These are all the holidays in December.

Hanukkah

For eight days each November or December, Jews light

 a special candle holder called a menorah. 

Three Kings Day

At the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas comes a day

called the Epiphany, or Three Kings Day.

Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice occurs around December 21.

 It is the shortest day of the year.

St. Lucia Day

To honor this third-century saint on December 13, many girls in Sweden dress up as “Lucia brides” in long white gowns with red sashes, and a wreath of burning candles on their heads. 

St. Nicholas Day

A popular December holiday in many European countries,

St. Nicholas Day, celebrates St. Nicholas of Myra, the man whose life inspired the tradition of Santa Claus and Father Christmas.

Christmas

People celebrate this Christian holiday by going to church,

giving gifts, and sharing the day with their families. 

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa, which means “First Fruits,” is based on ancient African harvest festivals and celebrates ideals such as family life and unity. 

New Year

In Ecuador, families dress a straw man in old clothes on

December 31. The straw man represents the old year.