Christian Holidays & Services

A Western Christian observance honoring the name given to Jesus.

Common in: Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

A civil holiday often marked with prayers for the year ahead.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Nondenominational

A Catholic holy day honoring Mary and the incarnation of Christ.

Common in: Catholic

Remembers influential fourth-century teachers and defenders of Christian doctrine.

Common in: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican / Episcopal

Celebrates Christ revealed to the nations; customs often recall the visit of the Magi.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

The Orthodox feast of Christ’s baptism and the revelation of the Trinity.

Common in: Orthodox

Christmas date used by Orthodox communities that follow the Julian calendar for fixed feasts.

Common in: Orthodox

A Western observance of Jesus’ baptism and the beginning of his public ministry.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

An ecumenical season of prayer for unity among Christians.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Orthodox

Civil-calendar date used by some Orthodox communities for the feast of Christ’s baptism.

Common in: Orthodox

Remembers Paul’s encounter with Christ and transformation from persecutor to apostle.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist

Remembers the presentation of Jesus in the Temple; also called Candlemas.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Orthodox

Honors missionaries associated with Christianity among Slavic peoples.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic

Many Protestant churches reflect on Christ’s transfiguration on the Sunday before Lent.

Common in: Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed

Begins Lent in many Western churches with a call to repentance and renewal.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

A season of prayer, fasting, generosity, and preparation for Pascha.

Common in: Orthodox

Honors the disciple chosen to join the Twelve after the death of Judas.

Common in: Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

A church commemoration of Patrick, missionary and patron saint of Ireland.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Honors Joseph, husband of Mary and guardian of Jesus.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Celebrates the angel Gabriel’s announcement to Mary and her faithful response.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Remembers Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and begins Holy Week.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Baptist, Pentecostal, Nondenominational

Remembers the Last Supper and Jesus’ command to love and serve one another.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

A solemn remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Baptist, Pentecostal, Nondenominational, Seventh-day Adventist

A day of waiting that culminates in the first celebration of Easter in many churches.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ—the central feast of the Christian faith.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Baptist, Pentecostal, Nondenominational, Seventh-day Adventist

The Orthodox celebration of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.

Common in: Orthodox

Continues the celebration of Christ’s resurrection in many liturgical churches.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

Remembers the Last Supper within Orthodox Holy Week.

Common in: Orthodox

A solemn Orthodox commemoration of Christ’s crucifixion.

Common in: Orthodox

A day of expectation before the midnight celebration of Pascha.

Common in: Orthodox

The Orthodox celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Common in: Orthodox

The Easter octave; Catholics also observe Divine Mercy Sunday.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican / Episcopal

The first Monday of the Orthodox Bright Week celebration after Pascha.

Common in: Orthodox

The Orthodox second Sunday of Pascha remembers the apostle Thomas encountering the risen Christ.

Common in: Orthodox

Reflects on Jesus as the Good Shepherd and often includes prayer for Christian vocations.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist

A Catholic observance honoring the dignity of work through the example of Joseph.

Common in: Catholic

Honors two of the twelve apostles.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

An Orthodox feast at the midpoint between Pascha and Pentecost.

Common in: Orthodox

A traditional Anglican season of prayer for creation, agriculture, and daily work.

Common in: Anglican / Episcopal

Commemorates the ascension of Jesus Christ, forty days after Easter.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

The Orthodox commemoration of Christ’s ascension, forty days after Pascha.

Common in: Orthodox

Celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Baptist, Pentecostal, Nondenominational, Seventh-day Adventist

The Orthodox feast of the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Common in: Orthodox

Celebrates the Christian confession of one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

Remembers Mary’s visit to Elizabeth as told in Luke’s Gospel.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

A Catholic celebration focused on the presence of Christ in the Eucharist.

Common in: Catholic

The Orthodox Sunday honoring all saints, observed one week after Pentecost.

Common in: Orthodox

Remembers an early Christian missionary known for encouragement and generosity.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

A Catholic solemnity focused on Christ’s divine love and compassion.

Common in: Catholic

A Catholic memorial reflecting on Mary’s faith, love, and discipleship.

Common in: Catholic

Celebrates the birth of John, who prepared the way for Jesus.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Honors two leading apostles and witnesses of the early Church.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Honors the apostle remembered for doubt, encounter, and confession of faith.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Honors Mary Magdalene, a disciple and witness to the resurrection.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Honors James, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Remembers the revelation of Christ’s glory to Peter, James, and John.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Orthodox

Catholic and Orthodox traditions honor the completion of Mary’s earthly life with distinct teachings and names.

Common in: Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican / Episcopal

Honors Bartholomew, traditionally identified as one of the twelve apostles.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

A solemn remembrance of John the Baptist’s martyrdom.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal

Celebrates the birth of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal

Honors the cross of Christ as a sign of redemption and hope.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Orthodox

Honors Matthew, apostle and evangelist.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Gives thanks for the ministry of angels and honors the archangel Michael.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Remembers Francis of Assisi and his witness of simplicity, peace, and care for creation.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Many Protestant churches celebrate Christian unity at the Lord’s Table on the first Sunday in October.

Common in: Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Baptist, Nondenominational

Honors the traditional author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

Remembers James, a leader of the early Jerusalem church.

Common in: Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Honors two of Jesus’ twelve apostles.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Commemorates the Protestant Reformation and its call to renewal in the Church.

Common in: Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Baptist

Gives thanks for the faithful witnesses who have gone before.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican / Episcopal

A Catholic day of prayerful remembrance for the faithful departed.

Common in: Catholic

A Catholic feast honoring the cathedral church of Rome and the unity of the Church.

Common in: Catholic

Many US churches offer prayers of gratitude and for veterans, their families, and peace.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Nondenominational

The traditional beginning of the Orthodox fasting season before Christmas.

Common in: Orthodox

An Orthodox and Catholic observance honoring Mary’s dedication to God.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic

The final Sunday of the Western liturgical year celebrates the reign of Christ.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Anglican / Episcopal

US congregations commonly gather near Thanksgiving for gratitude, worship, and service.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Nondenominational

Begins the Western season of hopeful preparation for Christmas.

Common in: Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal

Honors Nicholas of Myra, remembered for generosity and care for people in need.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

A Catholic solemnity celebrating Mary’s preservation from original sin from the first moment of her conception.

Common in: Catholic

A major Catholic feast with particular importance across the Americas.

Common in: Catholic

Honors an early Christian martyr and is associated with traditions of light during winter.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

The evening before Christmas, often marked by candlelight worship and Scripture readings.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Nondenominational

Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian / Reformed, Anglican / Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Nondenominational

Remembers Stephen, the first Christian martyr named in Acts.

Common in: Orthodox, Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran

A Catholic celebration of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph as the Holy Family.

Common in: Catholic

Honors John, apostle and traditional author associated with the fourth Gospel.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox

Remembers the children killed by Herod according to Matthew’s Gospel.

Common in: Catholic, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Orthodox