How Asian People Celebrate Christmas

Talking about Christmas, Asians don’t exactly have turkey, candles lit and eggnog, but they appreciate and celebrate Christmas in compassion with others.

Christmas isn't traditionally celebrated in most Asian countries, but that doesn't mean it lacks festive cheer! In recent years, besides the iconic symbols we usually see such as Christmas trees, turkeys, and mistletoe, Asian countries that celebrate Christmas make it with their own twist. Let’s find out in this blog post!

1. Thailand

Do Thai people celebrate Christmas? The answer is both yes and no! Christmas isn't an official holiday in Thailand, and December is often dedicated to commemorating the birth of King Bhumibol Adulyadej. However, Thai people enjoy embracing the festive spirit, gathering with loved ones, and enjoying cities beautifully adorned with lights and decorations.

Giants Santa in Phuket Old Town
(Photo Credit: Hello 365 Days Review)

What to expect:

• Sometimes, Santa Claus rides elephants instead of reindeer, distributing gifts with their trunks!
• Traditional Western Christmas dishes like turkey might be swapped for rice and curry.
• Security guards dress up as Santa Claus while directing traffic.
• There won’t be snow. Instead, streets come alive with vibrant parades, cultural performances, and the delicious aromas of street food

Elephant is distributing gifts to elementary school children by trunks
(Photo Credit: CGTN America)

Where to enjoy: Popular tourist spots like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao or big cities like Bangkok are likely to have more festive and lively Christmas celebrations than rural areas.

2. Vietnam

The spirit of Christmas is enthusiastically embraced, especially by the youth even though it’s not a national holiday. Besides the Catholics who celebrate Christmas as a major holiday due to their religious beliefs, the Vietnamese take this special time to gather and exchange sincere gifts. 

Churches in the two most important cities in Vietnam on Christmas day
(Photo Credit: Nguyễn Mỹ Linh - VNExpress)

What to expect: 

• Major streets adorned with Christmas decorations as early as November.
• Churches such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi take center stage: inside for prayers, outside for photo opportunities. 
• A lot of food options are available. You totally can have ‘bánh xèo’ for dinner followed by a hot chocolate dessert or "Vietnamese happy water" instead of wine.

Where to enjoy: Big cities are the best to enjoy Christmas, especially at churches like St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, Chicken Church in Da Nang, and Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City.

3. Singapore

Christmas in Singapore is known for its diverse culture, with Chinese, Malay, and Indian traditions, and Western customs. As you explore the country on this holiday, you'll notice how different neighborhoods will have their way of celebrating this festive season, or "Yuletide," as it’s often called here. 

The gorgeous space at Christmas Wonderland annually
(Photo Credit: Today Online)

What to expect: 

• Stroll along Orchard Road, one of this country's most iconic shopping streets.
• Look forward to annual events like Christmas on a Great Street and Christmas Wonderland.
• Enjoy Christmas dishes with a Singaporean twist: turkey often takes on a local flavor, incorporating Asian spices and herbs like ginger and chili.

Where to enjoy: Christmas in Singapore is all about the festive events. The best way to enjoy this holiday here is to roll in as many famous streets as possible!

4. Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Christmas is a dazzling display of festive cheer! The main celebrations are a two-day holiday, but the festive spirit lasts until the New Year. It's a magical blend of Western and Eastern traditions, as Christmas coincides with the Taoist Chiu Chow Festival, a time for renewal and peace.

Disneyland is a must-visit when coming to Hongkong at Christmas
(Photo Credit: Hongkong Disneyland Resort)

What to expect:

• Join in the annual themed Christmas celebrations at Disneyland. For 2024, the theme will be “A Magical Twilight Snowfall” and “A Holiday Wish-Come-True.” It’s open to all ages.
• Enjoy mesmerizing light shows and a spectacular fireworks display at Hong Kong’s Statue Square.
• Be part of one of the warmest aspects of Christmas in Hong Kong: locals and visitors unite in carols and spirit in churches.

Where to enjoy: Disney Land, Ocean Park, Noah’s Ark, Pacific Place, Langham Place, Temple Street Night Market, and so on.

5. Japan

While many Asian countries celebrate the Lunar New Year, Japan mainly celebrates Christmas and New Year. Japan’s take on Christmas is unique and fun, focusing on lighthearted festivities rather than religious traditions.

Be Japanese by eating KFC at Christmas
(Photo Credit: South China Morning Post)

What to expect: 

• Feel “Finger-Lickin' Good” by eating KFC, a quirky Japanese tradition for Christmas dinner.
• Savor Japanese "Christmas cake," a sponge cake topped with fresh cream and fruits.
• Look out for Hoteiosho instead of Santa Claus! This mythical figure is said to have eyes on the back of his head, so children must be on their best behavior!
• Take in the diverse landscape of Japan, from skiing in the snowy north to relaxing on tropical beaches in the South.

Another version of Santa Clause in the myth of Japan
(Photo Credit: Japanese Art)

Where to enjoy: Japan’s major cities, especially Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, are best for the spectacular Christmas decorations. Shopping districts, malls, and public spaces are adorned with beautiful lights and elaborate Christmas displays, creating a festive ambiance.

6. Myanmar

The people of Myanmar, from teenagers to the elderly, love Christmas and even refer to this time as the "Sweet December." Christmas was brought to Myanmar by the British, along with Christianity. However, since the country is mainly Buddhist, Christmas celebrations within the small Christian community are modest. This makes Myanmar a great destination for those who enjoy a simple, non-commercialized Christmas.

Humble but very cozy Christmas in Myanmar 
(Photo Credit: The Irrawaddy - English Edition)

What to expect:

• Experience a sense of joy during the festive season as carols fill the streets and neighbors come together. 
• Attend a midnight mass or visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral or Saint Mary's Cathedral in Yangon for a glimpse into Myanmar's unique Christmas traditions.
• Enjoy a blend of classic Christmas dishes like roasted chicken or turkey, alongside local favorites such as mohinga and laphet.

Where to enjoy: Big cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Nay Pyi Taw have more formal Christmas celebrations, especially in churches, hotels, and restaurants. Small villages like Inle Lake, Pyin Oo Lwin, and Chin State offer a quieter and more authentic experience

7. China

Christmas in China is like a colorful painting, with every street filled with lights and decorations. As soft snowflakes fall, the atmosphere comes alive with Christmas music and the joyful laughter of people. More specially, unique customs and traditions have made China more memorable than ever.

Chinese red apples for the beloved on Christmas night
(Photo Credit: China Daily)

What to expect:

• On December 24th night, also known as 'Peaceful Night', people exchange red apples as a symbol of peace and good health. (In Chinese, the word 'apple' sounds similar to the word for 'peace')
• Instead of elves, Santa Claus in China is accompanied by helpers known as "Santa's friends" or "little sisters," who wear outfits similar to Santa's and carry a large gift bag on their shoulders.
• Santa Claus in China during Christmas is usually associated with a saxophone, sometimes trumpet or horn.

Where to enjoy: The major cities of China, from bustling Christmas markets to shopping malls.

Chinese Santa always comes with a trumpet
(Photo Credit: studycli)

Christmas in Asia is celebrated in many creative and festive ways. Whether you're in Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, or any of the other Asian countries that celebrate Christmas, you’re sure to enjoy a holiday season like no other. Don’t miss the chance to experience Christmas in Asia with a truly unforgettable twist!