International awareness days and key dates
Awareness days, weeks and months, with bank holidays and the big commercial dates. Pick a country and the types you need, then subscribe in your own calendar.
Running all month
- ADHD Awareness Month 1 to 31 October 2026
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month 1 to 31 October 2026
- Movember 1 to 30 November 2026
- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month 1 to 30 November 2026
- Veganuary 1 to 31 January 2027
October 2026
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Monday 19 October 2026
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Navratri
Navratri is a nine-night Hindu festival in autumn honouring the goddess Durga, famous for Garba and Dandiya dancing.
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Navratri
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Tuesday 20 October 2026
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Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, is the Hindu festival on the day after Navratri celebrating the victory of good over evil.
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World Osteoporosis Day
A global day on 20 October that raises awareness of osteoporosis, bone health and the prevention of fractures.
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Dussehra (Vijayadashami)
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Thursday 22 October 2026
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International Stammering Awareness Day
An international day on 22 October to raise awareness of stammering, also called stuttering, and the people who stammer.
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International Stammering Awareness Day
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Friday 23 October 2026
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International Day of the Snow Leopard
The International Day of the Snow Leopard on 23 October raises awareness of threats to the snow leopard and the need to protect it.
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International Day of the Snow Leopard
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Saturday 24 October 2026
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Disarmament Week
Disarmament Week, 24 to 30 October, raises public awareness of disarmament and its role in peace and protecting civilians.
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Global Media and Information Literacy Week
Global Media and Information Literacy Week, 24 to 31 October, helps people find, judge and share information responsibly.
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United Nations Day
United Nations Day on 24 October marks the anniversary of the UN Charter coming into force in 1945.
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World Development Information Day
World Development Information Day on 24 October draws attention to development problems and the need for international cooperation.
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World Polio Day
World Polio Day on 24 October each year marks progress towards ending polio and raises funds for vaccination.
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Disarmament Week
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Monday 26 October 2026
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Intersex Awareness Day
Held on 26 October, Intersex Awareness Day raises awareness of intersex people and calls for an end to unnecessary medical interventions without consent.
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Intersex Awareness Day
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Tuesday 27 October 2026
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World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
The World Day for Audiovisual Heritage on 27 October highlights the urgent need to preserve film, sound and video records.
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World Day for Audiovisual Heritage
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Wednesday 28 October 2026
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International Animation Day
International Animation Day on 28 October celebrates animated film, marking the first public projection of moving images by Emile Reynaud in Paris in 1892.
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International Animation Day
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Thursday 29 October 2026
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International Day of Care and Support
The International Day of Care and Support on 29 October recognises the value of care work and calls for investment in care systems.
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World Psoriasis Day
A global day on 29 October that raises awareness of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and challenges stigma around them.
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World Stroke Day
A global day on 29 October to raise awareness of stroke, its warning signs and how it can be prevented.
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International Day of Care and Support
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Saturday 31 October 2026
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World Cities Day
World Cities Day on 31 October draws attention to urbanisation and how to make cities sustainable and good places to live.
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World Cities Day
November 2026
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Sunday 1 November 2026
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All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day on 1 November is a Christian festival honouring all saints, known and unknown.
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Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos)
The Day of the Dead on 1 and 2 November is a Mexican tradition honouring loved ones who have died, with altars and marigolds.
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World Vegan Day
World Vegan Day on 1 November celebrates veganism and the founding of The Vegan Society, and opens World Vegan Month.
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All Saints' Day
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Monday 2 November 2026
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All Souls' Day
All Souls' Day on 2 November is when many Christians remember and pray for those who have died.
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International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists
On 2 November the UN condemns attacks on journalists and urges states to bring those responsible to justice.
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International Stress Awareness Week
A week in early November that raises awareness of stress and wellbeing, especially at work. The 2026 week runs 2 to 6 November.
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All Souls' Day
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Thursday 5 November 2026
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World Tsunami Awareness Day
World Tsunami Awareness Day on 5 November promotes understanding of tsunami risks and the steps that save lives.
