While much of the world gathers to observe Christmas, a number of Christian denominations adhere to doctrines that lead them to mark December 25 differently, or not at all. Based on theological stances and historical positions, the following groups do not formally celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday:
- Jehovah’s Witnesses - Do not observe birthdays or Christmas, citing pagan origins and lack of biblical command.
- Armstrongite Churches of God - Reject Christmas, observing Old Testament holy days instead.
- Certain Strict Scottish Presbyterians - View Christmas as an extra-biblical “Roman Catholic” tradition.
- Many Churches of Christ - Treat it as a private cultural matter, not a church observance.
- True Jesus Church & Iglesia ni Cristo - Restorationist groups that see Christmas as unbiblical.
- Some Independent/Fundamentalist Groups - Reject it on grounds of pagan influence.
- Others: God’s Kingdom Society (celebrates in October), MFM, Deeper Life, and Quakers (varies).
