December 2026 Events Celebrations & Special Days
Image Credit: Rodion Kutsaev
Events, celebrations, awareness events, saint's days, annual campaigns, major sporting events - UK and global festivities happening in December 2026.
It's the final month of the year, and in December we look forward to Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa as well as looking ahead to 2027 on New Year's Eve.
Whether you are a parent, a carer, a teacher or just want to know what is going on this month, here are the key dates and events happening this December in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as around the world.
Advent Begins
1st Dec 2026
Advent is the 24 days leading up to Christmas, when Christians prepare for Christmas. It is often celebrated by lighting Advent Candles and opening the doors of Advent calendars.
– Best Toy-Filled Advent Calendars for Kids
Elf On The Shelf Returns
1st Dec 2026
If you are a fan of the all-seeing Elf, today is the day he returns to your house to welcome Christmas!
– Free Elf on the Shelf Knitting Patterns
Antarctica Day
1st Dec 2026
Antarctica Day celebrate the 1st December 1959 signature of the Antarctic Treaty. The Treaty has ensured that Antarctica remains a natural reserve, devoted to peace and science.
International Day of People with Disabilities
3rd Dec 2026
A day to recognize and value the diversity of our global community, and to cherish the role we all play, regardless of our abilities. The aim of the day is to break down barriers to inclusion and advocate for the rights of people with disability.
Purple Sock Day
3rd Dec 2026
Coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Purple Sock Day asks us to show solidarity by wearing purple socks.
International Cheetah Day
4th Dec 2026
The world's fastest land animal is racing against extinction. This day is about raising awarness of the cheetah's imminant extinction.
Hanukkah
4th Dec to 12th Dec 2026
The Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
St. Nicholas Day
5th Dec to 6th Dec 2026
Celebrated across mainland Europe, St. Nicholas has reputation as a bringer of gifts. Children will often receive a small gift, such as their shoes will be filled with sweets.
Bodhi Day
8th Dec 2026
Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha (Shakyamuni) is said to have attained enlightenment. It is celebrated by meditation, carrying out kind acts and eating a traditional meal of cake, tea and readings.
Human Rights Day
10th Dec 2026
The anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations. It is usually marked by high level political events and conferences.
International Mountain Day
11th Dec 2026
This UN designated day is to raise awareness about the importance of mountains to life and bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.
Saint Lucia Day
13th Dec 2026
St. Lucy's Day, which is celebrated on many european countries, but mainly in Scandanavia. It is a festival of light celebrated with a ceremony where a girl is chosen to represent the saint wearing a white dress and a crown of candles.
How To Celebrate St. Lucia Day
Jane Austen Day
16th Dec 2026
Jane Austen's birthday, and a day dedicated to celebrating her life and achievements, and to telling as many people as possible about her amazing works.
National Robin Day
21st Dec 2026
An annual nationwide event raising awareness of small birds and other wildlife in winter and how you can help them through this tough time of year.
Summer Solstice (Southern Hemisphere)
21st Dec 2026
This day is the first day of astronomical summer in the souther hemisphere. Also known as midsummer.
More About The Summer Solstice
Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere)
22nd Dec 2026
The winter solstice represents the beginning of the astronomical winter and is the shortest day - the day with the least daylight.
More About The Winter Solstice
Christmas Eve
24th Dec 2026
On the day before Christmas, it is your last chance to buy presents and get them wrapped, or just sit back, relax and anticipate the big day!
– What Do I Put In A Christmas Eve Box?
Christmas Day
25th Dec 2026
The Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated around the world in a more secular way to bring some festive cheer to the cold winter months and dark nights.
Everything Christmas - From Gift Guides To Crafts, Movies and Books
– Create Your Free Printable Father Christmas Letter Now!
Boxing Day
26th Dec 2026
The day after Christmas, where traditionally servants were given a 'Christmas box', usually a gift or money for good service throughout the year.
– Best Christmas Skating Rinks in the UK
Kwanzaa
26th Dec to 1st Jan 2026
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African heritage. It was created in 1966 to give people of colour an alternative to Christmas where they could celebrate their heritage and culture.
New Year's Eve
31st Dec 2026
It is the last day of the year, so let's look forward to 2027 and celebrate the coming year.
– Free Printable 2026 Calendar
Here are some more important events that are coming soon.
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