Download your free January Calendar 2026 in multiple formats designed for maximum usability and accessibility. Our printable calendar templates include all major holidays, observances, and planning features to streamline your monthly organization.
Table of Contents
January Calendar 2026 Facts
Key Statistics for January Calendar 2026
| Calendar Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First Day | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
| Total Days | 31 days |
| Weekdays | 23 weekdays (Monday-Friday) |
| Weekend Days | 8 weekend days |
| Federal Holidays (US) | 2 major holidays |
| Week Numbers | Weeks 1-5 (partial) |
Monthly Overview Statistics
Based on calendar analysis, January 2026 offers optimal planning opportunities:
- Business Days: Approximately 21-22 working days (varies by region)
- Planning Weeks: 4.4 complete weeks
- Holiday Impact: Minimal business disruption with strategic federal holidays
- Quarter Position: First month of Q1 2026
Complete January Calendar 2026 with Holidays & Observances
Week 1: December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026
Thursday, January 1, 2026
- New Year’s Day (Worldwide public holiday)
- Independence Day — Haiti (also Haitian Independence Day is Jan 1).
- Independence Day — Sudan (independence from Anglo-Egyptian rule, Jan 1).
- Independence Day — Cameroon (French Cameroon independence, Jan 1).
- Republic Day — Slovakia (statehood/constitutional day observed Jan 1).
- Founding of the Republic of China (historic) — Jan 1 marks the first year of the Republic of China in 1912 (note: Taiwan’s modern National Day is Oct 10).
- Liberation / Triumph of the Revolution — Cuba (Jan 1).
Friday, January 2, 2026
- Berchtoldstag (observed in parts of Switzerland and Liechtenstein)
- Day after New Year / public holiday (observed in some countries/regions — e.g., New Zealand public holiday in many years; Scotland often has a Jan 2 bank holiday)
- Ancestry Day / Jour des Aïeux — Haiti (national observance, Jan 2)
- Kakizome — traditional first calligraphy of the year in Japan (commonly observed Jan 2)
- Swiss New Year / traditional regional celebrations
Saturday, January 3, 2026
- Revolution / Independence related observance — (example: some countries mark revolutionary anniversaries around this date)
- Informal / novelty observances often listed on Jan 3 (e.g., Festival of Sleep Day, Fruitcake Toss Day) — these are cultural/novelty observances rather than public holidays.
Sunday, January 4, 2026
- World Braille Day (United Nations observance — Jan 4).
- Independence Day — Myanmar (Independence Day is Jan 4)
- Martyrs’ Day — Democratic Republic of the Congo (Jan 4)
- National Spaghetti Day (US — informal food observance)
- Other local/regional observances
Week 2: January 5–11, 2026
Monday, January 5, 2026
- Twelfth Night / Epiphany season observances (some Christian traditions mark Twelfth Night around Jan 5)
- National Bird Day (US — awareness/novelty observance)
- Other small / local observances
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Epiphany / Three Kings’ Day (Christian — widely observed Jan 6)
- Armenian Christmas — Armenian Apostolic Church (celebrated Jan 6/7 depending on tradition)
- Some regional “National” novelty days (shortbread, tech days — informal)
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
- Orthodox Christmas (Julian calendar) — observed by many Eastern Orthodox churches (Russia, Serbia, Georgia and others typically celebrate on Jan 7)
- Victory over Genocide Day — Cambodia (marks fall of Khmer Rouge, Jan 7)
- International / novelty observances (e.g., International Programmers’ Day sometimes noted)
Thursday, January 8, 2026
- Regional / national observances & novelty days (examples include typing, literacy or local commemorations)
Friday, January 9, 2026
- Local/regional commemorations and novelty days (varies by country)
Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Local/regional commemorations and novelty days (varies by country)
Sunday, January 11, 2026
- National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (observed Jan 11 in the U.S.; part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month) — awareness day.
Week 3: January 12–18, 2026
Monday, January 12, 2026
- Youth / education themed observances in various countries (dates vary by country)
- Small / novelty observances (food, cultural micro-holidays)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
- Regional observances (St. Knut’s Day in parts of Scandinavia is around mid-January in some traditions)
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
- Makar Sankranti / Pongal / Lohri — regional harvest/Lunar-solar festival in parts of South Asia (date varies by solar calendar; often falls around Jan 14).
