Vision 2030 is fostering cultural openness, making Christmas visibly celebrated by expatriates in Saudi Arabian cities like Riyadh and Jeddah in 2025.

Christmas In Saudi Arabia 2025: A Guide to the Kingdom’s Developing Festive Spirit

Christmas 2025 celebrations in Saudi Arabia seem to be the dawn of a new era. A decade ago, around 2015, Christmas celebrations were extremely secretive and limited. At that time, public displays or displays of religious symbols were strictly prohibited, and expats (Western expatriates) were content to have small parties in their homes or compounds. But come 2025, the picture has completely changed. Under the influence of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s cultural openness has increased, making celebrations like Christmas more acceptable. This change has come about under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is leading the country on a path of modernization.

Now, Western expats living in Riyadh or Jeddah and curious international tourists are seeing Christmas trees, decorations, and festive menus popping up in malls. It’s not just a commercial aspect, but a symbol of cultural bridging. As a result of the cultural shift of Vision 2030, the spirit of Christmas in Saudi Arabia is now more vibrant and inclusive. This guide is for those of you who live in or travel to Riyadh or Jeddah, so that you can enjoy the festival with dignity. We will look at how Christmas in Saudi Arabia has changed in 2025, and how you can participate in it.

Vision 2030 has played a crucial role in this change. This initiative has opened up the country culturally as well as economically. As a result, celebrations like Christmas are now taking place in commercial areas rather than in private spaces. For example, events like Riyadh Season 2025 feature fake snow and festive lights, which would have been unthinkable a decade ago.

Christmas is not a state holiday or official festival in Saudi Arabia, but under the influence of 'Vision 2030', Christmas trees, decorations, and private celebrations for expatriates will be allowed in large cities like Riyadh and Jeddah in 2025, with limited shops and shops displaying Christmas trees, decorations, and opportunities for expatriates to celebrate privately have increased significantly.

Is Christmas a Public Holiday in Saudi Arabia 2025?

No, December 25 is not an official public holiday in Saudi Arabia. The list of public holidays for 2025 includes Founding Day (February 22), Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, and National Day (September 23), but not Christmas. This means that employees are usually required to work, unless their company grants them special leave. Expats who work for Western companies can sometimes take flexible leave, but this is not mandatory according to local law.

The Saudi Arabian calendar is based primarily on Islamic holidays, so non-Islamic festivals are not officially recognized. However, as a result of Vision 2030, many companies now offer holidays for expats. If you live in Riyadh or Jeddah, talk to your employer in advance.

Legal! Celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia This Year?

Celebrating Christmas privately or domestically in Saudi Arabia in 2025 is perfectly legal, and many shopping malls are now decorated for the occasion, but there are still legal restrictions on large public religious displays or processions.

Public vs. Private Celebrations

The legal status of Christmas in Saudi Arabia is still a bit murky in 2025. Public displays of non-Islamic religion are still legally restricted, meaning that religious symbols such as crosses or nativity scenes cannot be displayed in public places. But private celebrations, such as parties at home or in expat compounds, are now common and acceptable. As a result of the cultural shift of Vision 2030, commercial displays such as Christmas trees or decorations in malls are now much more common.

For example, Christmas trees and lights can be seen in malls in Riyadh, but they are not religious, but festive. The same is true in Jeddah. It is important to understand this nuance so that you maintain respect. Celebrate in private, but be careful in public. Is Christmas illegal in Saudi Arabia? No, not in private, but public religious displays are restricted.

How the Festive Season is Changing

Under the influence of "Vision 2030", the 2025 Christmas season in Saudi cities like Riyadh and Jeddah is moving towards being more open and commercial than before, even though it is not yet a public holiday.

From Hidden to Open: The Evolution of Christmas in Saudi Arabia 2025

A decade ago, Christmas was hidden, but in 2025, it is more open. As a result of Vision 2030, the Christmas spirit in Saudi Arabia is now Bridging Cultures. Decorations in malls, festive events in hotels – it’s all there. It’s a reflection of the Kingdom’s modernizing shift. (Approx. 250 words)

Where to Find Festive Cheer

Christmas in Saudi Arabia 2025 is easier and more diverse than ever before. Although it is not an official holiday, major cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are creating a festive atmosphere for expats thanks to modernization and the influence of ‘Vision 2030’.

Riyadh Season and Boulevard World

One of the most popular places to get into the festive spirit is Boulevard World at Riyadh Season 2025. It has a special ‘Courchevel Zone’, which is modeled after the famous ski resort in the French Alps. Open from November, this zone offers artificial snow, alpine architecture, and skiing experiences, creating a unique winter festival feel in the middle of the desert. It is a great place to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with family and friends.

Luxury Hotels and Dining

The city's leading hotels organize special events for Christmas. They offer a 'Festive High Tea' or Christmas dinner. For example:

Fairmont Riyadh: You can enjoy a Festive High Tea here, which usually costs around 225 Saudi Riyals (SAR). It runs from 3 pm to 6 pm on weekends.
Four Seasons: This hotel also often hosts similar events, featuring delicious food and a festive atmosphere.
Jeddah: In Jeddah, various event management companies like Fever organize concerts or special shows based on the Christmas theme, which makes the city festive.

Shopping Malls and Cafes

Large shopping malls and international chain cafes also decorate with Christmas themes in December. With its array of lights, Christmas trees, and festive music, these places have become a social hub for expatriates to share in the festive cheer.

In short, the ‘festive cheer’ of Christmas in Saudi Arabia in 2025 will be largely found through private initiatives, luxurious hospitality, and entertainment events such as Riyadh Season.

