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Friday, October 23, 2026
No federal or major public holiday observed today across tracked regions.
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Library at a glance
267 briefs · 48 iconic · 5 categories · 55 countries
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267 briefs across the calendar - click a month to filter
Showing 19 briefs in Dec.
Clear filtersFederal holiday(2)
Rizal Day in the Philippines (Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Rizal) - December 30, the martyrdom of José Rizal
Rizal Day (Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Rizal) on December 30 is a regular public holiday in the Philippines marking the 1896 execution of José Rizal, the national hero whose novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are foundational texts of Philippine independence. The day is observed with flag ceremonies at Rizal Park in Manila and nationwide.
Dia de la Constitucion (Spanish Constitution Day) - December 6, the 1978 Constitution and the bridge weekend
Dia de la Constitucion on December 6 marks the 1978 Spanish Constitution ratified by referendum with 88 percent support, signed by King Juan Carlos I, and anchors the four-day Puente de la Constitucion weekend with Immaculada.
Cultural celebration(3)
Boxing Day - December 26, the British Commonwealth post-Christmas holiday, origins, and how it is observed
Boxing Day on December 26 is a public holiday in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most Commonwealth countries. Originally a day for tipping servants and giving boxes of food to the poor, now observed as a major shopping and sporting event.
Yalda Night - the Persian winter solstice, the birth of Mithra, and the family vigil
Yalda Night is the Persian winter solstice celebration, observed on the longest night of the year (December 20-21). The festival marks the birth of Mithra, the ancient sun god, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Yule - the Wiccan and Germanic celebration of the winter solstice, the rebirth of the sun, and the longest night of the year
Yule is the Wiccan and Neo-Pagan celebration of the winter solstice, observed around December 20-23 in the Northern Hemisphere. The festival marks the longest night of the year and the point at which the days begin to lengthen again, associated with the rebirth of the sun and the return of light.
Religious observance(5)
Christmas - December 25, federal holiday, religious origins, and how it is observed
Christmas on December 25 is a US federal holiday and a Christian religious feast marking the birth of Jesus. One of 11 federal holidays under 5 U.S.C. 6103. Observed with religious services, family gatherings, gift exchange, and seasonal displays.
Galungan - the Balinese day of dharma's return, and the 210-day pawukon cycle
Galungan is the Balinese Hindu festival marking the return of dharma after Bhatara Guru's descent into the underworld. It always falls on a Wednesday and recurs on a 210-day pawukon cycle, so Bali sees it roughly twice a Gregorian year.
Hanukkah - the 8-day Jewish festival of lights on 25 Kislev, and how it is observed
Hanukkah is the 8-day Jewish festival of lights on 25 Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 164 BCE and the miracle of the oil. Public holiday in Israel; widely observed across US Jewish communities.
Immaculate Conception (Immacolata Concezione / Inmaculada Concepción) - December 8, the Catholic dogma of Mary’s preservation from original sin
The Immaculate Conception on December 8 is a Catholic solemnity observing the dogma that the Virgin Mary was preserved from original sin from the moment of her conception. The day is a national public holiday in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Austria, and the principal Marian feast of the Catholic liturgical calendar.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) - December 12, the 1531 apparition of the Virgin of Tepeyac
Our Lady of Guadalupe (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) on December 12 is the patronal feast of Mexico, commemorating the 1531 apparition of the Virgin Mary to Juan Diego on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City. The day is one of the most-searched religious observances in Latin America and draws an estimated 8-10 million pilgrims to the Basilica of Guadalupe each year.
International observance(8)
Giving Tuesday - the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving, and how the giving-day movement spread
Giving Tuesday on the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving (Nov 24, 2026) is an international day of charitable giving, founded in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y and the United Nations Foundation. Observed in the United States, Canada, the UK, and 60+ countries. Not a federal holiday.
New Years Eve - December 31, countdown, fireworks, and how the world rings in the new year
New Years Eve on December 31 is the night before the Gregorian New Year, observed globally with midnight countdown, fireworks, family gatherings, and large public celebrations. Not a federal holiday in itself, but a major cultural and commercial event.
World Soil Day - December 5, the UN observance of soils, food security, and the 2024 African Decade
World Soil Day on December 5 is the UN-recognised annual observance of soil health, food security, and sustainable land management. Established by the UN General Assembly in 2014. Anchors the Global Soil Partnership and the African Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan (2024).
Human Rights Day - December 10, the UN day marking the 1948 Universal Declaration
Human Rights Day on December 10 commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the UN General Assembly in 1948. Recognized annually by the United Nations and over 100 countries. Not a public holiday in most countries, though it is a public holiday in South Africa.
International Migrants Day - December 18, UN observance since 1990
International Migrants Day on December 18 is a United Nations observance established in 1990 to mark the adoption of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. Not a public holiday.
International Mountain Day - December 11, the UN day raising awareness of mountain ecosystems
International Mountain Day on December 11 is a UN-recognised day established by UN General Assembly Resolution 57/245 in 2002. First observed in 2003. Raises awareness of the importance of mountain ecosystems, the role of mountains in sustainable development, and the challenges faced by mountain dwellers.
International Volunteer Day - December 5, UN observance celebrating volunteer work since 1985
International Volunteer Day on December 5 is a United Nations observance established in 1985 to recognise the contribution of volunteers to society. Each year the UN Volunteers programme publishes a flagship report. Not a public holiday.
World AIDS Day - December 1, the WHO observance on HIV awareness
World AIDS Day on December 1 is the WHO annual observance of HIV prevention, treatment, and stigma reduction. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988, it is one of the longest-running international health awareness days. Not a public holiday.