There is a great deal of diversity among Christian denominations and churches and, of course, among Christian people. This list of holidays includes those that are most important for the Christian denominations currently prominent in the United States.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a 40-day period of penitential preparation for Easter. Services are held and often include the imposition of ashes, making the sign of the cross on attendees' foreheads.
Christmas is a major holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Catholics, Protestants, and some Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25; some Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 6. Services are held on Christmas Eve (December 24 or January 5) and Christmas Day.
Many Christians who do not observe other holidays observe Christmas and Easter.
Easter is the most important holiday within Christian churches and celebrates the resurrection of Jesus following his death by crucifixion. It is a movable feast celebrated by Catholics and Protestants on the Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after March 21 and by Orthodox Christians on the Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or after April 3.
Holy Week refers to the week beginning with Palm Sunday and culminating with Easter Sunday. During Holy Week, Palm Sunday commemorates the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples, Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion, and Easter Vigil (on Saturday night) and Easter celebrate the resurrection.
Many Christians who do not observe other holidays observe Christmas and Easter.
Epiphany occurs twelve days after Christmas. Catholics and Protestants celebrate the Magi's visit to Jesus as an infant on January 6 (also known as Three Kings' Day) and Orthodox Christians the baptism of Jesus (also known as Theophany) on either January 6 or January 19. For some Christians, Epiphany is the primary gift-giving occasion rather than Christmas Day.
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ on the Friday before Easter. Services are held.
Las Posadas is a 9-day celebration leading up to Christmas Day that commemorates the pregnancy of Mary carrying Jesus. It is celebrated chiefly in Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of the Southwestern United States.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and falls on the Thursday before Easter. Services are held and often include ritual footwashing.
Palm Sunday is the last Sunday of Lent. It begins the Holy Week and commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.
Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) is the day before Ash Wednesday. As the last day before the penitential period of Lent, many customs pertaining to food, such as pancakes and King Cake, are associated with Shrove Tuesday. Community dinners are often held.
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Christianity: A Very Short Introduction (ebook) by