December is a festive month with a diverse mix of cultural, religious, and global observances. Here is a list of notable holidays and observances happening throughout December 2025.
| Date | Holiday / Observance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| December 1 | World AIDS Day | International day to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and support those living with HIV. |
| December 2 | International Day for the Abolition of Slavery | A day to recognize efforts against modern slavery, including trafficking and exploitation. |
| December 3 | International Day of Persons with Disabilities | Promotes inclusion and rights for individuals with disabilities around the globe. |
| December 4 | Santa’s List Day | Fun observance where children check if they’ve been “naughty or nice” for Santa’s list. |
| December 5 | World Soil Day | Highlights the importance of soil health in agriculture and environmental sustainability. |
| December 6 | St. Nicholas Day | Celebrates the life of St. Nicholas, with traditions of gift-giving in many European countries. |
| December 7 | National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (U.S.) | Honors those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. |
| December 8 | Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic) | Celebrated by Catholics to honor the conception of the Virgin Mary without original sin. |
| December 10 | Human Rights Day | Marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations. |
| December 11 | International Mountain Day | Raises awareness about the role of mountains in biodiversity and human life. |
| December 12 | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Celebrated in Mexico and parts of the U.S. honoring the Virgin Mary’s apparition in Guadalupe. |
| December 13 | St. Lucia’s Day | A Swedish festival of lights, celebrated with candle-lit processions honoring St. Lucia. |
| December 15 | Bill of Rights Day (U.S.) | Commemorates the ratification of the U.S. Bill of Rights in 1791. |
| December 17 | Wright Brothers Day (U.S.) | Honors the Wright brothers’ contributions to aviation on the anniversary of their first flight. |
| December 21 | Winter Solstice | Marks the first day of winter and the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve | Celebrated as the night before Christmas, a time for gatherings, meals, and festive traditions. |
| December 25 | Christmas Day | A Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, observed worldwide with various customs. |
| December 26 | Boxing Day (U.K., Canada, Australia, etc.) | Originally a day to give gifts to the less fortunate, now also a major shopping day in many places. |
| December 26 | Kwanzaa Begins | A week-long celebration of African heritage in African-American culture, lasting until January 1. |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve | Celebrates the end of the year with parties, fireworks, and gatherings around the world. |
December 1 – World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is an international day to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic, support those affected by HIV, and remember those who have lost their lives to the disease.
December 2 – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
This observance promotes efforts to eradicate modern-day slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation, which continue to affect millions globally.
December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
This day encourages inclusivity and equal rights for people with disabilities, promoting accessibility and awareness for a more inclusive world.
December 4 – Santa’s List Day
A fun, lighthearted observance where children are encouraged to reflect on their behavior over the past year as Santa Claus prepares his “naughty or nice” list.
December 5 – World Soil Day
World Soil Day highlights the importance of soil health in sustaining agriculture, environmental ecosystems, and human life.
December 6 – St. Nicholas Day
Celebrated in many European countries, St. Nicholas Day commemorates the life and generosity of St. Nicholas, a patron saint known for his kindness, often associated with gift-giving.
December 7 – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (U.S.)
In the United States, this day honors the memory of the lives lost during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, which led to U.S. involvement in World War II.
December 8 – Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Catholic)
Observed by Catholics, this feast celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from original sin, highlighting her purity and role in the Christian faith.
December 8 – Bodhi Day (Buddhist)
Bodhi Day celebrates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. It’s an important day for meditation and reflection for Buddhists worldwide.
December 10 – Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day marks the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the United Nations in 1948. It aims to promote universal respect for human rights.
December 10-18 – Hanukkah (Jewish)
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish festival, also known as the Festival of Lights. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of the menorah.
December 11 – International Mountain Day
This observance raises awareness about the importance of mountains to biodiversity, water resources, and human culture, emphasizing the need for sustainable mountain ecosystems.
December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
A major celebration in Mexico and parts of the U.S., this day honors the Virgin Mary’s appearance to Juan Diego in 1531, a significant cultural and religious event.
December 13 – St. Lucia’s Day
A Swedish festival of lights, St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated with candle-lit processions, singing, and honoring St. Lucia, a Christian martyr who brought food to persecuted Christians.
December 15 – Bill of Rights Day (U.S.)
Bill of Rights Day in the United States commemorates the ratification of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791, which guarantee various civil rights and freedoms.
December 17 – Wright Brothers Day (U.S.)
This day honors Orville and Wilbur Wright, pioneers of aviation, who achieved the first powered flight on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
December 21 – Winter Solstice
The Winter Solstice, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year, signals the official beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s celebrated in various cultures with traditions around renewal and hope.
December 24 – Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is celebrated globally as the night before Christmas. It’s often marked with family gatherings, meals, and traditions in anticipation of Christmas Day.
December 25 – Christmas Day
Christmas Day, a major Christian holiday, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s observed with family gatherings, church services, and gift-giving in countries worldwide.
December 26 – Boxing Day
Observed in the U.K., Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries, Boxing Day was historically a day for giving to those in need. Today, it’s known for shopping events and sports gatherings.
December 26 – Kwanzaa Begins
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American culture and heritage, focusing on unity, self-determination, and community, lasting from December 26 to January 1.
December 31 – New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve celebrates the close of the calendar year with festivities, parties, and fireworks worldwide. Many people gather to reflect on the past year and anticipate new beginnings.
December 2025 Religious and Cultural Holidays
- Christmas (December 25): A significant day in Christianity, celebrating the birth of Jesus.
- Hanukkah (December 10-18): An eight-day Jewish celebration known as the Festival of Lights.
- Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1): A cultural holiday that celebrates African-American heritage.
- Bodhi Day (December 8): Observed by Buddhists to honor the enlightenment of the Buddha.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the major holidays in December 2025?
Key holidays include Christmas Day (December 25), New Year’s Eve (December 31), Hanukkah (December 10-18), and Winter Solstice (December 21).
2. When does Hanukkah start in 2025?
Hanukkah begins on the evening of December 10 and ends on December 18, 2025.
3. What is celebrated on Boxing Day?
Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26 in Commonwealth nations, traditionally involved giving to the less fortunate. Today, it’s also a major shopping day and is often associated with sports and social gatherings.
4. How is the Winter Solstice observed?
The Winter Solstice, on December 21, marks the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and is often celebrated with festivals, bonfires, and cultural traditions symbolizing renewal.
5. What is Kwanzaa, and how long does it last?
Kwanzaa, starting on December 26, is a seven-day African-American cultural festival celebrating principles like unity, creativity, and community, ending on January 1.
6. Why is December 8 important for Catholics?
December 8 marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrating the Catholic belief that Mary, mother of Jesus, was conceived free from original sin.