Multifaith Calendar

5 Year Multifaith Calendar

Our diverse Elon University community members hold a wide variety of identities, and celebrate many different religious and spiritual holidays throughout the year. It is our hope that this multifaith calendar will be helpful in planning events and programs, and providing information about the holidays that are significant and meaningful to our students, colleagues, and friends.

The holidays listed are many of those observed by members our community, but please note that this is not an exhaustive list of traditions or holidays, and individual practices of our community members may vary from the information listed. We encourage you to reach out to our office with any questions or concerns.

For more information about which holidays qualify for excused absences, please refer to our Religious Observance Notification Policy.

Abbreviations used:

RC – Roman Catholic, P – Protestant, O – Orthodox

Fast Days are marked by *

January

Feast of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (Christianity; RC)

Liturgical feast of Mary celebrated by the Catholic Church.

Monday, January 1, 2024
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Friday, January 1, 2027

Epiphany (Christianity; P, RC)

The manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi.

Some Christian students, faculty, and staff may request this day off.

Saturday, January 6, 2024
Monday, January 6, 2025
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Wednesday, January 6, 2027

Feast of the Epiphany (Christian; O)

Greek Orthodox celebration commemorating the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity.

Many Eastern Orthodox students, faculty, and staff will probably request this day off.

Saturday, January 6, 2024
Monday, January 6, 2025
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Wednesday, January 6, 2027

Feast of the Nativity (Christmas) (Christianity; O)

Celebration of the birth of Jesus (also known as the “Incarnation of Christ” in the Greek Orthodox Church.

Many Eastern Orthodox students, faculty, and staff will probably request this day off.

Sunday, January 7, 2024
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
Thursday, January 7, 2027

Chinese New Year (Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism)

The Chinese New Year remains the most important social and economic holiday in China. The holiday is a time to honor household and heavenly deities as well as ancestors and includes feasting together as a family.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date. Chinese students, faculty, and staff may request this day off.

Saturday, February 10, 2024
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Sunday, February 7, 2027

February

Imbolc (Nature Traditions)

The second of four great fire festivals, Imbolc (meaning “in milk”) recognizes a time of awakening, promise and hope for the spring. This holiday begins at sundown on February 1 and ends at sundown on February 2

Thursday-Friday, February 1-2, 2024
Saturday-Sunday, February 1-2, 2025
Sunday-Monday, February 1-2, 2026
Monday-Tuesday, February 1-2, 2027

Tu B’Shevat (Judaism)

One of four new Year’s days, Tu B’Shevat (the 15th day of the month of Shevat) is New Year’s Day of Trees, and traditionally the first of the year for tithing fruit of trees. Nowadays, it is a day for environmental awareness and action such as tree planting, and special meals.

This holiday is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays.

Wednesday-Thursday, January 24-25, 2024
Wednesday-Thursday, February 12-13, 2025
Sunday-Monday, February 1-2, 2026
Friday-Saturday, January 22-23, 2027

Nirvana Day (Buddhist, Jain)

Festival commemorating Buddha’s death at 80 when he attained Nirvana – the state at which all desires and afflictions are gone, and the cycle of death and rebirth ends.

Thursday, February 15, 2024
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Monday, February 15, 2027

Lailat al Miraj (Islam)

Observance of Muhammad’s (Peace be upon Him) night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension to heaven.

Wednesday, February 6-7, 2024
Sunday-Monday, January 26-27, 2025
Thursday-Friday, January 15-16, 2026
Tuesday-Wednesday, January 5-6, 2027

Ash Wednesday – Lent Begins (Christianity; RC, P)

In Western Christianity, Ash Wednesday marks the first day of the season of Lent, 40 days of preparation for Easter. Many Christians observe a period of fasting, repentance, moderation, and spiritual discipline.

Food accommodation as requested.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Wednesday, February 18. 2026
Wednesday, February 10, 2027

March

Clean Monday – Great Lent Begins (Christianity; O)

The time of preparation for the feast of the Resurrection of Christ (Pascha) in the Greek Orthodox Church. Name refers to leaving behind sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods.

Students and students, faculty, and staff may be fasting.

Monday-Saturday, March 18-May 4, 2024
Monday-Saturday, March 3-April 19, 2025
Monday-Saturday, February 23-April 11, 2026

‘Alá’ (Bahá’í)

The month preceding the Bahá’í new year, with a period of fasting and spiritual preparation.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the date. Bahá’ís students, faculty, and staff may be fasting.

