Christmas in Saudi Arabia

The holiday season in Saudi Arabia offers a unique blend of traditions and local culture. For expats and digital nomads experiencing their first Christmas and New Year here, the celebrations are low-key but meaningful—with a mix of private gatherings, festive events, and a touch of Middle Eastern hospitality.

What Are the Holidays Like in Saudi Arabia?

Christmas and New Year’s are not official public holidays in Saudi Arabia, but the expat community—especially in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran—still finds ways to celebrate. Since the country follows Islamic traditions, public displays of Christmas are rare, but private gatherings and expat-organized events keep the spirit alive.

How Do People Celebrate?

Most celebrations happen within homes, compounds, or expat clubs. Expats often host potluck dinners, Secret Santa gift exchanges, and themed parties. Some hotels and restaurants cater to the expat crowd with special holiday menus and decorations, though these are usually subtle.

New Year’s Eve is more widely celebrated, with fireworks (where allowed), countdown parties, and gatherings at upscale venues. Unlike Western countries, the focus is less on religious traditions and more on socializing with friends.

Is There a Santa Claus or Other Holiday Figure?

Santa Claus (or Father Christmas) isn’t a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia, but some expat families keep the tradition alive for their children. A few international schools and compounds may organize small visits from Santa, but these are private events rather than public spectacles.

Do People Exchange Gifts?

Yes, but gift-giving is usually limited to close friends and family. Common gifts include imported chocolates, gourmet treats, or small tokens from home countries. Some expats participate in Secret Santa exchanges at work or within their social circles, with a modest spending limit.

Traditional Foods and Desserts

Since Saudi Arabia doesn’t have a strong Christmas food tradition, expats often prepare dishes from their home countries—roast turkey, ham, stuffing, and pies. Some local bakeries and supermarkets stock imported holiday treats like mince pies, gingerbread, and Christmas pudding.

For New Year’s, finger foods, desserts, and sparkling drinks are common. Some expats incorporate Middle Eastern sweets like baklava or ma’amoul into their celebrations for a local touch.

How Do People Spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day?

Christmas Eve is typically a time for small gatherings—dinner with friends, a movie night, or a quiet evening at home. Christmas Day is more relaxed, with many expats enjoying a leisurely brunch or visiting friends for coffee and dessert.

Church services are available in some cities, usually held at international churches or private compounds. Since public worship is restricted, most services are discreet and by invitation only.

Are There Festive Neighborhoods or Events?

While Saudi Arabia doesn’t have Christmas markets or heavily decorated neighborhoods, some expat-heavy areas—like Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh or Al Hamra in Jeddah—may have subtle holiday lights or small displays. A few upscale malls and hotels decorate their interiors with tasteful holiday themes, offering a small dose of festive cheer.

For those looking for a bigger celebration, nearby expat hubs like Dubai or Bahrain host grand Christmas events, making them popular weekend getaways for Saudi-based nomads.

Expats talk about Christmas in Saudi Arabia

"We mix our own traditions with those of friends, and being Canadian, the hot weather is something to adjust to as well," commented an expat living in Jeddah.

"What we love most about celebrating Christmas in Saudi is that we have leisurely family time in the morning (as opposed to driving in a blizzard to try to accommodate grandparents)and relaxing time with friends in the afternoon. No drama, no baggage being dredged up from childhood! It's nice to go home once in a while for Christmas, but it's nice to spend it here, too," said one expat living in Jeddah.