Winter in Canada is a season rich with holidays, traditions, and celebrations that reflect the country’s diverse cultural and religious communities.

For newcomers and long-time residents alike, these holidays provide a time to connect, reflect, and celebrate through family, cultural, and community customs.

In this article, we’ll highlight eight of the holidays and festivities newcomers observe across Canada, before and after Christmas.

Advent

Advent is a season observed in many Christian traditions and spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, honouring the birth of Jesus Christ. Each week focuses on one of the four central themes: hope, peace, joy, and love.

In contemporary Canada, Advent has taken on a broader cultural significance beyond its religious roots. Advent calendars have become widely popular among children and adults alike.

Hanukkah

Hanukkah is a Jewish holiday that lasts for eight days, observed according to the Hebrew calendar. The most famous Hanukkah tradition is the lighting of a nine-branched candelabra.

Other activities common during the Jewish festival of light include singing traditional songs, enjoying Chanukah foods, playing dreidel, and giving Chanukah gelt to children.

Boxing Day

Celebrated on December 26 each year, Boxing Day comes directly after Christmas and is a statutory holiday for Ontario residents and federally regulated employees across Canada.

Boxing Day has become synonymous with major sales and discounts.