Travel & holidays
Christmas Around the World
Christmas looks very different around the world – from summer barbecues on Australian beaches to candlelit Lucia processions in Sweden, KFC dinners in Japan and Orthodox celebrations on 7 January in Russia and Georgia. Here is how 14 countries celebrate, when Christmas Day arrives in each time zone, and a live countdown to the big day.
Countdown to Christmas 2026 (your local time)
Who celebrates Christmas first?
Christmas Day reaches the world one time zone at a time. It starts in Kiribati’s Line Islands on UTC+14 and ends in Pago Pago (US territory) on UTC−11 – 25 hours later. Here is when 25 December 2026 begins around the world, with the moment shown in your own time.
| Place | Christmas starts (UTC) | In your time | After Kiribati |
|---|---|---|---|
 Kiritimati, Kiribati | Thu 24 Dec, 10:00 | – | First |
 Auckland, New Zealand | Thu 24 Dec, 11:00 | – | +1 h |
 Sydney, Australia | Thu 24 Dec, 13:00 | – | +3 h |
 Tokyo, Japan | Thu 24 Dec, 15:00 | – | +5 h |
 Seoul, South Korea | Thu 24 Dec, 15:00 | – | +5 h |
 Manila, Philippines | Thu 24 Dec, 16:00 | – | +6 h |
 Beijing, China | Thu 24 Dec, 16:00 | – | +6 h |
 New Delhi, India | Thu 24 Dec, 18:30 | – | +8:30 h |
 Dubai, UAE | Thu 24 Dec, 20:00 | – | +10 h |
 Moscow, Russia | Thu 24 Dec, 21:00 | – | +11 h |
 Johannesburg, South Africa | Thu 24 Dec, 22:00 | – | +12 h |
 Paris, France | Thu 24 Dec, 23:00 | – | +13 h |
 London, UK | Fri 25 Dec, 00:00 | – | +14 h |
 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Fri 25 Dec, 03:00 | – | +17 h |
 New York, USA | Fri 25 Dec, 05:00 | – | +19 h |
 Mexico City, Mexico | Fri 25 Dec, 06:00 | – | +20 h |
| Los Angeles, USA | Fri 25 Dec, 08:00 | – | +22 h |
| Honolulu, Hawaii | Fri 25 Dec, 10:00 | – | +24 h |
 Pago Pago, American Samoa | Fri 25 Dec, 11:00 | – | +25 h |
Christmas traditions in 14 countries
Christmas in Australia
Christmas falls in the middle of summer, so Australians celebrate outdoors – a barbecue or a beach picnic, prawns and seafood, cold ham and pavlova for dessert. Boxing Day is a public holiday and the start of the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race. Read more about Christmas in Australia →
Christmas in China
In mainland China 25 December is a normal working day, but cities sparkle with lights and shopping-mall Santas. On Christmas Eve friends swap beautifully wrapped apples, because “apple” (píngguǒ) sounds like “peace”. Hong Kong and Macau keep Christmas as a public holiday. Read more about Christmas in China →
Christmas in France
The highlight is Le Réveillon, a long Christmas Eve dinner with oysters and foie gras, finished with a bûche de Noël. Strasbourg’s market, dating back to 1570, is one of the oldest in Europe. Read more about Christmas in France →
Christmas in Georgia
The Georgian Orthodox Church celebrates on 7 January. Families decorate a chichilaki, a small tree carved from hazelnut wood, and on Christmas Day the Alilo processions sing carols through the streets and collect gifts for people in need. Read more about Christmas in Georgia →
Christmas in India
25 December is a national holiday. Goa, Kerala, the north-east and big cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata celebrate with midnight Mass, star lanterns, lights and rich plum cake. Read more about Christmas in India →
Christmas in Japan
Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan, but it is hugely popular as a festive, romantic occasion. A 1970s campaign turned KFC into a Christmas tradition, and the classic dessert is a strawberry and cream sponge “Christmas cake”. Read more about Christmas in Japan →
Christmas in Korea
In South Korea 25 December is a public holiday. Churches hold services, city centres glow with lights, and for many young people Christmas is a day out with a partner or friends. Read more about Christmas in Korea →
Christmas in Mexico
