Written by Deya Golding, J-1 Exchange Student
As an exchange student from the UK, one of the things I've enjoyed most about living in the US is the opportunity to share the British way of celebrating holidays, as well as engaging in holidays here that I wouldn’t normally celebrate such as Thanksgiving. While both the UK and the US love to celebrate, the traditions, dates, and ways we mark certain holidays can be quite different. From the iconic Christmas festivities to the American extremes of Halloween, in this blog I hope to share some of the major events in the UK throughout the year.
1. New Year's Day (January 1st)
In the UK, New Year's Day is all about celebrating the arrival of a new year and is often spent with family celebrating or equally resting from the chaos of the night before. Many Brits also enjoy a "Hogmanay" (New Year's Eve) party, where the night is filled with fireworks, dancing, and music. On New Year’s Day, people often take it easy, enjoying a hearty breakfast or Roast Dinner and relaxing with family.
2. Valentines Day (February 14th)
Valentine's Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a popular occasion in the UK for expressing love and affection to partners, friends, and family. While it’s not a public holiday, it’s widely observed, with people exchanging cards, flowers, chocolates, and small gifts to show their appreciation. Traditionally, lovers enjoy a romantic meal, often at a nice restaurant or at home with a carefully prepared dinner. Some Brits also take part in fun activities like sending anonymous love notes particularly when you are children. The day is all about celebrating relationships, whether it's romantic love or the bonds of friendship, and it's a time for people to spread kindness and joy.
3. St. Patrick's Day (March 17th)
Though St. Patrick’s Day originates in Ireland, it's widely celebrated across the UK, especially in cities with large Irish communities such as Liverpool and Birmingham as these are also easily accessible by flying from Ireland. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture with parades, music, and plenty of green clothing. Pubs are filled with people enjoying Guinness and Irish whiskey, and many Brits partake in the festivities, even if they don’t have Irish roots. It's a day of fun, often marked by dancing, wearing shamrocks, and attending local events or festivals or nightclubs.
4. Easter (Spring, usually March or April)
Easter in the UK is a family affair, with traditions that vary slightly across the country traditionally it stemmed from Christianity as on Easter Sunday it is the day that Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead In many towns, you'll find local parades or church services celebrating the resurrection of Christ. However, the most well-known part of Easter is the Easter egg hunt, where children (and adults) search for chocolate eggs hidden around gardens or homes. The Easter Sunday roast is also a big part of the celebration, often featuring lamb, roast potatoes, and plenty of vegetables as it also marks a celebration of spring which is lambing season in the UK.
5. May Day (May 1st)
May Day is a celebration of the start of summer and, historically, is tied to workers' rights and labor movements. In some parts of the UK, especially in villages in the countryside, there are Maypole dances where people weave colorful ribbons around a tall pole, creating a beautiful design. This marks the beginning of outdoor festivals and fun celebrations, and it’s a day when many Brits enjoy picnics or take a walk in nature to soak in the springtime weather.
6. The Queen’s Birthday (June)
While this holiday is unique to the UK, it holds a special place for Brits. Traditionally, the Queen’s official birthday is celebrated on a Saturday in June, with ceremonies such as the Trooping of the Color in London. People also use this day to take a long weekend away, whether visiting historic landmarks or simply relaxing at home. Although the Queen has passed, the holiday continues to be observed as a celebration of British heritage and the monarchy.
7. Bonfire Night (November 5th)
Also known as Guy Fawkes Night, Bonfire Night is one of the most exciting celebrations in the UK. It marks the failed attempt to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605 and is observed with large bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes. People gather in parks and backyards across the country to enjoy the spectacle, often accompanied by mulled wine, toffee apples and toasted marshmallows.
8. Halloween (October 31st)
Though Halloween is not a public holiday in the UK, it has gained popularity in recent years, especially among children. Brits love to dress up in spooky costumes and carve pumpkins, much like in the US. Trick-or-treating is common in many neighborhoods, and you can find plenty of Halloween parties, haunted houses, and spooky-themed events during the week leading up to October 31st. The UK's Halloween celebrations might not be as grand as in America, but there’s no shortage of fun.
9. Remembrance Day (November 11th)
This solemn day is observed to honor British soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. The most well-known tradition is the wearing of poppies as a symbol of remembrance. There are also ceremonies at war memorials, and the nation pauses at 11:00 AM for a two-minute silence in memory of the fallen.
10. Christmas (December 25th)
Christmas is a magical time in the UK, with an emphasis on family, food, and festivities. The lead-up to Christmas is marked by advent calendars, Christmas markets, and lights sparkling in every town center. On Christmas Day itself, families gather to exchange gifts, enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner (usually featuring turkey, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and Christmas pudding), and relax together. Boxing Day, the day after Christmas, is a public holiday where many Brits head to the sales, visit family, or enjoy a day out.