”The most joyous month of the year, out of the other twelve, in December. The list of international holidays in December is extensive”
All kinds of celebrations and activities take place all around the world in December. The list of holidays includes anything from national holidays to festive holidays to religious holidays. Therefore, you are mistaken if you believed that the two most significant days in December are Christmas and New Year’s Eve. December is a busy month with many of other celebrations and holidays. Different nations observe various international holidays in December.
You have come to the right site if you are keen to learn about all December-related international holidays. We’ll talk about every holiday that falls in December 2022 in this post. So without further ado, let’s read the post that follows.
December 2022: All International Holidays
The most celebrated holidays around the world in December are listed in this section.
World AIDS Day (1 December 2022)
Category:Â Health
Celebration Date:Â 1st December
Celebration Place:Â Worldwide
One of the most significant international holidays in December is World AIDS Day, which is observed to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS. Thomas Netter and James W. Bunn held the first celebration in August 1987. They were serving as public information officers for the World Health Organization’s Global AIDS Program at the time. The first World AIDS Day was observed on December 1 of the following year, and ever since then, it has always been observed on that day.
The focus of this day is on raising awareness of HIV/AIDS-related concerns. It honours those who have been impacted by the virus. It is recognised and honoured everywhere. It is observed by paying visits to underprivileged children and supporting safe-sex programmes, among other things.
UAE Public Holiday (2 December 2022)
Category:Â National
Celebration Date: 2nd December
Celebration Place: UAE
One of the main holidays in December in the UAE is UAE National Day. This day honours the success and stability of the UAE. In the UAE, this day is observed with considerable fervour.
The celebration on this day includes a fireworks display, glittering rituals, and sizable elaborate feasts. Additionally, you will be able to witness grandiose parades in various regions of the nation. People everywhere fly their country’s flag and put on vivacious carnivals with acrobatic shows, breathtaking performances, and patriotic speeches.
Day of the Cookie (4 December 2022)
Category: General
Celebration Date: 4th December
Celebration Place: Worldwide
Bakers all throughout the world celebrate National Cookie Day in December as a sort of holiday. Bakers produce delectable cookies on this day and heat up their ovens in preparation for the Christmas season.
Just so you know, throughout the 14th century, cookies were a staple of royal diet. The name “cookie” is derived from the Dutch word “koekie,” which means “little cake.” In the 17th century, cookies began to arrive in America from Europe. American bakers transformed traditional cookies into more avant-garde confections like gingerbread cookies and macaroons. Giving out cookies to family and friends is one way to observe National Cookie Day.
Krampusnacht (5 December 2022)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â 5th December
Celebration Place:Â Austria
One of the most significant December celebrations for Austrians is Krampusnacht. Around the end of the year, the carnal devil known as Krampus makes his way through Focal Europe. This day is devoted to honour this repulsive creature.
With lengthy processions that transform this day into a full-fledged celebration, Austrians have dedicated an entire day to honouring this diabolical animal. You will notice swarms of young individuals roaming down the streets on this day sporting bizarre attire.
Day of St. Nicholas (5 December 2022)
Category: Religious
Celebration Date: 5th December
Celebration Place:Â Europe
One of the holy holidays in December 2022 is St. Nicholas Day. All of St. Nicholas’ money and possessions were donated to the nearby poor. He spent his entire life helping those who were ill and in pain.
On the night before Christmas Day, people celebrate St. Nicholas Day. In several European nations, particularly Greece and Russia, it is a significant event. On this day, people exchange chocolate messages, candy, puzzles, and little gifts. In the hopes that St. Nicholas will swap them for goodies and little presents, children leave their shoes outside with carrots.
Immaculate Conception Holiday (8 December 2022)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â December 8
Celebration Place:Â America, Brazil, Italy, Philippines, Spain, Argentina, Korea, Nicaragua, Paraguay, and Uruguay
For Catholics, this is a very significant day that is observed on December 8 each year. Many people think that this day is a reference to Mary’s conception of Jesus. But that isn’t the case. Instead, it is Mary’s own conception.
