As we eagerly anticipate the next big event, there’s something special about counting down the days until our favourite holidays. Whether it’s the excitement of Christmas, the fun of Halloween, or the warmth of Bonfire Night, there’s a certain joy in knowing exactly how many days are left. 

In this post, we’ll explore the countdowns to some of the UK’s most loved holidays, including Christmas, New Year, Easter, and three others that deserve a special mention: Valentine’s Day, Halloween, and Bonfire Night. 

Let’s dive into the countdowns and also look ahead to the exact dates for each of these celebrations in the coming years!

Countdown to Christmas: How Many Days Left Until Xmas Day?

Christmas is the most anticipated holiday of the year, with the excitement building for weeks as people prepare for family gatherings, gift exchanges, and festive meals. Knowing exactly how many days are left until 25th December makes the anticipation even more exciting.

Christmas Dates for the Next Few Years:

• Christmas 2025: Thursday 25th December

• Christmas 2026: Friday 25th December

• Christmas 2027: Saturday 25th December

Why Do We Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is celebrated to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, who is a central figure in Christianity. The holiday, observed on 25th December each year, is a time for Christians to reflect on the values of love, kindness, and giving. Over time, Christmas has also become a cultural celebration in the UK, with traditions like decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends. The holiday’s spirit of joy and generosity transcends religious boundaries, making it a favourite time of year for many.

Countdown to New Year's Eve: How Many Days Until NYE?

New Year’s Eve, celebrated on 31st December, marks the final day of the year. It’s a night for parties, fireworks, and reflecting on the past year while eagerly awaiting the new one. Knowing how many days are left can help you prepare for the celebrations and ensure you’re ready to ring in the new year.

New Year's Eve Dates for the Next Few Years:

• New Year’s Eve 2025: Wednesday 31st December

• New Year’s Eve 2026: Thursday 31st December

• New Year’s Eve 2027: Friday 31st December

Countdown to Easter: How Many Days Until Easter Sunday?

Easter is a holiday that varies each year, and in 2025, it will be celebrated on Sunday 20th April. It’s a time for reflection, family gatherings, and fun activities like Easter egg hunts. Keep track of how many days are left so you can plan your Easter weekend accordingly.

Easter Dates for the Next Few Years:

• Easter 2025: Sunday 20th April

• Easter 2026: Sunday 5th April

• Easter 2027: Sunday 28th March

Why Is Easter Celebrated on Different Dates Each Year?

Easter doesn’t have a fixed date because it is based on the lunar calendar rather than the standard Gregorian calendar. In the UK, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21st March, which is the approximate date of the spring equinox. This calculation means Easter can fall between 22nd March and 25th April. The Church chose this method because Easter is linked to the Jewish festival of Passover, which also follows a lunar calendar. This tradition ensures that Easter is always celebrated in spring, marking renewal and resurrection.

Countdown to Valentine’s Day: How Many Days Until St Valentine's Day?

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on 14th February, is a day for love, affection, and heartfelt gestures. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or simply want to surprise someone special, it's always nice to know exactly how many days are left until this occasion.

Valentine’s Day Dates for the Next Few Years:

• Valentine’s Day 2025: Friday 14th February

• Valentine’s Day 2026: Saturday 14th February

• Valentine’s Day 2027: Sunday 14th February

Countdown to Halloween: How Many Days Left Until Halloween?

Halloween, held on 31st October, is a spooky celebration that’s loved by both kids and adults. From trick-or-treating to fancy-dress parties, it’s a time when creativity runs wild. Knowing exactly how many days are left can help you prepare for your haunted house or costume party!

Halloween Dates for the Next Few Years:

• Halloween 2025: Friday 31st October

• Halloween 2026: Saturday 31st October

• Halloween 2027: Sunday 31st October

Why Does the UK Celebrate Halloween?

Halloween, celebrated on 31st October, has its roots in both pagan and Christian traditions, though today it is largely a non-religious celebration. The holiday originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and the dead was thin, allowing spirits to roam freely. To ward off these spirits, people lit bonfires and wore costumes.

With the spread of Christianity, All Hallows' Eve (the evening before All Saints' Day on 1st November) began to merge with Samhain. Over time, Halloween evolved into a fun and community-focused event, centred around activities like trick-or-treating, costume parties, and pumpkin carving. Today, Halloween in the UK is mostly celebrated for entertainment, without much religious significance. While some Christians may not celebrate it due to its pagan and secular origins, it remains a popular event for many.

Countdown to Bonfire Night: How Many Days Until Guy Fawkes Fireworks Night?

Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is celebrated on 5th November each year. It's a night full of fireworks, bonfires, and remembering the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605. This tradition has become an integral part of British culture, with many people gathering in parks, backyards or at organised fireworks events in their local communities to enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays.

Bonfire Night Dates for the Next Few Years:

• Bonfire Night 2025: Wednesday 5th November

• Bonfire Night 2026: Thursday 5th November

• Bonfire Night 2027: Friday 5th November

Why Do We Celebrate Guy Fawkes?

Guy Fawkes Night, also known as Bonfire Night, is celebrated in the UK on 5th November each year. The tradition marks the failed attempt by Guy Fawkes and his co-conspirators to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605, an event known as the Gunpowder Plot. Fawkes, a Catholic, and his fellow conspirators aimed to assassinate King James I and restore Catholic rule in England. However, their plan was foiled when Fawkes was caught guarding the gunpowder beneath the Parliament building.

The King’s survival and the plot’s failure were seen as a victory for Protestantism, and Bonfire Night became an annual event of thanksgiving. People lit bonfires and set off fireworks to celebrate the King’s safety. Over time, the tradition evolved into a national celebration, with bonfires, fireworks displays, and the burning of effigies of Guy Fawkes. Today, Guy Fawkes Night is celebrated with family gatherings, firework displays, and community events, often without much focus on the historical events themselves, but rather as a fun occasion to enjoy the spectacle and warmth of bonfires.

There's Always Something to Look Forward To!

Whether it’s the romantic anticipation of Valentine’s Day, the spooky fun of Halloween, or the spectacular fireworks of Bonfire Night, there are so many reasons to start counting down the days. By keeping track of these key holidays, you can ensure you're prepared in advance, whether it's for gifts, parties, or quiet reflections.

As we get closer to these holidays, we can’t help but feel the excitement build. Make sure to come back next year for updated countdowns to all your favourite celebrations, and enjoy the planning and festivities along the way!