Christmas Day 2025
Date: December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Eritrea Public Holidays
Description
Christmas Day in Eritrea is a national public holiday for many people. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and brings together Christians across the country to remember a central event in their faith and history.
The date follows the old church calendar. Most Eritrean Christians observe Christmas on January 7. This date comes from the Julian calendar, which some churches still use for holy days.
The holiday has deep religious meaning. It is a time to reflect on hope, love, and the life of Jesus. For many, it also reinforces community bonds and a shared sense of spiritual identity.
Christmas Day is significant because it links faith with national life. It gives people a pause from work and daily routines so families and communities can focus on worship, gratitude, and the values their religion teaches.
Traditions
In Eritrea many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7. Families wake early and go to long church services. People wear clean white clothes and sing ancient hymns in Tigrinya or Arabic.
Before the holiday many people fast for weeks. The fast ends with a big meal shared with neighbors and family. Homes are swept and decorated simply with candles and cloth.
The feast often includes injera with spicy stews called tsebhi. Honey wine or sweet tea is served. Children receive small gifts and sweets after the meal.
Neighbors visit each other to exchange blessings and food. Traditional songs and dances happen in villages. The day feels warm, communal, and full of hospitality.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and government offices close on Christmas Day. Bring enough cash and phone credit. Expect limited public transport and taxis. Plan arrivals and departures for the day before or after.
Church areas can be crowded around service times. Roads near major churches get busy in morning and evening. Book any transfers and hotels early. Traffic checks and temporary road closures are possible.
Stay in well lit areas and use registered guides or hotel transport. Carry ID and emergency numbers. Enjoy quiet walks, hotel meals and respectful photography of public scenes.