Saturday-Wednesday, March 2-20, 2024
Sunday-Thursday, March 2-20, 2025
Monday-Friday, March 2-20, 2026
Tuesday-Saturday, March 2-20, 2027

Ta’anit Esther (Judaism)

The Fast of Esther is a Jewish fast from dawn until dusk on Purim eve. Like other minor fasts, Ta’anit Esther begins at dawn (first light) and ends at nightfall (full dark).

Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Thursday, Mar 13, 2025
Monday, Mar 2, 2026
Monday, Mar 22, 2027

Purim (Judaism)

This holiday celebrates a time when Jewish people in Persia were saved from destruction. It is customary to hear the reading of the Book of Esther, eat, drink, and be joyful, give gifts of food and drink and gifts to charity, and hold carnival-like celebrations.

Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; provide food accommodations if requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, March 23-24, 2024
Sundown Thursday-Sundown Friday, March 13-14, 2025
Sundown Monday-Sundown Tuesday, March 2-3, 2026
Sundown Monday-Sundown Tuesday, March 22-23, 2027

Holi – Festival of Colors (Hinduism)

This springtime festival of colors includes music, dancing, laughter, and teasing. It is a fun-filled, joyous celebration.

Monday, March 25, 2024
Friday, March 14, 2025
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Monday, March 22, 2027

Hola Mohalla (Sikhism)

A day to commemorate the valor and bravery of the Sikhs. This 3-day festival consists of mock battles, music and poetry reading.

Monday-Wednesday, March 25-27, 2024
Friday-Sunday, March 14-16, 2025
Wednesday-Friday, March 4-6, 2026
Tuesday-Thursday, March 23-25, 2027

Ostara (Nature Traditions)

Celebration of new life; a time of renewal and rebirth.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Friday, March 20, 2026
Saturday, March 20, 2027

Naw-Rúz (Bahá’í)

The New Year celebrates the love relationship between the Creator and the creation, in the material world.

This holiday marks the end of the annual 19-Day Fast and is one of the nine holy days of the year when work is suspended, and children are exempted from attending school.

Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, March 19-20, 2024
Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, March 19-20, 2025
Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, March 21-22, 2026
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, March 21-22, 2027

Ramadan Begins (Islam) *

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and lasts for thirty days. It is the Islamic month of fasting from sex, drinking, eating, and smoking during daylight hours. The purpose of Ramadan is to rededicate oneself to God through patience, faith, and submission.

Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines during this time. Be sensitive to the fact that students and students, faculty, and staff celebrating Ramadan will be fasting during the day (continuously for 30 days) and will likely have less stamina as a result. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

Sundown Sunday-Sundown Friday, March 10-April 8, 2024
Sundown Friday-Sundown Sunday, February 17-March 30, 2025
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, February 17-March 18, 2026
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, February 7-March 8, 2027

Maundy (Holy) Thursday (Christianity; RC, P, O)

Maundy Thursday is a day that commemorates Jesus Christ’s Last Supper with his disciples and reminds us of the importance of humility, selflessness, and service to others. The day holds a crucial place in Holy Week, which starts with Palm Sunday and culminates with Easter Sunday.

Thursday, March 28, 2024
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Thursday, March 25, 2027

Palm Sunday (Christianity; RC, P, O)

A celebration that recalls the event in Christian scripture of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey and being greeted by people waving palm branches.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities. Orthodox Christian students, faculty, and staff that work on Sundays may ask for this day off.

Sunday, March 24, 2024
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Sunday, March 21, 2027

April

Passover – Pesach (Judaism)

Pesach (or Passover) commemorates the Exodus from Egypt and the Holy One passing over the Jewish homes when the first-born Egyptians were slain.

First two and last two days are full holidays with restrictions. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Food accommodation as requested throughout the holiday (kosher restrictions apply—the use of leavening is prohibited so, for example, matzah is eaten in place of bread.)

Sundown Monday-Sundown Tuesday, April 22-30, 2024
Sundown Saturday- Sundown Sunday, April 12-20, 2025
Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, April 1-9, 2026
Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, April 21-29, 2027

Good Friday (Christianity; RC, P)*

On this solemn day, Christians commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance, and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross.

Provide food accommodation as requested. Meat (fish not considered meat) is prohibited during meals for many.

Friday, March 29, 2024
Friday, April 18, 2025
Friday, April 3, 2026
Friday, March 26, 2027

Easter (Christianity; RC, P)

Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year and includes a joyous celebration of Mass or a Service of Christ’s Resurrection.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities. Christian students, faculty, and staff that work on Sundays may ask for this day off.

