Finding out where to celebrate Christmas in Asia is not a big challenge; You’ll find Christmas decorations and traditions that stretch from communist Hanoi to the beaches of India.
Despite religious differences, the Westernized version of Christmas, along with many other traditions, has been adopted and ingrained in local culture across much of Asia.
While Christmas is just another day for some, missionaries and settlers introduced Christian holidays to many parts of Asia. No matter the reason for the celebration, the big malls in Asia love to capitalize on the Christmas holidays.
How is Christmas celebrated in Asia?
Outside of a few countries and regions, Christmas in Asia is primarily a secular event. Decoration, gifts, meals, and family are emphasized; even Santa Claus makes many appearances. Many shopping malls and businesses take advantage of the opportunity to market the holidays. The stores have big sales and sometimes special markets are even created. Couples use the holidays as an excuse for romantic gestures and gifts.
In countries with a large Christian population like the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated vigorously; Preparations start months in advance!
You may want to read a little about gifts that are taboo in Asia before exchanging gifts with someone.
The best places to celebrate Christmas in Asia
Some long-term travelers and expats want a taste of traditional Christmas in Asia. At the very least, at least some palm trees decorated as a reminder of the special day! Here are some places throughout Asia where you will find many westernized Christmas traditions:
- Singapore: Of all the countries in the world, Singapore has the largest number of foreign residents. It’s no wonder these expats throw Christmas parties and make some seasonal decorations. Although Singapore is predominantly ethnic Chinese, Christmas is still widely celebrated, albeit in a more secular way. Malls will be decorated and vivid lights adorn the length of Orchard Road. Christmas is also observed as a public holiday in neighboring Malaysia.
- Philippines – Over 80% of Filipinos claim to be Roman Catholic, making the Philippines one of the two predominantly Christian countries in Asia (East Timor is the other). Christmas is celebrated throughout the country, apart from regions like Mindanao, where Islam is the predominant faith. As for the rest of the country, a strong emphasis on religion can be seen during the Christmas holidays. You’ll even hear Christmas songs in October as the country gears up for one of its favorite holidays!
- Hong Kong: Until the handover to China in 1997, Hong Kong was occupied as a British colony since the 19th century. Western influence is felt everywhere, especially at Christmas. Large public trees will be illuminated and many of the skyscrapers will put on Christmas light shows in an effort to outdo each other. Christmas is a public holiday in Hong Kong.
Christmas in japan
Although less than 1% of Japanese claim to be Christian, the Christmas holidays are still observed. Gift exchanges are carried out between couples and companies; Corporate offices are sometimes decorated for the occasion. Christmas-themed parties often lead to the big Shogatsu New Year celebration. In addition to the excitement, the Emperor’s birthday is celebrated on December 23 in Japan.
Christmas in india
Hinduism and Islam are the major religions in India, with only around 2% of the population claiming that Christianity is a religion. But that doesn’t stop Goa, India’s smallest state, from holding a huge Christmas celebration every December. Bananas are decorated, Christians head to midnight mass, and a Western-style dinner is often enjoyed on Christmas Eve. Lots of lively beach parties in Goa celebrate the event. Christmas is also celebrated with enthusiasm by Christians in Kerala and other parts of India, where Christmas stars adorn many homes.
Christmas in South Korea
Christianity is a major religion in South Korea, which is why Christmas Day is celebrated as a public holiday. Money is often given as gifts, cards are exchanged, and bridges over the Han River in Seoul are lit with ornaments. Santa Claus can even wear blue sometimes in South Korea!
Christmas in china
Outside of Hong Kong and Macau, Christmas celebrations in China tend to be private affairs between family and friends. Hotels that cater primarily to Western guests will be decorated, and shopping malls may have special sales. For much of China, Christmas is just another working day, while everyone returns to the Chinese New Year holidays in January or February.
