Looking Ahead: Holidays Worldwide 2025

With half of 2024 behind us, it’s time to focus on the upcoming international holidays 2024 and start planning for the world holidays 2025. Whether you’re tracking global holidays in 2024 for business or gearing up for global celebrations in 2025, this guide on holidays worldwide will help you stay prepared with the right global holiday calendar.

Planning for Global Holidays 2025

As we move into 2025, staying updated with the world calendar of holidays will help you make the most of the year. The global holiday calendar ensures you’re prepared for key celebrations, such as:

• New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025): A universal celebration to kick off the year.
• Chinese New Year (February 1, 2025): Celebrated across Asia and other parts of the world, this is a major event on the world calendar of holidays.
• Easter (April 20, 2025): Observed worldwide, Easter is a significant occasion in the global holidays calendar.
• Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr (March 29  April 28, 2025): Celebrated by Muslims globally, Ramadan and Eid are prominent entries on the international holidays calendar.

Upcoming International Holidays in 2025

Tracking upcoming international holidays is key to ensuring smooth business operations and taking part in cultural festivities. All important holidays to watch for include:

January 2025

• January 1: Celebrates New Year’s Day, a major event in the holidays worldwide calendar.
• January 4: World Braille Day, recognized globally as part of the international holidays.
• January 6: Marks Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, a significant Christian holiday included in the global calendar of holidays.
• January 14: Features Orthodox New Year, a notable religious holiday in Eastern Europe, part of the holidays worldwide.
• January 20: Includes Presidential Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, both celebrated in the United States and featured in the global holiday calendar.
• January 21: Celebrates International Hug Day, observed globally as part of holidays around the world.
• January 24: Recognizes International Day of Education, part of the international holidays calendar.
• January 26: Marks Australia Day, an important national holiday in Australia, is included in the world holidays calendar.
• January 27: Commemorates International Holocaust Remembrance Day, observed globally as part of holidays worldwide.
• January 29: Celebrates Lunar New Year, an important event in China, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and other countries, featured in the global calendar of holidays.

February 2025

• February is Black History Month in the United States and Canada.
• February 2: Groundhog Day in the United States and Setsubun Festival in Japan are part of holidays worldwide.
• February 6: Waitangi Day in New Zealand is included in the global calendar of holidays.
• February 9: The NFL Super Bowl in the United States and World Pizza Day globally are featured in holidays around the world.
• February 11: International Day of Women and Girls in Science is a notable global holiday.
• February 12: The Chinese Lantern Festival in China is part of the holidays worldwide calendar.
• February 14: Valentine’s Day is celebrated globally in the global holidays calendar.
• February 15: Yokote Kamakura Festival in Japan is listed in the holidays worldwide.
• February 17: Presidents’ Day in the United States and Family Day in Canada are key international holidays.
• February 21: International Mother Language Day is recognized globally in holidays around the world.
• February 27: Dominican Independence Day in the Dominican Republic is featured in the global holiday calendar.
• February 28: Ramadan begins, and Rio Carnival starts in Brazil, both included in the worldwide holiday calendar.

March 2025

• March 1: St. David’s Day in Wales.
• March 3: Hinamatsuri in Japan and World Wildlife Day globally.
• March 4: Mardi Gras, a Christian holiday.
• March 5: Ash Wednesday, another Christian holiday.
• March 8: International Women’s Day globally and Rio Carnival ends in Brazil.
• March 9: Daylight Savings starts in the USA.
• March 13: Purim, a Jewish holiday.
• March 14: Pi Day, White Day in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, and Holi, a Hindu holiday.
• March 15: Red Nose Day in the UK and Consumer’s Day in Brazil.
• March 17: St. Patrick’s Day, an Irish and Christian holiday.
• March 20: Persian New Year (Nowruz) in Iran, International Day of Happiness globally, and Start of Spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
• March 21: World Poetry Day globally.
• March 25: Greek Independence Day in Greece and Waffle Day in Sweden, Norway, and Denmark.
• March 27: Hanami in Japan. Cherry trees bloom from late March to early May.
• March 29: Ramadan ends, an Islamic holiday.
• March 30: Mother’s Day in the UK.

April 2025

• April 1: Celebrates April Fools’ Day globally.
• April 4: Marks the Qingming Festival in China.
• April 12: Passover begins, a Jewish holiday.
• April 13: Thai New Year (Songkran) in Thailand.
• April 18: Observes Good Friday, a Christian holiday.
• April 19: Passover ends.
• April 20: Celebrates Easter Sunday, a Christian holiday.
• April 21: Includes Easter Monday and Tiradentes Day in Brazil.
• April 22: Marks Earth Day globally.
• April 23: Features St. George’s Day in the UK and Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel.
• April 25: Observes Anzac Remembrance Day in Australia and New Zealand and Festa della Liberazione in Italy.
• April 27: Celebrates Koningsdag (King’s Day) in the Netherlands and World Design Day globally.
• April 29: Golden Week starts in Japan.
• April 30: Marks Memorial Day in Israel.

