Have you heard of Little Christmas, or Nollaig na mBan? Do you already mark it with the women in your life? If not, January 6th is a lovely date to put in the diary — it’s a small, warm tradition worth keeping alive.
When I first arrived in Ireland, a new friend invited me along to a Little Christmas party. I had no idea what it was, but I went along anyway and had a wonderful time. Years later, I still mark the occasion myself every January.
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What is Little Christmas?
Little Christmas, also known as Nollaig na mBan, is celebrated every year on January 6th in Ireland.
You might know this date better as the Feast of the Epiphany — twelve days after Christmas Day, and traditionally the end of the Christmas season, when the tree comes down and the decorations go back in the attic for another year.
Women’s Little Christmas has its roots in the tradition of giving the women of the house a day off after all the festive cooking and cleaning. The men would take over the household jobs for the day so their other halves could get out for a bite to eat, a few drinks, and some proper time to themselves.
Typically, women would visit each other’s homes for tea, cake and a good chat. Another custom was lighting candles in every room on the evening of the 6th to mark the occasion.
The original idea may have been a well-earned night off, but today Nollaig na mBan is celebrated more as a day of sisterhood and friendship — a chance to appreciate the women who make up our support circle, whether that’s mothers, sisters, or close friends.
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Ideas for How to Celebrate Little Christmas
Many restaurants and hotels around Ireland put on Nollaig na mBan nights, so it’s worth checking with venues near you to see if anything is happening locally.
Arrange a get-together for lunch or dinner with your mum, sisters, cousins or other female relatives. Afternoon bubbles are always a treat, or keep it traditional with tea and cake.
If you’re hosting a Little Christmas gathering, it can also be a nice opportunity to raise a few funds for a charity that supports women, such as the National Breast Cancer Research Institute, Women’s Aid, or a Rape Crisis Centre.
Cork Simon’s Women’s Christmas Lunch takes place each year in aid of homeless women in Cork — a great example of how the day can be turned into something for the wider community too.
Another idea: hold a “Take Down the Decorations Party” — head to one person’s house to help pack away their decorations, with a drink and some nibbles thrown in as thanks.
Keep an eye out locally too, as events marking Nollaig na mBan often pop up around the country each January.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nollaig na mBan?
Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Little Christmas, is an Irish tradition celebrated on January 6th. It began as a day when women, after the work of Christmas, took a well-earned break while the men of the house took over the chores.
When is Little Christmas celebrated?
Little Christmas falls on January 6th every year, the same date as the Feast of the Epiphany and the traditional end of the Christmas season.
Why is it called Women’s Christmas?
The name comes from the old custom of giving women a day off from housework and cooking after the busy Christmas period, so they could enjoy some time with friends.
Do people still celebrate Nollaig na mBan today?
Yes — while the original “day off” idea has softened, many people in Ireland still mark it with gatherings, lunches or nights out with the women in their lives, and some restaurants and hotels host special events for it.
Is Little Christmas the same as Epiphany?
They fall on the same date, January 6th, but Epiphany is the religious feast day marking the visit of the Magi, while Little Christmas/Nollaig na mBan is a separate Irish social tradition celebrating women.
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Save This for Next January
Little Christmas is one of those lovely traditions that’s easy to forget until it’s nearly here. Save or bookmark this article now so you’ve got it ready when January 6th rolls around, and browse our celebration ideas for more ways to mark special days with the people you love.
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