An alternate lunar or solar calendar in Google Calendar changes the date reference shown alongside your usual calendar. It is different from subscribing to a schedule of events. Choose the relevant calendar system deliberately rather than assuming every lunar or solar option follows the same convention.
Open the alternate calendar control
On a computer, open Settings > Settings and find View options. Google’s guidance places the Alternate calendars dropdown in the general view settings. Inspect the available systems in your actual account interface.
Select the desired reference
Choose the appropriate alternate calendar and return to the grid. Review several known dates to understand the added date labels. To remove the alternate reference later, select None in the same dropdown.
Do not confuse this display setting with the separate Phases of the Moon calendar. Moon phases add a particular reference schedule, while the alternate-calendar choice changes the date system displayed in the view.
Verify before relying on a date
Inspect the month and year relevant to your actual task. Confirm important ceremonial, official, or local dates with an appropriate authoritative source when a particular convention matters. An alternate label does not change an event’s underlying instant, invite guests, or revise a contractual deadline automatically. Check the ordinary date and time zone alongside the alternate reference before coordinating with others. The completed display should provide useful orientation without implying that all participants see the same date system or that selecting one option resolves every difference between regional calendar traditions and locally determined observances.
References
Reviewed against the linked official product guidance on November 4, 2026. Features, limits, screen labels, and access can vary by account, platform, region, and organization policy.