Every December, Pakistan begins to glow with a gentle, festive warmth. While Christmas here may not resemble the snowy postcard scenes from the West, it carries its own charm—rooted in faith, community, and cherished traditions passed down for generations. For Pakistan’s Christian community, Christmas is not merely a holiday; it is a reaffirmation of identity, belonging, and spiritual joy.
A December of Preparation and Anticipation
The excitement begins early. By 15th December, most Christian families across Pakistan have already decorated their homes with twinkling lights, handmade stars, nativity sets, tinsel, and Christmas trees—often kept up until New Year’s. Streets in Christian-majority neighborhoods such as Karachi’s Essa Nagri, Lahore’s Youhanabad, and Rawalpindi’s Lal Kurti glow with vibrant color, creativity, and community spirit.
During the first weeks of December, houses are repainted, new furniture is bought, and families prepare for guests arriving from far-off towns or abroad. Some communities also hold “White Gift” services, honoring women and distributing gifts to widows and those in need—a reflection of the season’s kindness.
The Sacred Nights: Prayers, Choirs & Candlelight
From 24th December, churches across Pakistan come alive. The evenings fill with carols in Urdu, Punjabi, and English, while choirs rehearse harmonies that echo through decorated courtyards. Churches shine with bright stars and garlands, turning ordinary streets into glowing corridors of celebration.
Inside, popes, bishops, and priests deliver sermons recounting the story of the birth of Jesus Christ—his journey, teachings, and message of peace. These services blend scripture readings with nativity plays performed by children, reflecting both devotion and cultural expression.
Many churches host cake-cutting ceremonies, Christmas karaoke, and dramatic performances depicting the journey of Mary and Joseph. Candlelight prayers and midnight masses draw large congregations, offering moments of collective reflection and hope.
When the clock strikes twelve, greetings fill the air:
“Barra Din Mubarak” and “Wadda Din Mubarak”—meaning “Merry Christmas” in Urdu and Punjabi.
Fireworks often light up the night, signaling the joy of the Big Day.
Christmas Morning: Family, Food, and Festivity
After returning home from church, families exchange gifts, sweets, and “fundas”—small tokens of love. Many visit parents, married daughters, neighbors, and extended family. For some, it is the one time in the year when the entire family gathers under one roof.
Christmas Day meals reflect the diversity of Pakistani cuisine:
- Biryani and pulao
- Chicken roast and qorma
- Gulab jamun, trifles, kheer, and custard
- Special Christmas fruitcake
- Biscuits and traditional treats for guests
Cafes across Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad offer special menus, and many families visit parks, zoos, and beaches, turning the day into a joyful outing.
Trees & Santa Claus: Symbols with a Local Touch
Across Pakistan, the Christmas tree and cake remain the most cherished symbols of the season. Families decorate their trees with bells, pinecones, baubles, candies, balloons, and lights—often purchased from bustling markets like Anarkali, Emporium, Saddar, and Tariq Road.
Children excitedly wait for “Christmas Baba”, the Pakistani name for Santa Claus. Parents secretly place gifts under the tree, creating unforgettable memories for the little ones.
National Greetings and Messages of Unity
Christmas in Pakistan is also a day of national recognition. On Christmas Eve 2017, President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi extended warm felicitations to the Christian community, appreciating their role in education, medicine, and national development.
They emphasized that Christmas reaffirms the universal teachings of patience, tolerance, kindness, peace, and goodwill—values deeply cherished across Pakistani society.
Mainstream political parties often send delegates with cakes and greetings to churches during Christmas services, reflecting interfaith harmony and respect.
A Celebration Intertwined With Pakistan’s Own History
December 25 holds dual significance—it is also the birthday of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. For many Pakistanis, Christmas becomes a double celebration of national pride and spiritual joy.
Christian expatriates from the Gulf, Europe, and beyond often return home so they can experience this unique atmosphere with family.
Cultural Traditions Passed Through Generations
Christmas in Pakistan carries traditions that have been preserved lovingly:
- Married daughters receive gifts or sweets from their parents.
- Young girls decorate their hands with henna and wear colorful bangles.
- Community competitions for decorating mangers are arranged by local churches.
- Families stay awake till midnight, eagerly waiting to greet each other.
- Fireworks and candlelights illuminate the streets after midnight prayers.
These traditions weave together faith, culture, and family—creating a rich tapestry of celebration.
Christmas as a Bridge of Peace
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Christmas in Pakistan is interfaith sharing. Muslim neighbors often join in the festivities, send sweets, or visit friends. Churches extend invitations to officials and community leaders to promote peace and harmony.
The celebration becomes a moment where differences fade, replaced by unity and shared humanity.
Food, Faith & Festivity
Traditional Pakistani dishes still dominate the Christmas table—biryani, roast chicken, qorma, and desserts like gulab jamun or trifle. Christmas remains a day of togetherness, with families watching movies, hosting dinners, or spending time outdoors. Unlike the UK, traditions like leaving mince pies or carrots for Santa are not common, and there is no Boxing Day—most people resume work on December 26.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Light and Love
Christmas in Pakistan is vibrant yet humble, spiritual yet festive, and deeply rooted in family and community. It is a celebration of hope—a reminder that faith can illuminate even the quietest corners.
Here, This festival is not just observed; it is felt—in prayers, in carols, in decorated homes, in shared meals, and in the warm exchange of gifts and greetings.
It is a beautiful reflection of Pakistan’s multicultural identity, where the spirit of Christmas brings people together in harmony, compassion, and joy.
