PCS to UK
Holidays in the U.K.
Stars and Stripes
June 9, 2026
Summer carnivals and festivals in the U.K. are diverse events held for many reasons. (Altaf Shah - stock.adobe.com)
Our 2026-2027 “Welcome to The U.K.” magazine is a guide for newcomers and is a vital resource for understanding your new home in England.
Dec. 31–Jan. 1 | New Year’s
To ring in the New Year, many folks will head out to parties with friends at local pubs, go to fireworks celebrations in large cities or participate in a local fire festival. The biggest celebration is Hogmanay in Edinburgh, with a massive party, torchlight parade and fireworks. Some folks will ensure that the first guest across their threshold brings luck as a first footing.
March 17 | Saint Patrick’s Day
Irish communities across the country host events on this day, and many folks choose to have a Guinness at the local Irish pub. The largest celebration in England is the Birmingham parade. Across the Irish Sea, celebrations are held at sites affiliated with the saint in Armagh and Downpatrick. Over the border in Ireland, Dublin hosts a three-day festival.
March 26–29, 2027 | Easter Holidays
A local family holiday, the long Easter weekend is a religious observance for some and a spring celebration for others. Egg hunts for all ages and a special Sunday roast are popular. Expect closures on Friday and Monday.
May 3, 2027 | May Day
One of the oldest holidays in the U.K., May Day marks the beginning of summer and has its roots in the pre-Christian Beltane celebration. Towns may erect a May pole and host spring festivals with folk dancers. Expect businesses to be closed.
May 31, 2027 | Late May Bank Holiday
This national day off originated as a Christian holy day. Many people use the long weekend for outdoor adventures or weekend city breaks. Expect business closures.
June 21 | Summer Solstice
While not an official holiday, this longest day of the year is prime time for midsummer festivals. Many pre-Christian sites like Stonehenge and Avebury see large gatherings.
Summer | Festival Time
The summer months are full of events across the U.K. The largest include the five-day Glastonbury Festival of performance art and Edinburgh’s three-week Festival Fringe arts fest. You could also celebrate electronica at Creamfields, rock at the Reading & Leeds Festival, hip-hop at London’s Wireless Festival, or a little something for everyone at Latitude.
Aug. 31, 2026, Aug. 30, 2027 | August Bank Holiday
In Scotland, this day off is held on the first Monday in August, while the rest of the U.K. gets the final Monday of the month to create a long weekend. Expect closures.
Nov. 5 | Bonfire night
In 1605, Guy Fawkes was caught trying to blow up the Houses of Parliament and King James I. He and his co-conspirators were executed and the country still celebrates that the traitors were brought to justice. Expect festivities over the weekends around Nov. 5 with bonfires, effigies of Fawkes being burned, festival foods and fireworks.
Nov. 11 | Remembrance Day
This memorial day commemorates British servicemembers from the world wars and conflicts since that time. While not a day off of work, a two-minute moment of silence is held across the country at 11 o’clock. Most memorial services and wreath laying ceremonies are held on the affiliated Remembrance Sunday (the second Sunday of November). At this time, you will see many people wearing red poppies.
Dec. 25–26 | Christmas Holidays
During the Christmas season in the UK, entertainment becomes a staple of the dark wintry days. Pantomimes (pantos) are popular comedic performances, as are ghost stories and spooky TV shows. Markets will spring up in cities, and many castles and manor houses host light displays. Greenery and Christmas trees are used for decoration both inside and out. Christmas day is a family event with gift-giving, turkey dinners, wearing crowns and telling jokes from crackers. Many will stop to watch the King’s Christmas Speech. Boxing day, on Dec. 26, tends to be a day to visit extended family or close friends. n