December is thought to be the happiest and most merry month of the year. The December month, sometimes known as the Winter Holidays, are jam-packed with parties and festivals, some traditional and others merely for fun and frolic.
December is known for a number of notable and important events around the world, ranging from religious activities, cultural, and corporate celebrations.
We've highlighted some of the December holidays celebrated around the world in below:
Did you know that several of our Santa Claus customs originated on St. Nicholas Day? I bet you don't, Take a look at the December Global Holidays List for a list of other fascinating festive days in December.
Krampusnacht
St. Nicholas Day
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Hanukkah
St. Lucia Day, Santa Lucia
Las Posadas
Winter Solstice
Festivus
Christmas
Kwanzaa
Omisaka
New Year's Eve
5th December (Krampusnacht):
Mostly Germans and Austrians celebrate this day, its a night when interested individuals (adult) dress up in devil costume and chase naughty children in the street.
December 6th (St. Nicholas Day)
St. Nicholas Day is observed on December 6th in several European countries in honor of St. Nicholas of Myra, who donated all of his wealth to the poor.
December 8th (Feast of the Immaculate Conception)
The patronal feast day is celebrated on December 8th in America, Argentina, Brazil, Italy, Korea, Nicaragua, Paraguay, the Philippines, Spain, and Uruguay to commemorate the importance of Catholic education in these countries.
November 28th to December 6th (Hanukkah)
Adults usually light a "menorah" (which is known as a special candle holder) for 8 days straight to commemorate an ancient miracle which happened in the past. This is a celebration that will keep on happening for a long time.
December 13th (St. Lucia Day also known as Santa Lucia)
To celebrate a third-century saint, Swedish girls dress up as "Lucia brides" wearing long white gowns with red sashes and a wreath of burning candles on their hair. Scandinavians and Italians commemorate Lucia of Syracuse with a religious event.
December 16th to 24th (Las Posadas)
From the 16th to the 24th of December, people all around Mexico and Guatemala gather to celebrate this event to honor the ancient Norse God Odin.
December 21st (Winter Solstice)
It occurs around the 21st of December and is the shortest day of the winter season. Its usually celebrated to entice the sun into their midst, they ignite bonfires and candles for this event.
December 23rd (Festivus)
The significance of this parody holiday, which is observed on December 23rd in the United States, is to campaign against Christmas industrialism.
December 25th (Christmas)
Christmas celebrations last from December 24th to January 6th, and each country has its own traditions. It commemorates the birth of Jesus, which is largely commemorated by Christians, and is commemorated by some with traditions and by others with presents.
26th of December to the 1st of January (Kwanzaa, Boxing day 26th)
Kwanzaa is a spiritual holiday that takes place from December 26th to January 1st. African Americans dress up in festive clothing, decorate their homes with fruits and vegetables, and light a kinara on these holidays (candle holder).
It's a day also known for the exchange of gifts among family members, friends, co workers. Generally known as boxing day. It's a day to spread love among one another.
December 31st (Omisaka)
This holiday is common among the Japanese, its an event whereby they welcome the New Year ahead of it initial date January 1st.
New Year's Eve, December 31st
New Year's Eve is a worldwide celebration of fun and excitement that marks the end of the year and ushers in the new year with happiness, it is celebrated among all religion, irrespective of the race, background or tradition