The celebration of Christmas in Europe has become a focal point in cultural politics, particularly among right-wing leaders who leverage the holiday to reinforce their political identities. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has positioned the defense of Christmas traditions as central to her political agenda, arguing that these customs are vital to Italy's cultural heritage. Meloni has criticized perceived ideological efforts to undermine these traditions, a sentiment echoed by other conservative parties across Europe, including France's National Rally and Spain's Vox. These groups oppose secular initiatives that seek to replace religious symbols with neutral language during the holiday season.

In Germany, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has raised concerns about the traditional character of Christmas markets, suggesting that they are being diluted by the influence of Muslim traditions. This framing of Christmas as a battleground in cultural conflicts has drawn criticism from commentators who argue that it reflects a broader trend of politicizing religious and cultural practices. The implications of this discourse raise questions about social cohesion and the role of religious identity in public life.

Additionally, European leaders are facing scrutiny for their use of Christmas in political campaigns. Meloni has condemned the term "Holiday Season" and organized Christmas-themed political events, which critics argue serve as virtue signaling to enhance party support. Her party, Brothers of Italy, hosted a Christmas-themed political festival named Atreju, featuring activities such as a visit from Santa Claus and an illuminated Christmas tree in the colors of the Italian flag. An attendee expressed surprise at the festival's political nature, indicating a desire to separate personal traditions from party affiliation.

Meloni and her party emphasize the importance of celebrating cultural roots, asserting that these traditions should be defended. However, reports suggest that many leaders promoting this messaging are not particularly devout, using Christianity as a cultural marker to delineate societal groups. Daniele Albertazzi, a researcher on populism, noted that the radical right has shifted its stance on religion since the early 2010s, particularly following Islamic terrorist attacks in Europe, framing Christianity as a cultural identifier.

While left-leaning critics point to the commercialization of Christmas as a form of exploitation, conservative leaders continue to align their policies with the values associated with the holiday. Brothers of Italy Senator Lucio Malan stated at the festival that he promotes religious freedom but recognizes Christmas as a significant holiday that should not be overlooked. This ongoing politicization of Christmas raises critical questions about the balance between cultural identity and inclusivity in European societies.