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December workplace holidays give HR, People and L&D teams a chance to close the year with recognition, reflection and inclusion. Use this December 2026 holiday list to plan celebrations, support employees across traditions and build awareness without adding last-minute pressure to a busy season.
Whether you're looking to spread some cheer, celebrate new traditions, broaden awareness of cultural diversity or enhance your high-performance culture, the list below has you covered.
This blog post was updated on July 28, 2026, and features dates for December 2026.
How can workplaces celebrate December holidays inclusively?
December can be joyful, reflective, stressful and deeply personal, all at once. Before planning celebrations, ask employees what would feel meaningful, make participation optional and avoid treating any one tradition as universal. Inclusive workplace celebrations work best when they create connection without putting employees on the spot.
For HR and L&D leaders, December is also a natural moment to reinforce the behaviors that help teams work well together: empathy, respect, curiosity and flexibility. As organizations build AI-first ways of working, those human skills matter even more because they shape how employees adapt, collaborate and support one another.
Month-long celebrations in December
Universal Human Rights Month
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was proclaimed by the U.N. in 1948. The declaration outlines foundational human rights that need to be protected around the world. Note: Universal Human Rights Day is observed on December 10.
Month of Giving
The Month of Giving is a time dedicated to philanthropy, volunteerism and spreading kindness in the spirit of generosity. This celebration offers a unique opportunity to foster a culture of giving within organizations, demonstrate corporate responsibility and boost employee morale and engagement.
National Write a Business Plan Month
New year, new business? Get a head start during National Write a Business Plan Month by looking at your current plan or documenting your plan for a new business. This can help you acquire funding, get ahead of the competition and provide a solid foundation heading into the new year.
Additional December holidays
December 1
World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is an annual campaign to unite people in the fight against HIV and show support for individuals who have been impacted by HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1988, World AIDS Day was the first ever international day for global health.
Rosa Parks Day
Rosa Parks Day honors civil rights leader Rosa Parks. Some states observe it on February 4, her birthday, while others observe it on December 1, the day she was arrested, or on the first Monday after her birthday.
GivingTuesday
GivingTuesday, celebrated the Tuesday after Cyber Monday, is the perfect day to support your favorite causes, lend a helping hand or simply spread kindness in your corner of the world. In 2026, GivingTuesday falls on December 1. Workplaces can join the movement with donation drives, volunteer opportunities or matching employees’ contributions, because giving back feels even better together!
December 2
World Computer Literacy Day
Originally an Indian holiday, World Computer Literacy Day occurs annually on December 2 and encourages us all to help those around us, especially women, children and the underserved, develop tech skills and digital literacy. As workplaces build AI-first organizations, broad-based computer literacy helps employees participate more confidently in how work gets done.
December 3
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
International Day of Persons with Disabilities brings awareness to the challenges people with disabilities face on a daily basis, whether physical or mental. International Day of Persons with Disabilities is also an opportunity for organizations to recognize the contributions of disabled employees and create equitable opportunities for everyone.
December 5
Hanukkah*
Hanukkah is the Jewish festival of lights, celebrated with nightly menorah lightings, special prayers and food. In 2026, Hanukkah begins at sundown on December 4, with the first full day on December 5, and ends at sundown on December 12.
December 10
Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day serves as a reminder that every person is entitled to basic human rights. This holiday reminds us to think about how we treat others and to do what we can to help the fight for equality for all.
(Here's how to celebrate Human Rights Day at work.)
December 12
Universal Health Coverage Day
Universal Health Coverage Day raises awareness about the need for everyone to have access to quality, affordable healthcare.
December 18
National Ugly Sweater Day
What a better way to kick off the holiday season than with an ugly sweater? Held on the third Friday of every December, National Ugly Sweater Day gives employees the opportunity to showcase their personalities. In 2026, it falls on December 18.
December 21
Yule/Winter Solstice
Yule is a winter festival observed by many Pagan and Wiccan communities and is often associated with the winter solstice. In the Northern Hemisphere, the winter solstice marks the shortest day of the year.
PS - With the sun setting much earlier, some employees may notice lower energy or mood changes during the winter months. Click here to learn ways you can prioritize mental health in your workplace.
December 25
Christmas
Christmas is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and a worldwide cultural and commercial phenomenon. Christmas Day became a federal holiday in the United States in 1870.
December 26
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American and Pan-African holiday celebrating seven principles: unity, self-determination, collective responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Kwanzaa was conceived as a nonpolitical and nonreligious holiday.
December 31
New Year’s Eve
New Year's Eve is an opportunity to reflect on the year ending and celebrate the upcoming new year. On this day, many people set goals and intentions for the year ahead.
No Interruptions Day
Set on the last working day of each year, No Interruptions Day allows everyone to have a full day to get organized for the new year, wrap up any remaining projects and clean up their workspace. Help your employees start the new year on the right foot by creating space to get things done!
*Indicates a holiday that begins at sundown the day prior.
Looking for more holiday calendars?
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