Christmas in Iran

Christmas in Iran: How Do Iranians Celebrate Christmas?

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With the arrival of the joyful Christmas season, Iranian Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in the same way. What is Christmas like in Iran?
Iran is where the Three Wise men are believed to have lived when Jesus was born. Today Iranian Christians start the “Little Fast” in December, during which they abstain from eating animal products. And the “Big Fast” occurs during Lent, six weeks before Easter.

The Christian population in Iran is less than 1%, consisting of Armenians, Assyrians, Catholics, Protestants, and Evangelical Christians. Armenian Christians celebrate Christmas on the same day as Epiphany on January 6, while the rest celebrate this day on December 25. The celebration takes place in the church and at home. After Church service, everyone enjoys the Christmas dinner, which they call “Little Feast.”

Christians of Iran are not familiar with Santa Claus, so gifts are not generally exchanged, but children get new clothes that they wear proudly on Christmas Day.
When the cheerful spirit of the season comes around, it hits every soul despite their beliefs or religions. Christmas decorations take place throughout the country, specifically in major cities such as Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, Tabriz, and even religious cities such as Mashhad.
Decorated Christmas trees, decorations, and gifts are all over the stores, which are very popular among the young generation of Iranian Muslims.

Iran christmas

Christmas decorations take place throughout the country, specifically in major cities.

Christmas celebration in Tehran
Iranian Christians hold Christmas parties that sometimes might involve a high entrance fee. Ararat Club in Tehran is one of these centers holding special Christmas parties each year. There is also a Charity Bazaar with a wide variety of delicious food and live performances that visitors can enjoy. Armenian families often prepare “Kukupolo” for dinner on Christmas night. Then they go to the churchyard to meet friends and families. Priests pray in the light of the candles in the church. The church bell rings right at midnight while everyone stops chatting, looking at the sky, and praying at this particular moment.

Christmas celebration in Isfahan
The Christmas atmosphere is fascinating in the Jolfa district of Isfahan in Iran since this is where the Armenian emigrants live. All through the Jolfa district is decorated with string lights and ornamented pine trees, and there is a special ceremony at Vank Cathedral, the most significant Armenian church in Iran. The shops are crowded, and people are busy shopping, walking around, and taking photos. Walking through Jolfa is exceptionally fascinating for those interested in cross-cultural differences.

Christmas in Iran

Christmas night at Vank Cathedral

The minority religions in Iran, Christians, Jews, and Zoroastrians, are officially recognized and are represented in parliament and can enjoy the freedom of practicing their religion and performing their religious rituals.
Jesus Christ is recognized as one of the holy messengers by Muslims. According to Iranian authorities, the day of his birth is recognized. They send out messages on this occasion to Christians in Iran and all over the world.
Peace on Earth,
Good Will to All!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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Haftsin-Nowruz

Which Countries Celebrate Nowruz?

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Nowruz is the first day of spring and the beginning of the new year in a huge geographical area including the Black Sea region, central and western Asia. Persian New Year was originally determined by astronomical calculations and it marks March 21. In 2009 this amazing cultural ritual was registered on the list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the new year celebrated by seven countries Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.

Haftsin-Nowruz

Haftsin tabletop setting is among the most prominent rituals of Nowruz in Iran.

On November 30, 2016, during the 11th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, in Ethiopia, five more countries were added to the list of the multinational cases of Nowruz making it a total of twelve internationality that celebrate their New Year on the spring equinox every year.
Nowruz celebration is observed by Iran, Albania, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China (by Turkic peoples and Tajiks), Georgia, India (by Parsis), Iraq (by Kurds and Turkmens), Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Syria (by Kurds), Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
There are many rites, local traditions, and games that go with this festival and they vary in every region. It has been more than 3000 years that people are celebrating Nowruz. Nowruz meaning new day represents reconciliation, friendship, and peace among all people and communities.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating Persian festival, here’s a video to provide you with full information about Nowruz and its unique traditions. Learn how to set Haft Seen table and learn what each of the seven elements means in this tradition and celebrate the Persian New Year.

Are you planning to travel to Iran? Check out our Iran tours.