December Holidays Guide: Traditions, Festivities & Fun Days to Celebrate

December is one of the most magical months of the year, filled with festive celebrations, cozy traditions, and joyful moments around every corner. From beloved holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve to meaningful cultural observances and delightfully quirky “just for fun” days (hello, Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day!), there’s always something to celebrate. Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa, sending cheerful holiday cards, or embracing silly sweater season, December offers endless opportunities to make memories, spread kindness, and enjoy the sparkle of the season.

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🎄 Major & National Holidays in December

December 1 — World AIDS Day
December 6 — St. Nicholas Day
December 7 — Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (U.S.)
December 8 — Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 10 — Human Rights Day
December 21 — Winter Solstice / Yule
December 24 — Christmas Eve
December 25 — Christmas Day
December 26 — Boxing Day (UK & Canada)
December 31 — New Year’s Eve

🌍 International & Cultural Holidays

December 2 — International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
December 3 — International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 5 — International Volunteer Day
December 8 — Bodhi Day (Buddhism)
Hanukkah — dates vary in December (in 2025 it is December 14th to December 22)
December 16 — Las Posadas begins (Mexico, Dec 16–24)
December 26 – January 1 — Kwanzaa
December 31 — Ōmisoka (Japan)

🎉 Fun, Weird & Wacky December Holidays

December 1 — Eat a Red Apple Day
December 2 — National Mutt Day
December 3 — Make a Gift Day
December 4 — National Cookie Day
December 5 — Bathtub Party Day
December 6 — Microwave Oven Day
December 7 — Letter Writing Day
December 8 — Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day
December 9 — Christmas Card Day
December 11 — International Mountain Day
December 13 — National Cocoa Day
December 15 — Cat Herders Day
December 16 — Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
December 17 — Wright Brothers Day
December 18 — Answer the Telephone Like Buddy the Elf Day
December 20 — Ugly Christmas Sweater Day
December 21 — Don’t Make Your Bed Day
December 24 — Eggnog Day
December 26 — Candy Cane Day
December 27 — Visit the Zoo Day
December 28 — Chocolate Candy Day
December 30 — Bacon Day
December 31 — Make Up Your Mind Day

🍽️ Delicious December Food Holidays

​All Month — National Pear Month
All Month — National Eggnog Month
December 8 — Brownie Day
December 12 — Gingerbread House Day
December 14 — Bouillabaisse Day
December 18 — Roast Suckling Pig Day
December 21 — French Fried Shrimp Day
December 28 — Chocolate Candy Day

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