Christmas Quiet Across China as Authorities Tighten Restrictions on Christian Celebrations

Key Facts

Published: December 25, 2025 Location: Beijing Source: Epoch Times

• Christmas services at underground house churches across multiple Chinese provinces were blocked by state security, forcing many Christians to worship privately or limit observance to regime-approved churches.
• Universities and local authorities warned students and residents against Christmas celebrations, social media posts, and public displays, with reports of monitoring, detentions, and confiscation of decorations.
• Believers say the restrictions reflect a broader CCP effort to confine religious expression to tightly controlled spaces, further erasing public Christian life and reinforcing pressure on China’s underground church.

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Washington D.C. Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Christmas Eve passed with little public observance across much of China this year as authorities under the Chinese Communist Party intensified restrictions on religious gatherings, public celebrations, and even seasonal decorations, according to pastors, Christians, and residents who spoke to The Epoch Times.

Christians affiliated with underground house churches in provinces including Shandong, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Fujian said state security officials blocked Christmas Eve services, warning believers against collective worship. In cities such as Qingdao and Wenzhou, pastors reported that only regime-approved churches were permitted to hold limited services, while home gatherings were prohibited.

Universities also moved to suppress Christmas observances. Schools in Shandong, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang reportedly warned students against posting Christmas-related content on social media, required roll calls during the holiday, and ordered the removal of festive profile images, citing monitoring and disciplinary measures.

In Shanghai, police detained individuals involved in spontaneous Christmas street activities, including a woman dressed as Santa Claus handing out apples. Social media footage showed holiday items confiscated and participants questioned, while residents said commercial decorations were confined to tightly controlled areas.

Christians across the country said the restrictions reflect broader CCP policies requiring religious activity to remain within approved venues and discouraging public expressions of Christian faith. Many believers described a near-total disappearance of Christmas atmosphere outside state-sanctioned churches, underscoring ongoing pressure on China’s underground Christian community.

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