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Toggle Christian Calendar 2026: Complete List of Christian Holidays, Feast Days & Liturgical SeasonsThe Christian Calendar 2026 follows the Gregorian calendar and marks the most important events in the life of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Apostles, and the global Christian Church. Rooted in scripture, tradition, and centuries of worship, the Christian liturgical year guides believers through seasons of reflection, repentance, celebration, and renewal.
This detailed guide presents a month-by-month Christian calendar for 2026, including:
Major Christian holidays and feast days
Liturgical seasons such as Lent, Easter, and Advent
Fixed and movable Christian celebrations
Cultural and spiritual significance of each observance
Whether you are a believer, educator, content creator, or simply interested in Christian traditions, this article serves as a complete reference to the Christian festivals and holy days of 2026.
Understanding the Christian Liturgical CalendarThe Christian calendar is structured around the life of Jesus Christ and is divided into sacred seasons:
Advent – Preparation for Christ’s birth
Christmas – Celebration of the Nativity
Lent – Repentance and fasting
Easter – Resurrection of Jesus
Ordinary Time – Growth in faith and teaching
Some holidays occur on fixed dates (such as Christmas), while others are movable feasts, determined by the date of Easter.
January 2026 – Christmas Season and New BeginningsJanuary begins within the Christmas season, focusing on revelation, baptism, and divine guidance.
Date Christian Holiday Significance January 1 Feast of Mary, Mother of God Honors Mary’s role in salvation January 6 Epiphany Revelation of Christ to the Gentiles January 11 Baptism of the Lord Jesus begins His public ministry January 18–25 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Ecumenical unitySpiritual Meaning: Epiphany symbolizes Christ as the light of the world, revealed beyond Israel to all nations.
February 2026 – Preparation and ReflectionFebruary transitions the Church toward Lent.
Date Christian Observance Significance February 2 Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) Jesus presented at the Temple February 11 World Day of the Sick Prayer for the ill February 17 Shrove Tuesday Final day before Lent February 18 Ash Wednesday Beginning of LentAsh Wednesday marks the start of Lent, emphasizing repentance, fasting, and humility.
March 2026 – Lent and Spiritual DisciplineMarch is deeply reflective, focusing on prayer and sacrifice.
Date Christian Holiday Significance March 8 Second Sunday of Lent Spiritual growth March 19 Feast of St. Joseph Honoring Jesus’ earthly father March 25 Annunciation Angel Gabriel announces Jesus’ birthThe Annunciation celebrates Mary’s obedience and faith, nine months before Christmas.
April 2026 – Holy Week and EasterApril is the heart of the Christian calendar.
Date Christian Holiday Significance April 2 Maundy Thursday Last Supper April 3 Good Friday Crucifixion of Jesus April 4 Holy Saturday Jesus in the tomb April 5 Easter Sunday Resurrection of Christ April 12 Divine Mercy Sunday God’s mercyEaster Sunday (April 5, 2026) is the most important day in Christianity, celebrating Christ’s victory over death.
May 2026 – Resurrection and AscensionMay continues Easter joy and devotion.
Date Christian Holiday Significance May 3 Third Sunday of Easter Resurrection faith May 14 Ascension Day Jesus ascends to Heen May 31 Visitation of Mary Mary visits ElizabethMay is also traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
June 2026 – Pentecost and the ChurchJune focuses on the Holy Spirit and the mission of the Church.
Date Christian Holiday Significance June 7 Pentecost Sunday Descent of the Holy Spirit June 8 Whit Monday Continuation of Pentecost June 11 Corpus Christi Body and Blood of Christ June 19 Sacred Heart of Jesus Divine love and mercyPentecost marks the birth of the Christian Church.
July 2026 – Saints and Discipleship Date Christian Feast Significance July 3 Feast of St. Thomas Faith and belief July 22 Feast of St. Mary Magdalene Witness to Resurrection July 25 Feast of St. James Apostolic missionJuly emphasizes faithful service and discipleship.
August 2026 – Mary and Christian Hope Date Christian Holiday Significance August 6 Transfiguration of the Lord Christ revealed in glory August 15 Assumption of Mary Mary taken into Heen August 24 St. Bartholomew Apostolic witnessThe Assumption reflects Christian hope in resurrection and eternal life.
September 2026 – Faith and Service Date Christian Observance Significance September 8 Nativity of Mary Birth of the Virgin Mary September 14 Exaltation of the Holy Cross Triumph of the Cross September 29 Feast of Archangels Michael, Gabriel, Raphael October 2026 – Mission and Scripture Date Christian Holiday Significance October 4 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Love for creation October 18 World Mission Sunday Evangelization October 28 Sts. Simon and Jude Apostolic faithOctober is known as Mission Month in Christianity.
November 2026 – Remembrance and Hope Date Christian Holiday Significance November 1 All Saints’ Day Honoring all saints November 2 All Souls’ Day Prayer for the departed November 22 Christ the King Sunday Jesus reigns as KingChrist the King Sunday concludes the liturgical year.
December 2026 – Advent and Christmas Date Christian Holiday Significance November 29 First Sunday of Advent Preparation for Christmas December 8 Immaculate Conception Mary’s purity December 24 Christmas Eve Awaiting Christ’s birth December 25 Christmas Day Birth of Jesus Christ December 27 Feast of the Holy Family Family sanctity The Meaning of the Christian CalendarThe Christian Calendar 2026 is a spiritual journey through faith, sacrifice, hope, and redemption. Each season invites believers to reflect on Christ’s life and teachings while strengthening their relationship with God.
From Advent to Christmas, Lent to Easter, and Pentecost to Ordinary Time, the calendar shapes Christian worship and daily life across cultures and denominations.