Celebrations took place in various locations, including Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, where the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III arrived at the Church of the Nativity, traditionally recognized as the birthplace of Jesus Christ, to lead Christmas services. Palestinian scout bands paraded through Manger Square outside the church, adding to the festive atmosphere.

In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, worshippers gathered at Meskel Square on Christmas Eve. Services were also held outside the Kashveti Church of St. George in Tbilisi, Georgia, and at the Archangel Michael Church in Cairo, Egypt, where a Coptic Orthodox bishop led Christmas prayers. Iranian Christians also attended services marking the occasion.

The divergence in dates stems from the historical adoption of the Gregorian calendar, a reform of the Julian calendar introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. While many Western Christian churches adopted the Gregorian calendar, some Eastern Orthodox churches maintained adherence to the older Julian calendar for liturgical purposes. This difference results in a 13-day discrepancy, placing Christmas on January 7th according to the Gregorian calendar for those following the Julian calendar. This adherence to tradition reflects the deep historical and cultural roots of the Orthodox Christian faith. The continued observance highlights the diverse expressions of Christianity globally.