Shopping Guide

To buy Christmas decorations, there are now more options than ever to decorate your home for Christmas in Saudi Arabia in 2025. You can follow the shopping guide below to paint your home in festive colors:

West Elm: If you are looking for a modern and elegant Christmas tree or tasteful ornaments for your home, then the West Elm showrooms in Riyadh or Jeddah are the best destinations for you.
Zara Home: Zara Home is very popular for its stylish and contemporary Christmas decorations. It offers everything from tableware to candles and interesting home decor items according to the festive theme.
Pottery Barn: Those who prefer traditional Christmas decor can pick up Christmas stockings, classic red-green ornaments, and special winter collections from here.
Online platforms (Amazon.sa and Noon): Amazon.sa and Noon are the most reliable means for easy shopping. If you search online for "Christmas tree Riyadh" or "Decoration Jeddah", you can easily get artificial trees, peppermint candles, and all kinds of decoration items delivered to your doorstep.
Other popular stores: Swarovski for crystal trinkets, Next for affordable and diverse decorations, and Party Center for Christmas party supplies.

Under the influence of Vision 2030 in 2025, these stores are now displaying and selling festive equipment more openly, making shopping much easier for expatriates.

Bridging Cultures in the Kingdom

The country's unprecedented transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 'Vision 2030' is now visible on the streets of Riyadh and Jeddah. Where Christmas celebrations were once confined to the four walls of expatriates, Christmas trees and decorations now adorn public shopping malls, cafes, and international restaurants.

This transformation has opened a new window of mutual respect and understanding between Saudi Arabia's local citizens and its large expatriate population. This fusion of Western festivals with traditional Arabian hospitality is a testament to the country's growing tolerance for cultural diversity. Various international fairs and events like 'Riyadh Season' show that locals and foreigners are enjoying the joy of winter festivals together.

In the context of 2025, Christmas is no longer just a festival; it is a symbol of a step forward in Saudi Arabia's globalization. It proves how a nation can connect with global culture while keeping its own religious and national traditions intact. This 'bridging culture' or cultural bridge is presenting Saudi Arabia to the world as a modern, progressive, and tourist-friendly country.

Christmas Guide and Tips for Expats Living

While celebrating Christmas in Saudi Arabia in 2025 is becoming easier and more common than ever, it is important to celebrate the festival while respecting the country’s religious and cultural values. If you are planning to spend Christmas in the Kingdom this year, the following guidelines will help you:

1. Is Christmas a public holiday in Saudi Arabia?

No, December 25 is not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia. It is a normal working day. However, many Western or multinational companies may have optional days off for their expatriate employees. So it is wise to talk to your employer in advance.

2. Will Saudi Arabia officially celebrate Christmas in 2025?

Answer: No, Saudi Arabia does not celebrate Christmas officially or officially. However, under the influence of 'Vision 2030', the country's cultural environment has undergone a major change. Now the atmosphere of Christmas can be seen in big cities and commercial areas, and expatriates have full freedom to celebrate the festival in their private spaces or inside their compounds.

3. Will Christmas Day be a public holiday in Saudi Arabia in 2025?

Answer: No, December 25 is not a public holiday in Saudi Arabia. It is considered a normal working day. However, many international schools and foreign companies give their employees an optional day off on this day.

4. Is it legal to celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia this year?

Answer: Yes, it is completely legal to celebrate Christmas in private or at home. Saudi Arabia has become much more liberal in the past few years, as a result of which Christmas trees and decorations are now sold openly in shopping malls and stores. However, it is important to remember that any large religious processions or campaigns in public or on the streets are still prohibited and legally restricted.

5. Can expats celebrate Christmas?

Yes, expats can celebrate Christmas in Saudi Arabia, but it must be done respectfully and privately. You can safely host a party or get-together in your own home or a private compound.

6. How are religious symbols used in decorations throughout Saudi Arabia?

Although Christmas trees can be seen in many shopping malls these days, the general rule is to keep religious symbols (such as crosses or nativity scenes) indoors. You should refrain from holding large religious ceremonies in public or in front of the public.

7. What is the legal status of alcohol in Saudi Arabia as of 2025?

Drinking alcohol or liquor on Christmas or any other occasion is strictly prohibited in Saudi Arabia and is a punishable offense. Do not do anything that is against the country's laws to celebrate the joy of the festival.

8. How easy is gift shopping in Saudi Arabia?

It is now very easy to buy Christmas gifts in big cities like Jeddah or Riyadh. You will find all the major international brands at the Red Sea Mall or the Mall of Arabia in Jeddah. It is also possible to order all the gifts and decorations from the comfort of your home from online platforms like Amazon.sa or Noon.

9. Where to find Christmas decorations and trees in Riyadh?

Answer: Christmas shopping in Riyadh in 2025 is very easy. You can find stylish trees and ornaments at international chain stores like West Elm, Zara Home, and Pottery Barn. Next or Party Center are also good options for low-cost shopping. For quick and hassle-free shopping, online platforms like Amazon.sa and Noon are the most popular, where a search for "Christmas tree Riyadh" will yield numerous options.

10. Can You Buy a Christmas Tree in Saudi Arabia in 2025?

Yes, in supermarkets and online.

Christmas 2025 in Saudi Arabia will be diverse. If you are someone who respects and enjoys local culture, this could be a memorable experience for you. Keep in mind that Saudi Arabia's rapidly changing environment is now increasingly accepting of expatriate cultural festivals, which will further enrich your experience of living in the Kingdom.