The season starts with Las Posadas, nine nights of processions from 16 to 24 December. Nochebuena on Christmas Eve is the big family dinner, and celebrations continue until Día de Reyes on 6 January with a Rosca de Reyes. Read more about Christmas in Mexico →
Christmas in the Philippines
Filipinos enjoy one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, starting in September. Simbang Gabi – nine Masses from 16 to 24 December – ends with the Noche Buena feast, and star-shaped parol lanterns light up every street. Read more about Christmas in the Philippines →
Christmas in Russia
Russian Orthodox Christmas is on 7 January. New Year is the bigger celebration, with a decorated tree and presents from Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), while Christmas itself is a quieter religious and family holiday. Read more about Christmas in Russia →
Christmas in South Africa
Christmas comes in summer, so many families celebrate with a braai (barbecue) or a trip to the beach. 26 December, the Day of Goodwill, is also a public holiday. Read more about Christmas in South Africa →
Christmas in Spain
Spain’s Christmas runs from the El Gordo lottery on 22 December and the Nochebuena dinner on Christmas Eve to Three Kings Day on 6 January, when the Wise Men bring presents and families share a roscón de Reyes. Read more about Christmas in Spain →
Christmas in Sweden
The season lights up on 13 December with candlelit Lucia processions and saffron buns. The main celebration is Christmas Eve, with a julbord buffet – and, at 3 pm, the traditional Donald Duck Christmas special on TV. Read more about Christmas in Sweden →
Christmas in Switzerland
St Nicholas (Samichlaus) visits children on 6 December, and the main family celebration is Christmas Eve. Christmas markets in Basel, Zurich, Lucerne and Montreux are among the most beautiful in Europe. Read more about Christmas in Switzerland →
Christmas around the world at a glance
| Country | Main celebration | Public holiday? | Signature food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 25 Dec | Yes | Seafood, ham, pavlova |
| China | 25 Dec | No (yes in Hong Kong & Macau) | Wrapped “peace apples” |
| France | 25 Dec | Yes | Oysters, foie gras, bûche de Noël |
| Georgia | 7 Jan | Yes | Festive feast after the Advent fast |
| India | 25 Dec | Yes | Plum cake |
| Japan | 25 Dec | No | KFC, Christmas cake |
| South Korea | 25 Dec | Yes | Christmas cake |
| Mexico | 24–25 Dec | Yes (25 Dec) | Tamales, Rosca de Reyes (6 Jan) |
| Philippines | 25 Dec | Yes | Noche Buena ham and cheese |
| Russia | 7 Jan | Yes | Kutya (sweet grain pudding) |
| South Africa | 25 Dec | Yes | Braai, gammon |
| Spain | 25 Dec (gifts 6 Jan) | Yes | Turrón, roscón de Reyes |
| Sweden | 24 Dec | Yes | Julbord buffet, saffron buns |
| Switzerland | 24–25 Dec | Yes | Christmas biscuits, fondue chinoise |
Frequently asked questions
When is Christmas celebrated around the world?
Most countries celebrate Christmas on 25 December. Orthodox churches that follow the Julian calendar – for example in Russia, Georgia, Serbia and Ethiopia – celebrate on 7 January.
Which country celebrates Christmas first?
Kiribati’s Line Islands, on UTC+14, are the first inhabited place to reach Christmas Day, about 14 hours before London and 19 hours before New York.
Is Christmas a public holiday everywhere?
No. In countries such as Japan and mainland China, 25 December is an ordinary working day, even though Christmas decorations and celebrations are popular.
Keep reading
Travel & holidaysChristmas In China – True Delight Of Enjoying Being In The MomentCelebrating Christmas in China is an exceptionally distinctive and memorable experience due to the mindset of society as…
Travel & holidaysChristmas in Georgia – The Most Wonderful Time of the YearAre you ready to experience a magical Christmas in Georgia? The country is renowned for its charming and…
Travel & holidaysChristmas in South Africa – Enlightening Enjoyment in the Middle of the SummerHave you ever wondered how it feels to celebrate Christmas in the middle of the summer, when everything…