The following lists cultural and special events that are taking place in December 2023. This should help you to plan and organise upcoming events and celebrations for December 2023.
01 December
- World AIDS Day - is one of the most globally recognised events of the year. It raises awareness across the world and in the community about the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS It is a day for people to show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died.
01 - 31 December
- Decembeard - Bowel cancer affects men of all ages. 1 in 10 Aussie men will develop bowel cancer in their lifetime, and it is Australia's second biggest cancer killer. A hair-raising fundraiser held during the month of December (1st-31st December), Decembeard Australia encourages men to grow a beard in the final month of the year to raise awareness and much-needed funds for bowel cancer.
- No Gender December - marks a time to make a stand against the gendered marketing of toys to children.
03 December
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Australia celebrates the International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) every year on 3 December to acknowledge the valuable contribution people of all abilities make to our community.
07 December
- National Peral Harbor Remembrance Day - Survivors, veterans, and visitors from all over the world come together to honor and remember the 2,403 service members and civilians who were killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
10 December
- Human Rights Day - A day to celebrate the basic rights of all humans, and to remember that many people still have to fight for their human rights.
11 December
- International Mountain Day - is an opportunity to create awareness about the importance of mountains to life, to highlight the opportunities and constraints in mountain development and to build partnerships that will bring positive change to the world's mountains and highlands
15 December
- Chocolate and Coffee Day for Religious Harmony - "Let's talk about that over coffee," is a common phrase in our society. It is something people do from all walks of life, all backgrounds, cultures and religions. It is a way that people connect, learn about each other and find common ground. Wherever you may be, with your friends, families, workmates, groups or organisations, share together and start the conversation.
18 December
- International Migrants Day - Organizations are invited to observe International Migrants Day through the dissemination of information on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of migrants, and through the sharing of experiences and the design of actions to ensure their protection.
20 December
- International Human Solidarity Day - was established by the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2005 as an initiative in the fight against poverty.
24 December
- Buy Nothing Christmas - This Christmas we'll be swamped with offers, ads and invitations to buy more stuff. But now there's a way to say enough and join a movement dedicated to reviving the original meaning of Christmas giving.
25 December
- Christmas Day - For two millennia, people around the world have been observing it with traditions and practices that are both religious and secular in nature. Historically, Christians celebrate Christmas Day as the anniversary of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of their religion.
- The 12 Do's Christmas - At Christmas Australians buy more, travel more and eat more than at any other time of the year. To help reduce the environmental and financial impact of these festive activities, Planet Ark has come up with 12 simple, positive actions - the 12 Do's of Christmas.
26 December
- Boxing Day
26 December - 01 January
- Kwanzaa - (African/American) - Celebrating history, culture, family and community. It was started in California in 1966. It was created by scholar-activist Dr Maulana Karenga. Kwanzaa is now celebrated all over the world, but primarily in the U.S., Africa, and the Caribbean.
31 December
- New Years Eve
Please make sure to like/follow our Aussie Childcare Network Facebook page to receive events and celebration activity ideas, resources and documentation templates for child portfolios.
Note: This is to be used as a general guideline only. These dates may be subject to change.