- World Logic Day / other UNESCO / global awareness items may be listed around mid-January.
Thursday, January 15, 2026
- Army Day (India) — India’s Army Day is observed annually on Jan 15.
- Wikipedia Day (informal celebration of Wikipedia’s founding, Jan 15)
Friday, January 16, 2026
- Religious or regional observances (dates shift with lunar calendars for some faiths; e.g., Isra and Mi’raj may fall near mid-January in some years — check a lunar calendar for 2026)
Saturday, January 17, 2026
- Regional / cultural observances and novelty days
Sunday, January 18, 2026
- World Religion Day (Baha’i — typically third Sunday in January; observe locally)
- Other cultural / novelty observances
Week 4: January 19–25, 2026
Monday, January 19, 2026
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (U.S. federal holiday; third Monday in January — Monday, Jan 19, 2026).
- Confederate Heroes’ Day (Texas) — observed Jan 19 in Texas (state observance).
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
- Regional/local observances (heroes’ days, civic commemorations in some countries)
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
- Our Lady of Altagracia (Dominican Republic celebrated in January — exact local dates vary)
- National Hugging Day (informal observance often cited Jan 21)
Thursday, January 22, 2026
- Local/regional observances and novelty days
Friday, January 23, 2026
- National Handwriting Day (some sites list Jan 23 as Handwriting Day) — informal / educational observance
Saturday, January 24, 2026
- International Day of Education (United Nations observance — Jan 24).
- Other awareness / novelty days (compliment day, peanut butter day, etc.)
Sunday, January 25, 2026
- World Leprosy Day — observed on the last Sunday of January each year; in 2026 that falls on Sunday, Jan 25, 2026.
- Burns Night (observance of Scottish poet Robert Burns — Jan 25, Robert Burns’s birthday; cultural celebration, not a public holiday in the UK).
Week 5: January 26–31, 2026
Monday, January 26, 2026
- Australia Day (national day of Australia — Jan 26, 2026).
- Republic Day (India) — Jan 26, 2026 (national holiday; annual parade and official ceremonies).
- International Customs Day (observed Jan 26 by UN/World Customs Organization in some years)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
- International Holocaust Remembrance Day (UN observance — Jan 27).
- Other cultural/novelty observances (food / educational days)
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
- Data Privacy Day / Data Protection Day (observed around late Jan in some countries; Jan 28 is commonly used for privacy-related observance)
- Other novelty / food days
Thursday, January 29, 2026
- Martyrs’ / remembrance observances in some countries (e.g., Nepal has Martyrs’ commemorations around late Jan — check local calendar)
Friday, January 30, 2026
- Martyrs’ Day (India — Gandhi assassination remembrance observed nationally on Jan 30 as Martyrs’ Day on the death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi)
Saturday, January 31, 2026
- Independence Day (Nauru) — Nauru Independence Day is celebrated Jan 31.
- Other national or novelty days (food / arts / awareness)
Monthly Observances Throughout January 2026
Health & Wellness
- Veganuary (Plant-based eating month)
- Dry January (Alcohol-free month)
- National Blood Donor Month (US)
- Glaucoma Awareness Month (Health)
- Thyroid Awareness Month (Health)
- National Stalking Awareness Month (US)
Cultural & Educational
- National Mentoring Month (US)
- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month (US)
- International Quality of Life Month
- National Poverty Awareness Month (US)
- National Hot Tea Month (US)
Professional & Career
- National Volunteer Blood Donor Month (US)
- Get Organized Month (Productivity)
- Financial Wellness Month (US)
- International Creativity Month
January Holidays & Global Observances
| Date | Day | Holiday/Observance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday, January 1, 2026 | New Year’s Day | Federal Holiday | Global |
| Saturday, January 4, 2026 | World Braille Day | UN Observance | International |
| Monday, January 19, 2026 | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Federal Holiday | United States |
| Friday, January 24, 2026 | International Day of Education | UN Observance | Global |
| Sunday, January 25, 2026 | Burns Night | Cultural | Scotland/UK |
| Sunday, January 25, 2026 | World Leprosy Day | Health Awareness | Global |
| Monday, January 26, 2026 | Australia Day | National Holiday | Australia |
| Monday, January 26, 2026 | Republic Day | National Holiday | India |
| Monday, January 27, 2026 | International Holocaust Remembrance Day | Memorial | Global |
January Calendar 2026 Month-Long Campaigns & Observances
January 2026 Theme Months:
- Veganuary: Plant-based eating challenge
- Dry January: Alcohol-free wellness initiative
- National Mentoring Month (USA)
- Blood Donor Month (USA)
- National Glaucoma Awareness Month
Full Moon January 2026: Complete Wolf Moon Guide
Wolf Moon Overview & Significance
The Full Moon of January 2026, traditionally known as the Wolf Moon, represents the first major lunar event of the new year and holds deep cultural significance across multiple traditions.
