The number of Christians in the country is proof of secularity and religious diversity in Nepal. Predominantly a Hindu and Buddhist nation, Nepal is home to 512,313 Christians, 1.76% of the total population (according to the 2021 census). The percentage has significantly increased since 1972, when it was only 0.02% of the population. Therefore, Christianity is an integral part of Nepal, and so is Christmas. Nepal celebrates its Christmas just like it celebrates Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Udhauli, and Ubhauli. December 25th in Nepal is a national holiday, a day to enjoy the birth of Jesus and the Christmas traditions.
Christmas celebrations in Nepal uniquely blend local cultures and Western traditions. In Nepal, Christians continue to gather and exchange gifts as in the West, while also inviting other communities to join their celebrations. The streets of cities like Kathmandu are filled with lights and decorations. Since Christmas lies in the winter season and a few days before the New Year, the atmosphere of the streets, pubs, stores, and malls becomes different. Many people travel to Nepal to experience Christmas and New Year in Nepal. Let us see what it is like to celebrate Christmas in Nepal.
Table of Contents
Christmas Celebration in Nepal
Christmas is celebrated on December 25th in Nepal, just like in all parts of the world. We can divide the Christmas celebration in Nepal into two parts, one before Christmas Day and the other on Christmas Day. Significant cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara mark the arrival of Jesus’s birthday through Christmas decorations. Many malls, stores, and restaurants are decorated with Christmas trees and lights. The clothing store sells Santa hats and coats, perfect for winter wear. Many popular Nepalese bands organize concerts in different places. Many of the bars and pubs offer free entry. Since New Year’s is very near, visiting these places is fun. They are preparing to celebrate Christmas and New Year in Nepal.
Christmas Eve is a sight in areas like Thamel, Newroad, and Lakeside, with music, people, lights, and red around you. Parents, teachers, partners, and colleagues exchange gifts as part of the celebration. Christmas Day, on the other hand, is different than the eve. People from the Christian community gather at the church to pray. They enjoy the togetherness with jingles and dances. The celebration is a unique blend of Western tradition and Nepalese values. It is still characterized by exchanging cards and gifts and arranging the feasts. In Nepal, people from different faiths join the celebration by enjoying traditional Nepali dishes and Christmas food.
Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Nepal
Celebrating Christmas in Nepal offers a unique and beautiful experience. The day brings joy and warmth to people. The Christmas celebration involves many enjoyable aspects and is not limited to just one. Let us look at a few ways you can celebrate Christmas in the country of Himalayas.
- Enjoy Bright Night Lights-You can visit streets, malls, restaurants, and public spaces decorated with vibrant lights and figurines. You can enjoy shopping at malls or a good Christmas dinner at a restaurant. They even offer discounts during the Christmas festival in Nepal.
- Enjoy Gathering At the Church- The Christian communities come together for midnight mass and prayers at Christmas. The Christmas, of course, is incomplete without prayers. The beauty of the Christmas festival in Nepal is that you can join these communities to enjoy the prayers.
- Help Local Communities—In Nepal, many people celebrate Christmas through charitable activities. They partner with various NGOs and INGOs to donate food, clothes, books, and money to underprivileged people. You can participate in such local events or initiatives to spread the warmth and love of Christ.
- Enjoy Various Christmas Cuisine—Christmas in Nepal is celebrated by feasting in churches, gatherings, or Christmas markets. Traditional Christmas foods include gingerbread, pies, turkey, roasted chicken, and cakes. You can also enjoy typical Nepalese Cuisine.
- Traveling- Places decorated with lights and Christmas trees and gatherings are fun. But even more fun is traveling. You can plan a trip to Nepal’s hill stations or the Himalayas to witness the stunning views of the mountains covered in snow. You can celebrate Christmas by trekking or staying at a cozy lodge in Places like Nagarkot, Bandipur, or Chitwan National Park.
Places to Explore to Celebrate Christmas in Nepal
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, offers many options for Christmas festivities. Places like Thamel, Patan, Durbar Marg, Basantapur, and New Road transform their streets into vibrant hubs filled with shops, eateries, and cultural experiences that attract locals and tourists alike. During Christmas, special Christmas parties, concerts, feasts, and cultural programs are familiar in Kathmandu. There are many churches in Kathmandu. You can join it for feasts and midnight masses as well.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the city of Lakes and Natural beauty. Celebrating Christmas in the valley surrounded by Annapurna ranges provides the best Christmas experience. Lakeside, a popular tourist destination of Pokhara, is decorated with lights, trees, and Christmas markets. Many Nepali people and tourists visit Pokhara to celebrate New Year and Christmas. While at Pokhara, you can celebrate Christmas by engaging in adventurous sports like paragliding, bungee jumping, or trekking.
