Christmas Day 2025
Date: December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Greenland Public Holidays
Description
Christmas Day in Greenland is a yearly holiday that people see as a time of meaning and togetherness. It arrives each year on December 25 and is a public holiday across the country.
For many Greenlanders the day marks the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. It is also a time when families and communities come together to rest and reflect on what matters most.
Because Greenland is in the Arctic the day falls during a long, dark winter season. That makes the idea of light and hope especially important and gives the holiday a strong emotional meaning for many people.
Christmas Day is also part of the shared cultural life of Greenland. It connects people to their religious beliefs and to each other, reinforcing a sense of identity and belonging within families and communities.
Traditions
In Greenland people gather with family on Christmas Day. They often begin with a church service or hymn singing. Homes glow with candles and simple greenery. Children may meet Santa or enjoy small presents left under the tree.
Meals are important and can mix local and European foods. Families serve fish, roasted reindeer or other game, and sometimes seal or whale dishes. Sweet breads, cakes and coffee are common after the main meal. Sharing food with neighbors is a kind act.
Other customs include storytelling, singing traditional songs and dancing. Some communities hold communal feasts or bingo nights. Knitting warm clothes for loved ones and quietly remembering those far away are beloved rituals.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks and public offices are closed on Christmas Day in Greenland. Public transport and small town services can be very limited. Book accommodations, tours and transfers in advance and carry some cash and a charged phone.
Large towns may have busy tourist sites and fewer open restaurants. Check weather and local tour schedules before heading out. Use certified local guides for safety on ice and snow. Dress very warmly, tell someone your plan, and enjoy quiet town walks or guided excursions.