2025 - 2026 Cultural Calendar

18 Month Cultural Calendar

A vibrant snapshot of significant cultural and community dates over the next 18 months. In collaboration with the Multicultural Advisory Group (MAG), the Cultural Calendar celebrates diversity, builds connection, and helps us show up for one another in meaningful ways.

With many residents speaking diverse languages at home, the City of Armadale embraces its growing cultural diversity, supporting social connection, belonging, and access to local services for all.

July 2025	Event	Description
1 July 2025	Coming of the Light Festival	The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders. It commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late 19th century.
1 July 2025	International Tartan Day	International Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage. It commemorates the repeal of an English law in 1782 that banned the wearing of tartan. In North America, this day is celebrated on 6 April, the date the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.
5 - 6 July 2025	Ashura	For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark and the exodus of Moses from Egypt. It is usually marked by a day of non-obligatory fasting. For Shia Muslims, it marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein in Karbala, Iraq. It is commemorated with public processions.
6 - 13 July 2025	NAIDOC Week	National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is held annually in early July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is an opportunity to recognise Indigenous Australians’ contributions to our country and society. This year’s theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’.
10 July 2025	Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)	Asalha Puja Day or the Dhamma Day celebrates the first teaching of the Buddha. This Buddhist event commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment. This event is one of the most important festivals for Theravada Buddhists.
19 - 21 July 2025	Karsa (Mandaean New Year)	Karsa marks the beginning of a new year for Mandaeans and is spent and celebrated with family. It begins at dusk and ends 36 hours later.

August 2025	Event	Description
4 August 2025	National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day	National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) is a celebration of Indigenous children. NAICD was first observed by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988.
6 August 2025	Hiroshima Day	Hiroshima Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan on 6 August 1945, and to pray for lasting world peace.
9 August 2025	Nagasaki Day	Nagasaki Day commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing of the city of Nagasaki in 1945. It is held three days following the observance of Hiroshima Day.
9 August 2025	International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples	The United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples encourages people to protect and promote the rights of indigenous peoples.
9 August 2025	Raksha Bandhan	Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters. It is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on her brother’s wrist.
15 August 2025	Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary	This Christian feast day celebrates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven following her death. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.
16 August 2025	Krishna Janmashtami	Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita – the guiding principles for every Hindu.
25 August 2025	Australian South Sea Islanders National Recognition Day	In 1994, the Commonwealth Government recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. A formal Recognition Statement by the Queensland Government followed this in September 2000.
26-27 August 2025	Ganesh Chaturthi	Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.

September 2025	Event	Description
4 September 2025	Krishna Janmashtami	Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita – the guiding principles for every Hindu.
11 September 2025	Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)	Enkutatash is the New Year in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
11 September 2025	Nayrouz (Coptic New Year)	The Nayrouz feast commemorates martyrs and confessors within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day marks the start of the Coptic new year and its first month.
11 - 13 September 2025	Rosh Hashanah	Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world. Customs include the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet, and the dipping of apples in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead. Work is not permitted on this day.
14 - 15 September 2025	Ganesh Chaturthi	Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.
17 September 2025	Australian Citizenship Day	Australian Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship. In particular, this day recognises the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share. The day invites Australians, whether at home or overseas, to reflect on our role in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.
20 - 21 September 2025	Yom Kippur	This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services.
25 September 2025	Chuseok	Chuseok is a special holiday in Korean culture. It is rooted in celebrating good harvest, family and the importance of the full moon as a symbol of harmony and the hope for good fortune.
25 September 2025	Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival	The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East and South East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness. The festival dates back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, which has different variations depending on the country.
25 September 2025	Tết Trung Thu	Tết Trung Thu is a traditional Vietnamese festival. It involves watching the moon, a feast and children singing and dancing.
25 September 2025	Tsukimi	Tsukimi is a special holiday in Japanese culture. It employs the symbolism of the full moon to celebrate togetherness and hopes for good fortune.
25 September - 2 October 2025	Sukkot	Sukkot is a week-long Jewish holiday that celebrates the fall harvest. This celebration is a lead up to Simchat Torah.

