Christmas is celebrated worldwide with great joy and enthusiasm. It falls on December 25 and is also a national holiday and a bank holiday in India.

Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. To Christians, Christ is believed to be God's son and the saviour of humanity. Though the festival originated in Christian roots, today its spirit and celebrations go far beyond religious boundaries. This means that people from all around the world, of all religions, join in the festivities. 

Celebrated on December 25th 2025, it is a public holiday in several countries. For instance, Christmas is also a gazetted holiday in India.

The history and origin of Christmas celebrations lack solid evidence. For instance, there are several theories related to Jesus's birth. 

However, the first recorded time Christmas was celebrated was in 336 AD in the Roman Church. After this, people started engaging in the festival and began celebrating the day with joy and prayers.

The birth date of Jesus Christ was unclear, and early Christians had several debates about it. However, later, Sextus Julius Africanus,  a Roman Historian, linked 25th December to 25th March. On 25th March, Mother Mary was informed that she would give birth to a special child, Jesus. This date helped calculate the birth of Jesus.

According to ancient beliefs, his birth was foretold by prophets and marked by magical signs, such as a guiding star.

If you're planning your Christmas holidays, here are the key dates to remember. Mark your calendar. 

• Christmas Eve: December 24, 2025

• Christmas Day: December 25, 2025. 

A day before the Christmas festival, Christmas Eve is marked by preparations, church services, and social gatherings. This is followed by Christmas Day, a time for family and gifts.

The Christmas season is marked by a variety of unique customs and traditions. Here are some of the most common ways of celebrating Christmas in India.

• Christmas Tree Decoration

One of the most iconic traditions of Christmas is decorating the Christmas tree. Generally, people decorate a live tree with lights, ornaments, stars, and other decor items. In India, people give it a cultural touch and also decorate mango or banana trees. 

• Santa Claus / Saint Nicholas Story

Another popular tradition revolves around Santa Claus. He is believed to be a cheerful, old man who comes bearing gifts. The inspiration for Santa Claus comes from a real-life figure, Saint Nicholas, who was a bishop and was known for his kindness and secret gift-giving. 

• Exchanging Gifts

Another popular tradition of Christmas celebrations is gift-giving. It is inspired by the biblical story that revolved around men giving gifts, gold, and more to baby Jesus. Today, people exchange gifts as a way to showcase their love and gratitude. 

• Christmas Carols

Carols are also another important custom of the Christmas festival. People sing in different ways, from classic hymns to jingles, and much more. People sing in harmony in churches, neighbourhoods, and even door-to-door. 

• Nativity Scenes & Plays

With this custom, people tell the story of Jesus’s birth. Plays are also performed in schools and churches, and kids and adults tell the story via music, acting, and narration. 

• Midnight Mass

Midnight mass is the spiritual tradition of Christmas. It is performed on 24th December to welcome Christmas with festivities, prayer, and joy.

India is a land of diversity and culture. Like every other festival, Christmas is also celebrated here with great joy, hope, and enthusiasm. 

Church Masses & Decorations

• For instance, people go on a shopping spree, decorate their houses, light candles, and lanterns.

• In places like Goa, you can find the celebration around beaches, dance, and music, bringing a lively vibe.

• People make plum cakes or fruit cakes. The dinner table is decorated with regional specialities like chicken curry, pork, or more.

• In states like Assam, Goa, and Arunachal Pradesh, people engage in midnight masses, candle-lighting, and such other ceremonies.

• Places like Shimla and Kalka are popular for their scenic views around this time.

• The city of Kochi celebrates Christmas with traditional games, art shows, and sporting events, ending the year on a much more vibrant and happy note.

If you're planning a trip around Christmas, here are some popular destinations to try. Book your tickets with redBus and have a great holiday: 

• Goa

Goa is popular for its heritage. People visit here for its beautiful beaches, culture, and nightlife. People decorate their homes and churches and sing in choirs, attracting several tourists here around Christmas. 

• Kerala

Kerala has a large Christian community. People here celebrate Christmas with Midnight Masses, Christmas Carols, and festival feasts.

• Shillong 

Shillong is also popularly called as “Christmas Capital of the Northeast." Here, people celebrate Christmas with concerts, live street performances, decorations, and much more. 

• Pondicherry 

Known as “Little France", Pondicherry offers a blend of French charm and Indian warmth. People visit here around Christmas for its unique beauty, architecture, beaches, and French cuisine.

Christmas is more than a festive holiday; rather, it is a celebration of love, hope and togetherness. Understanding its history, traditions and meaning adds depth to the way we experience this joyful season. 

Whether you’re celebrating at home or travelling to meet loved ones, planning your journey well makes all the difference. With convenient bus booking options, redBus ensures your Christmas travel is smooth, stress-free and filled with memorable moments.