Introducing the December 2025 Calendar: A Comprehensive Guide to the Month’s Holidays and Events. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable month filled with festive cheer, meaningful observances, and cherished traditions. As the year draws to a close, December presents a kaleidoscope of celebrations that span cultures and ignite the spirit of the season.
From the widely recognized Christmas and Hanukkah to lesser-known but equally significant observances like Bodhi Day and Human Rights Day, December offers a rich tapestry of cultural and religious expressions. Whether you seek moments of reflection, joyful gatherings, or opportunities for social change, this calendar will guide you through the month’s diverse and meaningful events. Dive into the heart of December and embrace the spirit of unity, compassion, and celebration that permeates this extraordinary month.
As we journey through December, let us not forget the importance of giving back. The spirit of the season extends beyond exchanging gifts and decorating homes. It is a time to reflect on our blessings and extend a helping hand to those in need. Whether it’s volunteering at a local soup kitchen, donating toys to a toy drive, or simply reaching out to a neighbor, every act of kindness, no matter how small, makes a difference. By embracing the spirit of giving, we not only brighten the lives of others but also enrich our own.
December 2025: A Festive Outlook
December 2025: A Month of Celebrations
December, the final chapter in the year’s grand narrative, is a month adorned with festive cheer and joyous anticipation. As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, the spirit of the season fills our hearts and homes. From the twinkling lights of Christmas trees to the warm glow of Hanukkah menorahs, December transforms into a dazzling tapestry of holiday traditions and shared moments. The month’s calendar is a testament to the diverse cultural tapestry of our world, with holidays honoring traditions old and new. As we embark on this festive journey, let us delve into the abundant offerings of December 2025, a month that promises to be brimming with merriments and celebrations.
December Holidays by Country
The diverse tapestry of December’s celebrations is reflected in the myriad of holidays observed around the world. From the beloved Christmas traditions of Europe and North America to the vibrant Hanukkah festivities in Jewish communities, each holiday brings its unique flavor to the month. The following table provides a glimpse into the diverse array of December holidays, showcasing the richness of cultural traditions across the globe:
| Country | Holiday | Date |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Christmas Day | December 25th |
| United Kingdom | Boxing Day | December 26th |
| Germany | Nikolaustag (St. Nicholas Day) | December 6th |
| Japan | Christmas Eve | December 24th |
| Israel | Hanukkah | December 10th – 18th |
Holidays to Highlight in December 2025
December 2025 offers a festive month filled with holidays that celebrate tradition, peace, and joy. Here are some of the key holidays to mark on your calendar:
Bodhi Day: A Celebration of Enlightenment
Bodhi Day, observed on December 8th, commemorates the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Buddhists worldwide celebrate this day with meditation, prayer, and gatherings to reflect on the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and wisdom.
Chanukah: A Festival of Lights
Chanukah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday that begins on December 10th in 2025. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt. During Chanukah, Jewish families light the menorah, a nine-branched candelabra, and exchange gifts to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
St. Nicholas Day: A Precursor to Santa Claus
December 6th is St. Nicholas Day, a Christian holiday that originated in Europe. St. Nicholas, the legendary patron saint of children, is believed to have lived in the 4th century and was known for his generosity. On St. Nicholas Day, children leave out shoes or stockings to be filled with treats by the saint.
National Wreaths Across America Day: Honoring Military Veterans
On December 13th, Americans participate in National Wreaths Across America Day. This day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the sacrifices made by military veterans. Volunteers across the country lay wreaths at veterans’ graves in cemeteries and memorial sites to show their gratitude and respect.
Notable Dates and Occasions in December 2025
Hanukkah
An eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 8, 2025. The holiday is celebrated with lighting a menorah, eating traditional foods like latkes and sufganiyot, and playing dreidel.
Winter Solstice
The winter solstice occurs on December 21, 2025. This astronomical event marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is associated with the rebirth of the sun and the return of light.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Christmas Eve, on December 24, 2025, is a festive time filled with carolling, gift-giving, and family gatherings. The following day, Christmas Day, is celebrated on December 25 as a national holiday in many countries worldwide.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a celebration of African heritage and culture observed from December 26 to January 1, 2026. The seven-day holiday commemorates the Nguzo Saba, seven principles of African unity, and is marked by candle-lighting, feasting, and gift-giving.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| December 8 | Hanukkah begins at sundown |
| December 21 | Winter solstice |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Kwanzaa begins |
| January 1 | Kwanzaa ends |
December 2025: A Month of Celebrations
First Quarter: Unveiling the Festivities
The month of December 2025 begins on a festive note with the onset of Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, on December 21st. The first quarter of the month also marks the arrival of winter solstice, heralding the shortest day of the year and signaling the astronomical beginning of winter.
Second Quarter: The Festivities Gather Momentum
As the month progresses, the festive momentum intensifies. The Christian holiday of Christmas Eve falls on December 24th, followed by Christmas Day on December 25th, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Simultaneously, Kwanzaa, a seven-day African-American festival, commences on December 26th, celebrating family, culture, and community.
Third Quarter: The Countdown to the New Year
The final quarter of December accelerates the pace of celebrations towards the culmination of the year. Festivities include Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26th in various countries, often associated with sales and discounts. Simultaneously, on December 31st, the world prepares for the grand finale of the year with New Year’s Eve, a time for reflection, resolutions, and fireworks.
December 2025 Calendar with Holidays
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| December 21 | Hanukkah |
| December 22 | Winter solstice |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve |
| December 25 | Christmas Day |
| December 26 | Kwanzaa, Boxing Day |
| December 31 | New Year’s Eve |
Astronomical Events in December 2025
While December is renowned for its festive celebrations, it also boasts celestial wonders. On December 21st, the winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. Additionally, a partial solar eclipse is expected to occur on December 26th, visible in various regions across the globe.