October 2025	Event	Description
2 October 2025	Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti	This day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. It is marked with a prayer for peace, ceremonies and events throughout India. The United Nations has further declared this day the International Day of Non-Violence in honour of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa).
3 - 4 October 2025	Simchat Torah	Simchat Torah is a celebratory Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Simchat Torah means ‘Rejoicing in the Law’ in Hebrew. Special attention is given to children who join the celebrations with flags and singing.
11 October 2025	White Sunday	White Sunday is a day when childhood is celebrated in Samoan Christian communities worldwide.
11 - 20 October 2025	Dashain	Dashain is the most important festival for Nepalis. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil.
20 October 2025	Vijay Dashami	Vijay Dashami or Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil. The celebration of Dussehra concludes the festival of Navaratri, which extends over several days.
20 October 2025	Gurgaddi (Inauguration) of Guru Granth Sahib	This day commemorates the inauguration of the Sikh holy scripture. It is called the Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Sikhs regard and respect the Holy Scripture as their living Guru.
27 October - 24 November 2025	Kathina	Marks the end of the retreat practiced by Theravada Buddhist monks during the South East Asian rainy season. Lay Buddhists express their gratitude to monks by giving donations to temples and providing monks with new clothes. Dates vary based on local tradition.
28 October 2025	Oxi Day	Oxi Day commemorates the rejection by then Greek Prime Minister of the ultimatum made by Axis forces to occupy Greek territory in 1940. The day represents bravery, solidarity and heroism for millions of Greeks all around the world

November 2025	Event	Description
1 November 2025	All Saints’ Day	This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.
2 November 2025	All Soul’s Day	This day is a time for all Christians to remember and pray for the souls of the departed.
2 November 2025	Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)	Dia de los Muertos combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day. This Day is a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s.
8 November 2025	Deepavali	Deepavali is also known as Diwali, Tihar and the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
8 November 2025	Bandi Chhor Divas (The Celebration of Freedom)	Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release from prison of the sixth guru Sri Guru Hargobind Ji, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive with him. They were held by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in the Gwalior Fort in 1619. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, candles and fireworks.
10 November 2025	Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year)	This date is celebrated with enthusiasm across the state of Gujarat. It marks the beginning of the new year for Gujarati people.
10 - 11 November 2025	Birth of the Báb and Birth of Bahá'u'lláh	Two successive holy days that celebrate the births of two central figures in the Baha’i faith. Each day’s worth of celebration starts and ends with the setting of the sun.
10 November 2025	Bhai Tika	Bhai Tika is also known as Bhai Dooj, Bhaubeej or Bhai Phonta. It marks the final day of Deepavali or Tihar and is a time to celebrate family relationships.
11 November 2025	Remembrance Day	Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.Remembrance Day is known in some countries as Armistice Day or Veterans Day. This date marks the end of fighting in the First World War, and is a day is generally marked as a day to remember all those who died or suffered in wars and armed conflicts.
16 November 2025	International Day for Tolerance	The United Nations’ International Day for Tolerance fosters mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.
24 November 2025	Guru Nanak Gurpurab	This day commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
24 November 2025	Shahidi (Martyrdom) of Guru Tegh Bahadur	On this day in 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith. This was a significant event in Sikh history that profoundly impacted the future direction of Sikhism.
25 November 2025	Loy Krathong	Loy Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. During the festival, many Thai communities float small lantern boats of offerings as tokens of gratitude toward the Goddess of Water and to seek her forgiveness.
28 November 2025	The Ascension of Abdu'l Baha	The Ascension of Abdu'l Baha commemorates the passing of Abdu’l-Bahá on 28 November 1921. He was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh (the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i faith). As the date is set according to the Bahai calendar, it is commemorated on 27 November in some years.
29 November 2025	First Sunday of Advent	Christians celebrate Advent by lighting advent candles, displaying wreaths and hosting special ceremonies. For Christians, Advent anticipates the celebration of the arrival of Jesus during Christmas, while also anticipating his return.
29 November 2025	St Andrew’s Day	St Andrew's Day is celebrated annually in Scotland on 30 November to commemorate St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland since 1320. He is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. The day is usually celebrated with traditional recitations, cuisine, dancing and singing.

