There are many kinds of celebrations in Britain - from royal to religious and from traditional to mo...

1. List of British Holidays and Celebrations
There are many kinds of celebrations in Britain - from royal to religious and from traditional to more
modern. This great country has been around for almost 1,000 years and has had influences before
that, all helping to make rich and vibrant celebrations that many enjoy every year.
New Year's Day - January 1
The night before New Year's Day, many British citizens watch as the clock tower's (incorrectly
known as "Big Ben" - which is actually the name of the bell within the tower) minute hand finally
reaches midnight. At this time, Big Ben rings in the new year. Many people celebrate by either
having parties at home, or by going out and partying with friends. Many people also make new years
resolutions (as is customary in many other countries in the world). In Scotland, a common tradition
is to sing 'Auld Lang Syne' at midnight to bring in the new year.
Hogmanay (December 31 - January 2)
In Scotland, the term used for the New Year's celebration is "Hogmanay," and it can last up until
January 2 (which is usually considered a bank holiday). In some parts of England and in Scotland, it
is considered good luck if a man is the first person to enter a friend's home on New Year's Day, and
bad luck if a woman is the first. This is known as "First Footing," and the friend that enters usually
gives a small ceremonial gift.
Twelfth Night and Epiphany - January 5 - 6
It is considered bad luck to have Christmas celebration up past the day of Epiphany, so many people
used January 5 (Twelfth Night) to take them down. Some people host parties and serve Twelfth
Night cakes which have had one dried pea and one dried bean baked into them. If you are the one of
the lucky party-goers who receive one of the other in their slice of cake, you will be crowned "king"
or "queen" of the evening.
Epiphany is a Christian holiday which celebrates the coming of the Magi after the birth of Christ.
Some people attend a church service on this day.
Burns' Night - January 25
Burns' Night is celebrated in honor of the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759-1796). He is best known
for writing the song, "Auld Lang Syne." Many Scots will celebrate the evening by eating haggis and
reading the poet's works.