Upcoming Holidays
Bodhi Day, a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment; also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
Immaculate Conception of Mary, celebrates the solemn celebration by various Christian denominations of belief in the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
International Human Rights Day, established by the United Nations in 1948 to commemorate the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a religious holiday in Mexico commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary near Mexico City in 1531.
St. Lucia’s Day, a religious festival of light in Scandinavia and Italy commemorating the martyrdom of St. Lucia, a young Christian girl who was killed for her faith in 304 CE.
Las Posadas, December 16-24, a nineday celebration in Mexico commemorating the trials Mary and Joseph endured during their journey to Bethlehem.
Yule Winter Solstice, celebrated by Pagans and Wiccans. The first day of winter and shortest day of the year represents a celebration focusing on rebirth, renewal, and new beginnings as the sun begins to move farther away from Earth.
Christmas Day, the day that many Christians associate with Jesus’ birth.
Hanukkah, December 25 - January 2, a Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabeans, leaders of the Jewish people, over the GreekSyrian ruler, Antiochus, approximately 2,200 years ago.
Boxing Day, a secular holiday celebrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and South Africa.
St. Stephen’s Day, a day to commemorate St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, or protomartyr.
Zartosht No-Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra), a day of remembrance in the Zoroastrian religion. It commemorates the anniversary of the death of the prophet Zoroaster, or Zarathushtra.
Kwanzaa, December 26 — January 1, an African-American holiday started by Maulana Karenga in 1966 to celebrate universal AfricanAmerican heritage.
St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Day, feast day for St. John, celebrated by Christian denominations.
Feast of the Holy Innocents, a Christian feast in remembrance of the massacre of young children in Bethlehem by King Herod the Great in his attempt to kill the infant Jesus.
Feast of the Holy Family, a liturgical celebration in the Catholic Church in honor of Jesus, his mother, and his foster father, St. Joseph, as a family. The primary purpose of this feast is to present the Holy Family as a model for Christian families.
Watch Night, a day for Christians to review the year that has passed, make confessions, and then prepare for the year ahead by praying and resolving.