Dive into the uk’s rich history and contemporary culture

Holidays
Dive into the UK’s rich history and contemporary culture

Enjoy the world-famous events, local celebrations and public holidays that take place throughout the year.
On public holidays (usually referred to as ‘bank holidays’ in the UK) most public institutions and businesses are closed. The dates on which these holidays fall, in some cases, differ in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some of the events below are bank holidays, but not all – there are great things happening in the UK all year round.
Calendar
January - February
1 January: New Year's Day
On New Year’s Eve (31 December) it’s traditional to celebrate with friends and family, with a focus on the stroke of midnight. Festivities take place across the four nations, with Edinburgh’s ‘Hogmanay' being one of the greatest outdoor celebrations of New Year's Eve in the world. New Year’s Day (1 January) is a public holiday so expect the celebrations to last well into the night, or - in many cases - the morning.
Late January-early February: Lunar New Year
T
o usher in Lunar New Year, in many streets in UK cities, you'll find food stalls, fireworks, red lanterns and dragon parades - among other things. London’s Lunar New Year celebrations are the biggest outside of Asia, and offer an explosion of colour, sounds and pleasant aromas.

14 February: Valentine’s Day
Although there is not a bank holiday to mark this day, you will feel its presence in the lead up with shop fronts being lined with red roses, bouquets of flowers, chocolates, teddy bears and Valentine's cards. It's common for couples to exchange gifts and go out for dinner together.
For those who would rather celebrate platonic love between friends, 'Valentine's Day' which falls on February 13, is a chance to shower your lady friends - single or coupled - with love and attention. Just a bit more than usual.
March - April
17 March: Saint Patrick’s Day
For those of you who don't know already, Saint Patrick's Day is celebrated by Irish communities - and many others - around the world. Most cities in the UK host their own official Saint Patrick's Day celebrations, while many people choose to celebrate instead in venues around where they live or even throw parties at home.
So, this is your chance to celebrate by dressing up in green, grabbing a pint of Guinness (if it takes your fancy) and heading out - or staying in - with your friends.