May 2025

• May 1: Celebrates Independence Day in Israel and International Labour Day globally.
• May 4: Marks Star Wars Day, a global holiday.
• May 5: Includes Cinco de Mayo in Mexico, Liberation Day in the Netherlands, Early May Bank Holiday in the UK, and the end of Golden Week in Japan.
• May 8: Observes Parent’s Day in South Korea.
• May 9: Celebrates Europe Day across Europe.
• May 11: Marks Mother’s Day in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.
• May 15: Features International Day of Families globally.
• May 16: Observes National Bike to Work Day in the United States.
• May 17: Celebrates Vyshyvanka Day in Ukraine.
• May 18: Marks International Museum Day globally.
• May 19: Observes Victoria Day in Canada.
• May 25: Features Africa Day across Africa and Kyiv Day in Ukraine.
• May 26: Includes Memorial Day in the United States and Spring Bank Holiday in the UK.
• May 31: Celebrates the Dragon Boat Festival in China.

Look out for Eurovision in May 2025.

June 2025

June is Pride Month.

• June 1: Shavuot (Jewish holiday).
• June 2: Festa della Repubblica (Italy).
• June 4: Global Running Day.
• June 5: Eid alAdha starts (Islamic holiday).
• June 6: National Day (Sweden).
• June 9: Eid al-Adha ends.
• June 10: Portugal Day (Portugal).
• June 14: National Flag Day (USA).
• June 15: Father’s Day (USA).
• June 19: Juneteenth (USA).
• June 20: Take Your Dog to Work Day.
• June 21: Summer Solstice (Northern Hemisphere), National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada).
• June 30: End of Fiscal Year (Australia).

Australians often increase spending in June.

Promo Time: Plan July promos for Canada Day and the Fourth of July.

July 2025

• July 1: Canada Day (Canada).
• July 4: Independence Day (United States).
• July 5: Tour de France starts (France), Independence Day (Venezuela).
• July 7: World Chocolate Day (global).
• July 8: National Video Game Day (United States).
• July 9: Independence Day (Argentina).
• July 10: Independence Day (Bahamas).
• July 14: Bastille Day (France).
• July 17: World Emoji Day (global).
• July 20: Independence Day (Colombia).
• July 21: Independence Day (Belgium).
• July 28: Fiestas Patrias (Peru).
• July 30: International Day of Friendship (global).

Fun Fact: More countries celebrate Independence Day in July than any other month.

August 2025

• August 1: Swiss National Day (Switzerland).
• August 2: International Beer Day (global).
• August 4: Commerce Day (Iceland), Civic Holiday (Canada).
• August 8: International Cat Day (global).
• August 9: National Day (Singapore), National Book Lovers Day (United States).
• August 10: Father’s Day (Brazil).
• August 15: Assumption of Mary (Christian holiday), Independence Day (India).
• August 16: National Tell a Joke Day (United States).
• August 17: Independence Day (Indonesia).
• August 24: Independence Day (Ukraine).
• August 25: National Heroes’ Day (Philippines), Summer Bank Holiday (UK).
• August 26: International Dog Day (global).
• August 29: Qixi Festival (China).
• August 31: Independence Day (Malaysia).

Tip: eCommerce sites in India boost promotions leading up to Independence Day.

Reminder: Anticipate increased sales in China for the Qixi Festival.

September 2025

• September 1: Labor Day (United States and Canada).
• September 2: Independence Day (Vietnam).
• September 7: Independence Day (Brazil), Father’s Day (Australia).
• September 10: Ganesh Chaturthi (Hindu festival).
• September 11: Patriot Day (9/11 Memorial) (United States).
• September 15: Respect for the Aged Day (Japan).
• September 16: Mexican Independence Day (Mexico).
• September 20: Oktoberfest begins (Germany).
• September 21: International Day of Peace (global).
• September 22: Autumn Equinox (Northern Hemisphere), Rosh Hashanah begins (Jewish New Year).
• September 24: Rosh Hashanah ends (Jewish New Year).
• September 27: World Tourism Day (global).
• September 29: World Heart Day (global).
• September 30: International Translation Day (global).

Tip: Plan ahead to make the most of the 2025 holiday shopping season. 

Reminder: Effective localization enhances your global outreach during international holidays and shopping seasons.

October 2025

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Black History Month (UK and Ireland).

• October 1: National Day (China), International Coffee Day (Global), Defender’s Day (Ukraine).
• October 2: Yom Kippur (Jewish holiday).
• October 4: World Animal Day (Global).
• October 5: World Teachers’ Day (Global), Chuseok begins (South Korea), and Oktoberfest ends (Germany).
• October 6: Mid-Autumn Festival (China), Sukkot begins (Jewish holiday).
• October 8: Chuseok ends (South Korea).
• October 10: World Mental Health Day (Global).
• October 12: Dia de la Hispanidad (Spain’s National Day).
• October 13: Thanksgiving (Canada), Indigenous Peoples’ Day (United States), Sukkot ends (Jewish holiday).
• October 20: Diwali (Hindu festival) – Economic activity in India peaks around Diwali, the country’s largest festival.
• October 27: Labour Day (New Zealand).
• October 31: Halloween (United States).

