Below you’ll find a small sampling of our December interfaith calendar events – to see all 100+ events this year, see our interactive online DEI Calendar.
This month, the last of 2023, will feature some of the largest world religious holidays of the year. We at Diversity Resources pride ourselves on informing you about important December awareness days, December diversity days, December heritage months, December high holy days, December religious holidays, and religious festivals. We hope that what you learn each month is enough for you to share with your loved ones or coworkers, so they can learn about other cultures and religions too.
Our 2023 Interfaith Calendar offers an extensive collection of all of the high holy days, religious holidays, and festivals the entire year.
Please note that if a holiday begins the evening before, we will mark it with an asterisk (*).
December Religious Holidays
December 7 – 15 – Hanukkah
This eight-day holiday celebrates the victory of the Jewish people over the Syrian Greeks, ending three years of religious persecution and restoring their independence. During the “Festival of Lights,” a candle is lit on a menorah each day of the celebration, symbolizing the miraculous eight days that the lamp oil lasted when Jews returned to their Temple.
December 21 – January 1 – Yule
This Wiccan and Pagan holiday celebrates the winter solstice. Some present-day Christmas customs, like singing carols, are celebrated during this time too.
December 22 – Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday
Celebrate the birthday of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, today. This poet, philosopher, and most importantly, warrior, was formally made a Sikh leader at the age of nine.
December 25 – Christmas
This celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated widely around the world. It is celebrated with large get-togethers of family and friends, gift exchanges, and caroling.
December 26 – January 1 – Kwanzaa
This African American cultural observance, first held in 1966, spans seven days of celebrating each of the seven principles of Kwanzaa (Nguzo Saba) by lighting a candle every day.
Did You Know?
By learning more about those around you, you learn even more about yourself. By growing as a human being and understanding people who are different from you, you will be a better worker or manager. When people feel understood, they are happier and work more effectively and more cohesively in a team.
Our 2023 Diversity Calendar and 2023 Interfaith Calendar both are powerful resources to use to not only learn more about those around you but to provide inclusive scheduling for your employees. To learn more about our DEI calendar, enjoy a free trial of our interactive DEI Calendar.