Why do lds celebrate christmas

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) celebrate Christmas to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, whom they revere as the Savior and central figure of their faith. They observe it on December 25th, aligning with the traditional Christian calendar, and incorporate both religious and family-centered traditions. Specific practices include attending church services, reading the nativity story from the Bible and Book of Mormon, and participating in community events like the annual Christmas concert at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, which attracts over 100,000 attendees.

Key Facts

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded on April 6, 1830, by Joseph Smith, and its members have celebrated Christmas since the early 19th century.
In 2020, the Church reported over 16.8 million members worldwide, with Christmas celebrated across more than 30,000 congregations globally.
The Church's First Presidency issues an annual Christmas message, often emphasizing themes like peace and service, a tradition dating back to the early 20th century.
The Church's Conference Center in Salt Lake City hosts a large Christmas concert each December, featuring performances by the Tabernacle Choir and attracting audiences of over 100,000 people.
LDS Christmas traditions include reading Luke 2 from the Bible and 3 Nephi 1 from the Book of Mormon, which describes Christ's birth in the Americas around 1 A.D.

Overview

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), founded by Joseph Smith on April 6, 1830, in upstate New York, celebrates Christmas as a key religious holiday to honor the birth of Jesus Christ, central to its doctrine. With over 16.8 million members reported in 2020 and more than 30,000 congregations worldwide, the Church integrates Christmas into its global practices, blending Christian traditions with unique LDS elements. Historically, early Latter-day Saints in the 19th century observed Christmas with church services and community gatherings, even during periods like the Mormon migration to Utah in the 1840s. The Church's emphasis on family and prophecy fulfillment, such as in the Book of Mormon account of Christ's birth in the Americas around 1 A.D., enriches its Christmas observance, making it a time for spiritual reflection and unity.

How It Works

LDS Christmas celebrations involve a combination of religious rituals and family activities, guided by Church teachings and local customs. Members typically attend special sacrament meetings on Sundays near December 25th, where sermons focus on Christ's nativity and teachings, often referencing scriptures like Luke 2 from the Bible and 3 Nephi 1 from the Book of Mormon. Families engage in traditions such as setting up nativity scenes, singing hymns like "Silent Night" or "Away in a Manger," and participating in service projects, reflecting the Church's emphasis on charity. The Church's First Presidency issues an annual Christmas message, encouraging members to emulate Christ's example of love and peace. Additionally, large-scale events like the Christmas concert at the Salt Lake City Conference Center, featuring the Tabernacle Choir, showcase music and storytelling that highlight the holiday's spiritual significance, with tickets often distributed free to the public.

Why It Matters

Celebrating Christmas holds deep significance for Latter-day Saints as it reinforces core beliefs in Jesus Christ's divinity and mission, fostering spiritual growth and community bonds. It serves as a time to strengthen family relationships through shared traditions and service, aligning with the Church's focus on eternal families and moral values. The holiday also promotes interfaith understanding, as LDS practices often overlap with broader Christian observances, helping to build bridges in diverse societies. In practical terms, Christmas activities support the Church's humanitarian efforts, with many congregations organizing food drives or volunteer work during the season, impacting local communities positively. Overall, it underscores the Church's commitment to living Christ-centered lives year-round.