A Complete List Of December Global Holidays 2024

Last Updated on Oct 18th, 2024 by Priyanka Jadhav, Leave a Comment

December global holidays are all about merry-making and merrier happenings! 

December marks the end of the year and the beginning of winter. It comes in all forms – hot chocolate, frosty nights, cheerful festive spirit, it is the symbol of new beginnings. The month brings with it the joy of holidays for all. December Global Holidays signify how people all over the world celebrate the twelfth month of the year. The best part is that the list of winter holidays is endless. 

From the secular festivities to the religious ones, December has in store for you the best of all. With the surety of family gatherings, peace, love, and joy; December Global Festivities are one to look forward to. Come one, come all, you are just in time to learn more about the different holidays in December celebrated all across the globe. 

Table Of Content

December Global Holidays 2024

Date	Holiday List	Country
December 1	– World’s AIDS Day	International
December 1-24	– Advent	Various
December 5	– Krampusnacht	Austria, Germany
December 8	– Bodhi Day	Various
December 8	– Feast of the Immaculate Conception	Catholic countries (e.g., Italy, Spain)
December 10	– Human Rights Day	International
December 13	– Saint Lucy’s Day	Sweden, Norway
December 16-24	– Las Posadas	Mexico
December 21-25	– Pancha Ganpati	Hindu communities
December 21	– Yalda	Iran
December 24	– Christmas Eve	Various
December 25	– Christmas	International
December 26	– Saint Stephen’s Day	Various (e.g., Austria, Ireland)
December 25 – January 2	– Hanukkah	Jewish communities
December 26	– Boxing Day	Commonwealth countries (e.g., UK, Canada, Australia)
December 26 – January 1	– Kwanzaa	USA
December 31	– New Year’s Eve	International

Here is a complete list of the popular December global holidays,

1. Bodhi Day (Buddhism)

Day of Celebration: December 8th

Where It’s Marked: Bodhi Day is observed in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam.

Bodhi Day, the eighth day of the twelfth month, is one of the December Global Holidays celebrated by millions of Buddhists every year on December 8th in Japan’s Westernized calendar and in early January in China’s lunar calendar to commemorate Shakyamuni’s enlightenment and the promise of our own. Enlightenment is celebrated on Bodhi Day as a reminder of Buddha’s victory over temptation and the forces of skepticism that try to keep him from achieving it. It is customary for people to light candles or string lights around temples and other sacred places for 30 days after Bodhi Day to symbolize enlightenment.

2. Advent (Christianity)

Where It’s Marked: By Christians all around the world.

Observance takes place four Sundays before the Christmas season officially kicks off.

Date of Celebration: December 1st- December 24th

Christmas is a time to reflect on the meaning of the birth of Jesus Christ, one of the holiest events in the Christian calendar, and the Advent season allows us to do just that. It’s also a good time to think about Jesus’s second coming when He will return in glory. It’s no surprise that the Christian community around the world celebrates this time of year in such diverse and imaginative ways. The Advent Wreath is the most important Advent tradition. The Christmas season’s symbolism is embodied in the wreath and candles. One of the famous December Global Holidays marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

3. Krampusnacht (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 5th

Where It’s Marked: It is celebrated in Bavaria, Eastern Europe, and Germany. In recent years, cities in the United States like Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans have started celebrating and holding Krampus parades.

Folklore holds that on the evening of December 5, Krampus whips children who have been bad with his switch. This is why people celebrate this holiday on December 5. After that, he takes them to his dungeon and locks them in. Unlike St. Nicholas, a European gift-giver who arrives the next day, he is the American counterpart. His good deeds are also compared to those of Santa Claus, who gives presents to those who have been good. 

In modern times, men wear sheepskin costumes for Krampusnacht. Frau Perchta is a popular costume for women who want to look like Nordic characters. Parties and parades take place during the December Global Festivities. Commercialization of the day is on the rise. In the past, Krampus has been depicted on cards and decorations. It is amongst the December Global Holidays with a unique way of celebrating Christmas. 

4. Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 8th

Where It’s Marked: Many countries like Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Italy, Korea, Malta, Philippines, Portugal, Spain, and the United States.

The importance of one of these global holidays in December is underscored by the fact that on this day, we commemorate the birth of Jesus’ mother, Mary. 

As a Catholic feast, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception marks a time when Mary was born without sin. Although the Immaculate Conception takes place during Advent, the liturgical season that prepares for the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, this feast commemorates Mary’s conception in the womb of her mother, St. Anne. Catholics believe Mary was conceived without sin and thus her conception was immaculate under the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception. Catholics refer to Mary as “full of grace” because of her sinless conception.

5. St. Lucy’s Day (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 13th

Where It’s Marked: In Sweden, Norway, and some areas of Finland. In Saint Lucia, an island in the Caribbean celebrate this day as a National Day.

