The Christmas festival in Nepal has developed into a colorful festival overall embraced by millions regardless of their religious background. The day of Christmas is celebrated on December 25 every year. Christmas day in Nepali date 2081 is on Poush 10.
Despite being a Hindu and Buddhist-dominated country, Christmas is celebrated all over nepal by the communities. The non-Christians celebrate the festival as a cultural event rather than a religious one, while the Christians celebrate the day as a major religious festival.
In the corporate world, there is a special event called Secret Santa that is organized on Christmas day. In this event, there is an exchange of gifts among employees. It is one of the good examples of how non-Christians celebrate Christmas festival.
Dive deeper into this Christmas festival in Nepal blog to learn more about the festival history, urban area celebrations, western culture influence, Christmas markets, Christmas foods and many more. This blog is concluded by the FAQs that will satisfy your questions. So, stay tuned.
Historical Context of Christmas in Nepal
Over the years, Christmas in Nepal has seen huge evolutions. The Christmas celebrations evolution speeded up when nepal was declared a secular state in 2007. Since then, Christmas has been officially recognized as a national festival.
However, the early introduction to Christianity happened in 1715 AD, when the first missionaries arrived in Nepal. Still, there were no such activities until 1950. It was because of the rana regime. The Rana dynasty used to rule in Nepal and they have put restrictions on christian’s religious practices.
The Christians often sought refuge in neighboring India during their rule.
After the major political changes happened in Nepal, several Christians returned to Nepal and established various churches and Christian organizations. Those were the times when Christianity began to flourish more openly in Nepal.
The organizations and church used to host the Christmas festival at that time. They also contributed to education and healthcare in the country. The Christian organizations promoted the festival freely. The celebrations in modern times are the results of the promotion.
Christmas Celebrations in Urban Areas
Christmas celebrations in urban parts of Nepal are vibrant mixes of cultural and modern festivities. Despite the influence of Christianity only in 1.76% of the population, the festival has gained popularity among both Christians and non-Christians alike. Christmas has become an important social event in the urban areas.
Christmas in Kathmandu is characterized by the streets, shops, and restaurants being adorned with Christmas-themed decorations such as sparkling lights, artificial snowmen, colorful garlands, and Christmas trees. The popular areas like Thamel and Dubarmarg transform into festive hubs.
As the December month starts, you can see the department stores displaying Christmas merchandise, including trees, lights, and gifts. There are separate markets that offer various discounts on products during the festival.
Many Christian youths host or attend the parties at pubs and restaurants. The nightlife in the areas like Thamel during the festival is also vibrant. In some places, the concerts are also organized.
Influence of Western Culture
The influence of western culture in the festival celebrations and Christmas ceremony can be seen in recent celebrations in the urban areas. The commercialization of the festival can be seen through shops and malls engaging in festive decorations and sales promotions.
The traditional food items are being replaced by western-style foods. The gift-giving culture is popular among non-Christians also. As of today, people celebrate xmas by decorating the homes with colorful lights and Christmas trees.
The Christmas festival is celebrated more openly. Since the declaration of secular state, the festival celebrations have seen several evolutions. This transformation reflects broader trends of globalization and cultural exchange.
Celebrating Christmas in the Rural Areas
The Christmas celebration in rural areas can be called a simple and traditional celebration. The unique blend of traditional customs and communal spirits can be seen in the rural area celebrations. Local Christians gather for church services, often attending midnight mass on Christmas Eve and special services on Christmas Day.
In the gatherings, the Christians sing carols, read scripture, and participate in nativity plays that highlight the birth of Jesus Christ. The families come together to share meals.
There may not be huge decorations as in urban cities. People decorate their homes with colorful lights and garlands made from local materials. In some rural areas, the mango trees are decorated instead of traditional pine trees due to their availability.
Christmas Markets and Shopping
On and before Christmas day 2025, kathmandu hosts several Christmas markets. These markets showcases local crafts, food, and festive goods. Some of the key markets include
- Fare Trade Christmas Bazaar held in a British school: Features handmade gifts, organic food, and mulled wine.
- International French School (EFIK) Market: Offers a variety of Christmas foods and decorations.
- Le Sherpa Market: Features Christmas stalls and a festive dinner menu
- Yellow House Christmas Night Market: Offers live music and various stalls selling food and handicrafts.
- Civil Mall and City Centre: Hosts events like musical performances to attract shoppers.
- Asan Local Market: Offers a rich variety of goods, from spices to clothing, at affordable prices
Nepali-Style Christmas Food
The Nepali style Christmas food is a reflection of the unique blend of traditional Nepali dishes and Western culinary influences. During the Christmas festival celebrations in Nepal, various types of dishes are prepared.
Some of the notable Nepali style Christmas foods are Sel Roti, Dal Bhat Tarkari, Momos, Thukpa, Yomari, Aloo Sandheko Canapes, pustakari, Chicken Sekuwa Canapes, chocolate cake, and so on.
Challenges of Celebrating Christmas in Nepal
As there are more Hindus and Buddhists as compared to the Christians in Nepal. For this reason, there is limited visibility for Christmas. There may be the celebrations of the festival by the non-Christians, but it can never overtake the major festivals like Dashain and Tihar.
As Christmas is commercialized, the religious aspects of the festivals are overshadowed. It leads to the celebrations only affordable by the rich Christians. The celebrations of the Christmas festival in Nepal may not be as grand in rural areas as they are in urban areas.
