Public holiday in United Kingdom

St. Andrew's Day in United Kingdom

Monday, November 30, 2026

Regional public holiday

Observed in Scotland

St. Andrew's Day is a public holiday in Scotland, where it marks the feast day of Scotland’s patron saint. In the rest of the United Kingdom it is not a public holiday.

About St. Andrew's Day in United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, St. Andrew's Day has practical significance mainly in Scotland, where it is a public holiday. It is the national day associated with Scotland’s patron saint and sits within the late-November period that also includes other winter observances, but it is distinct from those dates and their customs. Outside Scotland, it is generally treated as an ordinary day.

History

St. Andrew has long been associated with Scotland as its patron saint, and his feast day on 30 November became a date of national significance in Scottish tradition. The day’s modern role as a public holiday in Scotland reflects that longstanding cultural association rather than a uniform UK-wide observance.

Traditions

Traditional Scottish associations with the day include the Saltire, St. Andrew’s Cross, and references to the saint in public displays and civic symbolism. In some places, people may also mark the day with Scottish music, dancing, or community events.

How St. Andrew's Day is celebrated in United Kingdom

In Scotland, the day is commonly marked by local and civic events, school or community activities, and occasional cultural performances. Some museums, attractions, and public institutions may host special programming connected with Scottish heritage.

Interesting facts

The feast day falls on 30 November each year. St. Andrew is also connected with the Cross of St. Andrew, which appears on the Scottish flag. The day is one of Scotland’s national days, alongside Burns Night and, more informally, other dates in the Scottish calendar.

Dates in published calendars

YearHoliday dateObserved dateScope
202630 Nov 2026—Scotland

Import sources

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