December 2026 closes the year with festive traditions, religious celebrations, and reflection. In sport, football fans focus on the FIFA Club World Cup, while winter sports events begin to build toward 2027.
Cultural Calendar for December 2026
December 2026 – Key Dates & Events
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities | 3 December 2026 Promotes rights and wellbeing of people with disabilities across all areas of society.
- Human Rights Day | 10 December 2026 Marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
- Hanukkah | 8–15 December 2026 The Jewish festival of lights, observed with menorah lighting, songs, games, and traditional foods.
- Christmas Day | 25 December 2026 Celebrated worldwide, marking the birth of Jesus Christ and observed with family gatherings, gift-giving, and community traditions.
- Boxing Day (UK & Commonwealth) | 26 December 2026 Traditionally a day of giving to those in need, now also associated with sports fixtures and shopping.
- Kwanzaa | 26 December 2026 – 1 January 2027 An African American cultural celebration focused on community, heritage, and the Seven Principles (Nguzo Saba).
- New Year’s Eve | 31 December 2026 Celebrations worldwide mark the transition into 2027 with fireworks, concerts, and traditions.
December 2026 – Sporting Highlights
- Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | 4–6 December 2026 The Formula One season finale at Yas Marina Circuit, famous for its twilight setting.
- FIFA Club World Cup | December 2026 (dates TBC) Brings together continental champions to compete for the global club football title.
- Boxing Day Football (UK) | 26 December 2026 A Premier League and EFL tradition with a full schedule of fixtures.
- NFL Regular Season | December 2026 The playoff race intensifies as teams compete for postseason spots.
- NBA Christmas Day Games (US) | 25 December 2026 A holiday tradition featuring marquee matchups across the NBA.
This list is a selection of cultural observances for December 2026. If we’ve missed a key date for your HR, Culture, Brand or People team, let us know on LinkedIn — we aim to keep our calendar as inclusive as possible.
Explore the rest of 2026
Check out PepTalk’s full list of cultural calendar dates and awareness events for every month of 2026:
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