Christmas Around the World: Different Dates & Traditions
Not everyone celebrates Christmas on December 25th. Discover how Christmas dates and traditions vary across cultures, from Orthodox Christmas to unique global celebrations.
While December 25th is the most recognized Christmas date, millions celebrate on different days. Orthodox Christians observe Christmas in January, while some cultures have unique traditions that span weeks. Here's how Christmas varies around the world.
December 25th: Western Christmas
Most Western countries celebrate Christmas on December 25th following the Gregorian calendar. This includes the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe and South America. It's a public holiday in over 160 countries.
January 7th: Orthodox Christmas
Orthodox Christians in Russia, Serbia, Ethiopia, and other countries celebrate Christmas on January 7th. This isn't a different holiday - it's December 25th according to the Julian calendar, which runs 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar.
Russia has both dates as holidays, with December 25th being a regular work day but January 7th being an official public holiday.
Unique Christmas Traditions
- Iceland: 13 Yule Lads visit children on 13 nights before Christmas
- Japan: Christmas Eve is a romantic holiday; KFC is traditional dinner
- Australia: Beach barbecues and outdoor celebrations in summer weather
- Philippines: Longest Christmas season - decorations appear in September
- Germany: Markets open in late November; Advent calendars are essential
When Gifts Are Exchanged
- December 24 (Christmas Eve): Germany, Poland, Scandinavia
- December 25 (Christmas Day): UK, USA, Canada, Australia
- December 26 (Boxing Day): UK tradition of giving to servants/charity
- January 6 (Three Kings Day): Spain, Latin America - main gift day
Countries That Don't Celebrate
Christmas isn't a holiday in many Muslim-majority countries, China (though celebrated commercially), Japan (not a public holiday), and Israel. However, global commerce means Christmas is increasingly recognized even where it's not officially observed.