A Practical Guide for New Expats: Christmas and New Year in Rwanda

For many new expats, the end-of-year season is often the first time they truly experience the social rhythm of their host country. In Rwanda, Christmas and New Year are not just holidays on the calendar—they are deeply social moments that reflect the country’s values of family, faith, community, and relatively quiet celebration.

This guide walks you through what to expect during Christmas and New Year in Rwanda, from public life and business closures to social customs and practical tips for expats.

Christmas in Rwanda: Faith, Family, and Togetherness

Christmas in Rwanda is primarily a religious and family-centered celebration. As a predominantly Christian country, many Rwandans observe Christmas through church services, prayer, and family gatherings rather than large-scale public festivities. Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve and services on Christmas Day are well attended, often lasting longer than expats may be used to. For many families, Christmas is less about gifts and more about being together, sharing a meal, and expressing gratitude.

What the Day Looks Like

• December 24 (Christmas Eve):  In the evening, streets are busy people doing the last shopping for Christmas. Most of the shopping are: Christmas decorations, clothing and food. Late in the evening around 8: pm and midnight (depending on the church) people attend church services, and spend time together.

• December 25 (Christmas Day): A public holiday. Streets are generally quiet. Most people attend church from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. Most businesses, offices, and shops are closed or operate for limited hours. In the afternoon, families get together in restaurants and parents take children to recreation facilities.

• December 26: Life gradually resumes, but many people are still traveling or hosting relatives.

Food and Hospitality

If you are invited to a Rwandan home for Christmas, consider it a genuine sign of welcome. Meals often include:

• Traditional dishes such as beef stew, chicken, rice, beans, chips/ French fries, green bananas, and local vegetables ect..

• Soft drinks or local beverages rather than alcohol in many households

Bringing a small gift—such as fruit, pastries, or something for the children—is appreciated, but expensive gifts are not expected.

New Year in Rwanda: Celebration with Balance

A Shift in Energy

New Year’s Eve in Rwanda has a noticeably different tone from Christmas. While still family-oriented, it allows for more social activity and public celebration, especially in urban areas like Kigali.

Hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues often organize New Year’s Eve dinners, live music, and countdown events. Fireworks may be visible in some areas, but celebrations are generally more controlled and less chaotic than in many global cities.

How Rwandans Welcome the New Year

• Church services: Many people attend overnight “cross-over” services that start on December 31 and end after midnight.

• Family meals: Others stay home with family, watching the clock together and sharing food.

• Social gatherings: Young professionals and expats often attend organized events at hotels or restaurants.

January 1 is a public holiday, and January 2 is often quieter than usual as people rest or travel back home.

Practical Tips for Expats

1. Plan Ahead for Closures

During Christmas and New Year:

• Government offices and banks close on public holidays

• Some private businesses operate on reduced hours

• Transport services may be limited, especially on Christmas Day

Complete essential errands—banking, official paperwork, shopping—before December 24.

2. Expect Slower Responses

Email replies, approvals, and business follow-ups often slow down between December 20 and early January. This is culturally accepted and understood. Build flexibility into your timelines.

3. Travel Considerations

Many Rwandans travel to their home villages during this period, which can affect:

• Bus availability

• Increased traffic on major routes

• Higher demand for domestic travel services

If you plan to travel within Rwanda, book early.

4. Dress and Conduct

Even at festive events, modesty and respect remain important cultural norms. For church services, dress conservatively. For social gatherings, smart-casual attire is generally appropriate.

Cultural Nuances Expats Should Understand

Christmas Is Not a Party Season

New expats sometimes expect Christmas to be lively and entertainment-driven. In Rwanda, it is relatively quiet. Loud celebrations or excessive drinking on Christmas Day may feel out of place in many neighborhoods.

Community Over Individualism

These holidays reinforce Rwanda’s collective culture. Visiting relatives, sharing meals, and checking in on neighbors are central. If you are living alone, you may receive invitations simply so you are not by yourself—accepting is encouraged.

Faith Shapes the Rhythm

Even for those who are not religious, understanding the role of Christianity during this period helps explain why businesses close early, why events revolve around church schedules, and why the season feels grounded rather than extravagant.

Making the Most of the Festive Season as an Expat

• Attend a Christmas or New Year church service, even as an observer

• Accept invitations to family gatherings when offered

• Use the quieter period to reflect, reset, and connect socially

• Explore organized New Year events at reputable hotels if you want a more international experience

Christmas and New Year in Rwanda offer expats a unique opportunity to experience authentic cultural rhythms, grounded in faith, family, and mutual care. By approaching the season with patience, respect, and openness, you’ll not only avoid common frustrations—you’ll likely form deeper connections that carry into the year ahead.