Countries that Do Not Celebrate Christmas 2025
Is Christmas a Formal Public Holiday
- Christmas celebrations vary greatly from one culture and country to another.
When Is Christmas?
Every year, Christmas falls on December 25th. The vast majority of countries recognize Christmas as a public holiday, particularly since Christianity is such a popular religion across the world. Christmas is a Christian holiday, and it is celebrated to recognize the birth of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus is the son of God, and this is a way to honor Jesus. In addition, there are a lot of countries that recognize Christmas Eve as a holiday. There are a lot of families that like to gather, enjoy a meal, and go to church. Even families that do not go to church celebrate Christmas as a way to spend time with their loved ones.
Do Most Countries Celebrate Christmas?
Yes, the vast majority of countries celebrate Christmas. For example, just about every country in Europe has a Christian majority. Therefore, most European countries celebrate Christmas. In addition, the vast majority of North and South America is Christian as well. The United States recognizes Christmas as a public holiday, and the vast majority of business is closed. Canada is largely the same way. There are some locations that are open on Christmas Day. For example, movie theaters in Chinese restaurants are usually open on Christmas. Furthermore, emergency services, such as hospitals, are open on Christmas. On the other hand, outpatient doctors’ offices are usually closed on Christmas Day.
What Countries Do Not Celebrate Christmas?
Even though Christmas is celebrated by a majority of the world’s countries, there are some countries that do not recognize Christmas as a public holiday. They include Afghanistan, Algeria, Bhutan, North Korea, Libya, Mauritania, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. In these countries, Christmas is not considered a day off from work. All government services will be open, and people will be expected to go to work and school. On the other hand, that doesn’t necessarily mean that people are not allowed to celebrate Christmas in these countries. People who are Christian can still take the day off and celebrate, provided that the country does not have a law against it. It simply means that people should not be expected to be given the day off from work for free, as the country will still be open.
Does Japan Celebrate Christmas?
Yes, Japan celebrates Christmas, but in many ways, it is celebrated in the exact opposite of many Western countries. For example, lots of people who live in the United States and Europe use Christmas as a way to go to church and honor the Christian religion. On the other hand, in Japan, it is largely seen as a time for friends and couples to have parties. They will make plans to meet up for dinner, and they will celebrate as much as they can. Therefore, in Japan, there might be a lot of other locations that are open when compared to the United States and Europe, where the vast majority of businesses and restaurants are closed.
