Festivals and customs
Study note
The UK marks many festivals through the year, reflecting both its Christian heritage and its many faith communities. The two key Christian festivals are Christmas Day, which falls on 25 December, and Easter, which takes place in spring. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and Easter marks his death and resurrection, so both are central dates in the Christian calendar.
Other religions celebrate festivals that are now widely recognised across the UK. Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains. Eid is celebrated by Muslims, Hanukkah by Jewish people, and Vaisakhi by Sikhs. There are also popular non-religious days such as New Year, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Hallowe'en. Note that Thanksgiving is a North American holiday and is not a traditional UK festival.
Memory tip: Christmas = 25 December; Easter is the other big Christian festival.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 8
On which date is Christmas Day celebrated in the UK?
Show all questions and answers for Festivals and customs(8 questions with explanations)
Festivals and customs: questions, answers and explanations
1. On which date is Christmas Day celebrated in the UK?
- 1 January
- 5 November
- 31 October
- 25 December
Correct answer: 25 December
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December.
2. Which of these is a festival celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in the UK?
- Hogmanay
- Hallowe'en
- Easter
- Diwali
Correct answer: Diwali
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and others.
3. Which key Christian festival is celebrated on 25 December?
- Diwali
- Christmas Day
- Easter
- Hogmanay
Correct answer: Christmas Day
Christmas Day, a key Christian festival, is on 25 December.
4. Easter is one of the key Christian festivals celebrated in the UK.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. Easter is a major Christian festival in the UK.
5. Which of these statements is correct?
- Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 November
- Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December
Correct answer: Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December
Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December.
6. Which of these statements is correct?
- Diwali is a Christian festival celebrated at Easter
- Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs
Correct answer: Diwali is a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs
Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and others.
7. Which of these is NOT a festival celebrated in the UK?
- Eid
- Hanukkah
- Diwali
- Thanksgiving
Correct answer: Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a North American holiday. Diwali, Eid and Hanukkah are all celebrated in the UK.
8. Which statement about UK festivals is false?
- Diwali is the festival of lights
- Easter is a key Christian festival
- Christmas Day is celebrated on 25 December
- Christmas Day is celebrated on 1 January
Correct answer: Christmas Day is celebrated on 1 January
Christmas Day is on 25 December, not 1 January. The other statements are true.
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