Jane Austen enthusiasts around the globe marked the author’s 250th birthday on December 16, 2025, with various celebrations that spanned from her home village in England to virtual gatherings worldwide. The day featured a church service, festivities at her former residence, and an online party that connected fans from multiple countries.
In the southern English village of Chawton, where Austen lived for the last years of her life, her former home—now a museum—hosted a series of events. Visitors participated in talks, tours, and performances dedicated to the legacy of the author known for classics such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility. The celebrations culminated in a virtual party that saw over 500 attendees from countries including Chile, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, many of whom donned Regency attire as encouraged by the organizers.
“It has been an absolute joy to spend 2025 celebrating the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth,” said Lizzie Dunford, director of Jane Austen’s House. “It has been a year filled with laughter, love, community, and inspiration. Here’s to the next 250 years.”
The day also featured a service at the local church in Steventon, where Austen was born. Music and readings included works that highlighted her impact on literature. Fans, who refer to themselves as “Janeites,” have commemorated the anniversary with a variety of events throughout the year, including Regency balls and literature festivals across the U.K. and the U.S..
Just prior to the birthday, the city of Bath, where Austen resided for five years, hosted the Yuletide Jane Austen Birthday Ball. This event served as the grand finale of a series of costumed gatherings held throughout the year, showcasing the enduring popularity of Austen’s work and the vibrant community that celebrates it.
As the celebrations draw to a close, the enthusiasm and dedication of Austen’s fans have proven that her literary contributions continue to resonate deeply, inspiring both new and old generations. The global community of Jane Austen admirers stands united in gratitude for her timeless stories and social commentary, eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in her legacy.
