Christmas is celebrated by the Christians and in certain areas also by non-Christians. The name Christmas is derived from 'Christ's Mass', the mass in honour of the birth of Christ. Christmas is celebrated on the 25th of December every year, at the time of the winter solstice. Many regard it as the most important of all Christian festivals. It is a public holiday in India.

Christmas celebrations in urban areas are very similar to those in the West. All the major cities wear a festive look. Shops and bazaars are decorated for the occasions and offer attractive bargains. Friends and relatives exchange presents. Santa Claus distributes gifts and sweets to children. Singing carols is also part of the ritual. It is customary for families to eat Christmas dinner together. Elaborate puddings, special cakes and wine are prepared. Roasted chicken takes the place of the stuffed turkey of the West, for the meal. In the coastal regions, people have fish.

In the tribal and rural areas of India, the menu is very different. Cakes made of rice flour and bananas form part of the ceremonial feast. Carol singing is also popular.

Among the orthodox, the festival is commemorated by prayers and purificatory rites. Some sections of the Roman Catholics forsake eating meat during the period known as the Advent, from the first to the 25th of December.

Christmas parties launch off celebrations for the New Year, thus retaining the festive mood for at least a week.