Sunday, March 31, 2024
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Sunday, April 5, 2026
Sunday, March 28, 2027

Mahavira-Jayanti (Jainism)

Festival honoring Lord Mahavira on the founder’s birthday. Shrines are visited and teachings are reviewed and reflected upon.

Jain students, faculty and staff might request time off.

Sunday, April 21, 2024
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Monday, April 19, 2027

Holy Friday (Christianity; O)*

A strict day of fasting and liturgy with a reading of 12 sections from the gospels celebrating the Passion of Christ.

This is a strict day of fasting for many Greek Orthodox Christians in the United States. It is suggested to avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities.

Friday, May 3, 2024
Friday, April 18, 2025
Friday, April 10, 2026
Friday, April 30, 2027

Easter/Pascha (Christianity; O)

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated with this feast in the Orthodox Christian church. It recognizes Christ’s power over death and the gift to Christians of restoration, transformation, and life everlasting.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Orthodox Christian students, faculty, and staff that work on Suns may ask for this day off.

Sunday, May 5, 2024
Sunday, April 20, 2025
Sunday, April 12, 2026
Sunday, May 2, 2027

Vaisakhi (Sikhism)

This Anniversary of the birth of the Khalsa – on this day in 1699, guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru, removed the clerical system from Sikhism. This reaffirmed the direct connection between Sikhs and the Divine.

Sikh students, faculty and staff might request time off.

Saturday, April 13, 2024
Monday, April 14, 2025
Tuesday April 14, 2026
Wednesday, April 14, 2027

Yom HaSho’ah (Judaism)

Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, this day offers remembrance for persons who died in the Shoah, actions against the Jewish people during World War II.

Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, May 4-5, 2024
Sundown Thursday-Sundown Friday, April 24-25, 2025
Sundown Monday-Sundown Tuesday, April 13-14, 2026
Sundown Monday-Sundown Tuesday, May 3-4, 2027

Ridván (1st day) of Most Great Festival (Baha’i)

Commemorates the declaration of Baha’u’llah to his followers in 1863. Work is suspended for the 1st, 9th, and 12th day.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the 1st day, 9th day, and 12th day of Ridván as work is suspended for Baha’is.

Sunday-Thursday, April 21-May 2, 2024
Monday-Friday, April 21-May 2, 2025
Tuesday-Saturday, April 21-May 2, 2026
Wednesday-Sunday, April 21-May 2, 2027

Eid al-Fitr (Islam)

Eid al Fitr is a festival of thanksgiving for enjoying the month of Ramadan. It involves wearing the finest clothing, saying prayers, and fostering understanding with other religions.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Students, faculty, and staff will likely ask to take a vacation day on this day, and that request should be granted if at all possible. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply).

Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, April 9-10, 2024
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, March 30-31, 2025
Sundown Thursday-Sundown Friday, March 19-20, 2026
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, March 9-10, 2027

Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Judaism)

Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day, celebrates the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. Coming on the heels of Yom HaZikaron, Yom Ha’atzmaut is celebrated in Israel and around the world with dancing, fireworks, and parties.

Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, May 12-13, 2024
Sundown Friday-Sundown Saturday, May 2-3, 2025
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, April 21-22, 2026
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, May 11-12, 2027

May

Beltane (Nature Traditions)

Beltane celebrates the fertility and abundance of the earth.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Friday, May 1, 2026
Saturday, May 1, 2027

Declaration of the Báb (Baha’i)

This day recognizes the declaration in 1844 by Ali Muhammed that he was the anticipated “Coming One” of all religions. Work is suspended on this day.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Work is suspended for Baha’is.

Sundown Thursday-Sundown Friday, May 23-24, 2024
Sundown Friday-Sundown Saturday, May 23-24, 2025
Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, May 23-24, 2026
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, May 23-24, 2027

Shavuot (Judaism)

Festival of Weeks; celebrates harvest of first fruits and commemorates the giving of the Torah and Commandments at Mt’ Sinai.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities on the first two and last two days of the holiday. Provide food accommodation as requested. (Kosher restrictions apply—although it is customary to eat dairy).

Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Thursday, June 11-13, 2024
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Tuesday, June 1-3, 2025
Sundown Thursday-Sundown Saturday, May 21-23, 2026
Sundown Thursday-Sundown Saturday, June 10-12, 2027

Ascension of Baha’u’lláh (Baha’i)

A commemoration of the death of Baha’u’llah

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities. Work is suspended for Baha’is.