December Global Festivities like the one on December 13 holiday have a long history and significance as both pagan and Christian celebrations; the day is celebrated on December 13th each year. As early as the late 17th century, it was widely celebrated in Sweden, as well as other Scandinavian countries.

St. Lucia was a young martyr who was martyred in 304 for her Christian beliefs. According to legend, St. Lucia would secretly deliver food to persecuted Christians in Rome, according to generations of monks (who brought Christianity to Sweden). She was also very kind to the homeless and those in desperate need of her money and resources. The legend has it that she wore candles on her head to light her path and free up her hands so she could carry offerings like food and water.

6. Las Posadas (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 16th – 24th

Where It’s Marked: It is widely celebrated in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba, Spain, Latin America, and some parts of the United States.

A nine-night religious festival is held in Mexico and parts of the United States between December 16 and 24. This is one of the December Global Holidays that speaks of the struggles Joseph and Mary went through while looking for shelter. When Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a haven where Mary could give birth to Jesus, they celebrated Las Posadas. People attend a different party every night, all over the city. They form a procession and ask for shelter in memory of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn that night.

7. Christmas Eve (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 24th

Where It’s Marked: Christmas has become a widely celebrated holiday, and people all over the world celebrate it with full fervor!

Symbolism: Christmas Eve is the day before Christmas, so it is important to celebrate. On the evening of the 24th of December, the Christmas season officially begins. The significance of Christmas Eve is greater than the significance of Christmas Day itself in terms of popular customs. A few days before Christmas, the Christmas tree is decorated in all its glory; the Yule log is then lit in many countries, and the most distinctive Christmas meal is often served. The night before Christmas, December 24, is filled with family gatherings and the midnight mass at the church.

8. Christmas (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 25th

Where It’s Marked: More than 160 countries across the world celebrate Christmas and its traditions.

The reason for the season is to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom Christians recognize as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. The Mass of Christ is the source of the name “Christmas” (or Jesus). This year’s Christmas message is that God’s plan and purpose can be fulfilled wherever there is hope, love, light, and life. Gift-giving, Christmas tree decorating, going to church, and gathering with loved ones to eat and drink are just a few of the many traditions that people engage in during the holiday season.

Related Topic: – Dussehra Celebrations In USA

9. Saint Stephen’s Day (Christianity)

Date of Celebration: December 26th

Where It’s Marked: Countries around the world celebrate St. Stephen’s Day and it has become an official public holiday in Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Germany, Hungary, Norway, Croatia, Australia, Ireland, Italy, Finland, and many others.

Feast of St. Stephen is a Christian saint’s day celebrated on December 26th, the second Sunday after Christmas Day. It honors the first Christian saint, St. Stephen. Around the year 34 CE, he was brought before a Jewish court on charges of blasphemy for his public proclamation of Christianity. When he died, he became the first Christian martyr. December 26th is the day Saint Stephen is honored for his sacrifice. 

10. Pancha Ganpati (Hinduism)

Date of Celebration: December 21st through the 25th

Where It’s Marked: It is celebrated by Hindus across the world.

Lord Ganesha, Patron of the Fine Arts and Guardian of Culture, is revered by Hindus who celebrate Pancha Ganapati. A Hindu alternative to December global holidays like Christmas, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami created Pancha Ganapati in 1985. For the five days leading up to Pancha Ganapati, each member of the family devotes themselves to individual spiritual practice. It is one of the Global holidays in December that Indians look forward to – celebrate in new dresses, with festive fever, sweets, celebrations, and lots of gifts!

Related Topic: – Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration

11. Hanukkah (Judaism)

Date of Celebration: December 25th, 2024 to January 2nd, 2025

Where It’s Marked: It is celebrated by the Jewish. In Israel, it is a national holiday. Many Jewish people in the U.S celebrate Hanukkah.

Symbolism: Hanukkah is an eight-day winter festival of lights celebrated by Israelis. “Chanukah” is an eight-day winter festival of lights also known as “Hanukkah”. There are many different names for it, including “Feast of Dedication” or the Maccabean Feast, which begins on the 25th day of Jewish month Kislev 25. The Gregorian calendar places the start of this global December holiday, and the festivities last for eight days. When the Holy Temple and the altar were re-dedicated on Hanukkah, the term Chanukah (meaning “inauguration” or “dedication”) was coined.

The celebration of Hanukkah includes both religious and non-religious aspects. A candelabra with eight branches and the holder for the shamash (‘servant’) candle, which is used to light the other eight candles, is one of the most important Jewish rituals.

12. Yalda (Persian)

Date of Celebration: December 20th, 2024

When It’s Marked: Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.