December 2025	Event	Description
8 December 2025	Bodhi Day	Bodhi Day commemorates the day Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. It generally falls on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunisolar calendar. Mahayana Buddhists in China, Korea and Vietnam celebrate Lunar Bodhi day on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. In Japan, Bodhi Day follows the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on 8 December every year
14 - 22 December 2025	Chanukah	Chanukah or Hanukkah commemorates the recapture and rededication by the Jewish people of the Jerusalem Temple. The festival lasts eight days and nights. An additional candle is lit each night to symbolise the miracle of the cruse of oil that lasted eight days.
18 December 2025	International Migrants Day	International Migrants Day is a United Nations observance, and calls us to remember and honour the contribution of all migrants, their stories and cultures, to our multicultural nation.
25 December 2025	Christmas Day	Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. Many in Australia celebrate Christmas, regardless of their religious affiliation. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols are sung, and individuals come together to exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.
26 December - 1 January 2025	Kwanzaa	This week-long celebration honours African and African-American cultures. It culminates in a feast and gift-giving. It was first celebrated in 1966.
31 December 2025	New Year’s Eve	This date commemorates the arrival of a new year following the Gregorian calendar. New Year’s Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past and the year to come.

18 Month Cultural Calendar

July 2025	Event	Description
1 July 2025	Coming of the Light Festival	The Coming of the Light is celebrated by Torres Strait Islanders. It commemorates the arrival of the London Missionary Society on Erub Island in the Torres Strait in 1871. It led to the adoption of Christianity through island communities during the late 19th century.
1 July 2025	International Tartan Day	International Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage. It commemorates the repeal of an English law in 1782 that banned the wearing of tartan. In North America, this day is celebrated on 6 April, the date the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320.
5 - 6 July 2025	Ashura	For Sunni Muslims, Ashura marks Noah's departure from the ark and the exodus of Moses from Egypt. It is usually marked by a day of non-obligatory fasting. For Shia Muslims, it marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of Prophet Muhammad's grandson Hussein in Karbala, Iraq. It is commemorated with public processions.
6 - 13 July 2025	NAIDOC Week	National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week is held annually in early July. It is a time to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements. It is an opportunity to recognise Indigenous Australians’ contributions to our country and society. This year’s theme is ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud’.
10 July 2025	Asalha Puja (Dhamma Day)	Asalha Puja Day or the Dhamma Day celebrates the first teaching of the Buddha. This Buddhist event commemorates the first sermon delivered by the Buddha after his enlightenment. This event is one of the most important festivals for Theravada Buddhists.
19 - 21 July 2025	Karsa (Mandaean New Year)	Karsa marks the beginning of a new year for Mandaeans and is spent and celebrated with family. It begins at dusk and ends 36 hours later.

August 2025	Event	Description
4 August 2025	National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day	National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (NAICD) is a celebration of Indigenous children. NAICD was first observed by the Secretariat of National Aboriginal and Islander Child Care (SNAICC) in 1988.
6 August 2025	Hiroshima Day	Hiroshima Day commemorates those who lost their lives in the bombing of Hiroshima, Japan on 6 August 1945, and to pray for lasting world peace.
9 August 2025	Nagasaki Day	Nagasaki Day commemorates the victims of the atomic bombing of the city of Nagasaki in 1945. It is held three days following the observance of Hiroshima Day.
9 August 2025	International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples	The United Nations’ International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples encourages people to protect and promote the rights of indigenous peoples.
9 August 2025	Raksha Bandhan	Raksha Bandhan means bond of protection. This Hindu festival honours the love between brothers and sisters. It is marked by the tying of a rakhi thread by the sister on her brother’s wrist.
15 August 2025	Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary	This Christian feast day celebrates the belief that God assumed the Virgin Mary into heaven following her death. The Assumption signals the end of Mary’s earthly life and marks her return to heaven to be reunited with Jesus.
16 August 2025	Krishna Janmashtami	Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita – the guiding principles for every Hindu.
25 August 2025	Australian South Sea Islanders National Recognition Day	In 1994, the Commonwealth Government recognised Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group. A formal Recognition Statement by the Queensland Government followed this in September 2000.
26-27 August 2025	Ganesh Chaturthi	Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.

