As the year draws to a close, the festive spirit fills the air. It’s the season of holidays, where people of all religions and cultures come together to celebrate the spirit of joy, love, and peace.

In this guide, we would take a tour around the world and explore some of the most popular festivals and holidays celebrated in different parts of the globe.

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December every year, and it’s one of the most popular holidays around the world.

It’s a day to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ for Christians, but it is also celebrated as a secular holiday in many countries. People decorate their homes with Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations, exchange gifts, and enjoy a feast with family and friends.

Some of the countries that celebrate Christmas include the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Australia.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a Jewish holiday that begins on the 25th of Kislev and lasts for eight days. It commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean revolt.

During the holiday, Jewish people light candles on a special menorah, exchange gifts, play games, and eat traditional food. It’s celebrated in Israel and many other countries with Jewish populations.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration that begins on the 26th of December and lasts until the 1st of January. It was created in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga as a way to celebrate African-American culture and heritage.

People light candles on a special kinara, exchange gifts, participate in cultural activities, and eat traditional food. It’s primarily celebrated in the United States and Canada.

Diwali

Diwali is a five-day festival of lights that is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs around the world. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

People light diyas (lamps), participate in prayers, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional food. It’s celebrated in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and other countries with Hindu, Jain, and Sikh populations.

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important holiday in China and other East Asian countries. It’s celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, which falls between January 21st and February 20th.

It marks the beginning of a new year, and people celebrate with fireworks, dragon and lion dances, exchange red envelopes filled with money, and enjoy traditional food. It’s celebrated in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries with Chinese populations.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a three-day festival celebrated by Muslims around the world to mark the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. It’s a joyous time of feasting, family, and friends.

People participate in prayers, exchange Eid greetings and gifts, and enjoy traditional food. It’s celebrated in countries with significant Muslim populations, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Iran.

Holi

Holi is a spring festival celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs in India and other countries with Hindu and Sikh populations.

It’s also known as the Festival of Colors, and people celebrate by throwing colored powder and water at each other, dancing, singing, and enjoying traditional food. Holi is celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (February/March), and it symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a 16-day beer festival held annually in Munich, Germany, and other cities around the world. It begins in late September and lasts until the first weekend in October.

People come from all over to enjoy beer, traditional Bavarian food, music, and dancing. Oktoberfest has become a global phenomenon, and it’s also celebrated in the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries.

Lantern Festival

The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival, is a Chinese festival celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which usually falls in February or March. It’s a time to appreciate and celebrate family, friends, and loved ones.

People light lanterns, eat yuanxiao (sweet glutinous rice balls), and enjoy a parade of dragon and lion dancers. It’s celebrated in China and other countries with significant Chinese populations.

Navratri

Navratri is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated in India and other countries with Hindu populations. It’s a time to worship the Goddess Durga and celebrate her victory over evil.

People participate in prayers, perform traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya, and enjoy vegetarian food. Navratri is celebrated twice a year, in the months of Chaitra (March/April) and Ashvin (September/October).