Customs & Traditions
The UK's Calendar of Celebrations
From Christmas to Bonfire Night, the UK is full of traditions that bring people together. Some are ancient, some are modern — they all make British culture special.
Christmas in Britain
Christmas Day (25 December) is the biggest celebration. Families gather for roast dinner, exchange presents, and decorate trees. Children believe Father Christmas brings presents overnight. Boxing Day (26 December) is also a public holiday.
Easter
Easter falls in March or April. Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays. Many people give up something for Lent (the 40 days before Easter). On Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Day), people eat pancakes to use up rich foods before Lent. Easter eggs (chocolate eggs) are exchanged as gifts — a symbol of new life.
Diwali
Hindu & Sikh festival of lights (Oct/Nov)
Eid
Muslim festivals marking end of Ramadan and Hajj
Hanukkah
Jewish festival of lights (Nov/Dec)
Vaisakhi
Sikh new year and harvest festival (April)
Other Traditions
Guy Fawkes Night
5 November. Bonfires and fireworks to remember the foiled Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Valentine's Day
14 February. Cards, flowers, and chocolates for loved ones.
St Patrick's Day
17 March. Celebrated especially in Northern Ireland with parades and green clothing.
Remembrance Day
11 November. Wearing poppies to remember fallen soldiers.
New Year
1 January. In Scotland, Hogmanay is a massive celebration with street parties.
April Fools'
1 April. Playing harmless pranks, but only until midday.
Bank Holidays
Bank holidays are public holidays when most people do not work. The main ones are New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, Spring Bank Holiday, Summer Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. Scotland and Northern Ireland have some different dates.
The Notting Hill Carnival
Every August bank holiday, London hosts the Notting Hill Carnival — Europe's biggest street festival. It started in the 1960s as a celebration of Caribbean culture and now attracts millions of people with music, dancing, and incredible food.