As we close out 2025, the last two months of the year, November and December, have many religious, spiritual, and cultural holidays. Learn more about the holidays that happened in September and October and check out some of the holidays being celebrated in the coming weeks.
Some holidays happening in November and December are:
November 2025
October 31-November 1
Samhain: A Pagan and Wiccan festival marking the end of the harvest season, considered the Wiccan new year.
November 1
All Saints Day: Also known as All Hallows Day, is a day to honor all saints from Christian history, understanding that there is a spiritual connection between heaven and earth.
Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead): Traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2 in contemporary Mexico and among those of Mexican heritage in the U.S. On this day, souls of the dead return to visit their living family members, with many people celebrating by visiting the graves of deceased loved ones and setting up ofrendas (altars) with their favorite foods, drink, and photos. A few prominent symbols related to the Day of the Dead include calacas (skeletons) and calaveras (skulls). You can wish someone a happy Day of the Dead by saying, “Feliz día de los Muertos.”
November 2
All Souls Day: This Catholic holy day marked with prayer and worship commemorates the souls of all the faithful departed.
November 5
Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birthday: A day commemorating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji who founded Sikhism
Dev Diwali/ Dev Deepavali: This full moon celebration, known as “the Diwali of the Gods,” takes place 15 days after Diwali. Dev Diwali commemorates the Hindu goddess Ganga ma — the personification of the river Ganges. According to Hindu mythology ,the gods descend to earth to bathe in the Ganges each year.
November 24
Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib: Martyred for his sacrifice to protect the rights of religious freedom for Sikhs and non-Sikhs alike, the ninth Sikh Guru is commemorated on this day.
November 27
Ascension of Abdu’l-Baha: This sacred day commemorates the death of Bahá’í leader, Abdu’l-Baha, who modeled key principles of the Bahá’í faith throughout his life, serving as an example for the faith’s followers.
November 30
St. Andrews Day: A Christian feast day celebrating the life of St. Andrew, who is known as the “first-called” of Jesus’ twelve disciples.
November 30-December 24
Advent: (originates from the Latin word, adventus, meaning “coming”) A season observed by the Christian calendar as a time of waiting and preparation for the birth of Jesus (celebrated at Christmas on December 25).
November is Native American Heritage Month which celebrates the contributions — including cultures, traditions, and histories — of Indigenous people to the United States.
December 2025
December 6
St. Nicholas Day: This Christian holiday commemorates Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children.
December 8
Bodhi Day: The Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment, also known as “bodhi” in Sanskrit and Pali. Bodhi Day generally is observed quietly, and may include meditation or chanting practices, bodhi tree decorations or simple tea and cookies.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception: The day that Roman Catholics celebrate Mary’s conception without original sin.
December 12
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Feast Day): Commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego, an Indigenous man, in Mexico in 1531. The feast day is an important holiday in Mexico as well for Mexican Americans to celebrate their religious and cultural identity.
December 14-22
Hanukkah (Chanukah): An 8-day celebration in the Jewish faith tradition that is the “festival of lights,” during which gifts are given, and each day a candle of the Menorah is ritualistically lit. Other observances include dreidel games and serving of the traditional latke pancake.
December 16-24
Las Posadas: (“The Inns” in Spanish) A religious festival celebrated in Mexico and parts of the U.S. during the Christmas season, commemorating the journey that Joseph and Mary made to Bethlehem where Jesus was born. Each evening during the festival, a child is dressed as an angel and leads a procession through the streets of the town.
December 21
Yule: A Pagan and Wiccan holiday that celebrates the winter solstice, where themes of light, fire, and feasting are common threads.
December 22
Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday: Commemorates the birth of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru and spiritual leader.
December 25
Christmas: An important Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus.
December 26
St. Stephen’s Feast Day: The day commemorating St. Stephen’s life and service to the poor as he became the first Christian martyr.
December 26 – January 1
Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African American culture, with a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. Traditions often include combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations as well as songs, dances, storytelling, and a shared meal.
