A Christmas guide
Christmas in United States
Traditions, food and holiday customs
Main date
December 25
Gift bringer
Santa Claus
Signature flavour
Common Christmas Day meals include roast turkey, ham or prime rib with sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cornbread.
Christmas in the United States blends traditions from many cultures. The season usually begins the day after Thanksgiving and ends on New Year's Day.
Christmas in United States is celebrated on December 25. The main festive figure is Santa Claus.
When is Christmas celebrated in United States?
Christmas in United States falls on December 25. For many families the celebration stretches across several days, with quieter moments at home alongside the busier public events.
Main traditions
Homes are decorated with lights, wreaths and a tree. Children write to Santa Claus and visit him at malls and town events. Many families attend a church service on Christmas Eve.
Christmas food
Common Christmas Day meals include roast turkey, ham or prime rib with sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cornbread. Cookies, eggnog and pies are popular throughout December.
Gift giving customs
Presents are placed under the tree and opened on the morning of December 25. Stockings hung over the fireplace are filled overnight by Santa.
Santa or local Christmas figure
The festive figure most associated with Christmas in United States is Santa Claus. Names, costumes and gift giving dates can vary from family to family and from region to region.
Fun fact
NORAD, the joint US-Canadian air defence command, has tracked Santa Claus on Christmas Eve every year since 1955.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Christmas celebrated in United States?
- Christmas in United States is celebrated on December 25.
- Who brings gifts to children in United States?
- In United States children traditionally receive gifts from Santa Claus.
- What do families eat for Christmas in United States?
- Common Christmas Day meals include roast turkey, ham or prime rib with sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cornbread. Cookies, eggnog and pies are popular throughout December.
Sources
More countries
Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is a season-long celebration that centres on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), open-air Christmas markets and the four Sundays of Advent.
Christmas in Austria
Austria celebrates a quiet, family-focused Christmas. Cities and alpine villages alike fill with Adventmärkte, brass music and the scent of roasted chestnuts.
Christmas in Slovenia
Slovenia blends Alpine, Mediterranean and Slavic Christmas customs into a long festive season that runs from early December through Epiphany on January 6.
Last updated Friday, June 19, 2026