- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Wed, 24 Dec 2025 06:45 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Countries That Celebrate On Different Dates: Although December 25 is a popular date for Christmas celebrations worldwide, not all nations observe this date. Christmas is a unique and culturally rich holiday, but it falls on January 6 or 7 in many countries. The use of various calendars is the primary cause of this discrepancy. Many Orthodox Christian churches continue to use the Julian calendar, which is currently 13 days behind, even though the majority of nations use the Gregorian calendar.
Because of this, nations like Ethiopia, Serbia, Egypt and Russia celebrate Christmas in January rather than December. Additionally, some countries place greater significance on Epiphany, also called Three Kings' Day, which falls on January 6. The spirit of Christmas is the same everywhere, with joy, prayers, family get-togethers, and festive food, regardless of the dates.
Countries That Celebrate Christmas On A Different Date
Understanding these traditions helps us appreciate how diverse cultures celebrate the same festival in their own special way.
| Country | Christmas Date | Reason for Different Date |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | January 7 | Follows the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church |
| Serbia | January 7 | Serbian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar |
| Georgia | January 7 | Celebrates Christmas as per Orthodox Christian tradition |
| Belarus | January 7 | Orthodox Church observes Christmas using the Julian calendar |
| North Macedonia | January 7 | Orthodox Christianity follows the older church calendar |
| Montenegro | January 7 | Serbian Orthodox influence and Julian calendar use |
| Kazakhstan | January 7 | Large Orthodox Christian population |
| Egypt | January 7 | Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on the Coptic calendar |
| Ethiopia | January 7 | Christmas is known as Genna, based on the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar |
| Eritrea | January 7 | Celebrated according to Orthodox Christian traditions |
| Armenia | January 6 | The only country where Christmas and Epiphany are celebrated together |
| Lebanon | January 6 | The large Armenian community observes its religious festivities on Jan 6. |
| Jerusalem (Armenian Quarter) | January 18–19 | Armenian Church follows a unique ancient calendar system |
| Ukraine (some churches) | January 7 | Some Orthodox churches still follow the Julian calendar |
| Spain | January 6 | Three Kings’ Day is more important than December 25 |
| Mexico | January 6 | Epiphany (Día de los Reyes) is culturally significant |
| Italy (parts) | January 6 | Epiphany marks the end of Christmas celebrations |
Special Cases: Early Celebrations
Some countries focus their main celebrations, particularly gift-giving, on dates other than December 25.
The Netherlands and Belgium (December 5/6): Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas Eve, is the main occasion for giving gifts. It's customary to have a quiet family dinner on December 25.
Germany, Austria and Switzerland (December 24): The "main" event is Christmas Eve (Heiligabend), when the tree is decorated, and presents are opened, even though December 25 is a holiday.
Spain (January 6): The most significant day for kids is Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Day) on January 6, which honours the moment the Magi gave gifts to Jesus, even though December 25 is also observed.