A Complete Calendar of December Global Holidays 2023

Posted on 22nd Aug, 2023 by Heena Ganotra , Updated 7 months ago

December is all about holidays, cookies, snow, and happy times. For some, it is the best month to spend time with friends and family, and for some, it is the time for optimism, hope, and a lot of celebrations. But whatever the reason, there’s no doubt that the December Global holidays bring joy, happiness, and a lot of delicious food. In fact, even studies show that December is the most popular month for travel, with more people booking trips during the cheerful times of December global festivities. 

The month of December is also associated with happiness because of the feeling that everyone has during this time. People are friendlier, there’s more laughter in the air, and you can see others exchanging gifts all around you. This atmosphere automatically makes people happier because their surroundings encourage them to feel good about themselves and others without any effort. 

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy all the different holidays in December! Whether you’re soaking up some rays on a beach somewhere or spending time with your family at home, remember that December is an opportunity to live it up and be happy! Here we are sharing a list of December global holidays and festivities 2023 that seems to fill the air with merry times. 

International December Global Holidays List 2023

1. Hanukkah 

Celebrated for eight days, Hanukkah is one of the major December global holidays when Jewish people get together with family and friends. The festival began in Israel and the story goes around Jews when they were fighting back against the Greeks, they found a small jug of oil that was supposed to last for one day. But wondrously, it held up for 8 days instead! So Hanukkah is deemed to be an anniversary of that miracle. The travel enthusiasts take flights to Israel to celebrate and enjoy special delicacies that are made during Hanukkah, like latkes (potato pancakes) and jelly doughnuts. Today, Hanukkah is celebrated in around 21 countries in the world and people are learning more about Jewish heritage. 

Place of Celebration – Jerusalem, Israel

The Reason For Celebration – Triumph of Jews aka Maccabees over Syrian Greeks in retrieving the temple of Jerusalem. 

2. World AIDS Day

Since 1988, World AIDS Day has been commemorated every year on December 1st to raise global awareness and to show support for those living with HIV/AIDS. This is one of the December global holidays which is also an opportunity to remember all of those who have lost their lives to AIDS-related illnesses. One of the primary purposes of World AIDS Day is to encourage people around to get tested for HIV and confirm their reports and status. It’s also a time to promote prevention messages and discuss ways to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. In addition, World AIDS Day is a chance for people affected by HIV/AIDS to share their survival stories and experiences. 

Place of Celebration– International 

The Reason For Celebration – To raise awareness regarding HIV/AIDS disease and to support people affected by the same.

3. Krampusnacht

Krampusnacht is a celebration of the coming of Krampus, a demonic creature who punishes children who have been naughty. Your flights to Germany can take you to this different festival experience. However, the origins of the celebration are unclear, but it may have arisen as a way to scare children into behaving during the Christmas season. Krampusnacht is celebrated in Germany and some parts of Europe at the beginning of December month and celebrations may vary from town to town. In some towns, a group of young men may dress as scary creatures and go door-to-door scaring children. This has become one of the national December global holidays now in Europe where people party or parades and enjoy yummy snacks, drinks, and music.

Place of Celebration– Austria, Germany, and other alpine countries

The Reason For Celebration – To discipline naughty and disobedient children.

4. Bodhi Day 

Bodhi Day is celebrated on 8 December to commemorate the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha Shakyamuni after his first taste of freedom. Amongst the important December global holidays, this festival has become popular in some countries as an alternative New Year celebration, especially for Buddhists. The main day of observance for Buddhists, Bodhi Day is observed by faith communities around the world. It honors the attainment of Buddha’s supreme insight into spiritual truth and his death. This beautiful day of wisdom is also known as Sambuddhatva Jayanthi meaning ‘the birthday or Awakening of Sambuddha’. Your flights to Japan can take you to an enlightening experience which is one of the most important events in the history of humankind. 

Place of Celebration – Japan

The Reason For Celebration – To celebrate the day of Siddharth Gautam’s spiritual enlightenment and his achievements.

5. Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Amongst all the December Global Holidays, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a day to pay tribute to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholics believe that God gave Mary to us as our mother and they celebrate her birthday on December 8th each year. It has been believed that Mary was chosen as Jesus’s mother by God as she was pure and saintly without any sin. On that account, travelers take flights to Brazil to experience how Catholics celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception day by going to church to pray. They may also make a special prayer called a “novena” which is said nine times in a row to thank or ask her for help. 

