Christmas Day in New Zealand

Christmas Day is a day off for many New Zealanders on December 25 every year. It is a Christian holiday that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

Opening presents is one of the highlights of Christmas Day.

©iStockphoto.com/Sean Locke

What do people do?

Christmas Day is a time for families and friends to share presents, spend time together and wish each other a Merry Christmas. Some people go to a special Christmas Day church service. Many children receive presents from Santa Claus and people exchange Christmas cards. Christmas meals may include a Christmas ham, roast vegetables, homemade gravy and roast turkey. It is summer in New Zealand in December so pools or beaches can be popular places to visit on Christmas Day.

Public life

Christmas Day is a statutory public holiday in New Zealand, so schools, government offices, and many private businesses are closed. New Year’s Day is also in the middle of the school summer holidays in New Zealand.

Background

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the son of God. His birth date is unknown because there is little public information about his early life. There is disagreement among scholars on when Jesus was actually born. Many Christians celebrate Jesus’ birthday on December 25. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Day on or near January 7.

When European settlers arrived in New Zealand, they brought with them various traditions, including the tradition of celebrating Christmas. It is now a public holiday in New Zealand.

About Christmas Day in other countries

Christmas Day Observances

Other holidays in December 2013 in New Zealand

• Boxing Day ―Thursday, December 26, 2013