Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Submit & Vote
.svg)
On Oak Apple Day, join in the traditional festivities of parades, Maypole dancing, and crowning of the May Queen to honor this historic English holiday!
Get ready to celebrate a unique and lesser-known holiday on May 29 – Oak Apple Day! This day commemorates the restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1660, after years of exile during the English Civil War. According to legend, as he was hiding in an oak tree to escape capture, an apple fell on his head – hence the name "Oak Apple Day". Today, this holiday is celebrated with parades, maypole dancing, and wearing sprigs of oak leaves or oak apples as a symbol of loyalty to the monarchy. So put on your best greenery and join in on the festivities!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1660</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Restoration of King Charles II</div><div class='timeline-text'>King Charles II returned to the English throne after years of exile, marking the end of the English Civil War.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1660</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origins of Oak Apple Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday was first commemorated by wearing sprigs of oak leaves on clothes, signifying loyalty to the restored King.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1859</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>End of Official Observance</div><div class='timeline-text'>Parliament ceased official observance of Oak Apple Day, but local communities continued celebrating it.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2001</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Revival in Worcestershire</div><div class='timeline-text'>Oak Apple Day was revived in Great Witley, Worcestershire with a procession and traditional festivities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Modern Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite COVID-19 restrictions, many communities in England found ways to celebrate Oak Apple Day, showcasing its continued cultural significance.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a local parade or festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many communities hold parades or festivals to celebrate Oak Apple Day. Check your local events calendar and join in on the fun!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Wear an oak leaf or oak apple pin</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your spirit by wearing a pin adorned with an oak leaf or oak apple. These symbols represent the day and its historical significance.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host an outdoor picnic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Since Oak Apple Day falls in late May, it's the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with a picnic. Pack some traditional British foods, like pork pies and cider, and enjoy a relaxing day in nature.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit an oak tree or forest</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to a local oak tree or forest to appreciate the beauty and significance of these trees on Oak Apple Day. You can also learn more about their role in British history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create oak apple crafts</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get creative and make some crafts using oak apples, such as wreaths, garlands, or even ink from their juice. This is a fun and unique way to celebrate the day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's a day to celebrate nature and tradition</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Oak Apple Day has been celebrated for centuries as a way to commemorate the restoration of the monarchy in England. It also brings attention to the beauty and importance of oak trees, which are symbols of strength and endurance in many cultures.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Fun activities for all ages</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On Oak Apple Day, communities often come together to participate in traditional games and festivities like Maypole dancing and Morris dancing. It's a great opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy some outdoor fun and learn about cultural traditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Delicious food and drink</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>No celebration is complete without good food and drink, and Oak Apple Day is no exception. Traditional dishes like bangers and mash or pie with peas are often served alongside local ciders or beers. It's a great chance to try out new flavors and support local businesses.</p></div></div>
Oak Apple Day is celebrated on May 29th every year. In 2024, Oak Apple Day will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
May 29
Monday
2024
May 29
Wednesday
2025
May 29
Thursday
2026
May 29
Friday
2027
May 29
Saturday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
