What Are the Holidays in the Bible?

Written by Dianna Wiebe on November 15, 2024.

INSIDE: Explore the biblical holidays, their meaning, and how they were celebrated. Learn about God’s appointed times and their connection to our faith.

What are the holidays in the Bible? How many are there, and when are they celebrated this year? These are questions worth exploring!

When we think about holidays, we often recall cherished memories—laughter around the dinner table, the excitement of gift-giving, and even the bittersweet remembrance of loved ones no longer with us. But what about the holidays in the Bible?

Did you know the word “holiday” actually comes from “holy day”? While modern holidays may feel far removed from biblical traditions, God established His own “holy days” in Scripture, many of which hold incredible significance for believers today.

Let’s explore the biblical holidays, uncover their meaning, and see how they point us to God’s work in history—and in our lives today.

What Does the Bible Say About Holidays?

The Bible gives us a framework for celebrating special times. The very first example is the Sabbath, a day of rest established in Genesis 2:1-3. Later, in Leviticus 23, God outlines specific feast days, referred to as “appointed times” (the Hebrew word moed).

These appointed times were not just rituals—they were God’s way of meeting with His people and calling them to remember His mighty works. Each holy day answers key questions:

What is it called?
When is it observed?
How is it celebrated?
Why is it significant?
Where is it mentioned in Scripture?

The Biblical Holidays

1. Sabbath – Shabbat

When: Weekly, on the seventh day
How: A day of rest; no work
Why: To remember God as Creator and rest in Him
References: Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 20:11

2. Passover – Pesach

When: Nissan 14 (Spring)
How: A special meal and remembrance of God’s deliverance
Why: To remember the Exodus and Jesus as our Passover Lamb
References: Leviticus 23:4-5

3. Unleavened Bread – Chag HaMatzot

When: Nissan 15–21 (Spring)
How: No leavened bread; rest on the first and last days
Why: To remember Israel’s quick departure from Egypt
References: Leviticus 23:6-8

4. First Fruits

When: The day after the Sabbath during Unleavened Bread
How: Offer the first fruits of the harvest to God
Why: To give thanks and trust God for future provision
References: Leviticus 23:9-14

5. Pentecost – Shavuot

When: 50 days after First Fruits (Summer)
How: Offer summer harvest first fruits; remember God’s provision
Why: Traditionally marks when God gave the Law at Sinai; as Christians, we celebrate the giving of the Holy Spirit
References: Leviticus 23:15-22

6. Feast of Trumpets – Rosh Hashanah

When: Tishrei 1 (Fall)
How: Rest, gather, and blow trumpets
Why: Marks the start of the 10 Days of Repentance leading to the Day of Atonement
References: Leviticus 23:22-25

7. Day of Atonement – Yom Kippur

When: Tishrei 10 (Fall)
How: Fasting and prayer; rest
Why: A day of repentance; Jesus made ultimate atonement for us
References: Leviticus 23:26-32, Hebrews 9:11-15

8. Feast of Tabernacles – Sukkot

When: Tishrei 15–22 (Fall)
How: Live in booths; rejoice before the Lord
Why: To remember Israel’s time in the wilderness and God’s provision
References: Leviticus 23:33-44

Other Biblical Holidays

1. Purim

When: Adar 14–15 (Spring)
How: Feasting and gift-giving
Why: To remember Esther’s role in saving God’s people
References: Esther 1–10

2. Feast of Dedication – Hanukkah – Feast of Lights

When: Kislev 25–Tevet 2 (Winter)
How: Light candles for eight nights
Why: To remember the rededication of the Temple and God’s provision
References: John 10:22; 1 Maccabees

Christian Holidays and Biblical Connections

Christmas

When: December 25
How: Gather, exchange gifts, reflect
Why: To celebrate Jesus’ birth
References: Matthew 1, Luke 2

Easter – Resurrection Day

When: First Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox
How: Worship and celebrate Jesus’ victory over death
References: Luke 24:3-8, Mark 16:5-7

Why Remember These Holidays?

God’s holidays are more than dates on a calendar—they are opportunities to remember His faithfulness and pass those stories on to the next generation.

Want to dive deeper? Check out our Biblical Calendar and Notes for insights into how these dates align with today’s calendar.

Take time this year to mark these special dates on your calendar. Use them to reflect, worship, and celebrate the incredible things God has done!