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Christmas
Ecuador

Christmas 2023, 2024 and 2025 in Ecuador

Ecuador celebrates Christmas much like other Latin American nations, which means special Catholic masses, an emphasis on nativity scenes, and Christmas dinner and celebrations focused on Christmas Eve rather than on Christmas Day. A public holiday is observed each year on Christmas Day, 25 December.

YearDateDayHoliday
202325 DecMonChristmas Day
202425 DecWedChristmas Day
202525 DecThuChristmas Day
202625 DecFriChristmas Day
Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates.

Ecuador has some unique Christmas traditions as well. First of all, it’s tradition that everyone gathers for a big family Christmas party and hides the gifts in a closet or another stealthy location soon after entering the building. Later, they place the gifts under the tree while someone takes the kids out to search for the Star of Bethlehem. Later on, there will be an extended gift-giving and opening ceremony.

The second striking thing about Christmas in Ecuador is the prominence of song. Carolling takes place almost anywhere and for any reason or no reason. This might be a family singing carols at home or people singing in public squares or shopping malls.

One final unique feature is the abundance of rice dishes at Christmas dinner. Arroz Navideno, spicy Christmas rice, is only one among a dozen or more popular Christmas rice dishes. While meats, vegetables, salads, and sweets all have their place, rice unquestionably dominates the Christmas table.

Previous Years

YearDateDayHoliday
202225 DecSunChristmas Day
26 DecMonChristmas Holiday
202124 DecFriChristmas Holiday
25 DecSatChristmas Day
202025 DecFriChristmas Day
201925 DecWedChristmas Day
201825 DecTueChristmas Day
201725 DecMonChristmas Day