Winter Holidays Celebrated by Newcomers in Canada | PNP Update

8 Winter Holidays Celebrated by Newcomers in Canada (Before & After Christmas)

Canada’s winter season isn’t just about snow and chilly weather—it’s also a time of warmth, celebration, and rich cultural traditions. Thanks to Canada’s diverse population, the colder months are filled with holidays that reflect a wide range of religious, cultural, and community customs.

For both newcomers and longtime residents, these holidays are a chance to connect with family, reflect on the past year, and celebrate shared values. In this post, we’ll explore eight winter holidays widely celebrated across Canada—some before, some after Christmas—that showcase the country’s multicultural spirit.

Key Highlights

• Canada’s winter holidays reflect a rich blend of global cultures and traditions.
• Celebrations include religious, cultural, and community-based events.
• Newcomers in Canada continue to observe festivals like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Lunar New Year.
• Advent and St. Nicholas Day reflect Canada’s European Christian heritage.
• Winter holidays create opportunities for gathering, reflection, and connection.
• Many festivities are open to all Canadians, promoting multicultural inclusion.

Advent: The Season of Anticipation

Kicking off the winter season, Advent is a Christian observance that spans the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The word “Advent” comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “arrival,” and it’s traditionally a time of spiritual reflection and preparation for the birth of Jesus Christ.

In Canadian churches—especially Catholic, Anglican, and Protestant—Advent is marked by lighting candles on an Advent wreath, attending special services, and embracing themes like hope, peace, love, and joy.

Today, Advent also has a fun and secular twist. Many Canadians enjoy Advent calendars filled with chocolates, toys, or even beauty products—making the countdown to Christmas something the whole family can enjoy.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

Hanukkah is a cherished Jewish holiday celebrated for eight days, usually in late November or December. It commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem and the miracle of a tiny amount of oil lasting eight nights.

Lighting the menorah—an eight-branched candelabra with an additional “helper” candle—is the central tradition. Each night, families light one more candle while reciting blessings and singing songs.

Delicious dishes like potato latkes and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts) are enjoyed across Canada, and games like dreidel and the exchange of “gelt” (chocolate or actual money) are popular among children. It’s a joyful and meaningful time for Jewish families from coast to coast.

Boxing Day: Bargains, Sports, and Time Together

Held on December 26, Boxing Day is well-known as a shopping holiday in Canada, especially in Ontario where it’s a statutory holiday. Many Canadians take advantage of post-Christmas sales, sometimes lining up early for big discounts.

But it’s not just about retail therapy. For many, Boxing Day is a chance to relax, socialize, and enjoy winter sports. You might see families skating at local rinks, catching a hockey game, or hosting casual get-togethers.

The day has roots in British tradition, when the wealthy would give boxes of food or gifts to servants and those in need—a spirit of generosity that continues in various ways today.

Kwanzaa: Honouring African Heritage

Observed from December 26 to January 1, Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration that honours African heritage and community values. It was founded in 1966 and has steadily gained recognition in Canadian households, particularly within the African and Caribbean diaspora.

Kwanzaa is centred on seven principles, known as the Nguzo Saba:

• Umoja (Unity)
• Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
• Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
• Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)
• Nia (Purpose)
• Kuumba (Creativity)
• Imani (Faith)

The week-long celebration includes lighting candles on a kinara, storytelling, music, dance, and a communal meal called Karamu on the final day. It’s a time of unity and reflection that resonates with many Canadians of African descent.

St. Nicholas Day: A European Tradition with a Sweet Twist

Celebrated on December 6 (or the evening before), St. Nicholas Day is rooted in tales of St. Nicholas of Myra—a kind 4th-century bishop known for his generosity, especially toward children. This holiday is popular among Canadians of Dutch, German, Polish, and other Central and Eastern European backgrounds.

Children leave out their shoes or stockings, and “St. Nick” fills them with goodies like candies, chocolate coins, or small toys. Some families also include notes of gratitude or spiritual reflection. It’s a cozy and heartfelt tradition that warms up the early days of December.

Lunar New Year: Welcoming Prosperity and Good Fortune

Lunar New Year is a major celebration within Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other East Asian communities in Canada. Falling between late January and mid-February (according to the lunar calendar), it marks the beginning of a new year filled with hope and renewal.

Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck, and vibrant red decorations go up to attract prosperity and ward off evil spirits. Special meals—including dumplings, fish, and spring rolls—are shared with loved ones, each dish rich in symbolic meaning.

Red envelopes containing money (called hongbao or lai see) are gifted, and cultural performances like lion and dragon dances light up cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. It’s a time of joy, tradition, and togetherness.

Three Kings Day: A Sweet Ending to the Season

Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is celebrated on January 6 and marks the visit of the Magi (or Wise Men) to the newborn Jesus. It holds special meaning for Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians—especially those with roots in Spanish, French, Italian, and Latin American cultures.

In Canada, communities in places like Quebec carry on this tradition with church services, parades, and festive foods. A highlight for many is the King Cake—a sweet pastry with a hidden surprise inside. Whoever finds it may be crowned “king” or “queen” for the day!

Children often receive small gifts or candies on this day, continuing the Christmas season in a celebratory and meaningful way.

Makar Sankranti: A Solar Celebration of Light and Gratitude

Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival marking the sun’s transition into Capricorn, signalling longer days and the promise of spring. Unlike many Hindu holidays based on lunar cycles, this one follows the solar calendar and typically falls on January 14 or 15.

In Canada, Indian communities celebrate with temple visits, cultural gatherings, and delicious food. Popular treats include tilgul (sesame sweets) and jaggery-based snacks. In India, kite flying is a big part of the day—though in Canada, that depends on the weather!

Makar Sankranti is all about gratitude, positivity, and community—a bright spot in the middle of a Canadian winter.

Final Thoughts: A Winter of Shared Joy and Diversity

Winter in Canada may be cold, but the spirit of celebration is as warm as ever. Whether you’re celebrating Advent, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Lunar New Year, these holidays reflect the mosaic of cultures that make Canada so special.

If you’re a newcomer, joining in these traditions is a great way to connect with your roots while also embracing life in Canada. And for longtime residents, it’s a beautiful opportunity to learn about and celebrate the customs of your neighbours.

Looking to build your life in Canada? If you’re planning to settle in Manitoba, be sure to explore our guide to the Manitoba PNP—a pathway to permanent residence that caters to skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs.

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