Christmas Season observed quietly in Kuwait as hotels and private venues adopt festive décor

As the year-end holiday season approaches, signs of festive activity are emerging across Kuwait, particularly within hotels, private venues and seasonal events, even as Christmas remains a non-public holiday in the country.

Hotels in Kuwait appear to be embracing the season through Christmas-themed décor and promotions. Social media posts circulating locally show several hotels displaying Christmas trees and seasonal decorations as part of their holiday offerings for guests.

The visuals, shared on Instagram and Facebook, suggest a festive ambience within private commercial spaces, reflecting a familiar practice in previous years where celebrations are kept indoors and discreet, according to social media sources.

According to one social media account, Kuwait hotels can set up Christmas trees freely without fear of any legal consequences, according to social media accounts.

Kuwait Hotel Owners Association has reportedly sent letters to local hotels informing them that authorities were instructed not to fine or impose any penalties on hotels that set up trees on Christmas.

The direction was reportedly approved during a meeting of the supreme tourism committee on Dec 7 and chaired by the information and culture minister and attended by the Kuwait Municipality Director.

It is part of efforts to promote tourism and support Kuwait’s hospitality sector.

While Kuwait does not officially recognize Christmas as a public holiday, such displays within hotels indicate that private venues continue to mark the season in a way that caters to expatriate communities and international visitors, without extending celebrations into public spaces.

Beyond hotels, a number of winter-themed events and markets are also underway across the country. The “Winter Wonderland Kuwait” festival in Salmiya has been active since early November and is scheduled to continue through late February, offering family-oriented entertainment and attractions.

Similarly, the “Winter Fair 2025,” promoted through social media platforms, provides a seasonal shopping experience aligned with year-end festivities rather than explicitly branded as a Christmas event.

Seasonal exhibitions are also contributing to the festive atmosphere. The “Winter Yard Exhibition,” scheduled to take place at the Kuwait International Fairground from December 25 to 27, is expected to feature a variety of retail offerings and lifestyle exhibits, reinforcing the trend of winter-themed commercial activity during the holiday period.

In the hospitality sector, restaurants and hotels have been promoting festive dining experiences, including special brunches and holiday menus. Social media promotions reference Christmas-themed offerings, though many are framed broadly as “festive” or “seasonal” to align with local sensitivities.

Overall, Christmas in Kuwait in 2025 appears to be marked quietly and selectively, with celebrations largely confined to private venues, hotels, and winter-themed events, reflecting the country’s long-standing balance between cultural norms and the diverse makeup of its resident population.