Christmas in Pakistan is a quiet, mostly church-centred celebration by a small Christian community, held on the same day as Quaid-e-Azam Day, 25 December, which is a national holiday. The best places to see it are Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad, where churches hold midnight services and decorate for the season. If you want a winter trip instead, Murree, the Galyat and Lahore itself are the most practical choices around the holiday.
This guide covers where Christmas is visible, how to attend a service respectfully, what security to expect and how to plan a holiday trip that takes advantage of the long weekend without walking into a winter road problem.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Date | 25 December, also Quaid-e-Azam Day |
| Christian population | Roughly 1.5 to 2 per cent of Pakistan, by published estimates |
| Best cities for church events | Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad |
| Winter trip options | Murree, Galyat, Lahore |
| Main caution | Tight security at churches; snow and traffic in the hills |
How Christmas is marked
25 December is a public holiday for the birthday of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Christians celebrate Christmas on the same day. Churches hold midnight and morning services, community events and carol singing, and many churches and Christian neighbourhoods are decorated and lit up in the days before.
In 2025 the official side was more visible than usual. In Lahore, reports described more than 600 churches illuminated, and a peace rally set out from Sacred Heart Church. In Karachi, St Patrick's Church in Saddar held a prayer service with large crowds. The government also held state-backed Christmas events for the first time, according to several news reports.
Where to see Christmas
Lahore
Lahore has the country's largest visible celebration, with churches across the city lit up and services at Sacred Heart Church and other large parishes. Combine it with the cold-season sights of the city: our Lahore in winter guide covers the weather and what is open.
Karachi
St Patrick's Church in Saddar is the best known and draws large crowds for prayers. Saddar is busy, so allow extra time.
Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Both hold services and events, and Islamabad police deployed over 3,500 officers for Christmas and Quaid-e-Azam Day in 2025, so the city is well protected but has checkpoints.
Colonial-era churches in the hills
If you prefer history to crowds, some old churches make good visits at any time of year. See our guides to Christ Church in Murree, St Matthew's in Nathia Gali and St John's in Jhelum.
Visiting a church at Christmas
A service is a religious event first, so follow these basics:
- Ask before you go. Attend a public service only if invited or if the church welcomes visitors, and follow local advice.
- Dress modestly and cover your head where asked.
- Expect security checks. Churches have armed guards and police around them at Christmas. Carry your CNIC, keep bags small and arrive early.
- Ask before photographing people, especially children and worshippers.
- Don't treat it as a spectacle. If you are not part of the congregation, keep to the back and leave quietly.
Winter trips around Christmas
The holiday often lands beside a weekend, and many people head to the hills.
Murree and the Galyat. Snow is possible from late December, and the district administration in Murree issued a snowfall advisory on 22 December 2025, deploying Rescue 1122 and setting up thirteen facilitation centres. Murree also has a dark record: a January 2022 snowstorm trapped thousands of vehicles and killed more than 20 people. Check the forecast, use a suitable vehicle and carry warm clothing, and turn back if traffic builds. Read the best time to visit Murree guide before you go.
Lahore and Punjab. The mild winter days are the best time for the Walled City, the Fort and gardens. Smog can be heavy in December and January, so check air quality.
Northern areas. Most of the north is cold and snowbound at this time, and many roads and hotels are closed or limited. Our when to go guide shows which places are practical in winter.
Safety notes
Security is heightened around churches and Christian areas at Christmas, as in previous years, and that is worth knowing rather than worrying about. Beyond that, the UK government advises against all travel to Swat, Upper and Lower Dir, and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including winter snow destinations such as Swat. Check current advice and local news before planning a trip there, and note that overseas visitors travelling against their government's advice can void their insurance.
Which plan should you choose?
If you want to see Christmas, go to Lahore or Karachi for a service, with respect and some planning. If you want snow, take a short, flexible trip to Murree or the Galyat with full fuel, chains where advised and a spare day. If you want a holiday that avoids both crowds and cold, a city break in Lahore is easier than any hill trip. Our plan page can help.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas a public holiday in Pakistan?
25 December is a public holiday, observed as Quaid-e-Azam Day and also Christmas. In 2025 the government also held Christmas events.
Can tourists attend a Christmas service in Pakistan?
It depends on the church. Ask in advance, expect security checks and behave as a guest.
Where is the best place to see Christmas in Pakistan?
Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad have the largest and most visible celebrations.
Will it snow in Murree at Christmas?
Snow is possible from late December, but not guaranteed. Watch the forecast and local advisories.
Is it safe to visit churches in Pakistan at Christmas?
Security is heavy at churches and Christian areas. Follow police instructions and check local advice.
