Whether you’re sipping eggnog by a fire, dancing under the twinkle of fairy lights, or bundling up in your coziest scarf for a stroll through a Christmas market, one thing is for sure: the holiday season is a universal celebration of joy, love, and community. But did you know that Christmas looks and feels a little different depending on where you are in the world? While the spirit is always the same—bringing people together and spreading warmth—each place has its own special twist on this beloved holiday.
So, let’s take a magical sleigh ride (figuratively, but let’s pretend we’re cozying up with Santa) around the globe to see how Christmas traditions around the world are celebrated from one country to the next. Get ready to dive into festive foods, dazzling decorations, unique customs, and names that will make your holiday heart flutter. Trust me, these traditions are so fascinating that you might just find some new ones to try out this year!
Italy: Buon Natale! and the Feast of the Seven Fishes
Italy is where the magic of food meets the spirit of Christmas. Buon Natale! means “Merry Christmas,” and Italians are all about bringing the family together for feasting and storytelling. One of the most cherished traditions is the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. This seafood extravaganza includes dishes like salted cod, fried calamari, clams, and sometimes even a rich seafood pasta. Why seven? Some say it’s symbolic of the seven sacraments or the seven days of creation.
In many Italian towns, you’ll also find beautiful presepi, or nativity scenes, set up in homes and public squares. And if you’re in Naples, you’re in for a treat—this city is famous for its detailed and artistic nativity displays that include not just the Holy Family but entire miniature villages.
Oh, and don’t forget La Befana! On the night of January 5th, this legendary, broom-riding old woman visits children, leaving candy for those who have been good and coal for those who haven’t. She’s like Italy’s own twist on Santa Claus!
Mexico: Feliz Navidad! and the Joy of Las Posadas
In Mexico, Christmas is not just a day but an entire season filled with vibrant celebrations. The festivities kick off on December 16th with Las Posadas, which means “the inns.” For nine nights, communities reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, walking through the streets with candles, singing songs, and stopping at homes to ask for lodging. Each night ends with prayers, music, and a fiesta complete with piñatas and delicious food.
On Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, families gather for a midnight feast featuring tamales, pozole, and other traditional dishes. And what would a Mexican Christmas be without ponche, a warm punch made with fruits like guava and tejocote, spiced with cinnamon? It’s the ultimate comfort drink!
The holiday season doesn’t end on December 25th, either. Mexican families also celebrate Día de los Reyes (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6th, when children receive gifts from the three wise men. A special bread called Rosca de Reyes is shared, and whoever finds the tiny figurine of baby Jesus inside has the honor of hosting a tamale party on Día de la Candelaria in February.
Germany: Frohe Weihnachten! and Christmas Markets Galore
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a Christmas market, Germany should be at the top of your list. The Germans know how to do Christmas, and Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) are proof of that. Imagine wandering through stalls filled with handmade ornaments, sipping on Glühwein (a hot, spiced wine), and munching on roasted chestnuts while snowflakes drift down. Sounds dreamy, right?
The tradition of the Advent calendar also started in Germany. Today, they come in all shapes and sizes—from simple paper calendars to intricate wooden houses with tiny doors that open to reveal treats or little gifts.
December 6th is St. Nicholas’ Day, where children leave out their shoes in hopes that Saint Nicholas will fill them with small gifts and sweets. And on Christmas Eve, families come together to decorate the tree, sing carols like O Tannenbaum, and enjoy a feast that often includes dishes like roasted goose or Würstchen (sausages) with potato salad.
Japan: Kurisumasu with a Unique Twist
Japan might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Christmas, but it has developed its own quirky and charming traditions. Christmas in Japan isn’t a religious holiday for most people; instead, it’s a time for spreading happiness and spending time with loved ones, particularly couples. Think of it as a romantic holiday—kind of like Valentine’s Day, but with more twinkle lights.
The real star of Christmas in Japan? KFC. Yes, you read that right! Thanks to a wildly successful advertising campaign in the 1970s, eating a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken has become a Christmas Eve tradition. You’ll even see people making reservations weeks in advance to secure their fried chicken feast.
Christmas lights, or illuminations, are another big part of the season, with dazzling displays lighting up city streets and parks. And while most people in Japan don’t exchange gifts on Christmas Day, they do enjoy festive cakes—typically light sponge cakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream.
The Philippines: Maligayang Pasko! and the World’s Longest Christmas Season
If you think you love Christmas, wait until you hear about the Philippines. This country holds the record for the longest Christmas season, which starts as early as September (yes, you read that correctly!) and runs all the way until January. The excitement builds throughout the “ber” months (September, October, November, and December), and by the time December rolls around, the festive spirit is in full swing.
One of the most beautiful Filipino traditions is the Simbang Gabi, a series of nine pre-dawn masses leading up to Christmas Eve. Devotees wake up early and attend these services, often followed by enjoying sweet treats like bibingka (a rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple sticky rice) from local vendors.