Place of Celebration – Argentina, United States, Brazil, Philippines, Spain, Portugal, and many other catholic states. 

The Reason For Celebration – To honor the Blessed Virgin Mary’s conception without misdeed and sin

6. Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is one of the important December global festivities that is celebrated all over the world on 10th December every year. On this day, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. This document lists a set of fundamental rights and freedoms that all people are entitled to, regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender. Every year on Human Rights Day, the UN holds an event to honor the declaration’s adoption and to discuss progress made in the struggle to protect human rights. Some of the human rights enshrined in the UDHR include the right to live, liberty, freedom from slavery, and much more. 

Place of Celebration – International 

The Reason For Celebration – To commemorate the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. 

7. St. Lucia’s Day

Another important global December holiday, St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated to pay homage to the appearance of a bright star in the sky which led the three Kings to Bethlehem to visit newborn baby Jesus. One common way the day is celebrated is by giving children gift baskets that contain traditional St. Lucia’s Day items like candles, cookies, and fruits. Additionally, many people book their flights to Sweden to celebrate this festivity by singing Christmas carols and exchanging gifts. Another common tradition associated with St. Lucia’s Day is wearing a wreath of candles on your head. It has been also believed that Saint Lucia used to bring food and help Christians who were being poorly treated during the times of oppression. 

Place of Celebration – Sweden, Norway

The Reason For Celebration -To commemorate the Italian Saint Lucia under the Great Persecution of 303 AD. 

8. Las Posadas

A part of Christmas celebrations and the December global holidays, Las Posadas acknowledges the plightful journey of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Joseph. It has been believed that Mary and Joseph were searching for a shelter where she could bring Jesus to life, but no one let them in. The shelter was founded after a long struggle and the reason, Las Posadas is celebrated is to cherish that moment of hospitality. Today, this is one of the important December global festivities which is typically celebrated by friends and families who cheerfully go from one house to another, singing traditional songs while seeking shelter. The people who live in the houses typically offer them food and drinks. 

Place of Celebration – Mexico and some parts of the United States

The Reason For Celebration – To mark the journey of Mary and Joseph when they were in search of safe shelter. 

9. International Human Solidarity Day

International Human Solidarity Day is celebrated to commemorate the founding of the International Red Cross in 1863. The day also celebrates the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross, which are humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence. Human solidarity is the global understanding that we are all one people and that we all have a responsibility to each other. International Human Solidarity Day celebrates this idea and encourages everyone to think about how they can promote human solidarity in their own lives. This important day of the December global festivities 2023 is also a reminder that we are all connected and should do our best.

Place of Celebration– International 

The Reason For Celebration – To encourage equality, freedom, social justice, and cooperation among humans. 

10. Winter Solstice or Yule

One of the chilliest days of the December global holidays, the Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s called winter solstice because it marks the time when days start getting longer again. This usually takes place annually around December 21st each year. Also referred to as Yule or Midwinter observance, some common fun practices take place everywhere. Such as caroling house to house after dark, candles inside paper bags (to prevent fires), hanging boughs of evergreen plants inside one’s home, setting up a decorated evergreen tree, and giving gifts to family or friends.

Place of Celebration– Antarctica

The Reason For Celebration – To celebrate shorter days and longer nights

11. Christmas Eve

One of the major December global festivities, Christmas Eve is a day of family gatherings for some, and for some, it is a day to attend church services. People cheerfully celebrate the 24th December global holiday as a symbol and tradition of Christmas ceremonies. The one common factor that unites everyone is that our world was dark before we had light: Jesus came down to Earth. Jesus is a savior who brought hope and joy to the world and as a tribute people happily celebrate this blissful eve of Christmas. Some mark this auspicious day by going to church or spending time with their families while some party and reunite with their friends. Special food like ham and cookies are prepared on this day. 

Place of Celebration– Majorly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand

The Reason For Celebration – To celebrate the birth of Jesus

12. Christmas 

Christmas, being the most important part of the December Global festivities is celebrated due to many different reasons. The most common reason comprises the birth of Jesus Christ who was believed to be a saint and the son of God according to Christians. Another reason for celebrating this special day is to reunite and spend time with friends and family. This is the happiest time of the year when people get together to celebrate, eat good food, and exchange presents. Whatever your reason for celebrating Christmas, it’s a great time to take a break from the everyday routine and enjoy some special moments with the people you love. No wonder, Christmas Flights sell like hotcakes. Since Boxing Day falls right after, people make it a long vacation and relax to start the new year with vigor.

