Jane Austen’s 250th birthday was celebrated on December 16, 2025, with events held in her home village of Chawton and across the globe. Fans gathered for a church service, visited her historic residence, and participated in a virtual party, commemorating the life and works of the renowned author known for classics such as “Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility.”
The day began with a special church service in Steventon, the village of Austen’s birth, featuring music and readings that highlighted her literary legacy. In Chawton, where Austen spent the final years of her life and wrote all six of her novels, the local museum hosted a variety of activities. Visitors enjoyed talks, tours, and performances throughout the day, culminating in an online celebration that attracted over 500 participants from diverse locations including Chile, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.
Organizers encouraged attendees to don Regency attire for the virtual gathering. Lizzie Dunford, director of Jane Austen’s House, expressed her excitement, 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.”
Throughout the year, Austen enthusiasts—often referred to as “Janeites”—have marked the anniversary with numerous events, including Regency balls and festivals held in the U.K., U.S., and beyond. Recently, the city of Bath, where Austen resided for five years, hosted the Yuletide Jane Austen Birthday Ball, concluding a series of elaborate costumed events in celebration of the literary icon.
The year-long tribute to Austen’s contributions to English literature reflects her enduring popularity and the continued relevance of her themes of love, society, and individual choice. With thousands participating in various celebrations, December 16, 2025, became a focal point for fans to honor a writer who has inspired generations.
