Birthday of the QueenSilvia, anofficial flag flying day(Sweden)
An official flag flying day in Sweden marking the birthday of Queen Silvia.
Birthday of Queen Silvia is celebrated in Sweden each year on December 23 as an official flag flying day.
It marks the birth of Queen Silvia of Sweden and invites citizens to honor the queen and her work.
Flags are prominently displayed on government buildings, public institutions, and private homes.
The tradition emphasizes national unity and respect for the monarchy.
Though not a day off, many Swedes observe it with flowers and messages of goodwill to the queen.
Birthday of the Queen
Silvia
official flag flying day
Children's Day(South SudanandSudan)
A day dedicated to celebrating children in South Sudan and Sudan.
Children's Day is observed in South Sudan and Sudan on December 23 to honor and celebrate the well-being of children.
The day focuses on promoting children's rights, health, and education across both nations.
Schools, NGOs, and community groups organize events such as games, cultural performances, and educational workshops.
Families often gather for special meals and small festivities to acknowledge the importance of children in society.
The observance raises awareness of challenges facing youth and calls for renewed efforts to protect and nurture future generations.
Children's Day
South Sudan
Sudan
ChristianFeast Day:
Abassad(Coptic Church), Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs(Coptic Church), Dagobert II, John Cantius, O Emmanuel, Psote(Coptic Church), Thorlac Thorhallsson, patron saint ofIceland; The last day of preparations beforeChristmas., Victoria, December 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Multiple Christian feast days observed by various denominations on December 23.
December 23 is marked by multiple Christian feast days across various denominations.
In the Coptic Church, it commemorates saints such as Abassad, Psote, and the Forty Martyrs alongside Behnam and Sarah.
The Roman Catholic Church honors Dagobert II and John Cantius, while Eastern Orthodox liturgics remember O Emmanuel and Saint Victoria.
Iceland celebrates its patron saint Thorlac Thorhallsson on this day.
Traditionally, it is considered the last day of preparations before Christmas, inviting the faithful to reflection and anticipation.
Feast Day
Abassad
Coptic Church
Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs
Coptic Church
Dagobert II
John Cantius
O Emmanuel
Psote
Coptic Church
Thorlac Thorhallsson
Iceland
Christmas
Victoria
December 23 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Day of all level operational control structures servicemen(Ukraine)
A Ukrainian commemorative day honoring servicemen in operational control structures.
This Ukrainian observance honors servicemen serving in all levels of operational control structures on December 23.
It recognizes the dedication of military and civil defense personnel who manage command, communication, and coordination tasks.
Ceremonies and formal gatherings take place in military units and government institutions.
Senior officials often deliver speeches highlighting the critical role of operational control in national security.
The day strengthens esprit de corps among servicemen and underscores the importance of organized defense operations.
Day of all level operational control structures servicemen
Ukraine
Festivus, a secular holiday made popular by the sitcomSeinfeld
A satirical secular holiday popularized by the sitcom Seinfeld.
Festivus is a secular, satirical holiday popularized by the sitcom Seinfeld.
Celebrated on December 23, it was invented by the fictional character Frank Costanza.
Traditions include the unadorned Festivus pole, the 'Airing of Grievances,' and the 'Feats of Strength.'
It offers a humorous alternative to the pressures of the traditional holiday season.
Millions have since adopted Festivus as a fun cultural ritual celebrating honesty and comedic relief.
Festivus
Seinfeld
HumanLight(Secular humanismin United States)
A humanist holiday celebrating reason, compassion, and humanist values.
HumanLight is a humanist holiday observed on December 23 celebrating reason, compassion, and humanist values.
Established in 2001 by the New Jersey Humanist Network, it has spread to communities across the United States.
Events typically include community gatherings, charitable service projects, and discussions on humanist principles.
Participants light candles to symbolize hope, humanity, and the human capacity for good.
The holiday provides a secular alternative to religious celebrations during the winter season.
HumanLight
Secular humanism
Kisan Diwas(Uttar Pradesh,India)
A day celebrating farmers and agriculture in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Kisan Diwas, or Farmers' Day, is celebrated on December 23 in Uttar Pradesh, India.
The day honors the contributions of farmers to the state’s economy and food security.
Local governments and agricultural organizations host fairs, seminars, and award ceremonies.
Farmers showcase produce, share best practices, and participate in discussions on rural development.
Kisan Diwas reinforces the vital role of agriculture and pays tribute to the backbone of India’s agrarian society.
Kisan Diwas
Uttar Pradesh
India
Night of the Radishes(Oaxaca City, Mexico)
An annual folk art festival of radish carving in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
The Night of the Radishes is a unique annual festival held on December 23 in Oaxaca City, Mexico.
Since 1897, local artisans carve giant radishes into elaborate scenes, often depicting cultural and nativity themes.
The event takes place in the city’s main square, where residents and visitors admire the intricate sculptures.
Competitions award prizes for creativity and craftsmanship in radish carving.
The festival reflects Oaxaca’s rich folk art traditions and draws crowds well into the night.
Night of the Radishes
Oaxaca City
Tibb's Eve(Newfoundland and Labrador)
A lighthearted pre-Christmas celebration in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Tibb's Eve is a lighthearted pre-Christmas celebration observed on December 23 in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Originally a tongue-in-cheek excuse for pubs to open early, it marks that 'Christmas is late enough.'
Local bars and restaurants host gatherings with music, drinks, and festive camaraderie.
The name possibly derives from a folk saint, St. Tibb, though its origins remain playful and informal.
Tibb's Eve has become a beloved tradition embracing community spirit before Christmas Day.
Tibb's Eve
Newfoundland and Labrador
Tom Bawcock's Eve(Mousehole,Cornwall)
A traditional festival in Mousehole, Cornwall celebrating a legendary fishing hero.
Tom Bawcock's Eve is an annual festival held on December 23 in Mousehole, Cornwall.
It commemorates the legendary fisherman Tom Bawcock who braved a storm to bring back fish to starving villagers.
Celebrations include singing, lantern parades, and the sharing of star-shaped pasties known as 'Stargazy Pies.'
Villagers bake and distribute these pies, symbolizing abundance after hardship.
The event honors resilience, community solidarity, and centuries-old Cornish maritime heritage.
Tom Bawcock's Eve
Mousehole
Cornwall
Victory Day (Egypt)
A national holiday in Egypt marking the final withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula after the 1973 October War.
Victory Day is observed annually on December 23 in Egypt to mark the final withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Sinai Peninsula following the 1973 October War.
It commemorates the success of Operation Badr and the resilience of the Egyptian military.
On this day, official ceremonies including military parades and speeches are held to honor the veterans.
President and government officials pay tribute at war memorials throughout the country.
Victory Day fosters national pride and remembrance of those who sacrificed for Egypt's sovereignty.
Victory Day (Egypt)
Abassad(Coptic Church)
Feast day of Saint Abassad in the Coptic Orthodox Church, honoring his faith and martyrdom.
Saint Abassad is commemorated on December 23 in the Coptic Orthodox liturgical calendar.
He is revered for his unwavering devotion to Christian teachings during periods of persecution.
On this feast day, Coptic communities gather for special liturgical services and prayers.
Clergy deliver homilies reflecting on his legacy of courage and faith.
The celebration fosters spiritual reflection and communal solidarity among believers.
Abassad
Coptic Church