Religious Holidays in the UK in 2025: Dates, Significances, and Celebrations
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Overview of Religious Holidays and Festivals in the UK
The UK is home to a rich tapestry of religious traditions, with numerous holidays celebrated by its diverse population. While some religious holidays are recognized as public holidays, others are observed privately within specific communities.
Religious holidays in the UK reflect the country’s Christian heritage as well as its growing diversity. Christian holidays such as Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated and recognized as public holidays, while other important dates such as Eid al-Fitr, Diwali, and Hanukkah are significant observances for Muslim, Hindu, and Jewish communities, respectively.
Though many of these holidays do not result in nationwide closures, they hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for those who observe them.
Learn more: 2025 UK Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays, Observances and Celebrations
1. New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025)
History and Significance:
While New Year’s Day is primarily a secular celebration marking the start of the new calendar year, it holds Christian significance as the Feast of the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus in some churches.
Celebrations in the UK:
New Year’s Day is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and family gatherings. Some churches hold special services in observance of the religious aspect.
Public Holiday Status:
Yes, New Year’s Day is a public holiday across the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on New Year’s Day, though some retail stores and entertainment venues may remain open.
2. Epiphany (January 6, 2025)
History and Significance:
Epiphany commemorates the visit of the Magi (Three Wise Men) to the infant Jesus and is considered the end of the Christmas season in many Christian traditions.
Celebrations in the UK:
Church services are held to mark the occasion, especially in Anglican and Roman Catholic communities. The day is less widely celebrated outside religious circles.
Public Holiday Status:
Epiphany is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Businesses and schools remain open, and work continues as normal.
Learn more: Public Holidays and Leave Policies for Police Officers in the UK
3. Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr (Ramadan: March 29 - April 28, 2025; Eid al-Fitr: April 28, 2025)
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| The West End has been covered in lights to celebrate the beginning of Ramadan for the first time (2023) |
History and Significance:
Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and reflection, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting.
Celebrations in the UK:
Muslim communities across the UK observe Ramadan with daily fasting from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with prayers, charitable giving, and family gatherings.
Public Holiday Status:
Eid al-Fitr is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Businesses, schools, and offices remain open, though many Muslims may take time off for Eid celebrations. Some workplaces offer flexible arrangements during Ramadan.
| Eid al-Fitr (March 31, 2025) and Eid al-Adha (June 9, 2025) – These Islamic holidays mark the end of Ramadan and the Festival of Sacrifice, respectively. They are significant for Muslim communities across the UK. While neither is a public holiday, Muslim businesses and schools with a large Muslim population may choose to close for the day. |
 Happy Ramadan: Top 25 Most Popular Words/Phrases and Pronunciation in Arabic, English |
4. Orthodox Good Friday (May 2, 2025)
History and Significance:
Orthodox Good Friday is observed by Eastern Orthodox Christians to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This day is part of Holy Week, leading up to Pascha (Easter), and is traditionally a day of mourning and reflection on the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus. The significance of Good Friday in the Orthodox Church is highlighted through solemn liturgies, which recount the events of the Passion of Christ.
Celebrations in the UK:
In the UK, Orthodox Christians participate in various church services on Good Friday. The primary observance includes the Great Vespers, during which the Passion of Christ is recounted through readings and hymns. Many churches will display an epitaphios, an embroidered cloth depicting the body of Christ, which is venerated by the congregation. The day is marked by fasting, prayer, and acts of repentance.
Public Holiday Status:
Orthodox Good Friday is not recognized as a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
As a result of its non-public holiday status, most businesses, schools, and government offices remain open on Orthodox Good Friday. However, Orthodox Christians may take time off to observe the day, and some local communities may hold events or services to mark the occasion.
5. Orthodox Easter Sunday (May 4, 2025)
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| Easter Sunday 2025 in the United Kingdom |
History and Significance:
Orthodox Easter Sunday, also known as Pascha, is the most important and joyous celebration in the Eastern Orthodox Christian calendar. It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing victory over sin and death. The date of Orthodox Easter often differs from the Western Easter due to the use of the Julian calendar by Orthodox churches. This holiday is deeply rooted in ancient traditions and carries profound theological significance.
Celebrations in the UK:
In the UK, Orthodox Christians celebrate Pascha with a midnight liturgy that includes the singing of the Christos Anesti (Christ is Risen) hymn, followed by a joyful procession around the church. The service often culminates in the first meal after the Lenten fast, where traditional foods like lamb, red-dyed eggs, and sweet breads (e.g., kulich) are shared among family and friends. Community gatherings and festive meals are common, reflecting the spirit of joy and renewal associated with the resurrection.
Public Holiday Status:
Orthodox Easter Sunday is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
As with Orthodox Good Friday, most businesses, schools, and government offices remain open on Orthodox Easter Sunday. However, some Orthodox Christians may take the day off to participate in religious services and family gatherings.
