How do they Celebrate Christmas in Asia? Guide for 2024

Sick of the tree and snow Western-style Christmas celebrations?

Asia has its way of celebrating Christmas, from the tropical warmth loaded with different vibrant lights, and thick cultural traditions.

As an avid traveler, I’ve looked into how Asia manifests Christmas, with each country adding its touch to the world-famous holiday. Ready to discover a whole new way to celebrate?

Do They Celebrate Christmas in Asia?

Its celebrations are many, and don’t forget the host of countries. Christmas is enjoyed across Asia but is practiced differently from one country to another. For example, much of the Americas and primarily Christians celebrate the legal holiday; they do it on a larger scale with grand festivities.

There are other nations wherein there are very few Christians like Japan and Thailand; for them, Christmas is just a cultural/marketing type of event. No matter into which of these divisions a person’s belief may fall, they are bound to feel the festive effect throughout the continent.

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Do People in Asia Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas isn’t a universal celebration across Asia, though millions of people on the continent do celebrate it, including Christians, expatriates, and even non-Christians. Christmas in many countries nowadays has a marked secular and family aspect, such that people would generally give gifts and enjoy a special meal with family, as well as visit lavishly decorated public spaces.

In fact, I found that it’s more about people spending time with their partners or the best of friends in places like Japan and South Korea, much like on Valentine’s Day. They celebrate in the Philippines, though, religion’s quite deep, and it includes events such as Simbang Gabi: a series of nine nightly masses.

What Countries in Asia Celebrate Christmas?

Several countries in Asia celebrate Christmas, each in a different way.

The Philippines

Has the longest Christmas season in the world, beginning as early as September.

Japan

Known for the fantastic light displays, Christmas cakes, and KFC traditions around Christmas.

South Korea

With lights, presents exchanged, and gatherings, it celebrates Christmas.

India

Christmas is a holiday in states like Goa and Kerala, which have large Christian populations.

Singapore and Malaysia

There has been a more Christian touch to local flavor in their vibrant commercial decorations in malls and public areas.

Traveling, I found that the holiday spirit goes beyond the religious context, thus, making it a solemn yet jubilant occasion for many. 

When Is Christmas in Asia?

Most countries in Asia celebrate Christmas on December 25, same as in the West. However, some regions follow different calendars. For instance:

Orthodox Christians in the Middle East and Russia in its Asian Territories have their Christmas on January 7.

In India, Christmas falls during local winter festivals. Rather, it is an additional touch to the connotation of Christmas.

Most of the Asian world constructs the festive buildup weeks ahead with decorations, marketplaces, and events gearing things over to joyous wonder.

Where to Go in Asia for Christmas

Asia is full of such wonderful destinations-from the snowy snowy retreat to warm tropical paradises- to spend Christmas. Here are some highlights from my trip:

Tokyo, Japan

The illuminations across this city make places such as Roppongi Hills and Shibuya look extremely gorgeous and dazzling.

Manila, Philippines

An incredibly spiritual experience, midnight masses, street parties, and food, food, food.

Hanoi, Vietnam

A cozy Christmas feeling mixed with French colonial charm and local traditions.

Where to Spend Christmas in Asia

Southeast Asia has the extraordinary allures for that one-of-a-kind tropical Christmas:

Bali, Indonesia

Beaches and backgrounds with festive decorations in resorts.

Bangkok, Thailand

Famous for the most extravagant of Christmas lights and shopping malls celebrating the spirited events.

Luang Prabang, Laos

A more peaceful, tranquil destination that brings wonderful local traditions.

This region made Christmas more enlightening for me, exchanging sand and toasting with warm festivities accompanied by sand instead of snow.

How Do They Celebrate Christmas in Asia?

Every country in Asia gives its very special flavor to Christmas celebrations.

Philippines

One common practice during Christmas is caroling, and there happens to be several clan members getting together for a Noche Buena feast after attending midnight mass.

Japan

This day is popular with the eating of KFC and strawberry shortcake; it usually has such romantic dinners on Christmas Eve.

India

The church is decorated with lights and stars, and sweets and cakes are delivered to kin and friends.

The main thing that impressed me about this celebration is that it could be celebrated within local contexts.

Christmas in Asia Traditions

Some traditions with a part of my heart.

Parols in the Philippines

These are shaped like stars and are symbols of hope made to hang everywhere.

Midnight Masses in a Catholic Community

It is dedicated to prayers together.

Festive Street Food

Roasted sweet chestnuts in Taiwan, then fried balls with octopus in Japan, and every place has a wonderful holiday street treat.

Best Christmas Destinations in Asia

Should you really consider going places, here are my hits:

Singapore

Gardens by the Bay transforms into a magical wonderland full of light installations.

Hong Kong

From the wintry Vista of Victoria Harbour, illuminated by holiday displays, Disneyland complements it.

Kyoto, Japan

Mosques of ancient temples and baptizing very modern Christmas lights shine a contrast.

Best Place to Celebrate Christmas in Asia

For me, the best place is the Philippines. The ever-welcoming warmth of the people combined with their traditional, deep-rooted culture is the best Christmas experience. Lords do not go with parols and carols and give one such a magical Christmas moment. 

Best Place to Spend Christmas in Asia

For that perfect pinch of relaxing and partying, nothing beats Bali, Indonesia. Picture yourself stretched on a beach with your cooler full of tropical drinks enjoying all that holiday cheer around you. Very refreshing because it takes a different view of the holiday season. Perfect mix of relaxing and partying.

Comparison Among all the Destinations

The Departure

Christmas here is an assortment of different cultures, traditions, celebrations, and emotions in Asia. From the snowy peaks of Japan to the sandy shores of Southeast Asia, there is something to do in every place to rejoice in this favorite holiday. It has opened my eyes wide as a traveler to the beauty of cultural exchange and to the universal!

Where Next Will Christmas Find You? Let Asia Surprise You and Enchant You with Its Plans for Holiday Events. 

FAQs

How does Japan celebrate their Christmas?

In Japan, it’s more of a holiday for lovers, complete with twinkling lights, gift exchanges, and special meals. Fried chicken is very popular on the days leading up to Christmas and eaten with a very special strawberry shortcake.

Where is the best place to celebrate Christmas in Asia?

Of course, the memories of the Philippines are bright, and their traditions are vibrant and heartfelt since they have the longest Christmas season in the world. If you want a different vibe, Tokyo or Bali will definitely give you an unforgettable holiday experience.

How does China celebrate Christmas?

Christmas in China involves more commercialization, with lights and decorations of streets and malls all over, and some exchange small gifts. ‘Peace apples’ wrapped in red paper is also a very common treat during this time of the year.