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Coptic Orthodox
Egypt's Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas on 7 January after 43 days of fasting — one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Midnight liturgies last for hours; families break the fast with feasts of fata and kahk biscuits.
About 10–15 million Copts live in Egypt today. The date follows the same ancient calendar as Orthodox Christmas.
Eden lists pilgrimages and mission trips to Egypt.
At a glance
- Type
- major feast
- Date type
- Fixed (same date every year)
- Regions
- Egypt, Global
- Themes
- Birth of Christ
- Liturgical colour
- White, Gold
- Public holiday
- Yes — in at least one country
Common questions
Coptic Christmas is observed on January 7 (fixed). Moveable feasts shift each year; fixed feasts stay on the same calendar date.
The Coptic celebration of the Nativity of Jesus Christ, following 43 days of fasting (the Advent/Nativity Fast, called Tsome Gahad). The Mass (Liturgy of St. Basil) begins late on Christmas Eve and continues through the night. The feast is a national public holiday in Egypt. Celebrated by approximately 10–15 million Coptic Christians in Egypt.
It is associated with Coptic Orthodox. It falls in the Christmas season of the liturgical year.
Yes — Coptic Christmas is a public holiday in at least one country (including GB). In the UK, check whether your nation marks it as a bank holiday.
