December is a month filled with holiday cheer, festive decorations, and celebrations around the world. From religious holidays to cultural traditions, there is something for everyone to enjoy during this special time of year. In this guide, we will explore some of the most popular global holidays in December and how they are celebrated.
What global holiday is in December?
Here is a list of some major global holidays in December 2024:
| Date | Holiday | Country/Region | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 1 | First Sunday of Advent | Various Christian countries | The beginning of the Christian season of Advent, leading up to Christmas. |
| December 6 | Saint Nicholas Day | Western Europe, especially Germany, Netherlands, Belgium | Celebrates St. Nicholas, the historical figure who inspired Santa Claus. |
| December 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception | Catholic countries | A Roman Catholic holiday celebrating the conception of the Virgin Mary. |
| December 10-18 | Hanukkah | Jewish communities worldwide | Jewish Festival of Lights, an eight-day holiday celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple. |
| December 16-24 | Las Posadas | Mexico, Central America | A nine-day celebration commemorating Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. |
| December 21 | Winter Solstice | Worldwide | The shortest day and longest night of the year, marking the start of winter. |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Worldwide | The evening before Christmas, often celebrated with festive meals and gatherings. |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | Worldwide | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ in Christian tradition. |
| December 26 | Boxing Day | UK, Canada, Australia, and others | A day for giving to those in need, historically a day for servants to receive gifts. |
| December 26 | Kwanzaa (begins) | USA (African-American communities) | A week-long celebration honoring African heritage, unity, and culture. |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve | Worldwide | The last day of the year, celebrated with parties and events to welcome the New Year. |
Christmas
Christmas is a sacred Christian observance that commemorates the nativity of Jesus Christ. It is observed on December 25th in most countries around the world. The holiday is typically celebrated with family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive decorations such as Christmas trees, lights, and wreaths.
In many countries, Christmas is also a time for religious services and traditions. For example, in Mexico, families attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and then gather for a large feast on Christmas Day. In Germany, families decorate their homes with nativity scenes and exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st every year to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and to remember those who have lost their lives to the disease. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV, and commemorate those who have died.
On this day, many organizations and communities hold events to educate people about HIV/AIDS, provide support to those affected by the disease, and promote prevention and treatment methods. The red ribbon serves as the universally recognized emblem of awareness and solidarity for individuals who are affected by HIV/AIDS.
ลmisoka
ลmisoka is the Japanese New Year’s Eve celebration, which falls on December 31st. It is a time for families to come together and prepare for the new year. Traditionally, families clean their homes and decorate them with pine branches and bamboo to welcome good luck and prosperity.
On ลmisoka, families also gather for a special dinner called “toshikoshi soba,” which is a type of noodle dish eaten to symbolize longevity. At midnight, many people visit a shrine or temple to pray for good fortune in the new year.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, alternatively referred to as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Jewish holiday that serves as a commemoration of the reestablishment of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. It is celebrated for eight days and nights, starting on the 25th day of the Jewish month of Kislev, which falls in December.
During Hanukkah, families light a special candle holder called a menorah, with one additional candle lit each night. They also exchange gifts, play games, and eat traditional foods such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts).
Krampusnacht
Krampusnacht, also known as Krampus Night, is a holiday celebrated in parts of Europe on December 5th. It is a night dedicated to the mythical creature known as Krampus, who is said to punish naughty children during the Christmas season.
On Krampusnacht, people dress up as Krampus and participate in parades and festivals. It is a fun and unique way to celebrate the holiday season and embrace the darker side of Christmas.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage. It is observed from December 26th to January 1st and was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to bring African Americans together and celebrate their shared history and traditions.
During Kwanzaa, each day is all about celebrating one of the awesome principles of African culture. We’ve got unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. How cool is that? Families celebrate by lighting candles, exchanging gifts, and participating in cultural activities.
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe
The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe is a religious holiday celebrated in Mexico on December 12th. It signifies the manifestation of the Virgin Mary to a Mexican peasant named Juan Diego in the year 1531.
