Christmas Around the World: Celebrating the Season with Unique Traditions

Apollo Imperium
Dec 24, 2024
8 min read

Updated: Jan 31

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.

On Christmas Eve, families gather for Noche Buena, a grand feast that can include lechon (roast pig), spaghetti, ham, and an array of desserts. And the decorations? Expect to see parols, star-shaped lanterns made of bamboo and paper, lighting up homes and streets as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem.

Iceland: Gleðileg Jól! and the Mischievous Yule Lads

Icelandic Christmas comes with a twist of folklore that’s equal parts charming and a little spooky. Instead of one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads, each with their own mischievous personality. Starting 13 days before Christmas, one Yule Lad visits children each night, leaving gifts in their shoes if they’ve been good or a raw potato if they haven’t. These characters have names like Spoon-Licker and Window-Peeper, so you can imagine the fun that comes with telling these stories.

Another unique tradition is the Jólabókaflóð, or “Christmas Book Flood,” which is as dreamy as it sounds for book lovers like us. On Christmas Eve, families exchange books and spend the night reading and sipping on hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to welcome Christmas Day, wrapped up in stories and warmth.

And let’s not forget the Icelandic Christmas feast, which often includes smoked lamb, fermented shark (for the brave!), and traditional leaf bread called laufabrauð.

Venezuela: Feliz Navidad! and Roller-Skating to Mass

Venezuela’s Christmas celebrations are full of life, music, and community. One of the most unique traditions happens in the capital city, Caracas, where people roller-skate to early morning mass during the week leading up to Christmas. Yes, you read that right—whole streets are closed to cars so families can skate to church together. It’s fun, festive, and a great way to kickstart the holiday spirit.

Another highlight of a Venezuelan Christmas is the food, with hallacas taking center stage. These delicious bundles are made of corn dough stuffed with a mix of meats, raisins, olives, and capers, all wrapped in plantain leaves and steamed. They’re often made as a family, turning the preparation into a celebration in itself.

The main festivities culminate on Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, with a feast and the exchange of gifts. The night is filled with music, especially the lively beats of gaitas, a traditional Venezuelan folk music that adds a special rhythm to the celebrations.

Finland: Hyvää Joulua! and the Home of Santa Claus

Let’s journey up to the snowy wonderland of Finland, which proudly claims to be the home of Santa Claus himself. And honestly, if you’ve seen photos of Rovaniemi, located in the Arctic Circle, it’s hard to argue otherwise. Visitors flock to Santa Claus Village to meet Santa, ride sleighs pulled by reindeer, and experience the ultimate winter wonderland.

Finnish Christmas traditions are steeped in warmth and simplicity. On Christmas Eve, many families visit saunas as a way to relax and cleanse before the holiday festivities. It’s a moment of peace and reflection before the celebrations begin. Later, families gather for a meal

that often includes ham, fish, and traditional rice porridge. A hidden almond in the porridge means good luck for the finder—talk about a fun, little surprise!

In Finland, it’s also common to visit the graves of loved ones and light candles, creating a serene and beautiful scene of flickering lights in the snow.

Australia: Merry Christmas! in the Sun and Surf

While many of us picture Christmas as a snowy affair, down under in Australia, December means sunshine, beaches, and BBQs. Christmas falls right in the middle of summer, so it’s not unusual to celebrate with a picnic by the beach or a backyard gathering filled with fresh seafood, grilled meats, and pavlova—a delicious meringue dessert topped with fruit.

Carols by Candlelight is a beloved Australian tradition, where communities gather in parks and outdoor venues to sing Christmas carols by the soft glow of candlelight. And of course, Santa sometimes makes his appearance not on a sleigh, but on a surfboard or in a boat, waving to the crowd in true Aussie fashion.

Sweden: God Jul! and the St. Lucia Festival

In Sweden, Christmas festivities kick off early with the St. Lucia Festival on December 13th. St. Lucia is celebrated as a symbol of light in the darkest part of the year. Girls dress in white gowns with red sashes and wear crowns of candles as they sing traditional songs, filling the room with a warm, peaceful glow.

On Christmas Eve, Swedish families gather for a feast known as Julbord, which includes dishes like pickled herring, meatballs, ham, and Janssons frestelse (a creamy potato dish). And let’s not forget the glögg, a spiced mulled wine that’s perfect for keeping the chill at bay.

One quirky and beloved tradition? Watching the Disney special Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul (“Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas”). It’s aired every year at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and pretty much the entire country tunes in. It’s like Sweden’s cozy Christmas ritual, and we’re totally here for it.

The Magic of Christmas Around the Globe

And there you have it! From Italy’s Feast of the Seven Fishes to Japan’s unexpected love for KFC, the world’s Christmas celebrations are as diverse as they are heartwarming. Yet, no matter where or how it’s celebrated, Christmas is all about sharing love, hope, and joy. It’s a season that brings people together, whether they’re bundled up in the snowy north, skating to church in Caracas, or lounging on an Australian beach.

So, as you embrace your own traditions this holiday season, take a moment to think of how connected we all are in our celebrations. Whether it’s through food, music, or festive lights, the spirit of Christmas reminds us that joy is a universal language. Merry Christmas, my friends, wherever you are!

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