Iraq declares Christmas Day public holiday nationwide

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Cabinet decided to suspend official working hours on Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, in observance of Christmas, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.

The statement said, “The Cabinet decides to suspend official working hours in government departments for Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025, on the occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ, peace be upon him.”

The decision applies to government institutions across Iraq and comes as part of annual measures recognizing religious holidays observed by Christian communities in the country.

The move mirrors the Kurdistan Region, where the KRG announced earlier today that official work would also be suspended on Dec. 25. The KRG said the holiday applies to both the public and private sectors and noted that New Year’s Day on Jan. 1 is also listed on the region’s official holiday calendar.

Christians in Iraq celebrate Christmas on Dec. 25, with churches holding special services and families marking the holiday, particularly in Baghdad, Nineveh governorate and parts of the Kurdistan Region.