in the Qur'an and hadith: Sahih al-Bukhari 2004 Sources

When 27 Nisan (moved when it would fall next to Shabbat). 2026 Evening of 13 April to nightfall 14 April.

Yom HaShoah commemorates the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and remembers Jewish resistance.

Who keeps it Set by Israel's Knesset in 1951 and 1959; kept by Jewish communities worldwide with memorial gatherings, the reading of names and, in Israel, a two-minute siren. Some Haredi communities remember on the Tenth of Tevet or Tisha B'Av instead.

In the Bible no text Sources

When 4 Iyar (moved when it would fall next to Shabbat). 2026 Evening of 20 April to nightfall 21 April.

Israel's Memorial Day remembers fallen military personnel and victims of terrorism.

Who keeps it Israel's memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, kept the day before Independence Day; marked in many Jewish communities abroad.

In the Bible no text Sources

When 5 Iyar (moved when it would fall next to Shabbat). 2026 Evening of 21 April to nightfall 22 April.

Israel's Independence Day commemorates the declaration of independence in 1948. Its religious significance is understood differently across communities.

Who keeps it Israel's national day; Religious Zionist, Conservative and Reform communities say Hallel and festive prayers for it, and most Haredi communities do not mark it religiously.

In the Bible Hallel (Psalms 113 to 118), in communities that say it Sources

When 28 Iyar. 2026 Evening of 14 May to nightfall 15 May.

The anniversary of Israeli forces entering the Old City of Jerusalem in 1967, a national day with no biblical text of its own; psalms of Jerusalem are read by those who keep it.

Who keeps it Israel's day for the reunification of Jerusalem in June 1967; Religious Zionist communities say Hallel; observance abroad and in other movements varies.

In the Bible Psalm 122, Psalm 137:5-6 Sources

When 31 October, or the last Sunday of October. 2026 31 October; nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; or the nearest Sunday.

The anniversary of Luther's Ninety-five Theses of 31 October 1517, a historical day with no biblical text of its own; Lutherans read Romans 3 and John 8 on it.

Who keeps it Lutheran churches on 31 October or the nearest Sunday, and many Reformed, Presbyterian and other Protestant churches; a public holiday in parts of Germany, in Chile and in Slovenia.

In the Bible Romans 3:19-28, Romans 1:16-17, John 8:31-36 Sources

When Fourth Thursday of November (United States); second Monday of October (Canada). 2026 26 November; nominal date, local liturgical transfers may apply; United States; Canada keeps the second Monday of October.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday with religious and secular observances. Churches that mark it often choose readings about gratitude.

Religious readings associated with Thanksgiving express gratitude; they do not establish the modern national holiday. Its history is separate from the biblical festivals.

Who keeps it A civil holiday in the United States and Canada, also marked by some churches with thanksgiving services. The date rule below distinguishes the two countries.

In the Bible Deuteronomy 8:7-18, Psalm 100, Luke 17:11-19 Sources