For a Christian holiday, Christmas gets surprising attention in a continent dominated by Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists. For some countries, it is an after-effect of centuries of Western colonialism and Christian missionary work. For others, the commercial aspects of gift-giving and festivities encourage department stores and markets to dress up for the holidays. Still others see it as a romantic season, a time for couples and lovers to share intimate moments together.

Whatever the reason, Christmas is still celebrated the world over, and nowhere is this fact more proven than in the following major Asian cities.

Tokyo, Japan - less than 1% of Japan’s population are Christians, and December 25 is not a national holiday here. Christmas is seen more as a commercial season, a time for romance between couples and for corporations to deck their offices in lights. December is also a time for oseibo (end-of-the-year gift exchanges between companies) and boukenkai (”forget the year”) parties, and Christmas-themed parties tend to get mixed in with the celebrations.

Seoul, South Korea – South Korea recognizes Christmas as a public holiday, with 30% of the population being Christians. Even non-Christian Koreans engage in gift-giving, card-sending, and plastic tree-decorating at this time of year, and engaging lights beautify the City Hall area for people to enjoy. What’s surprising is the locals treat the season to be a romantic affair, much like Valentine’s Day.

Hong Kong – Christmas coincides with the Ta Chiu, the Taoist festival of peace and renewal which is observed on December 27. The participants will call on all the deities and spirits so that their collective power will renew their lives. By the end of the festival, priests will read aloud the names of the residents in the area from a list, then attach the list to a paper horse before burning it, sending the names on to heaven.

Singapore – The Singapore Tourism Board celebrates Christmas in the Tropics, with the favorite activity being the Christmas Light-Up, when Scotts Road and Orchard Road is bedecked with chandeliers, lanterns, and lamps of all colors. Mall after mall at Orchard Road try to outdo and outshine each other with their decors and lights.

Panaji, India – Though the majority of the Indian populace is Hindu, Christmas is much celebrated in the capital city of Indian state of Goa. Christians decorate mango or banana trees instead of fir trees, and a number of houses will light small clay lamps and display it on top of walls.

Bangkok, Thailand - because Buddhism is the official religion of Thailand, Christmas is not a popular event here. Department stores and market places decorate their shops on the onset of the season.

Hanoi, Vietnam – despite the centuries of French-Catholic colonization of Vietnam, only a fraction of the population is Christian. Nevertheless, Christmas here is a big public event. Banners are draped all over Hanoi greeting everyone during the Yuletide season, and even street vendors can be seen wearing Santa hats.

Manila, Philippines - For the predominantly Catholic Filipinos, Christmas is the highlight of the year. Department stores decorate their interiors and play Christmas jingles as early as September. Entire buildings and subdivisions are dressed in lights, and lantern makers ply their beautiful creations on the city streets. On the days approaching December 25, a popular activity is the Misa de Gallo, when the faithful attend mass before the sun rises. Christmas Eve is marked with a Midnight Mass and Noche Buena, a feast that is commonly shared within the family.

So if you plan to celebrate Christmas in Asia, bring your warm clothes, brush up on your carols, and loosen your belts, because this holiday is still about peace on earth and goodwill towards all, no matter what religion you belong to. If you want to save 30 dollars, book now at AsiaHotels.com before December 10 for HotelClub’s Hotel Christmas Special.

Posted in Asia, Events, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam

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