September 2025	Event	Description
4 September 2025	Krishna Janmashtami	Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most important Hindu festivals. This day celebrates the birthday of Lord Krishna, believed to be the eighth reincarnation of Lord Vishnu, who gave the vital message of the Bhagwat Gita – the guiding principles for every Hindu.
11 September 2025	Enkutatash (Ethiopian New Year)	Enkutatash is the New Year in Ethiopia and Eritrea.
11 September 2025	Nayrouz (Coptic New Year)	The Nayrouz feast commemorates martyrs and confessors within the Coptic Orthodox Church. The day marks the start of the Coptic new year and its first month.
11 - 13 September 2025	Rosh Hashanah	Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world. Customs include the blowing of the Shofar, a ram's horn trumpet, and the dipping of apples in honey as a symbol of the sweet New Year ahead. Work is not permitted on this day.
14 - 15 September 2025	Ganesh Chaturthi	Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.
17 September 2025	Australian Citizenship Day	Australian Citizenship Day was introduced in 2001. It is an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and value Australian citizenship. In particular, this day recognises the peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society we share. The day invites Australians, whether at home or overseas, to reflect on our role in building our nation and shaping our country's future as proud Australian citizens.
20 - 21 September 2025	Yom Kippur	This holiest day of the Jewish year is observed with fasting and repentance. Many Jews will refrain from work and attend synagogue services.
25 September 2025	Chuseok	Chuseok is a special holiday in Korean culture. It is rooted in celebrating good harvest, family and the importance of the full moon as a symbol of harmony and the hope for good fortune.
25 September 2025	Mid-Autumn (Moon) Festival	The Mid-Autumn Festival is a popular East and South East Asian celebration of abundance and togetherness. The festival dates back over 3000 years. The traditional food of this festival is the mooncake, which has different variations depending on the country.
25 September 2025	Tết Trung Thu	Tết Trung Thu is a traditional Vietnamese festival. It involves watching the moon, a feast and children singing and dancing.
25 September 2025	Tsukimi	Tsukimi is a special holiday in Japanese culture. It employs the symbolism of the full moon to celebrate togetherness and hopes for good fortune.
25 September - 2 October 2025	Sukkot	Sukkot is a week-long Jewish holiday that celebrates the fall harvest. This celebration is a lead up to Simchat Torah.

October 2025	Event	Description
2 October 2025	Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti	This day commemorates Mahatma Gandhi's birthday. It is marked with a prayer for peace, ceremonies and events throughout India. The United Nations has further declared this day the International Day of Non-Violence in honour of Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa).
3 - 4 October 2025	Simchat Torah	Simchat Torah is a celebratory Jewish holiday that marks the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle. Simchat Torah means ‘Rejoicing in the Law’ in Hebrew. Special attention is given to children who join the celebrations with flags and singing.
11 October 2025	White Sunday	White Sunday is a day when childhood is celebrated in Samoan Christian communities worldwide.
11 - 20 October 2025	Dashain	Dashain is the most important festival for Nepalis. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil.
20 October 2025	Vijay Dashami	Vijay Dashami or Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil. The celebration of Dussehra concludes the festival of Navaratri, which extends over several days.
20 October 2025	Gurgaddi (Inauguration) of Guru Granth Sahib	This day commemorates the inauguration of the Sikh holy scripture. It is called the Guru Granth Sahib or Adi Sri Granth Sahib Ji, at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Sikhs regard and respect the Holy Scripture as their living Guru.
27 October - 24 November 2025	Kathina	Marks the end of the retreat practiced by Theravada Buddhist monks during the South East Asian rainy season. Lay Buddhists express their gratitude to monks by giving donations to temples and providing monks with new clothes. Dates vary based on local tradition.
28 October 2025	Oxi Day	Oxi Day commemorates the rejection by then Greek Prime Minister of the ultimatum made by Axis forces to occupy Greek territory in 1940. The day represents bravery, solidarity and heroism for millions of Greeks all around the world

