Top 10 Biggest Holidays and Festivals in the UK 2025

The United Kingdom is a nation steeped in history, tradition, and cultural diversity, which is reflected in its vibrant holiday and festival calendar. Each year, the UK comes alive with a wide array of celebrations, ranging from solemn national commemorations to exuberant street festivals.

These events provide a glimpse into British heritage, as well as the multicultural communities that shape the UK today. For locals and visitors alike, these holidays offer unique ways to experience the spirit and traditions of the UK.

Learn more: 2025 UK Calendar - Full List of Public Holidays, Observances and Celebrations

A map of the UK with key festival locations highlighted by traditional symbols, blending contemporary design with heritage icons. Image: KnowInsiders

1. New Year’s Day

• Date: January 1, 2025
• Description: Celebrations kick off with a bang as fireworks light up major cities like London and Edinburgh. People gather for street parties, and there’s an atmosphere of fresh beginnings. In Scotland, New Year’s is especially significant due to “Hogmanay,” an ancient Scottish tradition with parades, music, and the famous “Loony Dook” swim in icy waters.

2. Burns Night (Scotland)

• Date: January 25, 2025
• Description: Celebrating the life and poetry of Scottish poet Robert Burns, this uniquely Scottish event features “Burns Suppers,” where guests enjoy haggis, recite Burns' poetry, and toast with Scotch whisky. Burns Night is an evening of Scottish pride with music, dancing, and cultural reflections, particularly in Scotland but celebrated in Scottish communities worldwide.

3. St. David’s Day (Wales)

• Date: March 1, 2025
• Description: St. David’s Day honors the patron saint of Wales with parades, concerts, and special events in cities like Cardiff. Traditional Welsh symbols like daffodils and leeks are worn, and schools often organize activities celebrating Welsh language, history, and culture. The holiday is marked by a patriotic spirit and is a great time to experience Welsh music and dance.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the UK 2025: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

4. St. Patrick’s Day

• Date: March 17, 2025
• Description: While primarily associated with Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated across the UK. Festivities feature parades, Irish music, dance, and the color green, particularly in cities with large Irish communities like London, Manchester, and Belfast. Pubs and streets are lively with people celebrating Irish heritage and the legacy of St. Patrick.

5. Easter Weekend

• Date: April 18 - 21, 2025
• Description: Easter is a major holiday in the UK, celebrated with various traditions over the four-day weekend. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays, and events include church services, egg hunts, and family gatherings. The historic city of York hosts the annual York Passion Play, and towns across the country celebrate with egg-rolling contests and Easter fairs.

6. Trooping the Colour

• Date: June 14, 2025
• Description: Trooping the Colour is an annual military parade in London marking the official birthday of the British monarch. This grand display features regiments of the British Army and a procession through London, ending with a spectacular RAF fly-past over Buckingham Palace. It’s one of the UK’s most significant ceremonial events, attracting spectators from around the world.

7. Notting Hill Carnival (London)

• Date: August 24 - 25, 2025
• Description: As one of Europe’s largest street festivals, Notting Hill Carnival celebrates Caribbean culture with vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and energetic music. Held over the August bank holiday in London’s Notting Hill area, the festival draws millions with its lively spirit, dancing, and delicious food. It’s a must-see for those looking to experience multicultural London at its best.

8. Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night)

• Date: November 5, 2025
• Description: Remembering the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, Bonfire Night is celebrated with fireworks, bonfires, and effigies of Guy Fawkes. Towns and cities across the UK hold displays, with some of the biggest events in Lewes, East Sussex. Bonfire Night is a unique blend of history and festivity, with a distinctly British flavor.

9. Remembrance Day

• Date: November 11, 2025
• Description: Remembrance Day honors those who have served and lost their lives in the British Armed Forces. The day is marked with solemn ceremonies, the wearing of red poppies, and the traditional two-minute silence at 11:00 AM. The National Service of Remembrance takes place at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London, where wreaths are laid by the royal family and national leaders.

Remembrance Day: The Origin and Celebrations around the world

10. Christmas and Boxing Day

• Date: December 25 - 26, 2025
• Description: Christmas in the UK is a festive and family-centered holiday, celebrated with feasts, gift-giving, and holiday traditions. Towns and cities are decorated with lights and Christmas markets, with some of the best displays in London’s Oxford Street, Manchester’s Christmas Markets, and Edinburgh’s Christmas Festival. Boxing Day, on December 26, follows with more family gatherings, shopping sales, and sports events.

Conclusion

The UK’s holiday and festival calendar in 2025 reflects the nation’s deep-rooted traditions, multicultural communities, and diverse landscapes. From historical ceremonies like Remembrance Day to the multicultural energy of the Notting Hill Carnival, each festival showcases a unique aspect of British identity. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply want to immerse yourself in British culture, these holidays and festivals promise an enriching experience across the United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the main holidays in the UK?

• The UK’s major holidays include New Year’s Day, Easter, Christmas, and Boxing Day. Additionally, cultural festivals like Burns Night in Scotland and St. Patrick’s Day are widely celebrated.

2. Are there any unique festivals specific to regions in the UK?

• Yes, the UK has regional celebrations like Burns Night in Scotland, St. David’s Day in Wales, and St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland. Each reflects local culture and heritage with distinct traditions.

3. Do I need tickets for festivals like Notting Hill Carnival and Trooping the Colour?

• Notting Hill Carnival is a free event, but you may need tickets for specific sections or after-parties. Trooping the Colour is open to the public, but tickets are required for seated areas, especially for the main event in London.

4. How is Bonfire Night celebrated in the UK?

• Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated with large bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of Guy Fawkes effigies. Some of the most impressive displays are in Lewes, East Sussex.

5. What makes Remembrance Day special in the UK?

• Remembrance Day honors the service and sacrifice of the British Armed Forces with ceremonies and a moment of silence at 11:00 AM. The main event takes place at the Cenotaph in London, with wreath-laying and a parade attended by the royal family and government officials.

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