Christmas Eve in China saw a notable absence of festive cheer this year, as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) imposed stricter controls on religious gatherings and public celebrations. Interviews conducted with pastors, Christians, and local residents revealed that many planned Christmas services were disrupted, decorations were limited, and public displays of the holiday spirit were systematically curtailed.
Local state security officials blocked Christmas Eve services at underground house churches in provinces such as Shandong, Zhejiang, and Sichuan. Pastor Huang from Qingdao, Shandong Province, shared that authorities explicitly forbade congregants from gathering for services. Instead, he and his family opted for a quiet celebration at home with a few friends. “All collective gatherings here are banned,” Huang remarked. He noted that shopping malls were also prohibited from displaying Christmas trees or decorations, resulting in a lack of festive atmosphere not only in Qingdao but across other regions as well.
In Wenzhou, a city in Zhejiang Province recognized for its significant Christian population, Pastor Wang indicated that local authorities permitted Christmas activities solely within state-sanctioned churches. He added that several believers who had been detained earlier in December were still in custody, discouraging many from participating in group events. “So now, many [Christians] here are discouraged from attending group events,” he stated.
Under the CCP’s regulations, only state-approved Christian denominations can operate, and these churches must adhere to strict guidelines imposed by the National Religious Affairs Administration. This has led to the removal of Christian symbols, such as crosses, in favor of CCP portraits, with sermons increasingly promoting communist ideology.
Universities Restrict Student Celebrations
Several universities across the country took measures to limit student participation in Christmas festivities. At Dezhou University in Shandong, students received directives not to share Christmas-related content on social media, with warnings that online actions could be monitored. In Northwest University, located in Shaanxi Province, students were reportedly required to remain on campus during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, with nightly roll calls.
Students in Zhejiang Province reported being instructed to remove Christmas-themed profile images and to refrain from posting related content online. These restrictions have sparked frustration among the student body, as many young individuals enjoy celebrating the holiday season.
Police Crack Down on Public Festivities
In Shanghai, police actions further exemplified the crackdown on Christmas celebrations. A woman dressed as Santa Claus, who was distributing apples to passersby, was detained by authorities. Footage circulating on social media showed several people in Santa costumes waiting to be questioned at a police station, along with confiscated decorations.
One Christian resident from Shanghai, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that commercial Christmas decorations were confined to designated areas within the city. Some displays were reportedly removed as early as December 22. Another resident commented, “Christmas can now only exist within clearly defined boundaries.” Despite the diminished public expression of the holiday, many young people continue to hold affection for Christmas, although the government appears more focused on economic activity than on allowing festive celebrations.
Similar limitations have been reported throughout the country. A Christian in Fujian Province indicated that public Christmas events outside state-sanctioned churches have nearly vanished over the past two years. In Shenyang, students were discouraged from wearing Christmas hats, and local officials advised families against taking children to church activities. Mr. Yang, a Christian in Chengdu, confirmed that authorities had informed churches that gatherings were prohibited, stating, “There’s almost no Christmas atmosphere anymore.”
Official policies mandate that religious activities must occur solely within approved venues, with explicit prohibitions against extending celebrations into public spaces. In recent years, local governments have emphasized that Christmas festivities should “not expand outward, not be amplified, and not be promoted.” Underground churches across multiple provinces have received annual directives ahead of Christmas, restricting public or collective celebrations. In some cases, churches have been required to submit attendee lists in advance for inspections.
On December 23, the U.S. Embassy in China shared a holiday video on social media wishing viewers “a joyful, peaceful holiday season.” The video gained traction on Chinese platforms, generating a mix of positive responses and commentary regarding the regime’s suppression of Christmas celebrations in the country.