November 2025

• November 1: All Saints’ Day (Christian holiday).
• November 2: Día de los Muertos (Mexico), Daylight Savings Time Ends (United States).
• November 3: Culture Day (Japan).
• Promo Time: Go big with Singles’ Day promotions for Eastern markets.
• November 11: Veterans Day (United States), Singles’ Day (China).
• November 13: World Kindness Day (Global).
• November 15: Brazil Republic Day (Brazil).
• Promo Time: Gear up for sales in Mexico during El Buen Fin.
• November 18: National Entrepreneurs Day (United States).
• November 21: El Buen Fin starts (Mexico).
• November 23: Labour Thanksgiving Day (Japan).
• November 24: El Buen Fin ends (Mexico).
• November 27: Thanksgiving Day (USA).
• November 28: Black Friday (Global).
• November 29: Small Business Saturday (United States).

December 2025

• December 1: Cyber Monday (Global).
• December 3: International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Global).
• December 4: National Cookie Day (United States).
• December 5: Sinterklaas (Netherlands).
• December 6: Constitution Day (Spain).
• December 8: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christian holiday).
• December 14: Hanukkah starts (Jewish holiday).
• Shoppers in Commonwealth nations like the UK, Canada, and Australia spend big on Boxing Day.
• December 21: Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere).
• December 22: Hanukkah ends (Jewish holiday).
• December 24: Christmas Eve (Christian holiday).
• December 25: Christmas Day (Christian holiday).
• December 26: Boxing Day (Shopping holiday) (UK + Commonwealth nations), Kwanzaa (Cultural holiday).
• December 31: New Year’s Eve (Global).

Creating a Holiday Calendar for a Multinational Team: Tips and Tricks

When managing a multinational team, building a holiday calendar that acknowledges and respects the diversity of your workforce is essential. Here’s some basic guidance to help you create an inclusive and effective calendar:

1. Understand Cultural Significance: Not all holidays worldwide are equally important in every country. Research and understand the cultural significance of global holidays to prioritize them appropriately.
2. Consider Local Holidays: Include world holidays for each country where your team members are based. This ensures everyone gets the necessary time off and avoids scheduling conflicts.
3. Use a Collaborative Tool: Employ a shared digital calendar, such as Google Calendar, or an integrated tool within platforms like Slack, to keep everyone in the loop about upcoming international holidays.
4. Avoid Assumptions: Don’t assume all team members celebrate the same holidays worldwide. Create an open dialogue where employees can share their important global holidays, especially those that may not be widely recognized.
5. Balance Global and Local Needs: While it’s crucial to recognize global holidays, make sure the calendar also reflects world holidays that are important to your team members.
6. Plan Ahead for Major Holidays: For international holidays that have a global impact, like Christmas or New Year’s Eve, plan workloads in advance to accommodate the varying availability of team members.
7. Be Flexible: Offer flexibility around international holidays that may not be on the official calendar but are important to individual employees. This could include floating holidays or personal days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Overlooking Smaller Holidays: Neglecting world holidays that are significant to specific countries, regions, or individuals can lead to feelings of exclusion among team members.
• Failing to Communicate: Ensure the global holiday calendar is communicated clearly and updated regularly to prevent misunderstandings and missed deadlines.
• Ignoring Time Zones: Remember to account for different time zones when scheduling meetings around holidays worldwide, as what’s a holiday in one region may be a regular workday in another.

Staying Updated with a Worldwide Holiday Calendar

To stay on top of holidays global, having access to a world calendar of holidays or a calendar of international holidays will allow you to:

• Anticipate global holidays and adjust work schedules accordingly.
• Plan vacations or business activities around significant holidays worldwide.
• Foster cultural understanding by appreciating the diverse global celebrations.

Maintaining a well-rounded global holiday calendar allows you to navigate the professional world while enjoying rich cultural experiences in 2025.

Recommendation for Growing Teams: Use Software to Manage Multi-Regional Calendars

As your team expands across multiple regions, keeping track of various international holidays and local observances can become increasingly complex. To avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure that all employees’ cultural and regional holidays are respected, it’s wise to invest in software designed to manage multi-regional calendars.

Look for solutions that explicitly support local laws and calendars across different employee groups. For example, tools like AttendanceBot can streamline this process by automatically syncing holidays for various regions, helping you manage time off requests, track employee availability, and ensure compliance with regional labor laws. 

By using the right software, growing teams can maintain harmony and inclusivity, ensuring that every employee’s time off is accurately accounted for, no matter where they are.

Conclusion

As we wrap up 2024 and head into 2025, staying aware of global holidays 2024 and keeping track of the global calendar of holidays for 2025 will help you maximize both work and leisure time. Whether it’s preparing for an important January holiday in 2024 or gearing up for a special holiday in March 2025, let this guide be your companion in navigating the diverse and colorful world of international holidays.