What countries do not celebrate Christmas? Full list of countries that don't celebrate Christmas
Christmas is celebrated annually on December 25, with most countries observing it as a public holiday, primarily due to Christianity's widespread following. However, from secular nations to those with different religious practices, many regions mark this day as ordinary or celebrate other holidays during the season instead. What countries do not celebrate Christmas?
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Christmas is an annual festivity commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a global celebration of joy and faith in many countries. However, this religious holiday is an ordinary day in some secular nations and those with different religious practices. So, what countries do not celebrate Christmas?
What countries do not celebrate Christmas?
Some countries don't celebrate Christmas due to differing religious beliefs, cultural practices, or secular policies. For many, other non-Christian holidays hold greater significance, reflecting their unique traditions and values.
1. Morocco
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Morocco attracts visitors for its scenic Atlas Mountains, camel treks, bustling souks, and unique accommodations like traditional riads, but Christmas has yet to be widely observed. As a predominantly Muslim country, Morocco doesn't celebrate Christmas, and instead of holiday carols or festive lights, the call to prayer and colourful lanterns characterise the season.
2. Afghanistan
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Afghanistan, primarily an Islamic nation, does not celebrate Christmas due to the minimal presence of Christianity. Islamic culture and Sharia law govern social customs, so national holidays revolve around Islamic events like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, which are nationwide. Any unofficial celebration of Christmas occurs only among expatriates.
3. Bhutan
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Bhutan is essentially a Buddhist nation, and Christianity remains a minority faith. The government emphasises Buddhist festivals such as Tshechu, and religious practices follow the state's spiritual principles. Christmas is neither a public holiday nor widely celebrated, as the focus remains on Buddhist and Hindu traditions that shape the cultural and religious landscape.
4. Algeria
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Algeria, officially known as the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, is a North African country and part of the Maghreb region. This is another country where Christmas festivities have yet to be seen. Islam is the state religion in Algeria, and the population predominantly follows Islamic holidays.
Christmas has no official standing, and celebrations are rarely seen beyond small expatriate or Christian communities. The Algerian government focuses on Islamic traditions like Ramadan and Eid, so Christmas is not publicly observed, reflecting the country's dedication to Islamic values.
5. North Korea
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North Korea has numerous cultures that don't celebrate Christmas. Officially, North Korea restricts the celebration of Christmas, primarily due to its strict political and social framework.
Christianity is primarily banned, with the government promoting Juche ideology and reverence for national leaders instead. Some small underground communities may celebrate in secrecy, but the regime strictly prohibits public displays of Christmas.
6. Uzbekistan
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Nearly 10% of Uzbekistan's population is Eastern Orthodox Christian, but Christmas is not celebrated. Instead, New Year's festivities feature Christmas-like traditions, including decorated trees and gift-giving, but it remains a secular holiday.
7. Yemen
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The Republic of Yemen, an Arab nation, occupies the southwestern to southern part of the Arabian Peninsula. Saudi Arabia borders it to the north, the Red Sea to the west, the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea to the south, and Oman to the northeast.
Yemen, predominantly Muslim, does not observe Christmas due to its strong adherence to Islamic beliefs. The nation's official holidays are based on the Islamic calendar, and Christmas holds little cultural relevance.
8. Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
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The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic is located in Western Sahara, on the northwest coast of Africa. SADR has a rich cultural heritage shaped by Berber, Arab, and Islamic influences. This country is one of the cultures without Christmas celebrations, as their observances align with Islamic holidays.
9. Tunisia
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Tunisia's state religion is Islam, with about 99% of Tunisians identifying as Sunni Muslims, according to the CIA. The Tunisian constitution declares Islam as the official religion, tasks the government with safeguarding religious practices, and mandates that the president be Muslim.
Therefore, Tunisia is among the countries that do not celebrate Christmas. Although some Christian residents may observe it, it is not a public holiday. The government recognises Islamic celebrations, and Christmas is primarily observed privately by expatriates or non-Muslim Tunisians.
10. Tajikistan
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Tajikistan's population is projected to rise steadily, with a current population of over 10.3 million people. A Christian religious ceremony like Christmas cannot be celebrated in this country because most of the population practices Islam.
The majority are Sunni Muslims following the Hanafi school of thought. Additionally, about 3-4% of the Muslim population practices Shia Islam, including a notable Ismaili Shia community.
11. Qatar
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Christmas isn't widely visible or celebrated in Qatar, a predominantly non-Christian country. Festivities that do occur are typically organised by its large expatriate community.
Over recent years, festive decor in shops has gradually increased, especially in Doha's modern, lavish malls. However, these displays remain modest compared to locations with more prominent Christmas traditions.
12. Somalia
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Somalia, officially the Federal Republic of Somalia, is located in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya, with coastlines along the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean, featuring Africa's longest coastline.
Somalia is predominantly Muslim and does not recognise Christmas as a holiday. Islamic customs shape societal values, and the Somali government upholds these norms. Public Christmas celebrations are rare and typically occur only within expatriate communities.
13. Saudi Arabia
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Saudi Arabia is another place where Christmas isn't celebrated. In Saudi Arabia, public religious practices outside Islam are restricted, as the nation emphasises Islamic traditions under Wahhabism.
Many Christians faced discrimination due to their religious beliefs, along with raids and violence from the religious police. The law treated all citizens as Muslims, imposing severe penalties for any violations of Sharia law.
14. Libya
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Libya is recognised for its rich culture and historical significance. It features some of the best-preserved ruins from ancient civilisations. The country experiences two primary climate zones; the southern region is characterised by a hot and arid climate typical of the Sahara Desert.
Libya is also one of the African countries that Muslims mostly occupy. Christmas celebrations are uncommon, and the government does not recognise them as a holiday.
15. Egypt
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Christmas is widely celebrated worldwide, but many countries, including Egypt, either don't observe it or have unique practices. While Christian nations re-enact nativity scenes, Egypt doesn't recognise December 25, focusing instead on Islam or cultural events.
16. Brunei
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Since 2015, Brunei has prohibited public Christmas celebrations, penalising violators with up to five years in prison or a $20,000 fine. Non-Muslims can celebrate privately but cannot involve Muslims, who form most of Brunei's population.
Who doesn't celebrate Christmas in America?
In America, certain groups and individuals don't celebrate Christmas, often due to religious or cultural beliefs. For instance, Jehovah's Witnesses, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and some Buddhists do not observe Christmas as it doesn't align with their religious teachings.
Why don't Jews celebrate Christmas?
Jews don't celebrate Christmas because they do not view Jesus as the Messiah. They believe specific prophecies remain unfulfilled, meaning he cannot be the foretold one. While Christians anticipate Jesus will fulfil these prophecies upon his return, Jews do not share this belief.
Why does Japan not celebrate Christmas?
Japan doesn't officially celebrate Christmas on December 25, as it's not a public holiday, so most people work. Instead, Christmas Eve is celebrated more romantically, with couples enjoying dates, gift exchanges, and special dinner packages in decorated areas.
Who doesn't celebrate Christmas in Europe?
Every country in Europe celebrates Christmas, often with unique traditions and much enthusiasm across the continent. However, some people in these countries may not observe it for religious or cultural reasons.
For example, European Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, and some secular communities may not celebrate Christmas traditionally. Additionally, certain indigenous groups, like some Sámi people in Scandinavia, have their spiritual practices and may not observe Christmas in the Christian sense.
While many embrace the Christmas holiday, some nations observe different traditions due to religious or cultural differences. What countries do not celebrate Christmas? Countries like Afghanistan, China, and Morocco mark December 25 as an ordinary day, focusing on other important holidays.
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