UPDATE: Christmas Eve celebrations across China faced unprecedented restrictions as authorities intensified controls on religious gatherings and public displays, leading to a subdued holiday atmosphere nationwide. Reports from multiple provinces confirm that on Dec. 24, 2023, state security officials blocked numerous planned Christmas services and discouraged public celebrations, leaving many Christians feeling isolated.
Local house churches in provinces such as Shandong, Zhejiang, and Sichuan reported being prevented from holding Christmas Eve services. Pastor Huang from Qingdao revealed, “The authorities informed congregants they were not permitted to gather for Christmas Eve service.” He detailed that his family opted for a private gathering due to the ban, stating, “All collective gatherings here are banned.”
The situation was echoed in Wenzhou, a city with a significant Christian population. Pastor Wang lamented that only state-sanctioned churches could engage in Christmas activities, sharing that “several believers detained earlier in December have not been released,” which has discouraged many from participating in group events.
In an alarming trend, universities also imposed restrictions on students. Dezhou University instructed students not to share Christmas-related content on social media, warning that online activity could be monitored. Northwest University in Shaanxi mandated students remain on campus on Dec. 24 and 25, conducting nightly roll calls, which sparked outrage and was widely shared online.
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, police detained individuals participating in spontaneous Christmas street activities. A woman dressed as Santa Claus was taken into custody while distributing apples, a scene that underscores the regime’s heavy-handed approach to holiday festivities. One local Christian noted, “Christmas can now only exist within clearly defined boundaries.”
Across the nation, similar restrictions have been reported. A Christian from Fujian stated that public Christmas events outside state-sanctioned churches have all but vanished. In Shenyang, schools discouraged students from wearing Christmas hats, with local officials advising families against attending church activities.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has long mandated that religious activities be confined to approved venues, strictly regulating public celebrations. This year, local governments reiterated that Christmas festivities should not “expand outward, not be amplified, and not be promoted.”
In the days leading up to Christmas, underground churches received directives barring public or collective celebrations. Some cities required churches to submit attendee lists and allowed officials to conduct inspections on-site.
In a stark contrast, on Dec. 23, the U.S. Embassy in China shared a holiday video wishing viewers “a joyful, peaceful holiday season,” which garnered mixed reactions on Chinese social media platforms. Many expressed concern over the regime’s ongoing suppression of Christmas celebrations, highlighting the stark divide between government policy and the desires of the people.
As Christmas 2023 unfolds in China, the implications of these measures resonate deeply within communities. The tightening grip of the CCP on religious expression, especially during a time traditionally associated with joy and family, has left many Christians grappling with a profound sense of loss and frustration over their curtailed freedoms.
Next, all eyes will be on how these restrictions evolve as the holiday season continues. Observers are concerned that the government’s approach will further discourage public expressions of faith, leaving a lasting impact on the religious landscape in China.