The social and political climate of the country may also increase the challenges to the celebration of the festival in Nepal. For example, the rise in anti-Christian incidents in nepal has affected the festival celebrations.
Although Nepal has been a secular state since 2007, balancing traditional customs with modern celebrations can still be challenging. Nowadays, organizing community events and managing resources is also challenging.
Christmas and Tourism in Nepal
The influence of tourism in Nepal has notably shaped how Christmas is celebrated in Nepal. Several tourists visit the country during the Christmas celebration in 2025. Looking at this beautiful opportunity, the local businesses increase their holiday offerings to cater to tourists seeking a festive experience.
The arrival of the festival boosts sales of the local businesses. The hospitality sector experiences heightened demand as hotels and guesthouses cater to visitors celebrating the holiday. Targeting the festive day, several trekking and tour agencies offer discounts on their various packages.
Popular Holiday destination during Christmas Festival
During the Christmas celebrations in Nepal, you can visit several places in Nepal. It includes Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Pokhara, Nagarkot, and so on. By visiting these places, you will get more insights about the heritage sites in Nepal, thrill and many more.
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Kathmandu
Kathmandu is an administrative capital of Nepal. The city becomes a vibrant hub during Christmas. Especially the places in Kathmandu like Thamel and Durbar Marga adorned with the lights and decorations.
You can enjoy the Christmas markets that offer local handicrafts and festive foods. During the festival, several churches host the midnight masses. There are also festive dining offers by hotels and restaurants, featuring traditional dishes alongside international cuisine.
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Everest Base Camp
This destination is especially for adventure seekers. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp is one of the popular ways to spend Christmas Day in the Himalayas. The trek to Everest base camp offers breathtaking views of the snowcapped peaks like mount everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Ama dablam, and Mount Nuptse.
There are various trekking routes that lead to the Everest Base Camp, including the everest base camp short trek, the luxury everest base camp trek, the everest three pass trek, and many more.
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Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp is the second most popular destination for trekking after Everest Region. Several trekkers seek to celebrate Christmas in between the stunning Himalayan landscape of the Annapurna region.
The destination also became popular because, in December, the trails are less crowded, giving the trekkers a private trekking experience.
Some of the popular trekking trails leading to the Annapurna base camp are the classic annapurna base camp trek, the annapurna base camp with ghorepani poonhill trek, the annapurna base camp trek with helicopter return and so on.
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Pokhara
Pokhara is the tourism capital of Nepal, known for its stunning lakes and mountain views. Pokhara is one of the best destinations to visit during the Christmas day because it offers fun and thrills to almost all age groups.
The lakeside of Pokhara is known for the boat ride, shopping, and many more. Those areas are beautifully decorated and host various events, including live music and festive dinners. Also, you can take part in the various adventurous activities like paragliding, day hiking, skydiving and many more.
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Chitwan national park
This destination is especially for those who are interested in wildlife and nature. Chitwan National Park is home to the various diverse wildlife, including rhinos and elephants. You can also explore the local tharu villages and participate in cultural activities.
The popular activities that can be done in the Chitwan National Park are jungle safaris, canoeing, guided jungle walks, and many more.
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Nagarkot
Nagarkot is one of the popular destinations for the panoramic views of the Himalayas. This Christmas, you can visit the Nagarkot and witness stunning sunrises over the mountains in the morning. The environment is serene away from the hustle of city life.
nagarkot to dhulikhel one-day hike is the popular activity at the Nagarkot area. So, if you are an adventure lover and are searching for the perfect destination to celebrate the festival along with some thrill, then you can go for the hike.
Conclusion
Christmas festival 2025, which falls on December 25, is celebrated in Nepal as a mixture of cultural and religious events. While Christians celebrate it as a religious event, people from other religions enjoy the cultural event. Cities like Kathmandu have a Christmas market and decorations, whereas in rural areas, Christmas is mostly about church and family gatherings.
Frequently asked questions
1. What is the Christmas festival about?
The Christmas festival is about the celebration of the birth day of Jesus Christ (a central figure in Christianity). This festival is celebrated by billions worldwide.
2. How long is Christmas celebrated?
Christmas is celebrated for different durations depending on cultural and religious traditions. Most of the people celebrate the festival primarily on December 25 for one day. While others celebrate the Christmas for 12 days, 7 days, and 20 days. Nepalese celebrations are for one day on Christmas day.
3. Do Nepali celebrate Christmas?
Yes, Nepalis do celebrate Christmas. It is celebrated primarily by the Christian community. However, non-Christians also celebrate the festival as a cultural festival rather than a religious festival. The Christmas day in Nepali is Poush 10.
4. How does Nepal celebrate Christmas?
Nepal celebrates the festival with a blend of religious and cultural traditions, primarily by the Christian community. The key christmas celebrate activities are Church Services, Community Meals, Decorations, Gift-Giving and so on.
5. Why is December 24th called Christmas Eve?
December 24th is called Christmas Eve because it is the evening or entire day preceding Christmas Day. The next day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The term eve means evening. Historically, it is the time leading to an important event or holiday.
6. Why is Christmas celebrated on December 25th?
Christmas is celebrated on December 25 primarily to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. However, the choice of the specific date has complex historical and cultural roots. It is one of the 10 reasons why we celebrate christmas.
7. How many days are left for Christmas?
As of today, December 17, 2025, there are 192 hours left until Christmas Day. the Christmas countdown 2025 has begun. You have 8 days until Christmas for gift shopping. The countdown to Christmas Day will end on December 25.
Merry Christmas 2025!
