Christmas in Ethiopia: Traditions, Food & Customs
Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Known as Genna, Ethiopian Christmas is a deeply religious celebration focused on church services, prayer, and community rather than commercialism and gift-giving.
Last updated: February 2026
Ethiopia celebrates Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar used by the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. Known as Genna, Ethiopian Christmas is a deeply religious celebration focused on church services, prayer, and community rather than commercialism and gift-giving.
Christmas Traditions in Ethiopia
Genna Church Services
Ethiopian Christians attend all-night church services on Christmas Eve, beginning in the evening and continuing until early morning. Worshippers dress in traditional white shamma cloth.
Genna (Field Hockey)
A traditional game similar to field hockey is played on Christmas Day, according to legend because shepherds played it when they heard of Christ's birth.
Timkat (Epiphany)
Celebrated 12 days after Genna on January 19, Timkat is actually a bigger celebration than Christmas, commemorating the baptism of Jesus with colorful processions.
Traditional Christmas Food in Ethiopia
Doro Wat
A spicy chicken stew cooked with berbere spice and hard-boiled eggs, served on injera flatbread. It is the essential Ethiopian Christmas dish.
Injera
A spongy, fermented flatbread made from teff flour that serves as both plate and utensil for Ethiopian meals. The base of every Christmas feast.
Tella
A traditional Ethiopian beer brewed from barley and gesho, often prepared at home for Christmas celebrations.
Unique Christmas Customs
- Christmas is celebrated on January 7 following the Julian calendar
- Gift-giving is minimal — Christmas is primarily a religious occasion
- Playing Genna (field hockey) on Christmas Day
- Fasting for 43 days (Advent fast) before the Christmas feast
Explore more Christmas traditions
Who Brings Gifts in Ethiopia?
In Ethiopia, gifts are traditionally brought by No traditional Santa figure. This unique tradition reflects centuries of cultural and religious heritage.
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