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We publish a monthly calendar listing the main commemorative dates of various religions and cultures, as well as important dates related to strengthening human rights and diversity. If you have comments or suggestions for dates to add to the calendar, please contact glen.gower@ottawa.ca.
Month-long observances:
- HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
- Universal Human Rights Month
Important dates:
World AIDS Day (December 1) – WHO
Every year on December 1, World AIDS Day raises awareness, honours lives lost and supports people living with HIV. Despite progress, HIV remains a global challenge—awareness and action are essential.
Int’l Day for the Abolition of Slavery (December 2) – UN
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is dedicated to commemorating the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. This day serves as a call to action to end all forms of slavery, including forced labour, child labour, and human trafficking.
International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3) – UN
Promotes the dignity, rights, and well-being of people with disabilities.
International Volunteer Day (December 5) – UN
Recognizes the invaluable contributions of volunteers to communities and global development.
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (December 6)
The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women is about remembering those who have experienced gender-based violence and those who we have lost to it. It is also a time to take action. Achieving a Canada free from gender-based violence requires everyone living in this country to educate themselves and their families and communities on gender-based violence, centre the voices of survivors in our actions, and speak up against harmful behaviours.
Bodhi Day (December 8) – Buddhist
Bodhi Day marks the day that Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (December 8) – Christian
The Immaculate Conception celebrates the belief that Mary was conceived free of original sin; as such, it is commemorated nine months before Mary’s birth on September 8. The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is one of the most important feasts celebrated by the Catholic Church.
Pansexual Pride Day (December 8)
Pansexual Pride Day is a day to celebrate pansexuality, recognize the struggles of the pansexual community, and fight against discrimination and stigma.
International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of Genocide (December 9) – UN
A UN observance to honor victims and reaffirm efforts to prevent genocide.
Human Rights Day (December 10) – UN
Human Rights Day is celebrated every year on December 10 — the day on which the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The Declaration states that each person is entitled to fundamental rights, including the right to equality, and the right to life, liberty and security of the person. It also recognizes the rights to freedom of religion and speech, and to participate in the community’s cultural life.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (December 12) – Christian
Guadalupe Day or Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, on December 12, draws millions of Catholics every year from across Mexico and other countries to pay pilgrimage to see an image of Mary in the Basilica of Guadalupe. Children are dressed in traditional costumes and are blessed in churches. Thousands of people come to church to pray.
Hanukkah (December 14-22) – Judaism
Hanukkah, also known as Chanukah, is a Jewish festival lasting eight days. In 2025, the first day of Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday, December 14th, and ends at sundown on Monday, December 22nd. This holiday commemorates the Maccabean Revolt in the second century BCE, when Jews fought against their oppressors and rededicated the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.
International Migrants Day (December 18) – UN
International Migrants Day is a day to acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of migrant communities worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of all migrants and refugees, regardless of their backgrounds or reasons for migration.
Yule Winter Solstice (December 21) – Wiccan/Pagan
An ancient festival celebrating the rebirth of the sun and the longest night of the year.
Yalda (December 21) – Persian/Zoroastrian
A celebration of the winter solstice, marking the gradual lengthening of days and symbolizing the triumph of light and good over darkness and evil.
Christmas (December 25) – Christian
The celebration of the birth of Jesus, the Christian messiah.
Zartosht no deeso (December 26) – Zoroastrian
The death of Prophet Zarathustra, the founder of the Zoroastrian faith, is observed by attending the temple or spending time in remembrance of the teachings of the faith.
Kwanzaa Week (December 26 – January 1) – African-American
Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African Customs & Cultures