Holidays in the United Kingdom

January 1 New Year's Day. New Year's Eve is the last day of the year, 31 December. The biggest fireworksdisplay in England is in central London. Many people go to Big Ben, the famous clock tower, to hear it ring 12 times at midnight and then watch the fireworks over the River Thames. 

March 17 St. Patrick's Day Shamrocks (when St. Patrick arrived in Ireland he used the shamrock to visually explain Christianity’s Holy Trinity)The color green (While St. Patrick was originally represented by shades of blue, with the rising popularity of the shamrock symbol came an abundance of green)Patrick was British but was most known for bringing Christianity to Ireland. Unlike most missionaries, Patrick incorporated Irish traditions into his Christian teachings rather than eliminating native beliefs.

March 17 St. Patrick's Day. Leprechauns (have longbeen a beloved part of Irish folklore – mischievous fairies who, when captured by a human, must grant three wishes to be freed)Irish music & the harp. Many pubs and restaurants offer traditional Irish dishes such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread.

Good Friday. It`s the Friday before Easter. It commemorates the day Jesus Christ was crucified and for many Christians is one of the most important times of year. At this time of year it is customary in the UK to eat “hot cross buns”, a spiced sweet bun made with currants or raisins, marked with a cross on the top. March 29

March 31 EASTEREaster an important timeof year for Christians worldwide and in the UK it is celebrated by going to church, gifting chocolate eggs, decorating with Easter bunnies. In the UK, as well as manyother countries, lots of people take part in Easter egg hunts, and go hunting for chocolate eggs in parks and gardens. Egg rolling is also popular in many places. Eggs are boiled, then painted and then rolled down a hill. The challenge is to roll your egg down the hill without it breaking!

May Day May 1 or May Day is an ancient celebration of spring and the rebirth taking place in nature. It traditionally involves Maypole dancing with a tradition of decorating a tall pole with colorful ribbons, crowning a May Queen as a human replica for the Roman goddess Flora.1st Monday in May

December 25 CHRISTMASChristmas in Britain, and mostparticularly in England, is the biggest party season of the year. Exchanging Christmas cards is a longstanding tradition in the UK. People send cards to friends, family, and colleagues to convey holiday greetings and warm wishes. Decorating Christmas tree is awidespread tradition in the UK. Families often decorate their trees with lights, baubles, tinsel, and other ornaments.

December 25 CHRISTMASChristmas dinner is a significant event in the UK. The traditional meal includes roast turkey or goose, along with stuffing, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets (sausages wrapped in bacon)Mince pies are a quintessential Christmas treat in the UK. These small pastries are filled with mincemeat (a mixture of dried fruits, spices, sugar, and sometimes brandy)

December 26 Boxing Day. A public holiday known forshopping, sports events, and visiting friends and family. Many will use it as a day toeat leftovers (mainly turkey sandwiches), binge-watch Christmas films and generally continue the festivities. Boxing Day is also knownfor its sporting events, particularly football (soccer) matches.