Christmas Traditions

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There are different ways of celebrating Christmas in different cities, local markets, happenings or events.

Starting from the end of November, a series of light decorations has been made in over 60 spots and major streets in Macau. Many Christian groups in Macau gather on Christmas Eve in front of the Ruins of St. Paul and the Senado Square, holding a Christmas Eve party. On Christmas Eve, Christians gather in the district churches to attend Midnight Mass. The atmosphere is solemn and sacred. During the Christmas celebrations, the Midtown Mass at the Old Town Cathedral is magnificent and there is also a Christian hymn in the vicinity of the Ruins of St. Paul, Sheung Wan Street, Taipa and many other preaching Hall, sung by over 400 members of the hymn class.

Most of Macao’s schools and a small number of enterprises take a break for one week (usually from December 20 to December 25). Some Christian or Catholic schools may even extend the holiday to more than two weeks (from December 20 to January 2). Therefore, the Christmas holiday week is considered as winter break.

Another custom inherited from Portuguese culture is Christmas gifts being placed under the Christmas tree without recipients’ names, and the whole family members surrounding the Christmas tree, picking up their own gift box, and opening the packaging with anticipation.

Christmas in Hong Kong is a bit like Spring Festival in mainland China. Before Christmas, many Hongkongese would go shopping. During Christmas, they enjoy different activities such as going out for dinner, walking around, hiking, etc. Christmas Eve evening is the culmination of festivals. Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, Lan Kwai Fong and other places are crowded with people who watch Christmas lights and carnivals. Some Protestants and Catholics participate in religious gatherings such as Good News. Most shops, restaurants and entertainment venues operate as usual during Christmas. 

Hongkongese generally misunderstand Boxing Day on December 26 as ” Gift-opening Day”, believing that the Christmas gift must be stayed on until this day before it can be opened. However, in Western Christianity, the tradition is to have the gifts open on Christmas Eve 24th, or Christmas Day 25th in the morning.