This powerful celestial occurrence marks a time of reflection, intention-setting, and spiritual renewal as communities worldwide welcome the energy of the new lunar cycle.
Historical & Cultural Background:
- Native American Origins: The “Wolf Moon” name comes from howling wolves during harsh January winters
- Alternative Names: Old Moon, Ice Moon, Snow Moon, Cold Moon (various Indigenous tribes)
- European Traditions: Known as “Quiet Moon” or “Moon After Yule” in Celtic traditions
- Modern Significance: First full moon of the year, powerful for goal-setting and manifestation
Precise Timing & Global Visibility
| Astronomical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Peak Date | Saturday, January 3, 2026 |
| Exact Time (UTC) | 10:03:00 UTC |
| Duration of Full Phase | Approximately 3 hours of peak illumination |
| Lunar Distance | ~384,400 km from Earth (average) |
| Illumination | 100% visible lunar surface |
| Constellation Position | Moon in Cancer ♋ |
Worldwide Viewing Times
| Major Cities | Local Time | Time Zone | Best Viewing Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accra, Ghana | 10:03 AM | UTC+0 | Jan 2 evening rise – Jan 3 dawn |
| London, UK | 10:03 AM | GMT | Jan 2 evening – Jan 3 morning |
| Paris, France | 11:03 AM | CET | Jan 2 evening – Jan 3 morning |
| New York, USA | 5:03 AM | EST | Jan 2 evening – Jan 3 morning |
| Los Angeles, USA | 2:03 AM | PST | Jan 2 evening – Jan 3 dawn |
| Tokyo, Japan | 7:03 PM | JST | Jan 3 evening optimal |
| Sydney, Australia | 9:03 PM | AEDT | Jan 3 evening – Jan 4 morning |
| Mumbai, India | 3:33 PM | IST | Jan 3 evening rise optimal |
Astrological & Spiritual Significance
Moon in Cancer Energy:
- Emotional Intensity: Heightened intuition and emotional sensitivity
- Home & Family Focus: Strong pull toward domestic harmony and nurturing
- Inner Reflection: Ideal time for journaling, meditation, and self-care
- Manifestation Power: Enhanced ability to set intentions related to emotional healing
Wolf Moon Spiritual Themes:
- Survival & Resilience: Drawing strength from challenging winter conditions
- Community Bonding: Like wolf packs, emphasis on family and tribal connections
- Primal Instincts: Trusting gut feelings and ancient wisdom
- Protection Energy: Setting boundaries and defending what matters most
Optimal Observation & Photography Guide
Best Viewing Conditions:
- Moonrise Times: Check local moonrise 30-60 minutes after sunset January 2nd
- Peak Visibility: Moon highest in sky around midnight-2 AM local time
- Weather Considerations: Clear skies essential; check cloud coverage forecasts
- Light Pollution: Urban areas may require travel to darker locations
Photography Technical Tips:
| Camera Settings | Recommended Values |
|---|---|
| ISO | 100-400 (avoid grain) |
| Aperture | f/8 – f/11 (sharp detail) |
| Shutter Speed | 1/125s – 1/250s |
| Lens | 200mm+ telephoto minimum |
| Focus | Manual infinity focus |
| Tripod | Essential for stability |
Creative Composition Ideas:
- Landscape Integration: Frame moon with local landmarks, trees, or architecture
- Time-lapse Sequences: Capture moon’s path across the sky (2-3 hours)
- Multiple Exposure: Show moon’s journey in single frame
- Foreground Elements: Include silhouettes of people, buildings, or nature
- Cultural Context: Photograph local celebrations or wolf moon ceremonies
Cultural Celebrations & Modern Observances
Traditional Practices:
- Native American Ceremonies: Drumming, storytelling, and community gatherings
- Pagan/Wiccan Rituals: Full moon circles, energy cleansing, and spell work
- Meditation Groups: Group meditation sessions focusing on new year intentions
- Wolf Conservation Awareness: Educational events about wolf protection
Modern Celebration Ideas:
- Wolf Moon Parties: Outdoor gatherings with lunar viewing and storytelling
