Jewish festivals are religious observances rooted in the Hebrew Bible and rabbinic tradition. They follow the Hebrew lunisolar calendar, meaning their dates shift each year in the Gregorian calendar. Jewish holidays begin at sunset on the evening before the listed date and end after nightfall on the final day.
Below is a clear guide to the major and minor Jewish festivals in 2026–2027, including confirmed Gregorian dates and their religious significance.
Contents
How the Jewish Calendar Works
The Jewish calendar is lunisolar:
- Months follow lunar cycles
- Leap months are added periodically to align with the solar year
- Holidays begin at sunset, not midnight
The Hebrew year changes in the autumn with Rosh Hashanah.
Rosh Hashanah 2026 marks the start of Hebrew year 5787.
Rosh Hashanah 2027 marks the start of Hebrew year 5788.
High Holy Days (Yamim Noraim)
Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
- 2026: Sunset 11 September – Nightfall 13 September 2026
- 2027: Sunset 1 October – Nightfall 3 October 2027
Marks the beginning of the Jewish year and a period of reflection and repentance.
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
- 2026: Sunset 20 September – Nightfall 21 September 2026
- 2027: Sunset 10 October – Nightfall 11 October 2027
The holiest day in Judaism, focused on fasting, prayer, and repentance.
Pilgrimage Festivals (Shalosh Regalim)
Passover (Pesach)
- 2026: Sunset 1 April – Nightfall 9 April 2026
- 2027: Sunset 21 April – Nightfall 29 April 2027
Commemorates the Exodus from Egypt. The first two nights include a Seder meal with symbolic foods.
Shavuot
- 2026: Sunset 20 May – Nightfall 22 May 2026
- 2027: Sunset 9 June – Nightfall 11 June 2027
Celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Sukkot
- 2026: Sunset 25 September – Nightfall 2 October 2026
- 2027: Sunset 15 October – Nightfall 22 October 2027
Known as the Feast of Tabernacles, it commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the desert. Families build temporary shelters called sukkahs.
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
- 2026: Sunset 2 October – Nightfall 4 October 2026
- 2027: Sunset 22 October – Nightfall 24 October 2027
Marks the conclusion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle.
Winter Festival
Hanukkah (Festival of Lights)
- 2026: Sunset 6 December – Nightfall 14 December 2026
- 2027: Sunset 24 December 2027 – Nightfall 1 January 2028
Commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple and the miracle of the oil lasting eight days.
Minor Jewish Festivals
Purim
- 2026: Sunset 2 March – Nightfall 3 March 2026
- 2027: Sunset 22 March – Nightfall 23 March 2027
Celebrates the events described in the Book of Esther. Marked by costumes, charity, and festive meals.
Tu Bishvat
- 2026: Sunset 3 February – Nightfall 4 February 2026
- 2027: Sunset 23 January – Nightfall 24 January 2027
The New Year for Trees, often associated with environmental themes.
Tisha B’Av
- 2026: Sunset 25 July – Nightfall 26 July 2026
- 2027: Sunset 14 August – Nightfall 15 August 2027
A solemn fast day commemorating the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.
Major vs Minor Festivals
Major Festivals
- Rosh Hashanah
- Yom Kippur
- Passover
- Shavuot
- Sukkot
These often involve restrictions similar to Shabbat observance.
Minor Festivals
- Hanukkah
- Purim
- Tu Bishvat
- Tisha B’Av
These typically involve fewer work restrictions.
Work and School Considerations in the UK
Jewish festivals are not official UK bank holidays. However:
- Jewish schools close for major festivals
- Employees may request annual leave for observance
- Employers are encouraged to accommodate religious practice under equality law
Planning ahead is important, especially for High Holy Days.
Common Misunderstandings
1. Assuming All Jewish Holidays Are Celebratory
Some are joyful, while others involve fasting and mourning.
2. Forgetting Sunset Start Times
All Jewish holidays begin at sunset the evening before the listed Gregorian date.
3. Confusing Hanukkah With Major Holy Days
Hanukkah is widely known but is not among the most religiously significant festivals.
4. Thinking Dates Stay the Same Each Year
Jewish holidays shift annually within the Gregorian calendar.
FAQs: Jewish Festivals
Why do Jewish festivals change dates each year?
Because they follow the Hebrew lunisolar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar.
Which is the holiest Jewish festival?
Yom Kippur is considered the holiest day in Judaism.
How long do most Jewish festivals last?
Major festivals typically last one to two days, while some like Passover last seven or eight days.
Do Jewish holidays begin in the morning?
No. They begin at sunset the evening before the listed date.
Are Jewish festivals public holidays in the UK?
They are not official bank holidays but are observed within Jewish communities.
Final Thoughts
Jewish festivals in 2026–2027 reflect a calendar rich in history, faith, and tradition. From the solemn reflection of Yom Kippur to the joyful celebration of Hanukkah and Purim, each festival carries deep religious and cultural meaning.
Because Jewish holidays follow the Hebrew calendar and begin at sunset, advance planning is essential for work, school, and community observance. Understanding these dates promotes awareness, respect, and effective scheduling throughout the year.