When we think of Christmas, it’s all about joy, love, and celebration. But believe it or not, there’s a place where celebrating Christmas could cost you your life—North Korea.
No Jingle Bells Here
In North Korea, Christmas isn’t just ignored—it’s forbidden. Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, the country outright banned Christmas celebrations in 2016. But this wasn’t new. Since 1948, the ruling Kim dynasty has cracked down hard on religious freedoms, making anything related to Christianity taboo.
For many North Koreans, Christmas isn’t even on their radar. Kang Jimin, a defector, explained:
“There’s no Christmas in North Korea.”
Jimin said most North Koreans don’t know who Jesus Christ is, let alone what Christmas represents. In the regime’s eyes, the Kim family is the only god their citizens should know.
A Strange Holiday Substitute
Instead of Christmas, North Koreans observe December 24th as the birthday of Kim Jong Un’s grandmother, Kim Jong Suk. Citizens are expected to visit her birthplace in Hoeryong with flowers, sing songs, and raise toasts in her honor.
While Christmas trees with shiny lights can sometimes be spotted in Pyongyang, they’re just decorations with no connection to the holiday.
Secret Celebrations at High Risk
For the few Christians in North Korea who try to celebrate Christmas in secret, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Timothy Cho, another defector, shared:
“At best, you’re sent to a labor camp. At worst, you’re executed on the spot.”
Churches, But Not Really
You might hear about churches in North Korea, but they aren’t what you think. These are state-controlled and mainly exist to present a façade to outsiders. According to the North Korea Database Center for Human Rights, the country has about 121 religious sites, including Buddhist temples and Christian churches. But make no mistake—they’re all tightly monitored by the regime.
It’s Not Just North Korea
North Korea isn’t the only country where Christmas is banned. Somalia, Tajikistan, and Brunei have also outlawed the holiday in recent years. Celebrating in these countries could land you in prison for up to five years.
A Celebration of Control
In North Korea, Christmas isn’t just forbidden—it’s replaced with propaganda. The regime’s ban on Christmas is another way to reinforce control and ensure loyalty to the Kim dynasty. For those who manage to celebrate in secret, it’s not just about faith—it’s an act of quiet resistance.