One of the most significant Iranian celebrations was the Yalda Night, which has been celebrated for many years. It continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Iranians to this day. Yalda Night customs in Iran are distinct from those in any other country in the world today.

Birth and renaissance are the roots of the Syriac name Yalda. “Milad Akbar,” as the great scientist and calendar scholar called Yalda’s night, was regarded as the birth of the sun by the ancients. Iranians now celebrate Yalda by staying up all night with their families. Fruits with a large number of seeds are often regarded as symbols of fertility.

13. World AIDS Day (Secular)

Date of Celebration: December 1st

When It’s Marked: Celebrated across the globe.

People from all over the world come together on December’s First Holiday, World AIDS Day to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and demonstrate international solidarity in the face of the pandemic.

To raise public and private sector awareness of the pandemic and to promote advancements in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care around the world, the day is an ideal opportunity. Every year, the December 1 holiday is one of the most widely observed international health days and an important opportunity to raise awareness, commemorate those who have passed away, and celebrate successes such as increased access to treatment and prevention services.

14. Human Right’s Day (Secular)

Date of Celebration: December 10th

Where It’s Marked: Celebrated annually across the globe.

The purpose of this celebration is to raise awareness of the importance of human dignity, equality, peace, justice, and freedom. Regardless of race, color, religion, sex, or social status; everyone is entitled to the same rights. Human rights became an “international priority” after World War II’s atrocities.

15. Boxing Day (Secular)

Date of Celebration: December 26th 

Where It’s Marked: Celebrated in Great British, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Despite its origins as a day set aside for charitable donations, the holiday has evolved into a time for consumers to indulge in some retail therapy. Servitors received a Christmas box on this day in the past, and it was a day off from their jobs. It is a public holiday when December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, and the following Monday is designated as such.

Boxing Day became an official federal holiday in 1871. Charitable drives are a theme in the name. Boxing Day, or December Global Holidays Boxing Day as it is known in the United Kingdom, is the day after Christmas Day when churches traditionally open a collection box for the poor.

16. Kwanzaa (Secular)

Date of Celebration: December 26th – January 1st

Where It’s Marked: Millions of African people celebrate it throughout the world. However, it is observed that it is celebrated the most in the United States.

Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African family and social values that is primarily observed in the United States from December 26 to January 1, is a significant occasion. Although Kwanzaa is primarily an African American holiday, it is also celebrated in the Caribbean and other countries with large populations of African ancestors. A non-political and religious holiday, it is not considered a substitute for Christmas in the United States.

17. New Year’s Eve (Secular)

Date of Celebration: December 31st

Where It’s Marked: A public holiday in Latvia, Philippines, and San Marino; and a bank holiday in Bangladesh, Brunei, Paraguay, and Japan. New Year’s Eve is one of the largest December global holidays.

New Year’s Eve is a day filled with both excitement and sadness for many people. It’s a time to reflect on the year that’s ended and look forward to the possibilities that lie ahead in the new year. Those who look back over the past year with fondness may feel a pang of nostalgia for the good times they had. This is the time of year when many people begin to consider their goals for the upcoming year.

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Related Topic: – List Of Federal Holidays In The United States

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many holidays are in December?

A: Here is a list of global December holidays that are celebrated around the world:

• December 2nd: International Day for the Abolition of Slavery


• December 3rd: Farmer Day in Ghana


• December 6th: Independence Day in Finland


• December 7th: International Civil Aviation Day


• December 9th: International Anti-Corruption Day


• December 11th: Republic Day in Madagascar


• December 15th: International Tea Day


• December 17th: Wright Brother Day in United States


• December 21st: Winter Solstice

Q: How is Christmas celebrated around the world?

A: Around the world, one of the most popular global December holidays, Christmas is celebrated with full fervor. Here is how people all over the world celebrate Christmas. 


1. In France: On Christmas Eve, children clean their shoes and keep them near the chimney in hopes that the next morning, their shoes are filled with lots of sweets. Towns and cities in France are illuminated with Christmas lights.




2. In Germany: Various cities and towns of Germany set up festive Christmas markets and decorate the city with festive ornaments and lights. December 26th is also considered a public holiday and many families celebrate it together.




3. In the Philippines: People of the Philippines celebrate Christmas in a slightly different way. People decorate their homes and cities with a star-shaped lantern called ‘parol’, in remembrance of the star of Bethlehem.




4. In Australia: It is a tradition that in the weeks up to Christmas, churches set up picnics and sing Christmas carols on the beach.

 


5. In USA: Christmas is celebrated majorly in United States. Families decorate their houses with Christmas ornaments and lights. On Christmas, families get together to share a hearty festive meal after exchanging gifts. It is a customary practice to send and receive Christmas cards.

Related Topic- Other Festival Events