Orthodox Christmas 2025
Date: January 7, 2025 (Tuesday)
Country: Serbia Public Holidays
Description
Orthodox Christmas in Serbia is a major religious and cultural holiday. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, which is central to the Christian faith. For many people it is a time to reflect on faith, family, and community.
The Serbian Orthodox Church follows the old Julian calendar. Because of that, Christmas falls on January 7 in the modern Gregorian calendar. The day is a public holiday, so schools and many businesses are closed.
This holiday is important for national and religious identity. It connects people to centuries of history and to the beliefs of the Serbian Orthodox Church. For many, it is a moment of spiritual renewal and shared values.
Orthodox Christmas brings communities together in a quiet, respectful way. It marks the end of the religious Advent period and begins a time of joy and reflection that lasts through the holiday season.
Traditions
In Serbia families clean and decorate homes with evergreen branches and a special oak branch called badnjak. They bring badnjak inside and place it by the hearth or table. People say short prayers and wish health and luck to everyone.
On Christmas Eve families share a meatless dinner of beans, fish, or vegetable dishes. Bread called česnica is prepared with a coin hidden inside. Whoever finds the coin is thought to have a lucky year ahead, so everyone watches and laughs together.
After midnight many attend church for a candlelit service with singing. On Christmas Day relatives visit each other, exchange blessings, and sing festive songs called koledanje while carrying small icons or decorated sticks.
Travel Tips
Many shops, banks, and some museums close on Orthodox Christmas Day and the day after. Plan around closures by stocking up food, cash, and prescriptions. Public transport may run reduced schedules. Expect busy roads before and after the holiday as people travel home.
Attend public events and church processions in city centers for a safe experience. Keep valuables secure and follow crowd directions. Book restaurants and tours in advance. Be respectful of local customs and quiet residential areas to enjoy the holiday meaningfully.