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World Tsunami Awareness Day
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Friday 6 November 2026
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International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
On 6 November the UN highlights the often overlooked damage that war and armed conflict do to the environment.
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International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
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Sunday 8 November 2026
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Bandi Chhor Divas
Bandi Chhor Divas is the Sikh festival of freedom, held on the same day as Diwali, falling on 8 November 2026.
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Diwali
Diwali is the festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains in October or November, the biggest date in the Hindu year.
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International Day of Radiology
A global day on 8 November, the anniversary of the discovery of X-rays, recognising medical imaging.
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Bandi Chhor Divas
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Monday 9 November 2026
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International Week of Science and Peace
The International Week of Science and Peace, held in the week of 11 November, promotes links between science, cooperation and peace.
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International Week of Science and Peace
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Tuesday 10 November 2026
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Hindu New Year (Annakut)
Hindu New Year, the day after Diwali in the Gujarati calendar, is marked with Annakut, a vast offering of food in temples.
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NET Cancer Day
A global day on 10 November that raises awareness of neuroendocrine cancers and the need for earlier diagnosis.
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World Science Day for Peace and Development
World Science Day for Peace and Development on 10 November highlights the role of science in society and in building sustainable futures.
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Hindu New Year (Annakut)
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Wednesday 11 November 2026
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Singles' Day (11.11)
Singles' Day on 11 November is a major online shopping event, led by Alibaba's 11.11 festival in China.
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Singles' Day (11.11)
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Thursday 12 November 2026
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World Pneumonia Day
Held on 12 November, World Pneumonia Day raises awareness of pneumonia, a leading infectious cause of death, and calls for better prevention and treatment.
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World Pneumonia Day
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Friday 13 November 2026
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Chhath Puja
Chhath Puja is a four day Hindu festival honouring the Sun God, held six days after Diwali, from 13 to 16 November 2026.
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Trans Awareness Week
A week from 13 to 19 November raising awareness of trans people and the issues they face, leading into Trans Day of Remembrance.
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World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day on 13 November encourages people everywhere to carry out acts of kindness in their homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
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Chhath Puja
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Saturday 14 November 2026
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World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day on 14 November raises awareness of diabetes and how type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed.
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World Diabetes Day
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Sunday 15 November 2026
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International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime
On 15 November the UN raises awareness of the threats posed by organised crime that crosses borders and the need to tackle it together.
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International Fraud Awareness Week
A global week in November that promotes fraud prevention and awareness, held from 15 to 21 November in 2026.
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World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, on the third Sunday of November, remembers people killed and injured on the roads.
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World Prematurity Day
A global day on 15 November that raises awareness of preterm birth and the needs of babies born too early and their families.
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International Day for the Prevention of and Fight against All Forms of Transnational Organized Crime
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Monday 16 November 2026
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Global Entrepreneurship Week
A worldwide week of events in mid November that encourages people to start and grow businesses, held from 16 to 22 November in 2026.
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International Day for Tolerance
The International Day for Tolerance on 16 November promotes respect for the world's diverse cultures and action against intolerance.
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International Day of the Mediterranean Diet
The International Day of the Mediterranean Diet on 16 November celebrates a healthy way of eating that is also recognised as living cultural heritage.
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Global Entrepreneurship Week
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Wednesday 18 November 2026
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World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
World AMR Awareness Week, 18 to 24 November, raises awareness of drug-resistant infections and encourages careful use of antibiotics and other medicines.
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World COPD Day
A global day in November that raises awareness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2026 it falls on Wednesday 18 November.
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World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence
On 18 November the UN raises awareness of child sexual abuse, supports survivors and calls for prevention and accountability.
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World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week
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Thursday 19 November 2026
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International Men's Day
International Men's Day on 19 November each year focuses on men's health and wellbeing and the positive contributions men make.
