Places where Christmas has been banned

Brunei
Brunei has banned public celebrations of Christmas, violating Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Somalia
There will be no Christmas or New Year celebrations in Somalia for fear that activities could evoke Islamist attacks, according to the Muslim-majority country’s government.

Saudi Arabia
Christmas trees and cards are not allowed in the country according to Islamic law even by the thousands of foreigners in the country.

England
From 1549 through to 1653 Oliver Cromwell banned Christmas. He said people should be thinking about Christ on these days, not celebrating his birth.

Cuba
Fidel Castro decided that in 1959 there would be a ban on Christmas, however a visit by Pope John Paul II in 1999 made him change his mind.

China
In 2009, Chinese authorities banned religious celebration during Christmas. Wealthy areas with a large number of foreign citizens, such as Hong Kong, celebrated nonetheless.

Algeria
An operation of license is required by those who wish to celebrate Christmas.

Albania
In 1967, Albanian law forbade every form of Christmas celebration until 1991, when Christians were able to celebrate for the first time after 23 years.

North Korea
Citizens are only allowed to celebrate the leaders birthday, whoever brings out little Christmas lights is accused of propaganda.