Which countries celebrate Christmas?

A single holiday observed in many different ways, from midnight masses to summer barbecues, can reveal a surprising amount about local life and seasonal dress. In places where family dinners are the focus you might spot a classic christmas sweater at a table photo, while other communities favour lightweight festive shirts or matching pajamas for group moments. For playful gatherings the ugly christmas sweater often becomes a shared joke and a quick way to join local celebrations.

What celebrating Christmas can mean

Religious observance often involves church services, nativity rituals and liturgical calendars that shape local timetables. A public holiday means official civic ceremonies and legal time off for many workers and families. Cultural or seasonal celebration covers markets, lights, gift exchanges and festive meals that carry little or no religious emphasis.

Quick global snapshot

More than 150 countries observe Christmas in some form. Roughly 2 billion people celebrate around 24 or 25 December (Gregorian) and about 200 million observe Christmas around 7 January (Julian or Koptic calendars). Europe, the Americas and much of Africa and Oceania tend to feature widespread public holidays and religious traditions. Parts of Asia and the Middle East show a mix of minority religious observance, secular commercial events and urban festivals. Notably, some countries host large cultural celebrations despite not being majority Christian.

Where family gatherings and local customs matter

If you are travelling or joining friends, expect a wide range of moments that centre on family and community. In many places coordinated outfits are part of the fun, from matching christmas pajamas to playful kids christmas sweater looks for holiday photos. For group parties and office events a selection of christmas shirts or a statement christmas sweater can make it easy to participate in local customs.

Europe

Across Europe public celebrations and family rituals shape how people dress and gather. Advent markets and seasonal street lights set the scene for formal services and cosy meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In many households a christmas sweater appears at family dinners or after-church gatherings as an easy way to signal festive mood, while ugly christmas sweater parties remain a popular, lighthearted way to bring friends together.

The Americas

North and South America show wide variety in timing and customs. In the United States and Canada public holidays, office parties and parades coexist with religious services and private family feasts. Latin America often extends the season into early January with Epiphany processions and Los Tres Reyes Magos traditions that include gifts and street celebrations. For casual office gatherings or informal meetups christmas shirts can be a quick outfit choice that fits a range of climates and party styles.

Africa

On the African continent local climate and community life influence the celebrations. In southern regions outdoor gatherings and barbecues provide space for extended family meals, while churches host large services and choir events. In these settings a mixture of smart casual and festive knitwear is common, and many families choose matching christmas pajamas for relaxed mornings together after a big communal meal.

Asia and Oceania

Asia and Oceania offer memorable contrasts. The Philippines combines long religious observance with exuberant processions and lantern festivals that bring entire neighbourhoods together. Japan presents a largely commercial and romantic take on the season with urban illuminations and Christmas markets that draw couples and friends. South Korea blends Christian worship with playful local Santa figures. In Australia and New Zealand summer temperatures encourage beach gatherings and barbecues where lightweight summer christmas outfits and themed tees are perfect for daylight celebrations.

Calendar and timing

Most countries mark the season on 24 or 25 December following the Gregorian calendar, while many Orthodox and Eastern Christian communities observe their main liturgical Christmas on or around 7 January. Local emphasis varies so that some cultures treat Christmas Eve as the primary family feast, while others place more importance on Epiphany celebrations or early January processions.

Forms of celebration

Celebrations generally fall into a few clear categories. Religious rituals include masses, nativity plays and candlelight services. Civic events take the form of public holidays, official tree lightings and parades. Secular customs cover markets, gift exchanges and themed gatherings where clothing plays a big role. Finally climate shapes many choices with winter traditions like roasted foods and layered knitwear in colder regions and summer-oriented outfits and outdoor meals in the Southern Hemisphere.

Practical wardrobe tips for global gatherings

When attending celebrations abroad consider local timing and climate before choosing an outfit. For indoor evening services a smart christmas sweater or a holiday dress can be appropriate, while outdoor afternoon events may call for lighter options like christmas shirts or summer christmas outfits. For family photo moments matching christmas pajamas are a reliable choice that travels well between generations. For a quick look at options for different occasions see our selection of womens christmas pajamas and mens christmas sweater or browse seasonal casuals among our christmas shirts.