On this day, many Mexicans attend mass and participate in processions to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. There are also street festivals with traditional food, music, and dancing.
Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve, also known as Nochebuena, is the evening before Christmas Day. It is a time for families to gather and celebrate the holiday together. In many countries, Christmas Eve is the main day for gift-giving and feasting.
In some cultures, there are also special traditions associated with Christmas Eve. For example, in Norway, families hide their brooms to prevent witches from stealing them. In Venezuela, it is customary to roller skate to church on Christmas Eve.
Saint Lucy’s Day
Saint Lucy’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Lucy, is a Christian holiday celebrated on December 13th. It honors Saint Lucy, a martyr who is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye diseases.
In many countries, Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated with processions and parades, with a young girl dressed in a white robe and a crown of candles leading the way. Traditional foods such as saffron buns and gingerbread cookies are also enjoyed on this day.
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed on December 10th to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. It is a day to promote and protect human rights for all people.
On this day, many organizations and individuals hold events and protests to raise awareness about human rights issues and advocate for change. It is also a time to reflect on the progress made and the work that still needs to be done to ensure equal rights for all.
National Bartender Day
National Bartender Day is celebrated on December 8th to honor the hardworking men and women who serve us our favorite drinks. It is a day to show appreciation for the skills and creativity of bartenders and to recognize the important role they play in the hospitality industry.
On this day, many bars and restaurants offer special deals and promotions to celebrate bartenders. It is also a great opportunity to try new drinks and support your local bartenders.
Las Posadas
Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas in Mexico and other Latin American countries. It reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
Each night, a different family hosts a procession and party, with traditional foods such as tamales and ponche (a hot fruit punch). The celebration culminates on Christmas Eve with a large feast and the breaking of a piรฑata.
Yule
Yule, also known as the Winter Solstice, is a pagan holiday celebrated on December 21st. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year and is a time to celebrate the return of the sun and the promise of spring.
Many Yule traditions involve bringing evergreen plants into the home, such as holly, mistletoe, and pine. These plants symbolize life and rebirth during the cold winter months. Yule is also a time for feasting, gift-giving, and spending time with loved ones.
International Human Solidarity Day
International Human Solidarity Day is observed on December 20th to promote unity and cooperation among all people. It is a day to recognize the importance of working together to achieve common goals and to address global issues such as poverty, hunger, and climate change.
On this day, many organizations and individuals participate in events and activities that promote solidarity and encourage people to take action to make the world a better place for all.
World Wildlife Conservation Day
World Wildlife Conservation Day is observed on December 4th to raise awareness about the importance of protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitats. It is a day to recognize the impact of human activities on the environment and to promote conservation efforts.
On this day, many organizations and individuals participate in events and activities to educate people about the importance of wildlife conservation and to raise funds for conservation projects.
Bodhi Day
Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday celebrated on December 8th to commemorate the day that Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, achieved enlightenment. It is a time for reflection and meditation on the teachings of Buddha and the path to enlightenment.
On Bodhi Day, many Buddhists decorate their homes with lights and meditate on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. They also eat a special meal of rice and milk, which is said to have been the first meal Buddha ate after achieving enlightenment.
Festivus
Festivus is a non-religious holiday observed on the 23rd of December, serving as an alternative to the consumerism associated with Christmas. It was popularized by the TV show “Seinfeld” and has gained a following as a fun and lighthearted way to celebrate the holiday season.
On Festivus, people gather for a “Festivus dinner” and participate in traditions such as the “Airing of Grievances” and the “Feats of Strength.” It is a day to embrace the humor and absurdity of the holiday season.
Boxing Day
Boxing Day is a holiday celebrated in many countries on December 26th. Its origins are unclear, but it is believed to have started in the United Kingdom as a day for servants to receive gifts from their employers.
Today, Boxing Day is a time for relaxation and spending time with family and friends. Many people also take advantage of post-Christmas sales
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