December 2026 Holidays Worldwide
Complete list of holidays and observances around the globe
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World AIDS Day
International day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. The day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, to show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness.
International observance, not a public holiday
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
UN observance that marks the date of the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. The day focuses on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, child labor, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.
UN observance, not a public holiday
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
UN observance that promotes the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development. The day aims to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic, and cultural life.
UN observance, not a public holiday
International Volunteer Day
UN observance that celebrates the power and potential of volunteerism. The day is an opportunity for volunteers and organizations to celebrate their efforts, to share their values, and to promote their work among their communities, non-governmental organizations, United Nations agencies, government authorities, and the private sector.
UN observance, not a public holiday
St. Nicholas Day
Feast day of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children, sailors, and merchants. The day is celebrated in many countries with gift-giving and festivities. In some countries, children leave their shoes out on the night of December 5 to find them filled with small gifts and treats the next morning.
Religious observance, public holiday in some regions
Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Commemorates the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service on December 7, 1941, which led to the United States' entry into World War II. The day honors the 2,403 U.S. citizens who were killed in the attack.
Observance, not a public holiday
International Anti-Corruption Day
UN observance that raises awareness of corruption and the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption in combating and preventing it. The day highlights the importance of fighting corruption to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
UN observance, not a public holiday
Human Rights Day
UN observance that commemorates the day on which, in 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The day promotes and raises awareness of the importance of human rights issues around the world.
UN observance, not a public holiday
International Mountain Day
UN observance that highlights the importance of mountains to life, to draw attention to the opportunities and constraints in mountain development, and to build alliances that will bring positive change to mountain peoples and environments around the world.
UN observance, not a public holiday
Hanukkah Begins
Jewish festival commemorating the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire. The festival is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar.
Religious observance, not a public holiday
International Migrants Day
UN observance that recognizes the contributions made by migrants and the challenges they face. The day is an opportunity to promote respect for the rights and freedoms of migrants, to share experiences, and to recognize the contributions that migrants make to societies around the world.
UN observance, not a public holiday
International Human Solidarity Day
UN observance that celebrates unity in diversity. The day emphasizes the importance of solidarity in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and reminds governments to respect their commitments to international agreements.
UN observance, not a public holiday
Winter Solstice
Astronomical phenomenon marking the shortest day and the longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The solstice occurs when the Sun reaches its most southerly declination, and the Earth's North Pole is tilted furthest away from the Sun.
Astronomical event, cultural observance in many traditions
Hanukkah Ends
Marks the end of the eight-day Jewish festival of Hanukkah. The festival concludes with the lighting of the eighth candle on the menorah.
Religious observance, not a public holiday
Christmas Eve
The evening or entire day before Christmas Day, the festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve is widely observed as a full or partial holiday in anticipation of Christmas Day.
Religious observance, public holiday in many countries
Christmas Day
Christian festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is a public holiday in many of the world's nations and is celebrated religiously by a majority of Christians, as well as culturally by many non-Christians.
Religious holiday, public holiday in many countries
Boxing Day
Holiday celebrated the day after Christmas Day. It originated in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in a number of countries that previously formed part of the British Empire. The day is a time when families and friends gather for a relaxed day after Christmas, and when many people exchange gifts or give gifts to the less fortunate.
Public holiday in many countries
Kwanzaa Begins
Week-long celebration honoring African heritage in African-American culture. The holiday is observed from December 26 to January 1, culminating in gift-giving and a feast. Kwanzaa has seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Cultural observance, not a public holiday
New Year's Eve
Celebration marking the last day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The day is often celebrated with parties, gatherings, and fireworks as people bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.
Cultural observance, public holiday in some countries
December Monthly Observances
Month-long awareness campaigns and celebrations
Universal Human Rights Month
Celebrates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948. The month is a time to honor the declaration and to continue working toward a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.
National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
Raises awareness about the consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs. The month encourages people to make responsible decisions and plan ahead for a safe ride home if they are drinking.
National Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness Month
Raises awareness about identity theft and encourages people to take steps to protect their personal information. The month is a time to learn about the risks of identity theft and how to prevent it.
Operation Santa Paws
Encourages people to donate toys, food, and supplies to animal shelters during the month of December. The initiative aims to make the holidays brighter for shelter animals and to help shelters care for animals during the winter months.
National Stress-Free Family Holiday Month
Encourages families to reduce stress during the holiday season. The month promotes relaxation, simplicity, and focusing on what truly matters during the holidays.
National Tie Month
Celebrates the necktie, a traditional piece of men's formal wear. The month is a time to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of ties.
National Write a Business Plan Month
Encourages entrepreneurs to develop a written business plan. The month is a time to plan for the coming year and to set goals for business growth and development.
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Raises awareness about the importance of choosing safe toys and gifts for children. The month encourages people to consider safety when selecting gifts and to be aware of potential hazards.
December Weekly Observances
Special weeks celebrated during December
National Handwashing Awareness Week (First Week)
Raises awareness about the importance of handwashing in preventing the spread of disease. The week promotes proper handwashing techniques and encourages people to wash their hands regularly.
Computer Science Education Week (Second Week)
Promotes computer science education and encourages students to learn about computer science and coding. The week includes the Hour of Code, a global movement that introduces millions of students to computer science.
National Influenza Vaccination Week (First or Second Week)
Highlights the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. The week reminds people that it's not too late to get a flu vaccine.
Chanukah (Dates Vary)
Jewish festival of lights that lasts for eight days. The holiday commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem following the Maccabean Revolt against the Seleucid Empire.
December 2026 Calendar Downloads
Free printable December calendars with holidays
December 2026 Calendar with Holidays
Standard monthly calendar with all major holidays and observances marked. Perfect for planning your month.
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December 2026 Printable Calendar with Notes
Monthly calendar with extra space for notes and reminders. Ideal for tracking appointments and tasks.
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December 2026 Calendar Landscape
Horizontal layout calendar with holidays. Great for desk planning or wall display.
DownloadNeed a Custom December Calendar?
Create a personalized December 2026 calendar with your own events, holidays, and design preferences.