6. Ascension Day (May 29, 2025)
History and Significance:
Ascension Day commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven, 40 days after his resurrection.
Celebrations in the UK:
The day is marked by church services in Christian denominations, particularly Anglican and Catholic communities.
Public Holiday Status:
Ascension Day is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Businesses, schools, and offices remain open, with normal operations continuing.
7. Pentecost (June 8, 2025)
History and Significance:
Pentecost, also known as Whitsunday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, marking the birth of the Christian Church.
Celebrations in the UK:
Special church services and community events are held, especially in Christian denominations. Some churches hold outdoor celebrations.
Public Holiday Status:
Pentecost is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Normal business and school operations continue.
8. Yom Kippur (October 1, 2025)
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| To mark Yom Kippur Jews fast and spend time in reflection (Photo: Jack Guez/AFP via Getty) |
History and Significance:
Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Its origins are rooted in biblical times, as described in the Torah, particularly in Leviticus 16:29-34, which outlines the practices for atonement and repentance. The day is traditionally observed by Jews as a time for reflection, repentance, and prayer, seeking forgiveness for sins committed against God and fellow human beings.
Celebrations in the UK:
In the UK, Yom Kippur is observed with a 25-hour fast, beginning at sunset the evening before. During this time, many Jewish people attend synagogue services, where prayers and readings focus on repentance and forgiveness. The evening service features the Kol Nidre, a solemn prayer that annuls personal vows, and the morning service includes the Vidui, a confessional prayer. The day concludes with a final service called Ne'ilah, which marks the closing of the gates of heaven and ends with the blowing of the shofar (a ram's horn) to signal the end of the fast.
Public Holiday Status:
Yom Kippur is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Most businesses, schools, and offices remain open on Yom Kippur, though Jewish individuals may take personal leave to observe the day. Some companies with Jewish employees may offer flexible arrangements to accommodate their observance.
9. Diwali (October 21 - October 25, 2025)
History and Significance:
Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, as well as the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya.
Celebrations in the UK:
Large Diwali festivals are held in cities like Leicester and London, with fireworks, cultural performances, and the lighting of oil lamps (diyas). Families celebrate with feasts and the exchange of gifts.
Public Holiday Status:
Diwali is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Businesses and schools remain open, though many Hindus take personal leave to observe the festival. Some areas with large Hindu populations may see local adjustments in business hours.
 When To Celebrate Diwali: Key Dates, Times, Significance And Ritual |
10. Hanukkah (December 24, 2025 - January 1, 2026)
History and Significance:
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, celebrating the miracle of the oil that burned for eight days during the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
Celebrations in the UK:
Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, eating traditional foods like latkes, and playing dreidel. Public menorah lightings are held in cities such as London and Manchester.
Public Holiday Status:
Hanukkah is not a public holiday in the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Businesses and schools remain open during Hanukkah, though Jewish families may take time off to observe the festival.
 Happy Hanukkah - Jewish Holiday: Meaning, History and Celebration |
11. Christmas Day (December 25, 2025)
History and Significance:
Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity. It is one of the most widely celebrated holidays globally and holds deep religious significance for Christians. The holiday marks the beginning of the 12-day Christmas season, also known as Christmastide.
Celebrations in the UK:
Christmas in the UK is celebrated with church services, particularly midnight Mass or Christmas morning services. It is also a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts. Towns and cities across the UK are decorated with lights, and many people participate in charity events during this season. "Carols by Candlelight" services are popular, and Christmas markets offer festive foods and crafts.
Public Holiday Status:
Yes, Christmas Day is a public holiday across the UK.
Businesses, Schools, and Offices:
Most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed on Christmas Day. Some essential services, such as hospitals and emergency services, remain operational, but retail stores and most other services are shut.
Learn more: Christmas and New Year 2025 Holidays in the USA: Day-off, Traditions and Celebrations
Final Thoghts
The UK’s religious holidays reflect its rich cultural and religious diversity. While Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter are public holidays with widespread closures, other significant religious observances such as Eid al-Fitr, Diwali, and Hanukkah are marked within their communities without national closures.
The UK’s flexible approach to religious holidays allows for the respectful celebration of different traditions, fostering a sense of inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Are all religious holidays public holidays in the UK?
No, only Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter are public holidays. Many other religious holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Diwali, are important observances but are not recognized as public holidays.
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Do businesses and schools close for non-Christian religious holidays?
No, businesses and schools generally remain open for non-Christian religious holidays, though individuals may take personal leave to observe them.
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Can employees take time off for religious observances?
Yes, many employers in the UK offer flexible leave options for employees to observe religious holidays that are not public holidays.
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What are the main public holidays in the UK?
The main public holidays in the UK include New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.
Through a balance of public holidays and religious observances, the UK embraces its religious diversity, ensuring that all communities have the opportunity to celebrate their most significant traditions.
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