Even though Mary was born naturally, Catholics consider her conception to have been “immaculate.” This is due to the fact that God’s intervention in her birth absolved Mary of her guilt. Catholics all throughout the world observe this day as a holy holiday in December.
Buddhism Day (8 December 2022)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â December 8
Celebration Place:Â Japan
On a single day, Japanese people commemorate the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha. Vesak, the name of this celebration, is planned according to the lunar calendar. Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean Mahayana Buddhists split Vesak into three distinct heavenly days. A single day out of the three is designated as Bodhi Day, which is observed on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month.
However, because the country of Japan uses the Gregorian calendar, Bodhi Day is observed there every year on December 8. Japan observes various holidays throughout December in addition to Bodhi Day.
Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (12 December 2022)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â 12th December
Celebration Place: Mexico, America
One of the well-known religious holidays in December is this one. Mexicans, Latinos, and Americans are the main groups who celebrate it. The Virgin of Guadalupe is celebrated on this day with vibrant processions. For those who are unaware, the Virgin of Guadalupe represents devotion and patriotism.
According to mythology, Juan Diego, a peasant, saw the Virgin of Guadalupe for the first time in 1531. After he told the bishop, she reappeared in front of Diego. She gave him instructions to gather flowers. When he went to see the bishop, the flowers on his cloak fell off and created a picture of the Virgin of Guadalupe.
Lucia, Santa (13 December 2022)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â 13th December
Celebration Place:Â Scandinavia & Italy
One of the significant days on the calendar of holidays in December is the Santa Lucia feast. For the benefit of those who are unaware, Santa Lucia was an Italian saint who died and was revered as a saint. Italians and Scandinavians see her as a symbol of brightness.
Every year on December 13th, people remember Santa Lucia as a representation of faith and light. It is customary to hold large parades and air shows to commemorate this important day. Artists can also be seen carrying flashing torches and donning white hoods.
Worldwide Monkey Day (14 December 2022)
Category: General
Celebration Date: 14th December
Celebration Place: Worldwide
One of the significant December holidays is International Monkey Day, also known as World Monkey Day. Eric Millikin and Casey Sorrow came up with this December holiday in 2000. A highly clever species, monkeys. They are both adorable and cheeky. There are hundreds of different species of monkeys in the world, and each one has an own technique of attracting people’s attention.
Numerous nations, including Germany, the United States, Thailand, Canada, Pakistan, India, Scotland, Colombia, Turkey, and Estonia, commemorate this day. To generate money for the care and preservation of monkeys, this day is specifically observed in zoos. Observing International Monkey Day promotes global understanding of the various primates and monkey species.
The Posadas (16 December to 24 December)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â 16th December to 24th December
Celebration Place:Â Guatemala & Mexico
The nine-day winter event known as Las Posadas is held each December. It acknowledges Mary’s nine months of pregnancy. Children are dressed as shepherds and heavenly messengers for this special occasion. Along with those images, other common elements of the event include figures and candles.
Every city and village in Mexico celebrates this holiday in full. Large processions are organised, in which youngsters dressed as angels are led by adults who then visit certain households to request accommodation for Mary and Joseph.
Hanukkah (18 December to 26 December)Â
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â 18th December to 26th December
Celebration Place:Â Israel
Chanukah, commonly referred to as Hanukkah, is an eight-day Jewish holy holiday. It is also known as the festival of lights, and it typically begins on the Hebrew calendar’s 25th day of the Kislev month. It is observed between November 28 and December 6 of this year.
This festival commemorates the Second Temple of Jerusalem’s re-loyalty after the Maccabean Revolt. Every night for the eight days of the event, candles are lit. Eating oil-dried dishes like jam-filled doughnuts, potato hotcakes, and other items is another well-known tradition associated with this celebration. One of the significant religious holidays in December 2022 is Hanukkah.
Yule (21 December to 1 January 2023)Â
Category:Â Pagan
Celebration Date:Â 21st December to 1st January
Celebration Place:Â Germany
All Germanic people celebrate Yule, also known as Yuletide, throughout the world. It is one among the significant December celebrations that originated with the Norse god Odin. Yule is one of the most well-known winter celebrations in the globe since it coincides with the Winter Solstice.
