The four great seasons
Advent
The four Sundays before Christmas. A season of waiting and preparation. Many churches light an Advent wreath, with one new candle each Sunday. Begins late November or early December.
Christmas (Christmastide)
December 25 begins the 12-day Christmas season, ending with Epiphany on January 6. Major feast days: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Holy Family Sunday, Mary Mother of God (Catholic, Jan 1), Epiphany.
Lent
The 40 days (excluding Sundays) before Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday. A season of repentance, fasting, and prayer. Many Christians give up something for Lent.
Easter (Eastertide)
Easter Sunday — the highest holy day of the Christian year — begins a 50-day season ending at Pentecost. Date varies each year (between March 22 and April 25).
Holy Week
- Palm Sunday — Sunday before Easter; commemorates Christ's entry into Jerusalem
- Holy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — preparation
- Maundy Thursday — commemorates the Last Supper
- Good Friday — commemorates the crucifixion
- Holy Saturday — vigil; in many traditions, the Easter Vigil is held this evening
- Easter Sunday — celebration of the Resurrection
Other major holy days
- Ash Wednesday — first day of Lent. Ashes are placed on the forehead.
- Pentecost — 50 days after Easter. Commemorates the Holy Spirit's descent.
- Trinity Sunday — Sunday after Pentecost
- All Saints Day — November 1. Honors all the saints.
- All Souls Day — November 2. Prayers for the deceased.
- Christ the King Sunday — last Sunday before Advent
Catholic / Orthodox feasts
- Annunciation (March 25)
- Assumption / Dormition of Mary (August 15)
- Nativity of Mary (September 8)
- Feast of the Holy Cross (September 14)
- Immaculate Conception (December 8)
- Various saint days throughout the year
How different traditions observe
- Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican / Episcopal, Lutheran, Methodist: follow the full liturgical calendar.
- Reformed, Presbyterian: observe the major feasts (Christmas, Easter, Pentecost) but often less of the surrounding calendar.
- Baptist, evangelical, non-denominational: emphasize Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday; Holy Week and Lent observance varies widely.
Where to attend a holy day service
Almost every U.S. church holds special services on Christmas Eve and Easter. Many also offer Ash Wednesday and Good Friday services. Browse our directory to find a church near you, then check their website for holy day schedules.