Do Mormons Celebrate Christmas?

For many people around the world, Christmas is a season of generosity and togetherness. Those who are curious about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often informally referred to as “Mormons”) sometimes wonder: are Mormons Christians? Is Christmas observed any differently in Mormonism, if at all? 

The short answer is simple: Latter-day Saints love and celebrate Christmas, and they generally do so in ways that will feel familiar to most Christians. But within that familiarity, there are also emphases that reflect Latter-day Saint beliefs about Jesus Christ, community, and discipleship.

A Sacred Celebration Focused on Jesus Christ

For Latter-day Saints, Christmas is far more than a cultural tradition or break from work. It is a deeply sacred time meant to honor the birth and mission of Jesus Christ. The Church describes Christmas as a season to celebrate the source of true joy, the Redeemer who makes eternal life with God possible, and the One whose life provides the path to lasting happiness. Because Christ stands at the center of their faith, members see Christmas as a chance to draw closer to Him by embracing His teachings of love, service, and compassion.

Church leaders emphasize that the warmth people feel at Christmastime is not only sentimental; it is spiritual. The “light and warmth of Christmas,” as one Church leader taught, is understood as the Light of Christ—the divine influence that enlightens every person. For Latter-day Saints, anyone who feels the spirit of goodness, generosity, or peace during the season is experiencing a portion of that light, whether or not they are religious.

Christmas therefore becomes a time to reflect on the larger significance of Jesus Christ in human history. Latter-day Saints see Him as the symbol for Mormonism, the greatest teacher who ever lived, the the Only Begotten Son of God. Celebrating His birth also reminds them of His future return, reinforcing a sense of hope and anticipation.

How Latter-day Saints Celebrate

Despite their theological differences, Latter-day Saints celebrate Christmas in ways that are quite recognizable in the broader Christian world. Historians note that Mormonism does not really have many distinct Christmas rituals or traditions of their own. Rather, members of the Church embrace many of the same traditions that other Christians do: exchanging gifts, reading the nativity story from the Gospel of Luke, decorating Christmas trees, and enjoying stories like A Christmas Carol. In the United States especially, Santa Claus is as common a tradition in Latter-day Saint homes as in any other.

Still, certain practices also reflect the Church’s focus on discipleship and community:

1. Family gatherings and music.
Christmas provides an opportunity for families to come together, often singing Christmas carols. Latter-day Saints sing many of the same carols treasured by other Christian traditions: Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, and Silent Night are only a few. And just like many mainstream Christians who can’t resist some Christmastime “Jingle Bell Rock,” plenty of secular Christmas music is also enjoyed in many Latter-day Saint homes.

2. Reading the nativity story.
A central part of many Latter-day Saint celebrations is reading the biblical account of Christ’s birth. This simple tradition reinforces the sacred nature of the season and connects families with the scriptural foundation of their faith.

3. Church services and activities.
What is a Mormon Christmas Church service like? Christian denominations around the world hold special Christmas events throughout December. These can include interfaith parties, youth activities, and community charity drives. The Mormon Church is no different. Sunday worship service before Christmas—or on Christmas Day when it falls on a Sunday—is usually a special program focused on Christ’s birth through messages and music.

4. Acts of service and charitable giving.
Latter-day Saints place particular emphasis on making Christmas a season of service. Youth groups often visit hospitals or nursing homes, and families might participate in local charitable efforts to provide food, clothing, and gifts to those in need. 

A Time for Forgiveness and Renewed Relationships

A distinctive theme in Latter-day Saint teachings about Christmas is forgiveness. Church leaders encourage members to use the season as a time to mend strained relationships. The message of “peace on earth” is understood not only in global or abstract terms, but as something to be lived within families, neighborhoods, and communities.

Members are encouraged to treat all people with kindness and respect, including those of different faiths, cultures, or nations. Latter-day Saints are taught to welcome others, avoid exclusion, and build bridges of understanding.

Cultural Diversity Within a Global Church

Because the Church is global, Christmas traditions vary widely among members. The Church recognizes this diversity and teaches that “there is no one ‘right’ way to celebrate.” While many traditions are familiar to North American Christians, members in other parts of the world incorporate customs shaped by their local cultures. What unites these celebrations is the shared desire to honor Jesus Christ and foster goodness in the world.

Even the date of Christmas is approached with this blend of reverence and practicality. The Church acknowledges that Jesus was most likely born in early spring, not December 25th. But like other Christian denominations, Latter-day Saints gladly join in celebrating His birth during the traditional Christmas season.

Keeping Jesus at the Center

In Christianity vs Mormonism at Christmastime, there are more similarities than differences. Latter-day Saint scholars and leaders alike recognize that modern Christmas celebrations can be overly commercialized. Many members express concern that consumerism can overshadow the spiritual meaning of the season. This sentiment reflects the broader Christian desire to “put Christ back into Christmas”—not by rejecting cherished cultural elements, but by ensuring that Christ remains at the heart of the celebration.

A Season of Peace, Goodwill, and Hope

Ultimately, Mormonism celebrates Christmas in ways that blend familiar Christian traditions with distinctive spiritual emphases. They exchange gifts, gather with family, and sing beloved carols. But they also strive to make Christmas a season of charity, reconciliation, and discipleship.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Christmas is a yearly celebration of hope: hope in Christ’s redeeming mission, in His promised return, and in the idea that “the best is yet to come” as people turn their hearts toward Him.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

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