Share more moments: December 2026 Holidays and Observances

Envelope with cut-paper art that reads,

Whichever holidays you celebrate, whatever your traditions and whoever you call family, December is a month full of moments to celebrate. 

It’s time to flip the calendar page, check out December holidays and observances, and start thinking about who we’re connecting with this month. We’ve got lots of ideas to help you make the most of the holiday season.

Inspired? Create and share by tagging @HallmarkStores.

Illustration of a bow and arrow for the Zodiac sign Sagittarius

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

An illustration of a goat with the word

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Your Special Days in December  

Grab your calendar and a notepad. For your personal list of notes to write and cards to send, think about:

 

Time to stock up?

 

A inspirational holiday quote that reads,

The holiday spirit lasts all month long.

An illustration that reads,

Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4.

December Holidays and Observances  

December 3

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

 

December 4

Hanukkah begins at sundown

 

National Cookie Day

A hand-written note is a hug you get to keep.

National Letter Writing Day is December 7.

PIle of decorated and hand-lettered envelopes in various colors.

Christmas Card Day is December 9.

 

December 7

National Letter Writing Day

 

December 9

Christmas Card Day

 

December 12

Lady of Guadalupe Day/Dîa de la Virgen de Guadalupe

  • Mexicans, Mexican-Americans and other Latinx folks commemorate the appearance of the Virgin Mary in 1531 with prayer, singing, feasting and processions.
An illustration of the Three Kings that reads,

Nochebuena is December 24.

An illustrated sentiment that reads,

Christmas is December 25.

December 21

First Day of Winter/Winter Solstice

 

December 24

Christmas Eve/Nochebuena

 

December 25

Christmas/Navida

An inspirational quote that reads,

Kwanzaa is December 26–January 1.

An inspirational quote that reads,

New Year’s Eve is December 31.

December 26-January 1

Kwanzaa

 

December 31

New Year’s Eve

More Ideas for December  

A stack of creatively wrapped Christmas gifts in a variety of wrapping paper patterns and colors.

How to wrap Christmas presents like a pro

Get our tips for everything from the basics (like wrapping a box) to creating picture-perfect bows and more.

An illustration of a vintage-style Santa carrying a bag of presents over his shoulder.

Host the best White Elephant gift exchange ever!

Whether you’re just in search of the perfect gift, or you’re looking to host the whole shebang, we’ve got tons of White Elephant party ideas here!

Our free, printable, ultimate Christmas to-do list lying on a light pink surface, surrounded by silver tinsel and Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.

Our ultimate Christmas checklist

Ideas, resources and a handy-dandy, free, printable checklist for all things Christmas!

A hand-lettered inspirational quote that reads,

Support friends when holidays are hard

Find ways to share a bit of comfort and peace with friends dealing with grief and loss during the holidays.

Illustration of hands reaching into frame with candles, noisemakers, ornaments over a kinara to represent Christmas and Kwanzaa.

Christmas and Kwanzaa: Keeping family holiday traditions and finding your own

Whether you’re looking to bring cherished family holiday traditions to the next generation or create a new kind of celebration, we’ve got lots of ideas.

An illustration of a traditionally decorated Christmas tree.

How to choose and decorate a Christmas tree

Hallmark master writer Melvina Young is known as the queen of Christmas trees by many. Here are allllll of her tips on which trees are her faves, where to put them, and how to decorate them.

Address book with chambray cover on desktop with envelopes and office accessories

LOOKING AHEAD: Why New Year's is the perfect time to update your address book

Read why updating your address book is a perfect New Year’s Day activity.

Encouragement Card with a sun on it and an envelope on a desk with plants

And speaking of fresh starts...

Get suggestions for messages to encourage and support people as they prepare for new beginnings and journeys.