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World Pancreatic Cancer Day
A global day in November, on 19 November in 2026, that asks people to learn the warning signs of pancreatic cancer.
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World Philosophy Day
World Philosophy Day, on the third Thursday of November, celebrates philosophical thinking and open, reasoned debate.
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World Toilet Day
World Toilet Day on 19 November raises awareness of the billions of people who still lack safe sanitation.
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International Men's Day
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Friday 20 November 2026
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Africa Industrialization Day
Africa Industrialization Day on 20 November builds international support for industrial development across Africa.
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Transgender Day of Remembrance
A day on 20 November remembering trans people whose lives were lost to anti-trans violence.
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World Children's Day
World Children's Day on 20 November is UNICEF's day of action for children's rights, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
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Africa Industrialization Day
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Saturday 21 November 2026
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
A day on the Saturday before US Thanksgiving when people bereaved by suicide gather for support. The 2026 day is 21 November.
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World Television Day
World Television Day on 21 November recognises the influence of television in drawing attention to global issues.
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International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
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Sunday 22 November 2026
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Christ the King
Christ the King is the Christian festival on the Sunday before Advent, closing the church year; it falls on 22 November 2026.
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Christ the King
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Tuesday 24 November 2026
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Guru Nanak Gurpurab
Guru Nanak Gurpurab celebrates the birth of Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism, on the full moon of Kartik in November.
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World Conjoined Twins Day
World Conjoined Twins Day on 24 November raises awareness of conjoined twins and promotes their wellbeing and inclusion.
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Guru Nanak Gurpurab
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Wednesday 25 November 2026
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16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
An international campaign running from 25 November to 10 December calling for an end to violence against women and girls.
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International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
On 25 November the UN calls for an end to violence against women and girls and launches 16 days of activism.
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16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
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Thursday 26 November 2026
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World Sustainable Transport Day
World Sustainable Transport Day on 26 November promotes safe, affordable, accessible and clean transport for everyone.
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World Sustainable Transport Day
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Friday 27 November 2026
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International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage
On 27 November the UN calls for an end to child, early and forced marriage.
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International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage
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Sunday 29 November 2026
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Advent Sunday
Advent Sunday is the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day and begins the Christian season of Advent and the church year.
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International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
On 29 November the UN expresses solidarity with the Palestinian people.
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Advent Sunday
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Monday 30 November 2026
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Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
On 30 November the UN and OPCW honour the victims of chemical warfare and renew the commitment to eliminate chemical weapons.
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Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare
December 2026
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Tuesday 1 December 2026
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Giving Tuesday
Giving Tuesday falls on the Tuesday after US Thanksgiving and encourages people around the world to give time, money or skills to good causes.
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GivingTuesday (UK)
A global day of giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, encouraging people to donate, volunteer or help others, on 1 December 2026.
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World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day on 1 December highlights the work to end HIV and AIDS and remembers those who have died.
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Giving Tuesday
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Wednesday 2 December 2026
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International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2 December focuses on ending modern slavery, including trafficking and forced labour.
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International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
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Thursday 3 December 2026
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
A United Nations day on 3 December promoting the rights and wellbeing of disabled people.
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International Day of Persons with Disabilities
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Friday 4 December 2026
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International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
On 4 December the UN raises awareness of the harm caused by unilateral coercive measures that do not comply with international law.
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International Day of Banks
The International Day of Banks on 4 December recognises the role of development banks and banking systems in financing sustainable development.
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International Day Against Unilateral Coercive Measures
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Saturday 5 December 2026
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Hanukkah
Hanukkah is the eight-day Jewish festival of lights in December, marked by lighting one more candle each night.
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International Volunteer Day
International Volunteer Day on 5 December thanks volunteers and promotes volunteering for peace and sustainable development.
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World Soil Day
World Soil Day on 5 December raises awareness of healthy soil and its role in food security and nature.
