Christmas Day
Thursday, December 25, 2025
About This Holiday
A Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, and a major cultural celebration.
History
Christmas has been celebrated in Canada since European settlement and became a statutory holiday at Confederation in 1867. Canada's multicultural nature means Christmas traditions blend British, French, American, and other cultural influences. In Quebec, Christmas is called 'NoΓ«l' and has distinct Francophone traditions.
Traditions
Canadian Christmas traditions include decorating trees, exchanging gifts, attending church services, singing carols, and enjoying festive meals. Many families eat turkey or ham with traditional sides. In Quebec, rΓ©veillon (midnight feast) after midnight mass is traditional. Santa Claus parades are held in cities nationwide. Hockey games on Christmas are popular viewing.
Fun Facts
- β¨Canada Post's 'Santa letter-writing program' has been responding to children's letters since 1982
- β¨Santa's postal code in Canada is H0H 0H0 ('Ho Ho Ho')
- β¨The Toronto Santa Claus Parade has been held annually since 1905
- β¨Boxing Day (December 26) shopping is a huge tradition in Canada, with major sales