- Photography Walks: Group photo expeditions to capture the full moon
- Yoga & Wellness: Moon salutation yoga sessions and sound bath healing
- Journaling Circles: Reflective writing sessions about goals and intentions
- Educational Events: Astronomy clubs hosting public viewing sessions
Content Creation & Social Media Opportunities
High-Engagement Post Ideas:
- Time-lapse Videos: Moon rising over cityscapes or natural landscapes
- Before/After Shots: Moon photographs with location-specific landmarks
- Cultural Education: Share Indigenous wolf moon stories and traditions
- Astrology Content: Cancer moon energy and its effects on different zodiac signs
- Photography Tutorials: Teaching followers how to capture moon photography
Trending Hashtags for January 2026:
- #WolfMoon2026
- #FullMoonJanuary
- #MoonInCancer
- #LunarPhotography2026
- #FirstFullMoon2026
- #WolfMoonEnergy
- #MoonRitual2026
- #CelestialEvents2026
Content Calendar Suggestions:
- January 1-2: Pre-event anticipation posts and viewing guides
- January 3: Live coverage, real-time photos, and peak moment captures
- January 4-5: Post-event reflection, photo compilations, and community sharing
- Weekly Follow-up: Lunar phase tracking and next month’s moon preview
Scientific & Educational Value
Astronomical Learning Opportunities:
- Lunar Phases Education: Explain how full moons occur (Sun-Earth-Moon alignment)
- Orbital Mechanics: Discuss moon’s 29.5-day cycle and elliptical orbit
- Tidal Effects: Explain how full moons create strongest high and low tides
- Calendar Systems: Historical lunar calendar importance across cultures
STEM Engagement Activities:
- Moon Phase Tracking: Start monthly lunar observation journals
- Distance Calculations: Teach lunar distance measurement techniques
- Mythology vs. Science: Compare cultural stories with astronomical facts
- Telescope Workshops: Organize public viewing sessions with astronomy clubs
Wolf Moon Impact on January 2026 Planning
Event Scheduling Considerations:
- Peak Energy Period: January 2-4 ideal for launches, announcements, and gatherings
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect Indigenous traditions when planning wolf moon events
- International Timing: Consider global time zones for virtual celebrations
- Weather Backup Plans: Indoor alternatives for cloudy conditions
Business & Marketing Opportunities:
- Wellness Industry: Moon-themed meditation sessions, yoga classes, and spiritual workshops
- Photography Services: Offer specialized lunar photography sessions and workshops
- Tourism Sector: Dark sky locations can promote wolf moon viewing packages
- Educational Institutions: Incorporate wolf moon into January curriculum planning
- Retail Opportunities: Moon-themed products, crystals, and spiritual items
Printable January Calendar 2026 Download
January Calendar 2026 FAQs
What day of the week does January 2026 start?
January 1, 2026 falls on Thursday, making it the first Thursday of the new year.
How many working days are in January 2026?
January 2026 contains approximately 22-23 business days, depending on your region’s holiday observances and weekend schedule.
When is Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2026?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 19, 2026, following the traditional third Monday in January schedule.
Is January 26, 2026 a holiday?
Yes, January 26, 2026 is a significant date globally – it’s Australia Day in Australia and Republic Day in India.
How do I print the January 2026 calendar?
Download our print-ready PDF in either A4 or Letter format. The high-contrast version is recommended for optimal readability and accessibility compliance.
Can I customize the January 2026 calendar template?
Absolutely! Use our Excel or Google Sheets versions to add personal notes, company events, or region-specific holidays.