For this festival, ancient people built a massive bonfire and spent the night outside. Even today, log burning is still a ritual. Making a Yule wreath, creating a Yule altar, or giving back to Mother Nature are additional popular ways that people celebrate this event. On this special day, they also set up candlelight meals and decorate Yule trees.
Festivus (23 December 2022)Â
Category:Â Parody
Celebration Date:Â 23rd December
Celebration Place:Â All around the world, but especially in the United States
One of the major December holidays celebrated around the world that gained popularity in 1997 is Festivus. On this occasion, we want to show that we oppose Christmas commercialism. It’s all because of the The Strike episode of the show. This mock holiday’s main objective is to protest Christmas consumerism. It is recognisable by opposition to buying pricey Christmas trees.
Festivus traditions include hanging around an aluminium shaft, complaining to people, and accomplishing spectacular feats. This day is honoured not just in the United States but also in many other nations throughout the world where the majority of the population is Christian.
Christmas (25 December 2022)Â
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date:Â 25th December
Celebration Place:Â All around the world
The most well-known Christian celebration in December is without a question Christmas. It is recognised and honoured everywhere. Christ was born on this auspicious day, and Christians considered him to be the final prophet sent by God. They hold that the purpose of Christ, the son of God, coming to earth was to redeem humanity from sin.
Almost every nation in the globe celebrates Christmas. There are numerous ways to observe this occasion. For instance, going to the church or leaving gifts for Santa Claus. Some people also take vacations with their loved ones.
Boxing Day (26 December 2022)
Category:Â General
Celebration Date:Â 26th December
Celebration Place:Â Worldwide
Although the origin of Boxing Day is still a mystery, it is observed annually on December 26. Some claim that this was the day following Christmas when churches gave destitute people alms boxes. Others, however, beg to differ, observing this day to thank all those who provide us with services throughout the year, including postal workers, errand boys, and others.
One of the most well-known December festivities is Boxing Day. Since the year it was established, several nations around the world have observed December 26 as a public holiday. This covers the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They hold a variety of sporting activities to commemorate this day.
Kwanzaa (26 December to 1 January 2023)Â
Category:Â Cultural
Celebration Date:Â 26th December to 1st January
Celebration Place:Â Africa & United States
One of the cultural holidays observed in December is Kwanzaa. Dr. Maulana Karenga established this day in African history. Following the Watts Revolts in Los Angeles, California, it was first observed in 1966. This day is significant because it promotes African ideals.
Kwanzaa is frequently observed with dancing and singing to traditional African rhythms. They take part in storytelling, reciting poetry, and discussions on key African cultural principles. The majority of the time, these celebrations are structured around a substantial traditional supper at the conclusion of each day, followed by a massive feast known as “Karamu” on the last day of December.
New Year’s Eve (31 December 2022)
Category:Â General
Celebration Date:Â 31st December
Celebration Place:Â Worldwide
It’s a very wonderful occasion on New Year’s Eve. It signals the conclusion of one year and the beginning of another. No matter where you travel, you will see people ringing in the New Year with a lot of enthusiasm and fanfare. On the final day of the month, it is observed.
Various activities are used to mark this day. For instance, on New Year’s Eve, some religious individuals visit their houses of worship, while others frequent pubs, clubs, and coffee shops. Additionally, many host gatherings and parties at their homes. At midnight, when everyone is ringing in the New Year with firecrackers, music, and joy, the festivities reach their pinnacle.
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Omisoka (31 December 2022)
Category:Â General
Celebration Date: 31st December
Celebration Place: Japan
One of the December holidays observed by Japanese people is omisoka. It is observed on December 31 and is similar to the Japanese New Year. People purge their homes of excess clutter from the previous year on this special day. They thoroughly clean every inch of their residences. On this day, large feasts are frequently planned. People like eating traditional Japanese cuisine with their friends and family by inviting them around.
Toshikoshi-soba, a type of traditional Japanese noodle, is a must-have for Japanese people as they believe that eating lengthy noodles will extend their lives. People celebrate Hatsumode by eating traditional meals and visiting shrines and temples. Temples ring their bells and hand out sweet drinks called amazakes. Omisoka is, in essence, the Japanese tradition of ringing in the New Year.
