Square and compasses Masonic coin illustrating Freemasonry, Christmas traditions and St John’s Day

Freemasonry and Christmas: Do Freemasons Celebrate Christmas, and Is It a Masonic Holiday?

Freemasons can and do celebrate Christmas, but Christmas is not a universal Masonic religious holiday. Freemasonry is not a religion, and lodges include members from different religious traditions. A lodge may hold a Christmas dinner, toy drive or seasonal charity event without turning Christmas into a required Masonic observance.

The confusion comes partly from Freemasonry’s historical connection with the two Saints John and from the fact that St. John the Evangelist’s feast day falls on December 27, close to Christmas.

Is Christmas a Masonic holiday?

Not universally. Major Masonic bodies such as the United Grand Lodge of England explicitly describe Freemasonry as non-religious and without religious affiliation, even though individual members may hold personal religious beliefs.

A Christmas party at a lodge is therefore usually a local social or charitable event—not evidence that Christmas is part of one worldwide Masonic religious calendar.

Do Masonic lodges hold Christmas events?

Yes, many do. UGLE has publicly promoted Christmas gifts connected with Freemasons’ Hall, and lodges commonly organize seasonal dinners, toy drives, family events and charity campaigns.

Those activities fit ordinary lodge fellowship and service. Other lodges may do little or nothing around Christmas, especially where member backgrounds or local customs differ.

What is the connection between Freemasonry and St. John’s Day?

Masonic history often refers to two patron saints: St. John the Baptist, whose feast day is June 24, and St. John the Evangelist, whose feast day is December 27.

Historical Masonic material from California notes that early American Grand Lodge practice included annual December feasts associated with St. John the Evangelist. But current observance varies widely by jurisdiction and lodge.

Is December 27 more “Masonic” than Christmas Day?

Historically, St. John the Evangelist’s Day has a clearer specific connection with Masonic tradition than December 25. Even then, it is not observed identically everywhere.

Some lodges hold installations, festive boards or special gatherings around the date. Others do not emphasize it at all.

Does Freemasonry teach Christianity?

Freemasonry itself should not be described as Christianity or as a substitute for religion. UGLE publicly states that it is secular and non-religious. In its jurisdiction, members affirm belief in a Supreme Being, but their particular faith remains personal.

This is why Christian imagery in a specific rite, lodge custom or seasonal event should not be generalized into “Freemasonry is a Christian religion.”

For the broader answer, see What Is Freemasonry?.

Can non-Christian Freemasons attend lodge Christmas events?

That depends on the event and the local lodge, but a social dinner or charity project is not automatically a religious service. Lodges with religiously diverse membership often handle seasonal events as fellowship or community service.

If a particular event includes worship, prayer or a denominational component, the lodge or governing body is the right source for what participation means.

What about Masonic Christmas gifts?

Christmas creates a natural seasonal gift search for spouses, relatives and lodge brothers. The safest gift choice is one that matches the recipient’s known Masonic interests without falsely implying a degree or office they do not hold.

Our Best Masonic Gifts for a Freemason guide covers those distinctions.

FAQ

Do Freemasons celebrate Christmas?

Many individual Freemasons do, and many lodges hold seasonal events. It is not a universal Masonic religious requirement.

Is Christmas part of an official Masonic calendar?

There is no single worldwide Masonic calendar. Local and jurisdictional practice varies.

Why is St. John the Evangelist important to Freemasonry?

He is traditionally regarded as one of Freemasonry’s patron saints, and December 27 has historically been used for Masonic feasts or gatherings in some jurisdictions.

Is Freemasonry a Christian organization?

Not as a universal description. Major mainstream Masonic bodies describe Freemasonry as non-religious, while membership belief requirements vary among Masonic traditions.

Sources

For symbolic seasonal gifts, browse our Masonic coin collection. These are retail keepsakes, not official lodge regalia or proof of membership.

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