Jane Austen’s 250th Birthday Celebrated with Global Festivities

Jane Austen enthusiasts around the world gathered to celebrate the esteemed author’s 250th birthday on December 16, 2025. The festivities included a church service in her birthplace, events at her former residence, and a virtual gathering for fans unable to attend in person. This yearlong celebration commemorates Austen’s significant contributions to English literature through classics like “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility.”

In the southern English village of Chawton, where Austen spent her final years, Jane Austen’s House organized a variety of events. These included talks, guided tours, and performances that attracted dozens of visitors. The day culminated in an online party that welcomed over 500 participants from countries such as Chile, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, who joined via Zoom, with a theme encouraging attendees to don Regency attire.

Lizzie Dunford, the director of Jane Austen’s House, expressed her delight in the year-long celebrations, stating, “It has been an absolute joy to spend 2025 celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. It has been a year filled with laughter, love, community, and inspiration. Here’s to the next 250 years.” The cottage, now a museum housing several of Austen’s artifacts, was where she crafted all six of her novels.

The celebrations also featured a church service in Steventon, where Austen was born. This service included music and readings that resonated with her literary legacy. Fans, affectionately known as “Janeites,” have participated in various events throughout the year, including Regency-themed balls and festivals across the U.K. and U.S..

Recently, the city of Bath, where Austen resided for five years, hosted the Yuletide Jane Austen Birthday Ball, marking the grand finale of a series of costumed events celebrating the author’s life and work. These gatherings highlight the enduring relevance and popularity of Jane Austen’s novels, drawing fans of all ages and backgrounds.

As the celebrations for this literary icon draw to a close, the impact of her work continues to resonate, ensuring that her legacy will be cherished for generations to come.