Christmas traditions tend to bring visions of well-wrapped presents and Santa Claus for most of us, but across the globe, the festive season takes on vibrant local flavours.
So, let’s deck the halls with knowledge and explore some of the most delightful, funny and downright bizarre Christmas traditions around the world.
For more traditional festivities around the globe, read about how other countries and cultures do this is with our article: ‘Celebrating Christmas around the world’.
Germany: The birthplace of the Christmas tree
Germany boasts a treasure trove of Christmas traditions. They’re credited with starting the Christmas tree craze, decorating firs with ornaments and candles to symbolise hope and new life during the dark winter. Advent calendars, those tasty daily chocolate countdowns, also hail from Germany. The tradition began in Protestant families to mark the wait for Christmas.
France: Yule logs and 13 desserts
There are some great festive traditions in France that the Christmas.co.uk team can get on board with, starting with a Christmas Eve dinner at midnight. In some homes, this can be an extravagant meal including seafood, escargot and the Yule log-shaped cake called Buche de Noel. Though if we lived in Provence, we would be strong advocates of Les Trieze (13) desserts! It’s just like it sounds – the 13 desserts represent Jesus and the 12 disciples. Midnight Mass is still popular, and the nativity displays are on show until 2 February – that’s 40 days after Christmas!
Venezuela: Rollerblading to church
In Venezuela, attending Christmas mass early on Christmas Day takes on a whole new meaning. Rollerblading to church is a popular tradition in Caracas, creating a vibrant, festive spectacle. Fortunately, the police close the roads for safety reasons. Families also gather for a festive meal on Christmas Eve to enjoy traditional delicacies. There’s also a strong tradition to paint houses up to four weeks before Christmas Day so they look smart for the festivities.
Poland: An extra star for good luck
On Christmas Eve, Poles celebrate with a vigil meal called Wigilia, which is – except for fish – a strictly meat-free affair, focusing on sharing a meal of 12 traditional dishes. The number is symbolic of the 12 apostles. Poles also set a place for the Lord or a lost wanderer needing shelter and food. If you’ve not enjoyed one of these meals, then be aware that many families place hay underneath the tablecloth to encourage good luck. Also, no one eats until the first star appears and a special wafer which has been embossed with a nativity scene, called the ‘opłatek’, has been broken.
Estonia: Advent socks and a call for peace
In Estonia, some children have a different take on the advent calendar. Instead of opening a calendar, they leave a pair of socks on the windowsill every night and when they wake up there are sweets in them! Estonians have lots of traditions for most of December though everything slows down from midday on Christmas Eve when a peace declaration is made at Tallinn Town Hall.
Sweden: Enjoy the Yule Goat and a 1958 Disney film
Unsurprisingly, Sweden offers a unique blend of charming and peculiar Christmas traditions. One of the most distinctive is to light a candle every Sunday in the run up to Christmas. There’s also the Yule Goat, a giant straw figure erected in public spaces, which has become a notorious target for arsonists. There’s also the traditional Christmas feast featuring herring for the first course and sliced meats for the second. One quirky aspect is the annual viewing of a Disney Christmas special, a much-loved ritual for many families. That’s when half of Sweden sits down for the 1958 opus starring Donald Duck called ‘From All of Us to All of You’. Don’t ask us why.
Belgium: Two Santas and Christmas markets
Traditions in Belgium vary depending on where you are – usually along the lines of which of the languages is spoken – either Dutch, French or German. Along with sharing their festive traditions in line with their nearest neighbours, the Belgians also have two Santas – Pere Noel and St Nicholas – some people celebrate St Nick visiting on December 6 with gifts of toys and sweets. Christmas Eve sees a lavish meal and bakes being enjoyed. Also, visiting Christmas markets in Belgium is popular to stock up on presents, food and decorations.
Denmark: Rice pudding with a hidden almond
Danish Christmas, or “Jul,” is a cherished family affair celebrated on Christmas Eve. There’s a big meal of roast duck or pork, accompanied by boiled potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy. After dinner, families gather around the decorated Christmas tree to sing carols – and dance, apparently. It’s worth noting that Christmas trees are a special event in Denmark – there are even special chartered trains to forests to cut your own and bring it back! However, the day’s highlight is the rice pudding dessert called risalamande which has a hidden almond. Whoever finds the almond is rewarded with a special gift.