November 2025	Event	Description
1 November 2025	All Saints’ Day	This Christian day honours saints, known and unknown. Saints are men and women recognised for lives of holiness and devotion to God or who were martyred for their faith.
2 November 2025	All Soul’s Day	This day is a time for all Christians to remember and pray for the souls of the departed.
2 November 2025	Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)	Dia de los Muertos combines the ancient Aztec custom of celebrating ancestors with All Souls' Day. This Day is a holiday that Spanish invaders brought to Mexico starting in the early 1500s.
8 November 2025	Deepavali	Deepavali is also known as Diwali, Tihar and the Festival of Lights. It celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.
8 November 2025	Bandi Chhor Divas (The Celebration of Freedom)	Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas to mark the release from prison of the sixth guru Sri Guru Hargobind Ji, who also rescued 52 Hindu kings held captive with him. They were held by Mughal Emperor Jehangir in the Gwalior Fort in 1619. Celebrations include lighting oil lamps, candles and fireworks.
10 November 2025	Bestu Varas (Gujarati New Year)	This date is celebrated with enthusiasm across the state of Gujarat. It marks the beginning of the new year for Gujarati people.
10 - 11 November 2025	Birth of the Báb and Birth of Bahá'u'lláh	Two successive holy days that celebrate the births of two central figures in the Baha’i faith. Each day’s worth of celebration starts and ends with the setting of the sun.
10 November 2025	Bhai Tika	Bhai Tika is also known as Bhai Dooj, Bhaubeej or Bhai Phonta. It marks the final day of Deepavali or Tihar and is a time to celebrate family relationships.
11 November 2025	Remembrance Day	Ganesh Chaturthi is a Hindu celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesha.Remembrance Day is known in some countries as Armistice Day or Veterans Day. This date marks the end of fighting in the First World War, and is a day is generally marked as a day to remember all those who died or suffered in wars and armed conflicts.
16 November 2025	International Day for Tolerance	The United Nations’ International Day for Tolerance fosters mutual understanding among cultures and peoples.
24 November 2025	Guru Nanak Gurpurab	This day commemorates the birth of Guru Nanak Sahib, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.
24 November 2025	Shahidi (Martyrdom) of Guru Tegh Bahadur	On this day in 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Guru, sacrificed his life to defend the religious freedom of another faith. This was a significant event in Sikh history that profoundly impacted the future direction of Sikhism.
25 November 2025	Loy Krathong	Loy Krathong takes place on the night of the full moon of the 12th month of the Thai lunar calendar. During the festival, many Thai communities float small lantern boats of offerings as tokens of gratitude toward the Goddess of Water and to seek her forgiveness.
28 November 2025	The Ascension of Abdu'l Baha	The Ascension of Abdu'l Baha commemorates the passing of Abdu’l-Bahá on 28 November 1921. He was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh (the Prophet-Founder of the Baha’i faith). As the date is set according to the Bahai calendar, it is commemorated on 27 November in some years.
29 November 2025	First Sunday of Advent	Christians celebrate Advent by lighting advent candles, displaying wreaths and hosting special ceremonies. For Christians, Advent anticipates the celebration of the arrival of Jesus during Christmas, while also anticipating his return.
29 November 2025	St Andrew’s Day	St Andrew's Day is celebrated annually in Scotland on 30 November to commemorate St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland since 1320. He is also the patron saint of Romania, Greece, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. The day is usually celebrated with traditional recitations, cuisine, dancing and singing.

December 2025	Event	Description
8 December 2025	Bodhi Day	Bodhi Day commemorates the day Buddha attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree. It generally falls on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunisolar calendar. Mahayana Buddhists in China, Korea and Vietnam celebrate Lunar Bodhi day on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. In Japan, Bodhi Day follows the Gregorian calendar and is celebrated on 8 December every year
14 - 22 December 2025	Chanukah	Chanukah or Hanukkah commemorates the recapture and rededication by the Jewish people of the Jerusalem Temple. The festival lasts eight days and nights. An additional candle is lit each night to symbolise the miracle of the cruse of oil that lasted eight days.
18 December 2025	International Migrants Day	International Migrants Day is a United Nations observance, and calls us to remember and honour the contribution of all migrants, their stories and cultures, to our multicultural nation.
25 December 2025	Christmas Day	Christmas is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. Many in Australia celebrate Christmas, regardless of their religious affiliation. Christmas lights and trees are displayed, carols are sung, and individuals come together to exchange gifts and spend time with family and friends.
26 December - 1 January 2025	Kwanzaa	This week-long celebration honours African and African-American cultures. It culminates in a feast and gift-giving. It was first celebrated in 1966.
31 December 2025	New Year’s Eve	This date commemorates the arrival of a new year following the Gregorian calendar. New Year’s Eve is a time for communities, families and friends to celebrate the year past and the year to come.

Page last updated: 23 Apr 2025, 05:18 PM

2025 - 2026 Cultural Calendar

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