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Hanukkah
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Monday 7 December 2026
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International Civil Aviation Day
International Civil Aviation Day on 7 December highlights the importance of air travel to economic and social development.
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International Civil Aviation Day
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Tuesday 8 December 2026
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Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day on 8 December marks the Buddha's enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, kept mainly in Japanese and Zen Buddhist traditions as Rohatsu.
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Bodhi Day
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Wednesday 9 December 2026
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International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December raises awareness of corruption and the UN convention that fights it.
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International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime
On 9 December the UN honours the victims of genocide and raises awareness of the Genocide Convention and its role in prevention.
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International Anti-Corruption Day
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Thursday 10 December 2026
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Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day on 10 December marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948.
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Human Rights Day
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Friday 11 December 2026
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International Mountain Day
International Mountain Day on 11 December brings mountain issues, such as melting glaciers, to the attention of politicians and the public.
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International Mountain Day
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Saturday 12 December 2026
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International Day of Neutrality
The International Day of Neutrality on 12 December promotes neutral policies as a tool for preventive diplomacy.
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International Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal Health Coverage Day on 12 December calls for strong health systems that give everyone access to care without financial hardship.
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International Day of Neutrality
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Monday 14 December 2026
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International Day against Colonialism in All its Forms and Manifestations
On 14 December the UN calls for an end to colonialism in all its forms and supports the right of peoples to self-determination.
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International Day against Colonialism in All its Forms and Manifestations
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Tuesday 15 December 2026
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World Turkic Language Family Day
World Turkic Language Family Day on 15 December celebrates the shared languages and cultural roots of Turkic-speaking peoples.
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World Turkic Language Family Day
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Friday 18 December 2026
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Arabic Language Day
Arabic Language Day at the UN on 18 December celebrates Arabic, one of the UN's six official languages.
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International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day on 18 December raises awareness of the challenges of migration and calls for safer and fairer systems.
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Arabic Language Day
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Saturday 19 December 2026
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International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons
On 19 December the UN recognises the women who search for missing persons.
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International Day of Recognition for Women Searchers of Missing Persons
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Sunday 20 December 2026
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International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day on 20 December celebrates unity in diversity and the importance of solidarity.
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International Human Solidarity Day
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Monday 21 December 2026
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World Basketball Day
World Basketball Day on 21 December celebrates basketball and its power to bring people together.
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World Meditation Day
World Meditation Day on 21 December raises awareness of meditation and its benefits for physical and mental health.
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World Basketball Day
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Thursday 24 December 2026
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Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve on 24 December is the evening before Christmas Day, when many churches hold carol, Christingle and Midnight Mass services.
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International Anti-Cybercrime Day
International Anti-Cybercrime Day on 24 December raises awareness of cybercrime and the UN convention to combat it.
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Christmas Eve
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Friday 25 December 2026
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Christmas Day
The Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus, held on 25 December and one of the biggest dates of the year for families and retailers.
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Christmas Day
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Sunday 27 December 2026
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International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
The International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on 27 December promotes education and planning to prevent and respond to epidemics.
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International Day of Epidemic Preparedness
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Thursday 31 December 2026
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New Year's Eve
New Year's Eve on 31 December is the last day of the year, marked with parties and midnight fireworks such as the London display.
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New Year's Eve
January 2027
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Monday 4 January 2027
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World Braille Day
World Braille Day on 4 January highlights braille as an essential means of communication for blind and partially sighted people.
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World Braille Day
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Wednesday 6 January 2027
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Epiphany
Epiphany on 6 January is the Christian feast marking the visit of the Magi and the revealing of Jesus to the wider world.
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Epiphany
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Thursday 14 January 2027
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Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a Hindu harvest festival in mid-January marking the sun's move into Capricorn, known as Uttarayan in Gujarat.
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Makar Sankranti
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Friday 15 January 2027
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Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab
Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab marks the birth of the tenth Sikh Guru, falling on 15 January 2027 in the SGPC calendar.
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Guru Gobind Singh Gurpurab

