Across Ireland, January 6th marks a day with a difference—a celebration known as Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Christmas, which has long served as the unofficial finale of the festive season. While the rest of the world may be packing away ornaments and bracing for the return to routine, in many Irish homes, the work of Christmas lingers—and so does the recognition of those who make it all possible.
Nollaig na mBan, also called the Feast of Epiphany or the Twelfth Night, is a tradition that began in the 18th century and remains particularly strong in western Ireland, especially in places like west Kerry, counties Kerry and Cork, and other Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) regions. According to The Conversation, in these areas, the day is steeped in rituals that honor women’s contributions during the holiday season and beyond. Historically, it was considered bad luck to take down Christmas decorations before January 6th, so the day also marks the official end of the Christmas period for many Irish families.
The origins of Nollaig na mBan are rooted in the stark realities of domestic life. For decades, women were the ones who “slaved away and made the house become a home,” as described by EVOKE. From cooking and cleaning to organizing meals, gifts, and gatherings, women rarely got a break during the holidays. Even after Christmas Day, the work continued—tidying, scrubbing, and ensuring everyone was fed and comfortable. An Irish Times article from 1998 famously joked, “Even God rested on the seventh day, Irish women didn’t stop until the twelfth!”
On Nollaig na mBan, however, the tables were turned. Irish men would take over the household duties—cooking, cleaning, and looking after the children—while the women finally took a well-deserved rest. The mothers, aunts, sisters, and daughters would leave the chores behind and gather together, sometimes for a house party, a quiet tea, or a night out at a local pub. Some exchanged gifts, while others simply enjoyed the company and the last of the Christmas treats. “I’m going out for dinner with friends to celebrate friendship and camaraderie and getting through another year,” one woman told RTÉ in Dublin city centre, capturing the spirit of the day.
As The Conversation recounts, in west Kerry, Nollaig na mBan was a day when women dressed in their Sunday best, visited friends and family, and enjoyed currant cake and chats, sometimes moving from house to house or finishing the evening with music and sherries in a local pub. The author’s grandmother, for example, would be chauffeured by her son to visit her sister in Dún Chaoin, spending the day catching up and socializing—a cherished ritual in their community.
Beyond the personal gatherings, January 6th is also known as Little Christmas or the Feast of the Epiphany in Ireland, a day when people light three candles in their windows to mark the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. This custom, as noted by Irish folklorist Kevin Danaher, connects the day to broader Christian traditions while giving it a uniquely Irish twist. In many homes, the last of the Christmas cake and “dainties” are enjoyed, a contrast to the heavier fare of Christmas Day itself.
While the tradition has faded in some regions—especially as more men have taken on household chores and women’s roles have expanded outside the home—it has seen a resurgence in recent years. According to The Conversation, the past decade has witnessed a revival of Nollaig na mBan across Ireland, with city pubs and restaurants from Belfast to Cork advertising special menus and events. Social media has played a significant role in spreading awareness, helping to transform the day into a broader celebration of women’s achievements and solidarity.
Special events now dot the Irish calendar on and around January 6th. In Moate, Westmeath, the Festival Mná invited women to yoga and meditation sessions, culminating in one of Ireland’s largest women’s circles—a space for sharing stories, wisdom, and inspiration. In Dublin 3, communities came together for a day-long festival honoring local women, with awards given for their contributions throughout the year. And at Bewley’s Grafton Street, a bookbinding workshop encouraged women to reflect on their own journeys by creating personalized books of memories.
Modern celebrations often mirror the camaraderie of the past, but they’ve also taken on new dimensions. As The Conversation observes, today’s Nollaig na mBan is a day to read and share the work of female writers, poets, and musicians, to wear jewelry and clothing by Irish female designers, and to reflect on the progress women have made since the late 1970s—when bans on contraception and married women working still limited their freedom. It’s a moment to celebrate how far women have come, but also to acknowledge the work that remains in the quest for true equality in business and society.
This evolution has sparked debate about the relevance and meaning of Nollaig na mBan in contemporary Ireland. On Newstalk, Wellness Advocate Keri Deeney, Irish Independent Columnist Mary McCarthy, and Fashion Broadcaster Rosalind Lipsett joined a conversation about whether the tradition remains a feminist celebration or has become overly commercialized. Many women still bear the brunt of holiday stress and preparations, and while some see the day as a quaint relic, others argue for reshaping its significance rather than letting it fade away entirely.
Even as the division of household labor becomes more balanced, Nollaig na mBan endures as a day of reflection, relaxation, and gratitude. For some, it’s a chance to reconnect with friends and family—something that can be all but impossible amid the December rush. For others, it’s a reminder to appreciate the women who make Christmas (and so much else) a little more magical. As EVOKE puts it, “Women don’t need more cards or presents to mark the occasion; they just need to be reminded that we do appreciate everything that they do for us.”
Whether celebrated with a brunch, a pub gathering, a community festival, or a quiet moment of rest, Nollaig na mBan continues to offer Irish women a rare and cherished pause. In a world where recognition is often fleeting, this tradition—rooted in gratitude, camaraderie, and a touch of Irish wit—reminds us all to celebrate those who keep the spirit of the season alive long after the decorations come down.
