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Many holidays are celebrated over the winter months, including but not limited to: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Saint Lucy’s Day, Universal Human Rights Day, and the Winter Solstice.

In this article, information will be shared about each of these holidays to familiarize readers with celebrations from cultures they may not have previously known about and to learn to appreciate the diversity found within the winter months.

Diwali

Hindus and Sikhs observe Diwali during the lunar month of Kartika, which falls from October to November on the Western calendar. The date changes each year; this year, Diwali was celebrated from October 18 through October 23. Diwali is observed on the darkest night of the Amavasya moon cycle to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. On this day, people light fireworks, hang lanterns, and string lights. They also exchange gifts and sweets as tokens of good wishes.

Hanukkah

Jews celebrate Hanukkah, which begins at sundown on December 14 and continues through sundown on December 22nd, 2025. This festival of lights commemorates the Jews’ victory in securing their religious freedom in 165 B.C. At the rededication of the Temple of Jerusalem, they had only a small flask of oil to light the lamp, yet it lasted eight days instead of one. During Hanukkah, Jews light the menorah, a candelabra with nine holders, to symbolize this event.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrated from December 26 to January 1. It is a culture-based holiday, observed to celebrate African culture and heritage rather than any religious beliefs. It’s celebrated through cultural food and clothing, daily ceremonies, and a large feast called Karamu on the 31st.

Lunar New Year

The Lunar New Year is a holiday celebrated throughout Asia in countries such as China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Because the Lunar New Year is celebrated from the first new moon to the first full moon on the Lunar Calendar, this year it begins on February 17th, 2026, and ends on March 4th, 2026.

People celebrate LNY to welcome in the new year! There are fireworks, light shows, large feasts, family gatherings, and many more activities. Some families clean their homes or get new clothes to start the year completely fresh!

Ramadan & Eid Al-Fitr

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is observed by Muslims. It’s a month-long fast where people refrain from eating or drinking anything from dawn to dusk, which takes place from February 17th to March 19th, 2026, and is celebrated by Muslims. People fast during Ramadan as an act of worship, to bring them closer to God and empathize with those who are less fortunate. 

Eid Al-Fitr is the holiday that marks the end of the Ramadan fast. It lasts three days and is celebrated through feasts, parades, prayers, gifts, and spending time with family.

Saint Lucy’s Day

Saint Lucy’s Day is a Christian feast day celebrated in Sweden, Norway, and Swedish-speaking Areas of Finland. Saint Lucy’s Day is celebrated on December 13th, with processions of people holding candles, candle burnings, and singing songs. It celebrates the 4th century martyr who delivered food to Christians hiding in the Roman catacombs.

Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is the longest night of the year, and it is intertwined with many cultures and religions around the world. This year, the Winter Solstice is on Saturday, December 21st.

Christmas

Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrated on the 25th of December that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, who is known as the Son of God in Christianity. Although this holiday is highly celebrated by Christians, Christmas has also been adopted by many non-Christians, mainly because of its mainstream integration over the past century. Gifts and large portions of food are common under the Christmas tree and on the dinner table, along with some hot cocoa.

Universal Human Rights Day

Universal Human Rights Day was adopted on December 10th, 1948, to honor the first global enunciation of human rights. December 10th is the day to celebrate this commemoration to this day.

The SHS Civil Rights Team appreciates your readership.

This time of year is about bringing all of us closer together, and to embrace the spirit of the season, we encourage our audience to further explore and gain a deeper understanding of cultures different from their own.

Author:

Leah S. – SHS Civil Rights Team

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