Cultural Calendar Dates For December 2025

December 2025 marks another rotation around the sun, bringing a season of reflection, celebration, and anticipation for the new year. From global awareness days to cultural celebrations that span diverse traditions, this month invites us to honour the past and look forward to the future. Here’s your guide to the key dates to mark on your December calendar.

Cultural Calendar Dates For December 2025

📅 World AIDS Day | 1 December 2025
👉 World AIDS Day, observed every year on 1 December since 1988, is dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by HIV and honouring those who have died from the disease. Survivor winner and humanitarian Ethan Zohn launched his Grassroot Soccer Academy to educate young people about HIV/AIDS prevention through the power of sport.

📅 Rosa Parks Day (US) | 1 December 2025
👉 Rosa Parks Day honours the legacy of Rosa Parks, whose refusal to give up her bus seat in 1955 became a pivotal moment in the US civil rights movement. Celebrated on her birthday in some states and on the anniversary of her arrest in others, this day recognises her role in the fight for equality and justice. Communities and organisations nationwide host events and educational programs to remember her courage and dedication to civil rights.

» EXPLORE: Juneteenth Speakers

📅 International Day of Persons with Disabilities | 3 December 2025

👉 A UN-designated day. Discover PepTalk’s top international disability awareness speakers. Suggested speakers for disability awareness include amputee and author Ella Dove, Paralympian Lex Gilette, or Catarina Rivera.

📅 International Volunteer Day | 5 December 2025

👉 Celebrate the wonderful volunteers from all walks of life who make your society tick. Looking to reward your corporate volunteering teams? Why not treat them to a motivational speaker.

📅 Human Rights Day | 10 December 2025

👉 Human Rights Day is when the United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights is awarded every five years, and the Nobel Peace Prize is also awarded.

📅 Christmas Jumper Day | TBC, December 2025

👉 One of the UK’s most fashionable days allows everyone to wear the most festive jumper possible to raise money for charities like Save The Children.

‍📅 Arabic Language Day | 18 December 2025

👉 World Arabic Language Day has been celebrated every year on 18 December since 2012. The date coincides with the day in 1973 when the United Nations adopted Arabic as the sixth official language.

📅 Winter Solstice (Northern Hemisphere) | 21 December 2025
👉 The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Many cultures celebrate this day as a time of reflection, renewal, and hope for brighter days.

📅 Hanukkah (Chanukah) | Starts 15 December 2025
👉 Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, lasts eight days and celebrates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Traditions include lighting the menorah, playing dreidel, and enjoying foods like latkes and sufganiyot.

📅 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day | 24 and 25 December 2025
👉 Christmas is celebrated worldwide, marking the birth of Jesus Christ. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, families gather for festive meals, gift-giving, and holiday traditions.

📅 Kwanzaa | 26 December 2025 - 1 January 2026
👉 Kwanzaa celebrates African heritage and culture through seven days of reflection on principles like unity, self-determination, and creativity. Each day focuses on a different principle, often celebrated with ceremonies, meals, and music.

📅 New Year’s Eve | 31 December 2025
👉 The year's final day is a time for celebration and reflection, with parties, fireworks, and countdowns marking the transition to the new year. Many people make resolutions for personal growth in the coming year. Check out top personal development speakers.

‍Of course, this is just a selection of dates! If we've missed any key days or events for your HR, Culture, or People team, be sure to let us know on LinkedIn.

Explore The Rest of 2025

Key cultural calendar dates, weeks and observances for the rest of 2025:

💡 Would you like to mark any of these events with an expert speaker? Let us know, and we’ll find the perfect PepTalk expert for your organisation. Email us at hello@getapeptalk.com or send us a message via the chat. You can also call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US). Remember, it’s always a good time to get a PepTalk!

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