Tuesday-Wednesday, May 28-29, 2024
Wednesday-Thursday, May 28-29, 2025
Thursday-Friday, May 28-29, 2026
Friday-Saturday, May 28-29, 2027

June

Pentecost (Christianity; RC, P, O)

Pentecost is a celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus’ disciples, and the birth of the church, following His resurrection. Pentecost always occurs seven weeks after Easter Sunday and is typically celebrated with baptism liturgies and joyous services.

Sunday, May 19, 2024
Sunday, June 8, 2025
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Sunday, May 16, 2027

Eid al-Adha (Islam)

Eid al Adha, also called the Feast of Sacrifice, celebrates the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son to God. It also commemorates the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on the first day. If planning an evening event, provide food accommodations if requested (Islamic dietary restrictions apply). Date details: Lunar calendars vary based on region and practice.

Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, June 16-17, 2024
Sundown Friday-Sundown Saturday, June 6-7, 2025
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, May 26-27, 2026
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, May 16-17, 2027

July

Tisha B’ Av (Judaism)*

A day of mourning and repentance in remembrance of the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Jewish students and students, faculty, and staff may be fasting all day.

Sundown Monday-Sundown Tuesday, August 12-13, 2024
Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, August 2-3, 2025
Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, July 22-23, 2026
Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, August 11-12, 2027

August / September

Sri Krishna Jayanti (Hinduism)

Celebrates the birthday of Krishna, especially in South India.

Avoid scheduling major academic deadlines on this day, since it is likely that Hindu students will be operating on very little sleep. Some may fast during the first day.

Monday, August 26, 2024
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Friday, September 4, 2026
Wednesday, august 25, 2027

Paryushan Mahaparva (Jainism)

The monarch of Jain festivals celebrating the opportunity to seek forgiveness for one’s mistakes.

Jain students and students, faculty, and staff may be fasting. 8 day festival.

Sunday-Sunday, August 31-September 7, 2024
Wednesday-Wednesday, August 20-27, 2025
Tuesday-Tuesday, September 8-15, 2026
Saturday-Saturday, August 28-September 4, 2027

Rosh Hashanah – First 2 days (Judaism)

Rosh Hashanah marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is the first of the High Holy days or Days of Awe; it is a time of prayer, reflection, and services.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Friday, October 2-4, 2024
Sundown Monday-Sundown Wednesday, September 22-24, 2025
Sundown Friday-Sundown Sunday, September 11-13, 2026
Sundown Friday-Sundown Sunday, October 1-3, 2027

Mabon – Autumn Equinox (Nature Traditions)

Mabon, falling in September in the Northern Hemisphere, is a celebration of the second harvest during the autumn equinox. When day and night are equal, it marks a balance between light and dark.

Students, faculty, and staff might request time off.

Sunday, September 22, 2024
Monday, September 22, 2025
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Thursday, September 23, 2027

Yom Kippur (Judaism)*

Yom Kippur is a complete Sabbath, meaning no work can be performed on this day. It includes a complete fast and solemn services. “Yom Kippur” means “Day of Atonement.”

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Jewish students and students, faculty, and staff may be fasting all day.

Sundown Friday-Sundown Saturday, October 11-12, 2024
Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, October 1-2, 2025
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, September 20-21, 2026
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, October 10-11, 2027

Mawlid al-Nabi (Islam)*

Birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), c. 570 C.E.

Muslim students and students, faculty, and staff may be fasting, and might request time off.

Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, September 15-16, 2024
Sundown Thursday-Sundown Friday, September 4-5, 2025
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, August 25-26, 2026
Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, August 14-15, 2027

Sukkot (Judaism)

This festival begins on the fifth day after Yom Kippur and is one of the most joyous holidays. Sukkot helps commemorate the period in which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert. People live and eat in temporary dwellings during the festival.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. Is it traditional to eat all meals in an outdoor sukkah, rather than indoors. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Wednesday, October 16-23, 2024
Sundown Monday-Sundown Monday, October 6-13, 2025
Sundown Friday-Sundown Friday, September 25-October 2, 2026
Sundown Friday-Sundown Friday, October 15-22, 2027

October

Shemini Atzeret – Simchat Torah (Judaism)

Eighth and last day of Sukkot. Joyous festival in which the reading of the Torah is completed, and its first book begun again. Symbolized by singing, dancing, and marching around the synagogue with Torah scrolls.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply).

