Although Christmas is widely observed by Christians around the world on December 25 to mark the birth of Jesus Christ, some Christian groups do not recognise the celebration as a religious obligation.
These denominations and movements argue that the Bible does not command the observance of Jesus’ birth and, in some cases, associate Christmas with non-Christian traditions. Based on doctrine and long-standing practice, the following are major groups that officially or traditionally do not celebrate Christmas.
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses are the most widely known. They believe Christmas has pagan origins and point out that the Bible does not instruct Christians to celebrate Jesus’ birth or birthdays generally. The group discontinued the observance in the 1920s after internal doctrinal reviews.
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Armstrongite Churches of God
Armstrongite Churches of God, including the United Church of God, Living Church of God, Philadelphia Church of God, and other offshoots of the former Worldwide Church of God, also reject Christmas. Influenced by the teachings of Herbert W. Armstrong, these groups cite its alleged pagan roots and the absence of biblical instruction, choosing instead to observe Old Testament holy days.
Scottish Presbyterian Denominations
In Scotland, certain strict Presbyterian denominations such as the Free Church of Scotland, Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland, Associated Presbyterian Churches, and Free Church of Scotland have historically opposed Christmas observance. These conservative Reformed bodies regard the holiday as an extra-biblical “Roman Catholic” tradition without scriptural backing and, in the past, discouraged or prohibited its celebration.
Churches of Christ (Restoration Movement)
Within the Churches of Christ under the Restoration Movement, many congregations do not hold special Christmas services or promote the holiday in worship. While practices vary, these churches often treat Christmas as a personal or cultural matter rather than a church observance, citing a lack of biblical authority.
The True Jesus Church
The True Jesus Church, a restorationist movement, does not celebrate Christmas, maintaining that only practices explicitly outlined in the Bible should be observed.
Iglesia ni Cristo
Iglesia ni Cristo, founded in the Philippines, also rejects Christmas, viewing it as unbiblical and influenced by pagan customs.
Independent or Fundamentalist Groups
Some independent or fundamentalist groups, including certain Independent Baptists and Oneness Pentecostal congregations, similarly avoid Christmas celebrations. Their reasons range from concerns over pagan influence to the absence of scriptural support.
God’s Kingdom Society
God’s Kingdom Society differs slightly, as it marks the birth of Jesus in October rather than December.
Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)
The Quakers, formally known as the Religious Society of Friends, traditionally avoid special religious holidays altogether. They hold that every day is equally holy, although individual observance may vary among members.