To see Wiccan holiday dates for 2021, click here!
Each year, there are eight major Wiccan holidays that we collectively refer to as the Wheel of the Year. Each one highlights an important aspect of our magickal craft, and celebrating them all is one of the great joys of Wicca.
That being said, some of our holidays have movable dates based around the sun and moon, which can make remembering when they occur a bit of a pain.
But we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’re taking a look at the dates for all eight major Wiccan holidays in 2020. You’ll not only find out when they occur but also what they mean to the Wiccans and witches that celebrate them.
Let’s explore 2020!
Imbolg
Imbolg occurs every year on February 1st, and in 2020, that will be a Saturday.
Imbolg marks the beginning of spring on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. It’s a time of new beginnings both physically and spiritually. Additionally, some Wiccans use Imbolg as a time to honor the goddess Brigid—which is why you’ll sometimes see this holiday referred to as Brigid’s Day or simply Brigid.
Ostara
2020’s Ostara celebration takes place on Thursday, March 19th.
For Wiccans, the holiday is known as Ostara, but all around the world this day is celebrated by many others as the spring equinox. This is one of two days a year when both day and night are equal in length.
Some Wiccans focus on honoring and worshiping the Triple Goddess during this time, while others use it as an opportunity for blessings of all kinds.
Beltane
Beltane occurs every year on May 1st—that will be a Friday in 2020.
In the Wiccan Wheel of the Year, we refer to this day as Beltane, but it also goes by other names—most famously, May Day.
This holiday marks the midpoint between the celebrations of the spring equinox and the summer solstice. It’s traditionally associated with fertility magick, and it’s the time of year when some dance around the beautiful maypole.
Litha
In 2020, Litha will occur on Wednesday, June 24th.
Litha (aka the summer solstice or midsummer) is a holiday that marks the high point of the sun—on this day, daylight is longer than it will be at any other time on the calendar.
For Wiccans, this is typically the time we honor the Horned God, and many Litha celebrations can get downright rambunctious in their merriment!
Lammas
The date for Lammas is always August 1st, and this year, that will be a Saturday.
Lammas was traditionally the time when the first crops of the year were being harvested. Because of this, the holiday is associated with abundance and growth.
In some traditions, you might also see Lammas referred to as Lughnasadh.
Mabon
The 2020 Mabon celebration falls on Tuesday, September 22nd.
Along with Ostara, Mabon is one of the two days a year when both day and night are equal in length. It is also considered the second harvest festival on the Wiccan Wheel of the Year (with the first being Lammas).
This is a time for reflecting on the blessings of the year and cultivating gratitude towards the Lord and Lady for all they have bestowed upon us.
Samhain
Every year, Samhain falls on October 31st, which will be a Saturday in 2020.
It may fall on Halloween and it may feel Halloween-y, but Samhain is much more than just costumes and candy.
Samhain is the time of year when Wiccans and other pagans honor the dead and pay respect to our ancestors who are no longer with us. You’re likely to see all sorts of spells and magick involving the dead or communication with the dead on this day.
Yule
In 2020, Yule will occur on Monday, December 21st.
In Wicca, this holiday is known as Yule, but people around the world also commemorate it as the winter solstice. It’s basically the opposite of midsummer—this is the date on the calendar when daytime is shortest and nighttime is longest.
Despite the cooler temperatures and lack of sunlight, this is actually an important holiday for Wiccans. We use it as a time to meditate on the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. And on this date, we also wait expectantly for the return of spring and new life.
Make 2020 a Magickal Year
Keeping track of all eight, major Wiccan holidays can seem like a lot of work, but it’s a labor of love. We commemorate these days because their celebration brings us closer to the natural rhythms of nature. Also, since each holiday represents such a wide variety of things, the Wheel of the Year is a guided tour of all the many different aspects and areas of magick.
How will you be celebrating in 2020?
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Blessed be!
