Christmas Eve was significantly muted across China this year as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) imposed stricter controls on religious gatherings and public festivities. Reports indicate that many Christians faced obstacles in celebrating the holiday, with local authorities blocking Christmas services and discouraging public displays.
In various provinces, including Shandong, Zhejiang, and Sichuan, house churches reported that state security officials prevented planned Christmas Eve services. Pastor Huang from Qingdao, Shandong Province, revealed that local authorities informed congregants they could not gather for the evening service. Instead, he and his family opted for a private gathering at home. “All collective gatherings here are banned,” Huang stated, emphasizing the lack of festive spirit not just in Qingdao, but across many regions.
In Wenzhou, a city known for its substantial Christian community, Pastor Wang noted that only activities at state-sanctioned churches were allowed. He reported that several believers who had been detained earlier in December remained in custody, further discouraging attendance at group events. Under CCP regulations, only state-approved denominations can operate, and their sermons must adhere strictly to guidelines set by the National Religious Affairs Administration.
Restrictions extended beyond church gatherings to universities, where several institutions issued warnings to students regarding Christmas activities. At Dezhou University in Shandong, students were instructed not to post Christmas-related content on social media, with the university cautioning that online activity could be monitored. Similarly, Northwest University in Shaanxi Province enforced campus lockdowns during the holiday period, requiring students to remain on-site and attend nightly roll calls.
Police activity in major cities also reflected the tightening grip on holiday expressions. In Shanghai, authorities detained a woman dressed as Santa Claus who was distributing apples to pedestrians. Video footage circulated on social media showing individuals in Santa costumes being questioned by police, alongside confiscated Christmas decorations. One Christian from Shanghai shared that commercial Christmas decorations were restricted to designated areas, with some displays removed as early as December 22.
Nationwide, similar patterns of repression emerged. A Christian in Fujian Province noted that public Christmas events outside of state-sanctioned churches had virtually disappeared over the past two years. In Shenyang, schools discouraged students from wearing Christmas hats, while local officials advised families against attending church activities. In Chengdu, Mr. Yang, a local Christian, revealed that authorities had informed churches that gatherings were prohibited. “There’s almost no Christmas atmosphere anymore,” he lamented.
The CCP’s regulations stipulate that religious activities may only occur in approved venues, explicitly prohibiting religious holidays from spilling into public spaces. Over the years, local governments have underscored the importance of keeping Christmas celebrations contained, reiterating that festivities should not be amplified or promoted publicly. Many underground churches have reported receiving annual notifications barring public celebrations, with some cities requiring advance attendee lists or allowing for on-site inspections.
Amid these developments, the U.S. Embassy in China shared a holiday message on social media on December 23, wishing viewers a “joyful, peaceful holiday season.” The video garnered a mix of reactions on Chinese platforms, highlighting the stark contrast between the festive spirit expressed abroad and the restrictions imposed within the country.
As Christmas approaches, the limitations on religious expression and public celebration continue to shape the experiences of Christians and the general populace in China, reflecting broader issues related to freedom of belief and expression under the current regime.