Sundown Thursday-Sundown Friday, October 24-25, 2024
Sundown Tuesday-Sundown Wednesday, October 14-15, 2025
Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, October 3-4, 2026
Sundown Saturday-Sundown Sunday, October 23-24, 2027

Navaratri (Hinduism)*

This 9-night celebration is a Festival of the divine mother which honors Durga, wife of Shiva, seeking her blessings. Also observed as a celebration recalling the days of Lord Krishna.

Some Hindus will pray and fast, and students, faculty and staff might request time off.

Thursday-Sunday, October 3-12, 2024
Monday-Thursday, September 22-October 2, 2025
Thursday-Saturday, October 15-24, 2026
Thursday-Friday, September 30-October 8, 2027

Birth of the Báb (Baha’i)

Anniversary of the birth of one of the twin prophet founders of the Baha’i faith.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Baha’i students, faculty, and staff suspend work on this day and will likely request to have this day off.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Monday, October 26, 2026
Tuesday, October 26, 2027

Birth of Bahá’u’lláh (Baha’i)

Baha’u’llah is the Messenger of God. His teachings create the foundation of the Baha’i practice which is the unity of people of all races and backgrounds. The day includes prayers, a feast, and music.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Baha’i students, faculty, and staff suspend work on this day and will likely request to have this day off.

Sunday, October 27, 2024
Monday, October 27, 2025
Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Wednesday, October 27, 2027

Samhain (Earth Traditions)

Samhain marks the beginning of the Pagan year; a time to search for wisdom and guidance.

Some students, faculty and staff might request tine off.

Thursday-Friday, October31-November 1, 2024
Friday-Saturday, October 31-November 1, 2025
Saturday-Sunday, October 31-November 1, 2026
Sunday-Monday, October 31-November 1, 2027

November

All Saints Day (Christianity; P, RC)

On this day, the Catholic and Protestant churches celebrate all believers, known and unknown, alive and dead.

Friday, November 1, 2024
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Monday, November 1, 2027

All Souls Day (Christianity; RC)

A day of remembrance for deceased family members and loved ones.

Saturday, November 2, 2024
Sunday, November 2, 2025
Monday, November 2, 2026
Tuesday, November 2, 2027

Diwali – Deepavali (Jainism, Sikhism, Hinduism)

The Festival of Lights commemorates the triumph of the Good over the Evil and Light over Darkness.

Hindu students, faculty, and staff will likely request the day off on this date.

Friday, November 1, 2024
Monday, October 20, 2025
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Friday, October 29, 2027

December

Bodhi Day – Rohatsu (Buddhist)

Also known as Awakening, Rohatsu is the celebration of the enlightenment of the Buddha. A candle is lit every evening for thirty days, symbolic of enlightenment.

Saturday, January 18, 2024
Wednesday, January 7, 2025
Tuesday, January 26, 2026
Saturday, January 15, 2027

Hanukkah – Chanukah (Judaism)

Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days and nights of candle lighting. In Hebrew, the word “Hanukkah” means “dedication,” and it commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in 165 B.C.E.

Academics and work permitted. Provide food accommodation as requested (kosher restrictions apply—potato pancakes, doughnuts or other fried food is customary).

Sundown Wednesday-Sundown Thursday, December 25-January 2, 2024
Sundown Sunday-Sundown Monday, December 14-22, 2025
Sundown Friday-Sundown Saturday, December 4-12, 2026
Sundown Friday-Sundown Saturday, December 24-January 1, 2027

Yule – Winter Solstice (Earth Traditions)

Yule is the time of greatest darkness and the longest night of the year. This time is celebrated as the “return of the Sun God” where He is reborn of the Goddess.

Saturday, December 21, 2024
Sunday, December 21, 2025
Monday, December 21, 2026
Tuesday, December 21, 2027

Christmas (Christianity; RC, P, O)

Christmas is both a sacred religious holiday and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christmas is preceded by 40 days of spiritual preparation called Advent. Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on this date. Christian students, faculty, and staff will likely request to have this day off.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024
Thursday, December 25, 2025
Friday, December 25, 2026
Saturday, December 25, 2027

Kwanzaa (African American)

Seven-day spiritual celebration of African American values and traditions and their continued vitality. “Kwanzaa” is Swahili and means “first fruits of the harvest”.

Students, faculty, and staff might request time off. Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on these dates.

Thursday-Wednesday, December 26-January 1, 2024
Friday-Thursday, December 26-January 1, 2025
Saturday-Friday, December 26-January 1, 2026
Sunday-Saturday, December 26-January 1, 2027