Holiday overview
Christmas Day
Christmas Day is observed on December 25 in many countries, with religious and cultural traditions that vary by region.
About this holiday
Christmas is an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed on December 25 as both a religious and cultural celebration. Billions of people around the world participate in Christmas traditions including gift-giving, decorating Christmas trees, attending church services, sharing meals with family and waiting for Santa Claus.
History
The celebration of Christ's birth on December 25 was first recorded in 336 AD in Rome. The date may have been chosen to coincide with the Roman winter solstice festival of Saturnalia. Christmas became a federal holiday in the United States in 1870 and has since spread as a cultural celebration to many non-Christian countries as well.
Traditions
- Decorating Christmas trees
- Exchanging gifts
- Singing Christmas carols
- Attending church services
- Sharing festive meals with family
Where and when this holiday appears
| Date | Weekday | Countries |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday |  United States | |
| Friday | United States | |
| Friday | United States |
Related holidays
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas Day a public holiday?
Christmas is a public holiday in many countries. In the United States it is a federal holiday. In Japan it is widely celebrated but is not a public holiday.
Which countries have Christmas as a public holiday?
Christmas is a public holiday in the United States, United Kingdom, most European countries, and many Commonwealth nations. Check individual country calendars for precise dates.