Holiday Planning Made Easy with the December 2025 Calendar
Monday, December 1, 2025: World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is a global health awareness day to raise awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
Tuesday, December 9, 2025: International Anti-Corruption Day
International Anti-Corruption Day is observed annually on December 9 to raise awareness of the impact of corruption on development and to promote the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it.
Friday, December 12, 2025: Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal Health Coverage Day is celebrated annually on December 12 to promote the importance of universal health coverage and to advocate for the right to health for all.
Sunday, December 14, 2025: Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day is observed annually on December 10 to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948.
Wednesday, December 17, 2025: International Migrants Day
International Migrants Day is observed annually on December 18 to recognize the contributions of migrants to societies around the world and to promote the protection of their rights.
Friday, December 19, 2025: UN International Day of South-South Cooperation
The UN International Day of South-South Cooperation is observed annually on December 19 to celebrate and promote solidarity, cooperation, and partnership among developing countries.
Saturday, December 20, 2025: Human Solidarity Day
Human Solidarity Day is observed annually on December 20 to promote solidarity, understanding, tolerance, compassion, and sharing among all people.
8. Hanukkah: The Eight Days of Light
Hanukkah, the eight-day Jewish festival, celebrates the victory of the Maccabees over the Seleucid Empire and the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. The holiday begins on the 25th day of Kislev in the Hebrew calendar, which corresponds with December in the Gregorian calendar.
Hanukkah traditions include lighting a menorah with eight candles, exchanging gifts, playing dreidel, and eating latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). The festival is a time for families and friends to gather and celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah.
| Day | Candle | Blessings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shamash | Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to kindle the Hanukkah light. |
| 2 | 1 | Blessed are You… who has performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time. |
| 3 | 2 | Blessed are You… who has kept us alive, and sustained us, and brought us to this season. |
| 4 | 3 | Blessed are You… who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah. |
| 5 | 4 | Blessed are You… who has given us the inheritance of the Torah. |
| 6 | 5 | Blessed are You… who has given us the commandment of prayer. |
| 7 | 6 | Blessed are You… who has given us the commandment of tzitzit (ritual fringes). |
| 8 | 7 | Blessed are You… who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to light the Hanukkah light. |
Commemorating Special Days: December 2025 Calendar Highlights
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
On December 3rd, we honor the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to raise awareness about their rights and needs and advocate for their full inclusion in society.
National Christmas Tree Lighting
On December 4th, the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C., will be illuminated in a grand ceremony. This tradition dates back to 1923 and symbolizes the start of the holiday season.
Feast of Saint Nicholas
On December 6th, many countries celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children. According to legend, Saint Nicholas would secretly leave gifts in the shoes of well-behaved children on the eve of his feast day, a custom that evolved into the modern-day tradition of Santa Claus.
Hanukkah
Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, begins on December 7th, 2025. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt and emphasizes themes of religious freedom and resilience.
Winter Solstice
On December 21st, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. This astronomical event marks the official beginning of winter and is associated with rituals and celebrations around the world.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa, a seven-day African-American holiday, begins on December 26th. It celebrates African heritage and values and promotes unity and self-reliance.
HumanLight: A Global Celebration of Human Rights
On December 10th, the world observes HumanLight, a global initiative that uses light to symbolize the power of human rights and to honor those who work to protect them.
National Wreaths Across America Day
On December 13th, volunteers gather at cemeteries and memorials across the country to place wreaths on the graves of fallen veterans as part of the National Wreaths Across America Day. This act of remembrance honors their service and sacrifice.
International Day of Human Rights
On December 10th, the world observes the International Day of Human Rights to commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948. This day emphasizes the importance of universal human rights and freedoms.
Bodhi Day
On December 8th, Buddhists around the world celebrate Bodhi Day, which marks the day when Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, attained enlightenment under a Bodhi tree.
International Migrants Day
On December 18th, the world observes International Migrants Day to recognize the contributions of migrants and to raise awareness of the challenges they face. This day emphasizes the importance of protecting and supporting migrants’ rights.
Yule
Yule is a pagan festival of the winter solstice that begins on December 21st. It celebrates the return of the sun and the shortest day of the year, and is associated with feasting, gift-giving, and communal gatherings.
Other Notable Days in December 2025
The following table lists other notable days in December 2025:
| Date | Holiday/Event |
|---|---|
| December 1st | World AIDS Day |
| December 5th | International Volunteer Day |
| December 12th | Universal Health Coverage Day |
| December 16th | International Day of Reconciliation |
| December 19th | National Gingerbread House Day |
| December 23rd | Festivus |
| December 25th | Christmas Day |
| December 26th | Boxing Day |
| December 31st | New Year’s Eve |
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| December 12th | Hanukkah Begins |
| December 19th | Hanukkah Ends |
| December 25th | Christmas |
| December 26th | Boxing Day |
| December 26th – January 1st | Kwanzaa |
| December 31st | New Year’s Eve |
December 2025 Calendar with Holidays
The December 2025 calendar is a helpful tool for planning your month and keeping track of important dates. It includes all of the major holidays, such as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, as well as other notable dates like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. The calendar also provides information about the phases of the moon and the sunrise and sunset times for each day.
Here is a list of the holidays that are observed in December 2025:
- Sunday, December 7: Hanukkah begins
- Monday, December 8: Bodhi Day
- Wednesday, December 10: Human Rights Day
- Thursday, December 11: Winter Solstice
- Friday, December 12: Kwanzaa begins
- Thursday, December 25: Christmas Day
- Thursday, January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day