Watch Night (31 December 2022)
Category:Â Religious
Celebration Date: 31st December
Celebration Place: Christians around the world
Another name for Watch Night is Freedom’s Eve. Another fantastic December festival that you ought to be aware of is this one. The purpose of this celebration is to have a joyous month’s end and a prosperous start to the new year. Different communities observe this day in different ways.
Many individuals visit their places of worship to express gratitude to God for another year. Some folks go out to pubs and cafés to celebrate the day with their loved ones. On this day, fireworks displays are frequently seen. People socialise, have fun, and get together.
Holidays in the United States in December 2022
- December 25th: Christmas Day
- December 26th: Boxing Day
- January 1st: New Year’s Eve
Holidays in the United Kingdom in December 2022
- December 25th: Christmas Day
- December 26th: Boxing Day
Australia’s December 2022 holiday schedule
- December 24th: Christmas Eve
- December 25th: Christmas Day
- December 26th: Boxing Day
- January 1st: New Year’s Eve
Holidays in Canada in December 2022
- December 24th: Christmas Eve
- December 25th: Christmas Day
- December 26th: Boxing Day
- January 1st: New Year’s Eve
December 2022 Holidays in Different Parts of the World
- United Arab Emirates as of December first (National Day)
- Ghana (Farmer’s Day) falls on December 4.
- Finland (Independence Day), Spain on December 6 (Constitution Day)
- Thailand (7 December): King Bhumibol’s birthday
- December 10th: Thailand (Constitution Day)
- Mexico on December 12th (The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe)
- Malta on December 13 (Republic Day)
- Bangladesh (Victory Day), South Africa on December 16 (Day of Reconciliation)
- December 18th: Qatar (National Day)
- Libya on December 24th (Independence Day)
- December 25th: Pakistan ( Birthday of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah)
- Boxing Day and Slovenia’s Independence Day both fall on December 26. (Various Countries)
- December 29th: Sri Lanka (Unduvap Full Moon Poya)
- December 30th: Philippines (Rizal Day)
- January 1st: New Year’s Eve (Various Countries)
Final thoughts on the international holidays in December
The international holidays in December are arguably the most well-known. While on their winter vacations, several nations celebrate various festivals. You can list all of the holidays you just read about in this post if someone asks you “what holidays are celebrated in December around the world.” I hope you find this post to be useful.
Questions and Answers regarding December’s international holidays
Which international holidays are observed in December?
Two of the most important international holidays observed in December are Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. In addition, numerous more international holidays in December are observed by other nations. Consider Boxing Day.
Describe Omisoka.
On December 31st, Japanese people celebrate Omisoka. According to Japanese tradition, it is ranked as the second-most significant day. It is the last day of the previous year and the night before the new year.
When is Christmas Day observed?
Every year, Boxing Day is observed on December 26. In many nations, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, etc., it is observed as one of the December international holidays.
What is the purpose of Hanukkah?
Hanukkah is an eight-day holiday celebrated by Jews. Hanukkah is observed to remember the Second Temple’s rededication in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. In Jerusalem, it is one of the holy holidays for 2022.
What day of the year is World AIDS Day?
Every year on December 1st, there is a celebration of World AIDS Day to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS.
Which holidays are observed around the world in December?
Numerous holidays in December are observed around the world. Christmas and the New Year are two of the most well-known ones.
What is the world’s most popular holiday?
The most widely observed holiday worldwide is Christmas. It is observed annually on December 25.
Which three holidays are observed in December?
Christmas, New Year, and Hanukkah are three holidays that fall in December.
Why is Boxing Day called that?
The name derives from a time when wealthy people would package presents and distribute them to the less fortunate. Boxing Day used to be a day off for servants. They got a Christmas box from their masters on this day.
What is the American name for Boxing Day?
Boxing Day was first observed as a day to offer gifts to the less fortunate. In the USA, it is now commonly referred to as a shopping holiday.
What makes it Christmas Eve?
The day or time leading up to an event is referred to as the “eve.” The day before Christmas is referred to as Christmas Eve.
