Abstract:Nearly all important festivals all over the world are deeply rooted in traditional culture, with the distinct national features and rich presentation forms. In the era of globalization, due to the development and intensification in economic and cultural exchanges, the Western traditional festivals have an increasing influence on the Chinese traditional festivals. For that reason, this is great value to examine the differences and similarities between Chinese and Western festivals. By doing so, the Chinese festival culture could be better guided and roosted with an active attitude. That is, the reasonable factors in Western festivals are absorbed and used. At the same time, the unsuitable factors are discarded. It is a wise strategy to face the challenge of the universal civilization. 

　　　This paper examines the similarities and differences between the Chinese traditional festival and Western traditional festival by comparing the origin, important customs and activities of Spring Festival and Christmas. It is found that while there exists distinct differences in terms of origin and formation, they share something in common. Spring Festival is eating-oriented and has no religious origin Whereas, Christmas is playing-oriented and origins from religion,. But both of them are considered as occasions for good time and togetherness. They value happiness and hope. 

Key words: Chinese and Western festivals; Chinese and Western cultures; similarities and differences

摘要:世界上的重要节日都深深根植于独特的传统文化中，有着各自鲜明的民族特色和丰富多彩的表现形式.在全球化时代,随着经济、文化交流的发展与深化,西方传统节日正不断冲击着中国传统节日，因此研究中西节日的异同有着重要的意义。这样，人们会以更积极、主动的态度去引导、扶植中国节日文化.取西方节日的精华，去其糟粕,迎接来自世界文明交流的挑战。

　　本文通过对比中国传统春节和西方圣诞节的起源,风俗习惯和现代的发展来研究中西节日文化的差异。得出结论是中西传统节日虽在起源和形成中存在明显的差别，在传承中取存在某些共同性。中国的节日文化与宗教无关,吃喝为主,而西方的节日文化源于宗教,玩乐为主,但同样是快乐和团圆的机会,代表着人们对幸福和希望的期盼。

关键词: 中西节日;中西文化;异同