December 1st, 2025
December 2025 Days of Significance
Dear EAFWR Community,
December is a month filled with meaningful observances and celebrations. From honouring inclusion on the International Day for Persons with Disabilities and reaffirming global equality on Human Rights Day, to celebrating the light and traditions of Hanukkah, the renewal of the Winter Solstice, the joy of Christmas, and the community spirit of Kwanzaa—these days remind us of the many ways people find connection, hope, and light throughout the season.
We encourage you to visit our office in December to see our winter holiday displays, which will reflect the holidays mentioned in this email, as well as Bodhi Day, Omisoka, Krampusnacht, Las Posadas and Yule!
International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) – December 3
International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) was proclaimed in 1992 by United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. It aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.
Resources:
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities | United Nations
- International day of persons with disabilities | World Health Organization
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) | Campus Accessibility | University of Waterloo
️ Events:
- 2025 International Day Of Persons With Disabilities (IDPD), December 3 | Division for Inclusive Social Development (DISD) (VIRTUAL)
- Ability To Rise, December 3 | TEAM Work Cooperative | Halifax, NS (Virtual Option Available)
- CILT’s International Day for People with Disabilities (IDPWD) Webinar | Dec 3 (VIRTUAL)
- Movie for International Day of Persons With Disabilities | December 3, 1:00 – 4:00pm
- Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution Film Screening, December 4 from 6:00-8:00PM | Waterloo Public Library
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference: Inclusion Benefits Everyone, December 6, 2025 (VIRTUAL)
- 7th Annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference, Dec 9 from 1:00-4:00PM | Ontario Council for International Cooperation (VIRTUAL)
Human Rights Day – December 10
Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on December 10. It commemorates the anniversary of one of the world’s most groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). This landmark document enshrines the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
The Declaration was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in Paris on December 10, 1948 and sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected.
Resources:
- Human Rights Day | United Nations
- Stand up for human rights | UN Human Rights Office
- Human Rights Day – Canada.ca
- All Stories | Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Hanukkah – December 14 – 22
Hanukkah (also spelled “Chanukah”) is an 8-day winter “festival of lights,” which begins each year on the 25th day of the Jewish calendar month of Kislev. Hanukkah commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after the Maccabean Revolt in the 2nd century BCE.
In 2025, Hanukkah begins at sundown on Sunday December 14, and continues through Monday December 22. Celebrations include a nightly menorah lighting, playing dreidel, singing songs, foil covered chocolate coins called gelt, and eating fried foods, like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly donuts)
Resources:
- Hanukkah | Celebration, Story, Menorah, Candles, History, Customs, & Food | Britannica
- What Is Hanukkah? – Info you need about Chanukah – Chabad.org
- Hanukkah 2025: When Is Hanukkah? Traditions, History, Recipes | The Old Farmer’s Almanac
️ Events:
- Celebrate Hanukkah | December 13 | Kitchener Public Library
- Making Spirits Bright! Where to see Holiday Lights in Waterloo Region – Explore Waterloo Region
- Chanuka Menorah Lightings – Cambridge – Explore Waterloo Region
Winter Solstice – December 21
The first day of winter in the Northern Hemisphere is marked by the Winter Solstice. This astronomical event has been a significant occasion for various cultural and religious celebrations for millennia. It is widely viewed as a time of reflection, renewal, and the symbolic rebirth of the sun, as the days begin to lengthen afterward.
Cultures worldwide have developed diverse celebrations around the winter solstice, many of which involve themes of light conquering darkness, family gatherings, and feasting.
Resources:
- Winter Solstice 2025: When Is the First Day of Winter? What Is the Winter Solstice? | The Old Farmer’s Almanac
- What is the Winter Solstice? | Smithsonian Science Education Center
️ Events:
- Snow Goddess Artisan Festival, Dec 5-7, 2025
- 4th Annual Winter Solstice Feast Tickets, Sun, Dec 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM
- Winter Solstice Forest Bathing, Sun Dec 21, 4:00-6:00PM – Huron Natural Area (18+ event)
Christmas – December 25
Christmas is an annual festival, observed primarily on December 25, that commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated as both a major Christian holiday and a secular family event worldwide, marked by a mix of religious, cultural, and historical traditions. People often celebrate Christmas by gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and sharing festive meals. Many also enjoy decorating their homes with lights and ornaments, attending religious services, or taking part in community traditions.
Resources:
- Christmas | Origin, Definition, Traditions, History, & Facts | Britannica
- History of Christmas – Origins, Traditions & Facts | HISTORY
- What is Christmas? – BBC Bitesize
️ Events:
- Christkindl Market, Dec 4-7, 2025 | City of Kitchener
- Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses, Dec 6, 10am-12PM | Kitchener Market
- Winter Artisan Market, Dec 6, 13 and 20, 2025 | Kitchener Market
- Tinsel, Treats, and Tinkering – Family Holiday Party, December 14, 12:00-4:00PM | Region of Waterloo Museums
- Making Spirits Bright! Where to see Holiday Lights in Waterloo Region – Explore Waterloo Region
Kwanzaa – December 26 – January 1
Celebrated every year from December 26 through January 1, Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday and a week of festivities honoring African American culture and heritage. The celebration was founded in 1966 in the United States, and Canada began celebrating it in 1993. The word kwanzaa comes from the Swahili language and means “first fruits.”
People celebrate Kwanzaa by gathering with family and community to honor African heritage through music, storytelling, and reflection on the seven principles. Many light the kinara each night, share festive meals, and exchange handmade or meaningful gifts.
Resources:
- Kwanzaa | History, Traditions, Dates, Symbols, & Facts | Britannica
- 5 Things You May Not Know About Kwanzaa | HISTORY
- Kwanzaa — celebrating Pan-African culture, community and history | Articles | CBC Kids
These observances remind us of the many ways people come together to reflect, celebrate, and support one another. December offers a meaningful opportunity to honour diverse traditions and shared values as we look ahead with hope and connection.
As always, keep an eye on our Events Calendar and social media channels for upcoming events in Waterloo Region for these days of significance!
