Martyrdom of the Sahibzade
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A day of rememberance for the 4 martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The two elder sons were killed in the battle of Chamkaur, and the younger sons were executed after their capture. These Martyrs are observed 21 December and 26 December respectively.
Recognized by: Sikh
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Yule/Midwinter/Alban Arthan/Winter Solstice
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
The longest night of the year followed by the sun’s “rebirth” and lengthening of days. In most traditions, Yule is celebrated as the rebirth of the Great God, who is viewed as the newborn solstice sun. Some pagans consider Yule to be the beginning of the new year. One of the eight major annual sabbats or festivals.
Commonly, there is the burning of the yule log (which was traditionally part of last year’s yule tree) which is an act of faith and renewal.
Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, December 21, 2025.
Fall 2025 - Grades due
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, December 22, 2025.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
An annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Celebrations differ by household, but usually include various acts of service, special church services, and spending time with extended family.
Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant
Requested Accommodations: Provide accommodations as requested, avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Death of Prophet Zarathustra (Zartosht No-Diso)
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A holiday commemorating the death of the founder of one of the world's oldest organized religions, the prophet Zarathustra, who died in c. 551 BCE. Common practices include visiting a temple fire, and praying.
Recognized by: Zoroastrian
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, December 26, 2025.
Kwanzaa
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A secular celebration of African-American culture and history, and an opportunity for Black individuals to connect with their hertiage and ancestry. Each day corresponds to a focus on one of the 7 values of Kwanzaa, unity (umoja), self-determination (kujichagulia), collective responsibility (ujima), cooperative economics (ujamaa), purpose (nia), creativity (kuumba), and faith (imani).
Lean more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, December 26, 2025 – Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Martyrdom of the Sahibzade
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A day of rememberance for the 4 martyred sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The two elder sons were killed in the battle of Chamkaur, and the younger sons were executed after their capture. These Martyrs are observed 21 December and 26 December respectively.
Recognized by: Sikh
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, December 26, 2025.
Spring 2026 - House Bill 60 registration
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, December 29, 2025.
Holiday: New Year’s Day
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Gantan-sai
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Practitioners pray for inner renewal, prosperity, and health, as well as visiting shrines and visiting friends and family.
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Thursday, January 1, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Classes begin
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, January 5, 2026.
Spring 2026 Full Term - Classes begin
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, January 5, 2026.
Epiphany/Twelfth Night/Three Kings Day/Theophany (Eastern Orthodox)
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
This date is also known as Befana Day; commemorates the revelation of God through Jesus Christ and marks the time the three wise men arrived in Bethlehem and presented gifts to the baby Jesus.
General practices include prayer, festive meals, offerings, and gifts.
Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant/Eastern Orthodox
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Christmas (Julian Calendar)
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
An annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, celebrated according to the Julian Calendar.
Recognized by: Christian Eastern Orthodox
Requested Accommodations: Provide accommodations as requested, avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events and activities.
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Last day to add, drop, audit, and elect CR/NC
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 9, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Last day to wait list
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 9, 2026.
Spring 2026 Full Term - Last day to add without a permission code
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 9, 2026.
Spring 2026 Full Term - Last day to wait list
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 9, 2026.
Maghi
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A gathering to remember the martyrdom of a group of 40 Sikhs killed fighting the Mughal Empire. If possible, Sikhs will take a journey to the site of the war and swim in the sacred water tanks of Muktsar.
Recognized by: Sikh
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
Makar Sankranti
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A harvest festival marks the Sun moving northwards. the passing of the winter solstice.
Recognized by: Hindu
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Spring 2026 - Deadline to apply for graduation
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 16, 2026.
Spring 2026 - Tuition payment due
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 16, 2026.
Spring 2026 Full Term - Last day to add, drop, audit, and elect CR/NC
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 16, 2026.
Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, January 19, 2026.
Birth Date of Guru Gobind Singh
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
The 10th Sikh Guru, who assumed leadership of the Sikhs at age 9 after the execution of his father. He is revered as a philosopher, poet, warrior, and spiritual master.
Recognized by: Sikh
Requested Accommodations: Some work restrictions
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Sikh New Year's Day
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
This holiday marks the first day of the year in the
Nanakshahi Era.
Recognized by: Sikh
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, January 20, 2026.
Vasant Panchami
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A celebration associated with Saraswati and Lakshmi (the Goddess of Learning and the Goddess of Wealth) welcoming spring.
Recognized by: Hindu/Sikh/Jain
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 23, 2026.
Spring 2026 - Census Deadline
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, January 26, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Last day to withdraw from classes
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, January 30, 2026.
Imbolc/Candlemas
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Also referred to as the Feast of Pan, Feast of Torches, Feast of Waxing Lights, and Oimele. Celebrates the coming of spring and recovery of the Earth Goddess after giving birth to the Sun God at Yule. For many traditions, a time for initiations, re-dedication and pledges for the coming year. One of the four “greater Sabbats.” Activities might include making candles, reading poetry and telling stories.
Recognized by: Pagan, Wiccan, Druid
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Monday, February 2, 2026.
Tu Bishvat
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Tu Bishvat celebrates the beginning of the "new year" for the trees. It marks the season in which the earliest-blooming trees in Israel begin a new fruit-bearing cycle. General practices include planting trees and eating fruits, especially fruits native to Israel.
