December global holidays are, perhaps, the most anticipated as they occur right at the end of the Gregorian calendar, at a time when the world is ready to set foot into the new year.
Here are all the December global holidays celebrated around the world
December carries a whimsical aura about it. This is the last of 12 long and arduous months and in all corners of the planet, the 31-day period is recognised as a season of festivities.
Corporations around the world adopt more relaxed approaches to work around this time of the year, and households across the globe, irrespective of religion, race, nationality or creed, generally take full advantage of the December holidays by planning family vacations and gatherings.
In fact, in South Africa, the popular phrase “ke Dezemba boss” has, over the years, morphed into a national call of celebration that marks the start of the festive season.
From religious observances to national commemorations from all walks of life, here is a list of all the December global holidays you should know about.
Hanukkah
- When is Hanukkah in 2022? – Starts on Sunday, 18 December 2022, until Monday, 26 December 2022.
- Who celebrates Hanukkah? – Jewish communities around the world.
- Why is Hanukkah celebrated? – Hanukkah is the commemoration of the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.
- How do you celebrate Hanukkah? – Lighting the Menorah for eight days, gift-giving.
Krampusnacht
- When is Krampusnacht in 2022? – Monday, 5 December 2022.
- Who celebrates Krampusnacht? – Germans.
- Why is Krampusnacht celebrated? – Germans build up to Christmas Day by commemorating Krampus, the monster that comes out to scare naughty children on the eve of the Feast of St Nicholas.
- How do you celebrate Krampusnacht? – Dressing up in scary costumes and scaring children.
Santa Lucia
- When is Santa Lucia in 2022? – Tuesday, 13 December 2022.
- Who celebrates Santa Lucia? – Scandanavians and Italians.
- Why is Santa Lucia celebrated? – A day of feast commemorating Saint Lucy, a Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution.
- How do you celebrate Santa Lucia? – Dressing up in all-white garments and handing out gifts and baked goods to neighbours, family and friends.
Yuletide
- When is Yuletide in 2022? – Starts on Wednesday, 21 December 2022, until Sunday, 1 January 2023.
- Who celebrates Yuletide? – Germans.
- Why is Yuletide celebrated? – Celebration of the Christmas season.
- How do you celebrate Yuletide? – Feasting with family.
Christmas Day
- When is Christmas Day in 2022? – Sunday, 25 December 2022.
- Who celebrates Christmas Day? – Worldwide.
- .Why is Christmas Day celebrated? – Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
- How do you celebrate Christmas Day? – Attending church service, decorating trees, and family feasting.
Boxing Day
- When is Boxing Day in 2022? – Monday, 26 December 2022.
- Who celebrates Boxing Day? – Commonwealth countries, South Africans.
- Why is Boxing Day celebrated? – A secular holiday not tied to any significant historic event.
- How do you celebrate Hanukkah? – Gift-giving to the poor.
Kwanzaa
- When is Kwanzaa in 2022? – Starts on Monday, 26 December 2022, until Sunday, 1 January 2022.
- Who celebrates Kwanzaa? – African Americans.
- Why is Kwanzaa celebrated? – An African alternative to Christmas Day recognising descendants of all faiths.
- How do you celebrate Kwanzaa? – Lighting seven candles for six days, reciting African poetry, family feasting.
New Year’s Eve
- When is New Year’s Eve in 2022? – Saturday, 31 December 2022.
- Who celebrates New Year’s Eve? – Worldwide.
- Why is New Year’s Eve celebrated? – Marks the last day of the Gregorian calendar.
- How do you celebrate New Year’s Eve? – Observing firework displays, celebrating with friends and family.
Here are other December holiday dates recognised in South Africa:
- World AIDS Day – Monday, 1 December 2022
- Day of Reconciliation – Friday, 16 December 2022
- Day of Goodwill – Monday, 26 December 2022