Tips for Navigating Crowds and Transportation During the Christmas
Many tourist places in Kathmandu and Pokhara are full of people due to the festive season and the arrival of the new year. Shopping, parties, and gatherings in this period are very usual. So, navigating crowds and transportation might be problematic if you are new to the scenario. Here are some of the tips for that purpose;
- Use navigation apps to check real-time traffic or transit updates.
- Hire a guide who knows the streets and places well.
- Use ride-sharing apps to get transportation.
- If you are driving a personal vehicle, park at least a kilometer away from crowded areas.
- Be patient with fellow travelers and transportation staff.
- Make sure to remember the location of your hotel.
- Carry cash, as small shops might not have card machines.
Weather During Christmas in Nepal
In Nepal, Christmas falls in the winter (December to February), a perfect season for Christmas. It is a month of colder days with a festival of warmth. Dry air, colder temperatures, and minimal rainfall characterize the winter weather in Nepal. The temperature during the daytime is bearable, but the nighttime temperatures often reach below 0°C, especially in the high Himalayas. Even the valleys like Kathmandu can fall to 2°C -3°C. The average temperature around Christmas and New Year is about 19°C during the day and 8°C during the night.
Christmas in Nepal for Adventure Seekers
Christmas in Nepal lies in the winter season. If you are in Nepal during Christmas, there are other things you can do across Nepal. Nepal is known for its Himalayas and the adventures it offers. There is always something that you can explore. Let us look into a few that might be suitable for you.
Winter Trekking
Among many things to do in Nepal at Christmas, Winter trekking tops everything. Nothing is better than celebrating Christ by liberating yourself through trekking to the Himalayas. You can explore the trails like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, or Manaslu Circuit Trek. Your trek in the winter will provide you with views of the mountain like in no other season.
Wildlife Safaris
Nepal has a total of 12 National parks and six conservation areas. You can explore these parks to witness the rare wildlife. Nepal is home to more than 30,000 species of animals and plants. You might even encounter any such species that are endemic to Nepal on your safari.
Paragliding & Hot Air Ballooning in Pokhara
Pokhara at Christmas is not just the bright lakeside. You can be adventurous and glide over the stunning Phewa Lake. The birds-eye view of the city welcoming Christmas is an unforgettable adventure.
Travel Tips for Your Christmas Holiday in Nepal
If you travel to Nepal during Christmas, remember that winter also falls during this period. Here are some travel tips for Christmas in Nepal.
- Get the best deals on flights and accommodations, as many tour packages offer discounts during Christmas.
- Many visit Nepal for both Christmas and New Year. So, accommodations in popular destinations like Pokhara, Bandipur, and Kathmandu might fill up quickly. Make sure to book beforehand.
- Pack your clothing for the colder temperature.
- While you are engaged in the celebration, respect the native customs and traditions.
- The flights might often get canceled due to the harsh weather conditions, so if you are traveling by domestic flight, stay updated on the weather.
- If you dislike crowds, choose the location of your hotel away from the crowded area.
Why Book Your Christmas Trip to Nepal Now?
Here is why you should book your Christmas trip to Nepal;
- During Christmas, many tour packages offer special prices way below the MRP. Nepal, which is already an affordable place to travel, will become more affordable during the festival season.
- Nepal offers unique Christmas celebrations in its urban areas, with events, parties, and cultural exchanges. Experience it firsthand, and it will be an experience of a lifetime.
- During your vacation, you can also trek to the Himalayas or enjoy adventurous sports like bungee jumping, paragliding, and skiing.
- You can opt to enjoy your Christmas holidays by volunteering in Nepal.
Conclusion
Like any other religion in Nepal, Christians also celebrate Christmas with great joy and enthusiasm, coming together with family and friends to share meals, exchange gifts, and participate in special church services to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve, churches are full of people gathering for midnight mass, Christmas carols, and jingles. People exchange Christmas gifts and attend Christmas parties to celebrate the birth of Jesus. People from the non-Christian community also visit a church to participate in the feasts and prayers.
I hope you find warmth, joy, and happiness in your Christmas holiday in Nepal.
Merry Christmas & Amen!