Recognized by: Jewish
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, February 1, 2026 – Monday, February 2, 2026.
Summer 2026 - Class schedule available
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, February 2, 2026.
Setsubum-sai
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Setsubum-sai marks the beginning of spring, and is known as the “bean-throwing festival. The faithful scatter roasted beans to bring good luck to the new season.
Recognized by: Shinto
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Summer 2026 - Registration dates available
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, February 9, 2026.
Maha Shivratri
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Celbrating Lord Shiva. General practices include fasting, meditation, self study and vigils at Shiva temples. Prayers include pouring milk on the shrine and fire ceremonies.
Recognized by: Hindu
Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Parinirvana Day/Nirvana Day
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A day celebrating the death and attainment of Nirvana by Buddha. General practices include visits to a Buddhist temple, reading passages from the recitations of Nibbana Sutta or Nirvana Sutra, and contempation of one's own life.
Recognized by: Buddhist
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Holiday: Presidents Day
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, February 16, 2026.
Chinese/Lunar New Year
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
This is the most important of traditional Chinese holidays. Families gather together to spend the evening preparing boiled dumplings and festive meals and giving of money to children in red envelopes.
Recognized by: Confucian, Taoist, Buddhist
Requested Accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, and activities on this date.
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Ramadan
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Ramadan is an occasion to focus on faith through fasting and prayer, and is one of the most important Muslim holidays. Ramadan is notable because the Qur’an was first revealed during this month, and Muslims see the Qur’an as the ultimate form of guidance for mankind. The night that the Qur’an was revealed to Muhammad is called Lailat ul Oadr, and standing in prayer this one night is thought to eclipse months of worship. Fasting is required during the entire month of Ramadan. Muslims refrain from food and beverages during the daylight hours, and smoking and sexual relations are forbidden. Worshippers break the fasting each night with prayer, reading of the Qu’ran, and a meal called the iftar. In addition, many Muslims also attend night prayers at Mosques. Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than any other time of the year, so many try to give up bad habits during Ramadan.
Recognized by: Muslim
Requested Accommodations: If possible, avoid scheduling major…
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Ash Wednesday
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
This day marks the beginning of Lent, a six week period of prayer and fasting in anticipation of Easter. A reminder of mortality, and the importance of repentance. On this day, there are special church services, and the faithful wear a cross of ashes marked on foreheads. Most Christians abstain from meat on this day.
Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant
Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
Lent
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A period of preperation and fasting to prepare for Easter, beginning on Ash Wednesday.
Recognized by: Christian/Catholic/Protestant
Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested.
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 – Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Last day to reverse CR/NC option
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, February 20, 2026.
Clean Monday
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A feast marking the beginning of Great Lent. Those celebrating leave behind sinful attitudes and non-fasting foods.
Recognized by: Christian Eastern Orthodox
Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, February 23, 2026.
Great Lent
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A fasting season meant to help adherents prepare for Easter, offically beginning on Clean Monday.
Recognized by: Christian Eastern Orthodox
Requested Accommodations: Provide food accommodations as requested.
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, February 23, 2026 – Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Classes end
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
Spring 2026 Second half - Classes begin
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Spring 2026 First half - Grades due
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Sunday, March 1, 2026.
Purim
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
Purim commemorates the time when the Jews were living in Persia and were saved from genocide by the courage of a young Jewish woman named Esther. Many Jews hold carnival-like celebrations on Purim, dressing in costumes, and reading the Book of Esther. Triangular fruit-filled pastries called hamantaschen are traditionally eaten in opposition to the story's villain Haman, who wore a three-cornered hat.
Recognized by: Jewish
Requested Accommodations: Purim is not subject to the restrictions on work that affect some other holidays; however, some sources indicate that Jews should not go about their ordinary business at Purim out of respect for the festival. Avoid scheduling important events or deadlines on this day that could conflict with holiday celebrations.
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Monday, March 2, 2026 – Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Spring 2026 Second half - Last day to add, drop, audit, and elect CR/NC
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Spring 2026 Second half - Last day to wait list
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Hola Mohalla
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A three day festival focused on displays of bravery and fighting prowess. General practices also include listening to music, kirtan, and poetry.
Recognized by: Sikh
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 – Friday, March 6, 2026.
Holi
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
“Festival of Colors,” A welome to spring when people throw colored powders over each other. More Popular in northern parts of India celebration triouumph of Good over Evil.
Recognized by: Hindu
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Magha Puja Day
Interfaith & Cultural Holidays
A commemoration of a gathering of Buddhist adherents intending to see the Buddha, it has become a celebration of an ideal community. It can be celebrated by attending a temple, meditation, gift exchanges, and lighting oil lamps.
Recognized by: Buddhist
Learn more here.
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Contact Name: Shawn Wood. Contact Phone: 8015859244. Contact Email: shawn.wood@utah.edu. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Spring 2026 Full Term - Last day to withdraw from classes
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Friday, March 6, 2026.
Spring 2026: Spring Break (Mar 7 - Mar 15)
Academic Deadlines
Event Categories: Academic & Holiday. Campus Wide Event: Yes.
Saturday, March 7, 2026 – Saturday, March 14, 2026.