Non-majority christian countries and secular celebrations

In many cities where Christianity is not the dominant faith, December lights and festive markets still create a gentle, shared season. Tokyo and other urban centres in Japan fill with soft illuminations and the scent of roasted chestnuts, while large shopping streets play familiar carols that mingle with the hum of conversation. In parts of China and Vietnam commercial decorations and cosy cafés give the holiday a romantic or family-focused tone rather than a religious one. On islands such as Bali, private gatherings and hotel events create bright, tropical celebrations with floral wreaths and evening feasts.

Sensory moments make these celebrations feel intimate. Think the warm texture of a knitted sweater, the smell of pine and baking drifting from a market stall, the soft glow of street lights reflected on wet pavements, and the distant sound of seasonal music that invites strangers to slow down for a while. Even where church services are not the centrepiece, diaspora communities often fill chapels and community halls with carols, shared food and traditions that connect people to home.

Public-holiday status, and what the label means

Official recognition varies widely. Many countries list Christmas Day as a public holiday, which means shops close and families gather. Other countries do not mark it on the national calendar but still host large cultural events in cities and tourist areas. A practical tip: check the local public-holiday calendar before you travel, because shop opening times and public transport schedules change quickly around the season.

Numbers recap. More than 150 countries observe Christmas in some formal or informal way. A significant minority do not declare it a national holiday, yet public celebrations, markets and private gatherings may still be visible in urban centres and tourist destinations.

Cultural diversity, and what to expect when visiting

If you travel during the season, be ready for variety. In some places Christmas Eve is the main family feast, and in others the focus moves toward Epiphany in early January. Climate matters: northern cities invite layered knitwear and warm drinks, while southern beach towns favour lightweight festive shirts and summery outfits for daylight gatherings. Wherever you go, a simple christmas sweater or a pair of cosy christmas pajamas can add warmth and a sense of belonging, whether you are attending a candlelit service or a relaxed evening with friends.

Short country highlights to inspire travel plans

Japan. Urban illuminations and themed markets create a romantic atmosphere; street bakeries serve sweet seasonal treats and the evening air carries a pleasant, cinnamon note.

Philippines. Long religious observance blends with vibrant lantern parades and communal feasts that fill neighbourhoods with colour and song.

South Africa. Outdoor barbecues and choir-led services sit comfortably side by side, with the warmth of sun and shared laughter shaping the day.

Brazil. Festive lights and beach gatherings turn public squares into lively meeting places where friends share meals and music well into the night.

Tip: Slip into comfortable christmas pajamas for a late-night market stroll or layer a christmas sweater over a light shirt for sunset gatherings. For a quiet evening in, choose an outfit that feels like an invitation to relax and share stories by the tree. If you want to explore seasonal sleepwear options, consider browsing our selection of christmas pajamas or pick a classic christmas sweater for breezy winter nights.

Frequently asked questions

Which countries celebrate Christmas?

More than 150 countries celebrate Christmas in some form, ranging from official public holidays and religious observances to secular or commercial festivities.

How many people celebrate Christmas worldwide?

About 2 billion people celebrate around 24–25 December; roughly 200 million observe Christmas around 7 January on Julian or Koptic calendars.

Why do some countries celebrate Christmas on 7 January?

Certain Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Christian traditions follow the Julian calendar for liturgical dates, which shifts 25 December to 7 January on the Gregorian calendar.

Is Christmas a public holiday everywhere?

No. Many countries list Christmas Day as a public holiday, but a number of countries do not recognize it officially; observance ranges from national holidays to private or community celebrations.

Do non-Christian-majority countries celebrate Christmas?

Yes. In several non-Christian-majority countries, Christmas appears as a cultural, commercial or community event rather than a widespread religious observance.

What kinds of traditions differ most between countries?

Major differences include timing, climate-driven activities, traditional foods and the balance between religious rites and secular customs.

Can Christmas customs be used to understand local culture?

Yes. Local traditions often reflect historical, religious and climatic influences and offer insight into community values and seasonal social life.

How can I quickly find out whether a specific country celebrates Christmas and how?

Check whether Christmas Day is a national public holiday, look for descriptions of local traditions such as markets and festivals, and note whether communities follow Gregorian or Julian calendar dates.