Millions of Christians around the world are observing Christmas in environments marked by secrecy and fear, a reality highlighted in the 2025 World Watch List released by Open Doors. In many nations, believers face severe persecution, ranging from government suppression to violence at the hands of extremist groups. This article explores how Christmas is celebrated—or not celebrated—in some of the most perilous places for Christians.
North Korea: A Season of Silence
In North Korea, Christians must navigate a landscape hostile to their faith. Instead of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Eve, believers are compelled to honor the birthday of Kim Il-sung’s wife, Kim Jong-suk. According to Timothy Cho, a North Korean escapee, Christians risk severe penalties for any form of celebration.
“Christmas Eve consists of singing carols about Kim Jong-suk, placing flowers on her grave, and staying home to binge state-issued propaganda,” he told Open Doors. The risks extend beyond individual believers; entire families can be arrested or even executed for practicing their faith.
Despite these dangers, some Christians find ways to worship in secret. They may share whispered hymns or prayers in hidden gatherings, but they often keep their celebrations confined to their hearts. “A Christian goes and sits on a bench in the park,” an Open Doors representative explained. “Another Christian comes and sits next to him. Sometimes it is dangerous even to speak to one another, but they know they are both Christians, and at such a time, this is enough.”
The situation worsened after a law introduced in December 2020 aimed at curbing “anti-state superstitions” criminalized the possession of religious materials. Those found in violation face imprisonment or even death, contributing to an already dire environment for North Korea’s estimated 400,000 secret Christians.
Somalia: A Complete Ban on Celebrations
In Somalia, Christians face a different yet equally dangerous reality. The country has been classified by Open Doors as one of the most perilous places for Christians, with the number of believers estimated to be only in the hundreds. The imposition of Sharia law by al-Shabab, an extremist group, further complicates the situation.
Celebrating Christmas and New Year’s is outright forbidden. In 2015, Mohamed Kheyrow, the director general of Somalia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs, publicly stated that these celebrations “could damage the faith of the Muslim community.” Local Christian leaders have expressed that the official ban intensifies the suffering of believers. “If one of our members were to somehow betray such a gathering, then many of us would face the full demands of the law,” one leader told Morning Star News.
In 2024, Somali officials reiterated this ban, warning citizens through state radio against any Christmas celebrations. Such measures have created a climate of fear among believers, who must remain vigilant to avoid persecution.
Libya and Sudan: Rising Oppression
The situation for Christians in Libya has also deteriorated. In 2021, the Libyan government confiscated Christmas decorations and shut down stores selling seasonal items. Reports indicate that expatriate Christians faced arrests for celebrating New Year’s in 2022.
Meanwhile, in Sudan, the hopes of religious minorities have been dashed by political upheaval and war. The ongoing conflict has led to the world’s largest displacement and hunger crisis, making Christians, who are already vulnerable, easy targets for radical Islamist groups.
According to Open Doors, displaced Christians were barred from holding Christmas celebrations in 2024, despite previously receiving verbal permission. Attacks on churches have become alarmingly common, with reports of the Sudanese Air Force striking a Baptist church just days before Christmas.
Brad Phillips, President of the Persecution Project, estimated that 300 children die daily from famine linked to the ongoing war. He emphasized the resilience of those who continue to celebrate their faith despite overwhelming odds. “As we gather to celebrate the greatest gift of all — the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ — remember that there are unseen members of your family still present with you in spirit,” Phillips stated.
These narratives highlight the stark contrast between the festive spirit of Christmas in many parts of the world and the harsh realities faced by Christians in regions where their faith is met with hostility and violence. The stories of courage and resilience from North Korea, Somalia, Libya, and Sudan serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for religious freedom globally.