Place of Celebration– Majorly in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand

The Reason For Celebration – To celebrate the birth of Lord Jesus

13. Boxing Day

A public holiday, Boxing Day falls the day after Christmas and is traditionally celebrated by giving boxes of food and money to servants and the poor. One of the lovely December global holidays, Boxing Day is acknowledged and enjoyed by shopping sales or going to the beach. It is celebrated by many countries and is deemed to be an important holiday after Christmas. This day is an admiration of services and a hearty honor is given to the people who work for you like postmen, workers, guards, cooks, etc. They are also presented with appreciation notes, gifts, and prizes. Travelers usually ask for Boxing Day Flights to enjoy big discounts on air tickets.

Place of Celebration–  Australia, United States, Bahamas, South Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Nigeria

The Reason For Celebration – To appreciate and admire the services of the workers.

14. St. Stephen’s Day

Celebrated each year on 26th December, St. Stephen’s Day is acknowledged as the day when St. Stephen was killed by stones after preaching to his people for 40 days. The legend Stephen died holding a stone that had been given to him earlier by Lord Jesus who promised him that none of his followers would ever die from it. He was a Roman Catholic priest and was later ordained as the first Christian King of Hungary in Esztergom (Hungary) on the same date around 1000 AD. One of the important December global holidays in the UK, this day is celebrated with traditional dishes such as stuffed cabbage and buckwheat dumplings known as Halushky.

Place of Celebration – In more than 25 countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, and Denmark

The Reason For Celebration -To keep alive the memory of Saint Stephen and admire his journey as the first Christian martyr.

15. Kwanza

Amongst the December global festivities that bring together family, culture, and community, Kwanzaa is celebrated for 7-days long and is dedicated to the seven principles. The principles include Unity, Collective Responsibility, Self-Determination, Creativity, Purpose, Cooperative Economics, and Faith. These are also known as Nguzo Saba or ‘the seven principles that guide the celebration of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa’s creator Maulana Karenga says “The Nguzo Saba are African proverbs that offer guiding principles for behavior—similar to what we call ethics and morality.” During this time, people typically gather together to celebrate and share food, music, and gifts in addition to candles lighting on each day of the holiday. 

Place of Celebration– Africa and some parts of the United States

The Reason For Celebration – To commemorate the African American heritage and culture.

16. New Year’s Eve

The most exciting and the last December Global holidays, New Year’s Eve marks a transition from one year to another. The celebrations for this special eve are done around the world but in many different ways and traditions. Some countries traditionally celebrate by throwing large parties or hosting outdoor concerts; other countries prefer quieter celebrations such as exchanging good wishes or eating traditional foods together. Some religious groups regard New Year’s Eve as a day to give thanks for the year that has passed and to pray for a good year ahead. In some parts of the world, New Year’s Eve is also seen as a time for reflection and setting personal goals for the coming year. While some book New Year Flights as an opportunity to start the year by exploring another country, others spend it at home. Whatever the way

Place of Celebration – Worldwide

The Reason For Celebration – To commemorate the change from one year to another and welcome New Year with a lot of hope. 

With all these wonderful December Global Holidays, this month is definitely worth celebrating. If you are feeling homesick after going through this list of holidays, get your international flights booked today with MyIndiaFlight. Our festive flight deals are sure to make your trip home super fun and comfortable. Contact us today at +1 585-648-5851 for Australia to India flights or for flights from USA to India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many holidays are in December?

Answer: December global holidays start from the very beginning and last up to the end of the month. However, for each country, there are different holidays in December. Generally, there are around 15 holidays in the month of December.

Q: Are Christmas Day and Boxing Day paid holidays?

Answer: Yes, both Christmas and Boxing Day fall under the category of paid holidays in many countries. However, the rules may vary from country to country.

Q: How many global December holidays are in 2023?

Answer: According to December Global Holidays 2023 Google, there are around 14 international holidays in December 2023.

Q: What are the December global holidays lyrics and chords?

Answer: Playing musical notes, string numbering, finger placements, and chord combinations are part of global December holidays lyrics and chords.