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Christian Holidays 2026-2027

Complete calendar of Christian observances with dates for Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions

The Christian calendar revolves around two anchor points: the birth of Jesus (Christmas, December 25) and the resurrection of Jesus (Easter, a movable date each spring). Most other holidays are calculated relative to these two dates.

Some holidays fall on the same date every year (fixed). Others move based on the date of Easter (movable). Where Western (Catholic/Protestant) and Eastern Orthodox dates differ, both are listed.

Movable holidays (based on Easter)

Movable Christian holidays 2026-2027
Holiday20262027Notes
Ash WednesdayFeb 18, 2026Feb 10, 2027Start of Lent (40 days before Easter, excluding Sundays)
Palm SundayMar 29, 2026Mar 21, 2027Sunday before Easter
Maundy ThursdayApr 2, 2026Mar 25, 2027Commemoration of the Last Supper
Good FridayApr 3, 2026Mar 26, 2027Crucifixion of Jesus
Easter Sunday (Western)Apr 5, 2026Mar 28, 2027Resurrection of Jesus (Catholic and Protestant)
Easter Sunday (Orthodox)Apr 12, 2026May 2, 2027Follows the Julian calendar calculation
Ascension DayMay 14, 2026May 6, 202740 days after Easter (Thursday)
PentecostMay 24, 2026May 16, 202750 days after Easter
Trinity SundayMay 31, 2026May 23, 2027Sunday after Pentecost
Corpus ChristiJun 4, 2026May 27, 2027Catholic; Thursday after Trinity Sunday
Advent beginsNov 29, 2026Nov 28, 2027Four Sundays before Christmas

Fixed-date holidays

Fixed-date Christian holidays
Holiday20262027Notes
EpiphanyJan 6, 2026Jan 6, 2027Celebration of the Magi visiting Jesus
CandlemasFeb 2, 2026Feb 2, 2027Presentation of Jesus at the Temple
AnnunciationMar 25, 2026Mar 25, 2027Angel Gabriel announces to Mary
Assumption of MaryAug 15, 2026Aug 15, 2027Catholic; not observed in most Protestant churches
All Saints' DayNov 1, 2026Nov 1, 2027
All Souls' DayNov 2, 2026Nov 2, 2027Commemoration of the faithful departed
Christmas EveDec 24, 2026Dec 24, 2027
Christmas DayDec 25, 2026Dec 25, 2027Birth of Jesus Christ

Why does Easter move every year?

Easter is set by a rule established at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD: it falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after the spring equinox (March 21). Because the full moon shifts each year, Easter can fall anywhere between March 22 and April 25.

Orthodox churches use the same rule but calculate it using the older Julian calendar, which is why Orthodox Easter often falls on a different date (sometimes the same, sometimes weeks apart).

Western vs. Orthodox dates

The main difference comes from which calendar is used to calculate Easter:

Western (Catholic/Protestant)

Uses the Gregorian calendar. Easter 2026: April 5. Easter 2027: March 28.

Eastern Orthodox

Uses the Julian calendar for Easter calculation. Easter 2026: April 12. Easter 2027: May 2.

Christmas is December 25 in both traditions, but some Orthodox churches celebrate it on January 7 (the Gregorian equivalent of December 25 on the Julian calendar).

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Easter 2026?

Western Easter falls on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

When is Easter 2027?

Western Easter falls on Sunday, March 28, 2027. Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday, May 2, 2027.

When does Lent start in 2026?

Lent 2026 begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, and lasts 40 days (not counting Sundays) until Easter.

When does Advent start in 2026?

Advent 2026 begins on Sunday, November 29, 2026, four Sundays before Christmas Day.

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