Do Orthodox Jews Celebrate Christmas?

Do Orthodox Jews Celebrate Christmas?

Nope. Orthodox Jews don't celebrate Christmas — not even a secular version of it. No tree, no stockings, no Santa, no gift exchange on December 25th.

The reason is simple: Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, who is the central figure of Christianity, not Judaism. Since Jews don't believe Jesus was the Messiah or divine, celebrating his birthday would be religiously inconsistent at best and a violation of Jewish law at worst.

What About "Secular" Christmas?

Some non-Orthodox Jews participate in Christmas as a cultural or secular American tradition — exchanging gifts, having a tree, attending parties. In Orthodox communities, this doesn't happen. Even the "secular" elements of Christmas are seen as rooted in a religious celebration that isn't ours.

This isn't about being unfriendly or anti-Christmas. It's about maintaining clear religious identity. Judaism has its own rich calendar of holidays with their own traditions, foods, songs, and celebrations. We're not lacking for things to celebrate.

What About Chanukah?

Chanukah usually falls around the same time as Christmas (it follows the Hebrew calendar, so the exact dates vary). While it's natural to compare the two, they're very different holidays:

• Chanukah commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple after the Maccabees defeated the Greek-Syrian empire, and the miracle of oil lasting eight days
• Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus

In terms of religious significance, Chanukah is actually a relatively minor holiday in Judaism. There are no prohibitions on work, no elaborate synagogue services. The main observances are lighting the menorah, eating foods fried in oil (latkes, sufganiyot/doughnuts), and giving small gifts to children — though the gift-giving has expanded in recent decades, likely influenced by proximity to the Christmas season.

Orthodox families celebrate Chanukah warmly but don't try to make it into a "Jewish Christmas." It's its own thing with its own meaning.

The December Dilemma

Living in America during December can feel a bit like being a vegetarian at a barbecue — the whole culture is oriented around something that isn't for you. Christmas music plays everywhere, decorations fill every store, and well-meaning people wish you "Merry Christmas" regularly.

Most Orthodox Jews handle this graciously. We smile, say "thank you" or "happy holidays," and go about our business. It's not offensive — it's just not our holiday.

For children, December can be trickier. When classmates are buzzing about Santa and presents, Jewish kids sometimes feel left out. Most Orthodox parents address this directly: "We have our own beautiful holidays. Chanukah is special in its own way. Not everyone celebrates the same things, and that's okay."

My kids came home from school once asking why we don't have a Christmas tree. I told them we have a sukkah, a menorah, a Seder table, and a whole calendar full of celebrations. "We're not missing anything," I said. They seemed satisfied. Until the neighbor's inflatable Santa went up, but that's another story.

What Do Orthodox Jews Do on December 25th?

Since Christmas is a legal holiday in the United States and most businesses are closed, December 25th becomes a day off for many Orthodox Jews. Traditional activities include:

• Going to the movies — this has become such a common Jewish tradition that it's practically a cliche
• Chinese food — since Chinese restaurants are often among the few open on Christmas, this has become a beloved Jewish-American tradition, provided the restaurant has kosher options (or in some communities, even non-kosher Chinese food has become associated with the day)
• Learning Torah — some communities organize special study sessions
• Family time — enjoying a day off without the usual school and work obligations

There's actually a historical practice called Nittel Nacht in some Chassidic communities — on Christmas Eve, certain groups traditionally did not study Torah, based on various mystical reasons. Instead, they played chess or cards. This custom is less observed today but remains an interesting cultural footnote.

Respect Without Participation

Orthodox Jews generally respect Christmas as a meaningful holiday for their Christian neighbors while being clear that it's not a Jewish celebration. This balance — respectful but distinct — characterizes the Orthodox approach to living in a predominantly non-Jewish society.

Good fences make good neighbors, and clear religious boundaries actually facilitate better interfaith relationships. When everyone knows where they stand, interactions are more authentic.

Want to learn more? Read about Jewish holidays or explore what Orthodox Judaism is.