December Global Holidays 2025 – The December cultures and continents have a month rich in tradition, bliss and meaningful celebrations. From religious observation to cultural festivals and reflections at the end of the year, people from all over the world mark December with diverse holidays that bring communities together. It is a guide for the most prominent global holidays in December, their importance, and how they are celebrated.
At-a-Glance: December Global Holidays 2025 Calendar
| Date | Holiday / Event | Region / Culture |
|---|---|---|
| December 6 | Saint Nicholas Day | Western Europe |
| December 7–15 | Hanukkah | Jewish Communities |
| December 8 | Bodhi Day | Japan / Buddhists |
| December 21 | Winter Solstice / Yule (Shortest Day) | Worldwide / Pagan Traditions |
| December 24–25 | Christmas Eve & Christmas Day | Global (Christian & Secular) |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | UK, Canada, Australia |
| December 26–January 1 | Kwanzaa | USA (African-American Communities) |
| December 27 | Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti | Sikhism / India |
| All December – February | Rann Utsav | Gujarat, India |
| December 30 | Tailang Swami Jayanti | Hinduism / India |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve | Worldwide |
Hanukka (Date separate – December)
Celebrated by: Jewish community globally
Duration: 8 days
Hanukka, also known as The Festival of Lights, recalls the redistribution of another temple in Jerusalem. Families lighten the menorah, enjoy foods such as latte and sufganiyot, and exchange small gifts.
Christmas (25 December)
Celebrated by: Christian and secular communities worldwide
Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with church services, gifts, decorating trees and festive food. In many countries, it also includes folklore figures such as Santa Claus, Father Christmas or St. Nicholas.
Kwanzaa (26 December – 1 January)
Celebrated by: African-American Community
Quanza respects African heritage and culture. Each of the seven days focuses on theory such as unity (Umoja), objective (NIA), and creativity (Kumba). Family burn candles on the Kinra and celebrate music, stories and food.
St. Nicholas Day (6 December)
Celebrated in: Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria
The children put shoes or stockings to get small gifts and sweets from St. Nicholas. This holiday inspired many Christmas traditions including Santa Claus.
Bodhi Day (8 December)
Celebrated by: Buddhist, especially in Japan
Bodhi Day remembers the knowledge of Siddharth Gautam (Buddha). Comments include meditation, chanting and studying Buddhist texts.
Yule / Winter Sankranti (around 21 December)
Celebrated by: Fetish, Vikan and Nordic traditions
Yule marks the longest night of the year and the return of the sun. Traditions include light candles, feasts, and decorating with evergreen – many of which influenced modern Christmas customs.
Boxing Day (26 December)
Celebrated in: UK, Canada, Australia and others
Originally one day to give the poor and servants, the day of boxing has become a major shopping holiday and a time for sports events and relaxation after Christmas.
Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (27 December)
Celebrated by: Sikh
Highlights: Prayer, Kirtan, Community Food, Celebrating the birth of 10th Sikh Guru
Guru Gobind Singh was a spiritual leader and warrior who founded Khalsa, emphasized courage, equality and devotion.
Rann Utsav (December -February is running)
Location: Kutch, Gujarat, India
Highlights: Cultural performance, desert glamping, folk music, dance, food
This vibrant Desert Festival has full moon nights on white salt flats of Kach’s night. A cultural tourist gem!
Telong Swami Jayanti (30 December)
- Celebrated by: Hindu followers in India
- Highlights: Bhakti ceremony, meditation, temple rituals
- Tailang Swami was a revered yogi known for his spiritual powers and ascetic life. Especially celebrated in Varanasi and Andhra Pradesh.
New Year Eve (31 December)
- Celebrated worldwide
- Highlights: Fireworks, reverse count, parties, reflections and resolutions
Unique regional function
- Okmisoka (Japan, 31 December)-A Buddhist-affected New Year’s Eve is focused on the cleaning of the house and the family dinner.
- Las Posadas (Mexico, December 16-24) – A re -reunion of Mary and Joseph’s discovery of Mary and Joseph’s shelter with Pinatas.
- Soyal (Zuni & Hopi, Southwestern U.S.) – A Native American winter solstice ceremony with dances and blessings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What holidays are celebrated worldwide in December?
Christmas and New Year’s Eve are the most widely seen holidays globally. In many countries, Hanukka, Kawanja and Winter Solstices are also recognized.
Are all December holidays religious?
No, while many are religious (eg, Christmas, Hanukka), other cultural (eg, Quanza) or seasonal (eg, winter solstice).
Why are there so many holidays in December?
In December, the end of the calendar year and the Winter Sankranti in the Northern Hemisphere is marked. Many cultures use this time, celebrate, and come together.
Conclusion: A Month of Meaning
From light festivals to feast and reflection, December is a time when the world shines with a celebration. Whether you are burning candles, exchange of gifts, or just spending time with loved ones, these holidays give a chance to join cultures and generations.
