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Religious Observance Fact Sheets

Although Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ University does not as an institution observe religious holidays, the academic calendar is designed to avoid conflicts with observed holidays, such as Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, New Year's Day, and Christmas. Consistent with our commitment to creating an academic community that is respectful of and welcoming to persons of differing backgrounds, every reasonable effort should be made to accommodate members of the University community for their religious observance without jeopardizing the fulfillment of their academic obligations. If you would like to learn more or need help navigating accommodations, please visit the Office of the Provost’s Policy on Academic Accommodations for Religious Observance

2024-2025 Religious Observances

This table below is not an exhaustive list of religious observances. We are adding more each month throughout this year.  To learn more about each religious observance, click on the holiday name in the table below to view an informational PDF.

If you have feedback or suggestions, send us feedback  or email diversity@northwestern.edu for consideration. 

Religious Holidays
Holiday Affiliation Date
Yule Paganism, Wicca December 21 - January 1
Christmas Eve Christianity December 24
Christmas Christianity December 25
Hamukkah Judaism December 25 - January 2
Kwanzaa Pan-African December 26 - Janaury 1
Ramadan Islam February 28, 2025 - March 29, 2025
Sharada Navaratri Hinduism March 30, 2025 - April 7, 2025
Mabon Pagan, Wiccan September 22
Rosh HaShanah Judaism September 22 - 24, 2025
Yom Kippur Judaism October 1 - 2, 2025
Dussehra Hinduism October 2, 2025
Sukkot Judaism October 6 - 13, 2025
Diwali Hiduism October 20, 2025