Multicultural Calendar

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December Significant Observances

NOTE: The Multicultural Calendars are educational and informational resources only. They are not intended to be, nor should be relied upon as an authority on significant days of observance or to guide accommodation decisions. If you require information and advice about the accommodation of religious, cultural and significant observances, please consult the Ontario Human Rights Commission website.

While all efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of these dates, the actual day of observance may vary.

We rely on the expertise of our community and faith groups to assist in making our list as accurate and representative as possible. Please send any feedback, updates or corrections to diversity@durham.ca.

World Aids Day - December 1
December 1 is World AIDS Day. On this day, people around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV, and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness; commemorate those who have passed away and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. Learn more about World AIDS Day.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 5
December 3 is proclaimed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Durham Region. The Region won Accessible Employer of the Year, presented by Abilities Centre, for the implementation of Project SEARCH and advances and ongoing efforts in providing accessible and inclusive workspaces. Learn more about Project SEARCH.
International Volunteer Day - December 6
International Volunteer Day takes place on December 5 each year. This day recognizes and promotes the tireless work of volunteers around the world, who dedicate their time and effort to build a better future for us all. Learn more about International Volunteer Day.
National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6
On December 6 each year, we remember the 14 young women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montréal. This violent act of misogyny led to the formal designation of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Learn more about National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime - December 9
Every December 9, the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – a crucial global commitment that was made at the founding of the United Nations, immediately preceding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/323 of 29 September 2015, that day also became the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.
Human Rights Day - December 10
December 10 is the day that the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is a milestone document, that proclaims the undisputable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, ability, sexual identity, religion, sex, gender, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Learn more about Human Rights Day.
International Migrants Day - December 18
December 18 is proclaimed as International Migrants Day to acknowledge the increasing number of migrants in the world. This day recognizes that international migration is a growing phenomenon that yields positive benefits for countries of origin and destination. Learn more about International Migrants Day.
International Human Solidarity Day - December 20
December 20 is International Human Solidarity Day. This day celebrates our unity in diversity, raises public awareness of the importance of solidarity and encourages new initiatives for poverty eradication. Learn more about International Human Solidarity Day.
Christmas Day - December 25
Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. This holiday is celebrated by Christians all over the world through various customs and practices including attending religious services, exchanging gifts and connecting with loved ones. Learn more about Christmas Day.
Hanukkah - December 25-January 2
Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration lasting eight days. In 2024, it begins on December 25 and ends on January 2, 2025. This holiday is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, prayers, special foods and gathering with loved ones. Learn more about Hanukkah.
Kwanzaa - December 26-January 1
Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American and Pan-African cultures and heritage that takes place from December 26 to January 1, originating in the United States. Each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Learn more about Kwanzaa
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - November 25
All over the world, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on November 25. This day aims to raise public awareness around gender-based violence through organized activities. The focus is on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to stop violence from occurring in the first place. Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

World Aids Day - December 1

December 1 is World AIDS Day. On this day, people around the world unite to show support for people living with and affected by HIV, and to remember those who lost their lives to AIDS. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness; commemorate those who have passed away and celebrate victories, such as increased access to treatment and prevention services. Learn more about World AIDS Day.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - December 5

December 3 is proclaimed as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Durham Region. The Region won Accessible Employer of the Year, presented by Abilities Centre, for the implementation of Project SEARCH and advances and ongoing efforts in providing accessible and inclusive workspaces. Learn more about Project SEARCH.

International Volunteer Day - December 6

International Volunteer Day takes place on December 5 each year. This day recognizes and promotes the tireless work of volunteers around the world, who dedicate their time and effort to build a better future for us all. Learn more about International Volunteer Day.

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - December 6

On December 6 each year, we remember the 14 young women who were murdered at Polytechnique Montréal. This violent act of misogyny led to the formal designation of National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Learn more about National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime - December 9

Every December 9, the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide marks the adoption of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide – a crucial global commitment that was made at the founding of the United Nations, immediately preceding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By General Assembly Resolution A/RES/69/323 of 29 September 2015, that day also became the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime.

Human Rights Day - December 10

December 10 is the day that the United Nations adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This is a milestone document, that proclaims the undisputable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being regardless of race, ability, sexual identity, religion, sex, gender, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Learn more about Human Rights Day.

International Migrants Day - December 18

December 18 is proclaimed as International Migrants Day to acknowledge the increasing number of migrants in the world. This day recognizes that international migration is a growing phenomenon that yields positive benefits for countries of origin and destination. Learn more about International Migrants Day.

International Human Solidarity Day - December 20

December 20 is International Human Solidarity Day. This day celebrates our unity in diversity, raises public awareness of the importance of solidarity and encourages new initiatives for poverty eradication. Learn more about International Human Solidarity Day.

Christmas Day - December 25

Christmas Day is a Christian holiday that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25. This holiday is celebrated by Christians all over the world through various customs and practices including attending religious services, exchanging gifts and connecting with loved ones. Learn more about Christmas Day.

Hanukkah - December 25-January 2

Hanukkah is a Jewish celebration lasting eight days. In 2024, it begins on December 25 and ends on January 2, 2025. This holiday is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, prayers, special foods and gathering with loved ones. Learn more about Hanukkah.

Kwanzaa - December 26-January 1

Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American and Pan-African cultures and heritage that takes place from December 26 to January 1, originating in the United States. Each day is dedicated to one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Learn more about Kwanzaa

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - November 25

All over the world, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed on November 25. This day aims to raise public awareness around gender-based violence through organized activities. The focus is on the importance of financing different prevention strategies to stop violence from occurring in the first place. Learn more about International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.