Austria: Krampus, the anti-Santa
Nearly every home in Austria marks the start of Advent with wreaths and an advent calendar. December 4 is Barbaratag – which means cutting small twigs from a cherry tree and placing them in a vase – should the twig blossom by Christmas Eve then it’s a sign of good luck. In some Austrian areas, it also means that someone will get married in the following year. However, there’s also a darker celebration on December 6 when St Nicholas, along with his awful helper Krampus, punishes naughty children. The evening before isn’t much better either when people dress up as Krampus and scare people by making a lot of noise. Some of the outfits are very, very scary – so it’s a good idea to be always good, kids!
Hungary: Straw under the tablecloth
Hungarian Christmas traditions are steeped in family and religious customs. The most important day is Christmas Eve, when families gather to decorate the tree – which Christmas markets will sell from the beginning of December, but they aren’t decorated until the 24th! – and enjoy a festive meal of fish, stuffed cabbage, and a poppy seed pastry called beigli. Gift-giving takes place after the meal when children believe angels have decorated the tree in their absence. Families also sing carols and attending Midnight Mass is very popular. Some regions also have a tradition of people wrapping the trunks of fruit trees with straw for a bountiful harvest.
Czech Republic: Throwing shoes for a sign
Families often gather on Christmas Eve for a festive dinner featuring carp and potato salad, while children eagerly await the arrival of Ježíšek, the baby Jesus, who brings presents. The atmosphere is filled with superstition and divination, as people cast walnut shell boats or melt lead to predict the coming year. Baking traditional Christmas cookies, decorating the home, and attending midnight mass are also popular customs. After the family meal, there’s the slicing of an apple and if the core is star-shaped, the person will have good luck next year. However, the Czechs also have a unique tradition for young women looking for love. On Christmas Eve, they stand with their backs to the house and throw a shoe over their shoulder. If the shoe lands with the heel pointing towards the door, tradition says she’ll stay single for another year. But if the toe points toward the door, it’s supposed to be a sign that she’ll be married soon!
Luxembourg: Community burning of Christmas trees
Religious traditions are deeply ingrained, with many attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve followed by a festive meal. The country also transforms into a winter wonderland with lots of vibrant Christmas markets offering handicrafts, art and seasonal decorations. People also enjoy traditional dishes like black pudding with mashed potatoes and apple puree. One intriguing tradition involves the preservation of Christmas trees well into the new year. Luxembourgers often keep their trees decorated until the first week of January, when they are gathered for a communal bonfire known as the ‘Buergbrennen’.
Australia: Surfing Santas and a cold Christmas dinner
Forget a roast Christmas dinner when the temperature is approaching scorching. Expect cold lunches at the beach or garden, surfing Santas, and the popular community activity of ‘Carols by Candlelight’. We also like the idea of a second Christmas in July when Australians get to enjoy a cooler festive day of fun with roast dinners and decorations that people in the northern hemisphere enjoy. There’s also more of an effort to enjoy Boxing Day with families.
New Zealand: Santa in sandals and Pohutukawa trees
The warmer weather means enjoying the outdoors and rather than having pine trees at Christmas, the iconic Pohutukawa tree, adorned with vibrant red blooms, is often used. Also, when Santa is dishing out presents in New Zealand there’s no milk and cookie left out for him – instead he gets beer and pineapple chunks. The reindeer still get carrots, though. Santa is also depicted wearing sandals, rather than boots. Lots of Kiwis have a traditional British Christmas dinner of roast Turkey and sides with a seafood starter and pavlova for dessert.
Mexico: A nine-day search for shelter and lots of food
Mexican Christmas traditions are a vibrant blend of religious and culture. There’s the nine-day reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter, called Las Posadas. Participants carry candles and sing carols as they visit different homes, symbolising the biblical journey. Mexicans also enjoy Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread adorned with candied fruit and a tiny baby figurine hidden inside. Whoever finds the figurine is traditionally responsible for hosting a party on Candlemas Day (which is celebrated 40 days after Christmas). There’s a lot of celebrating with food – Christmas Eve (Noche Buena), posadas or holiday parties, bebidas which are festive drinks and a Christmas family feast called Comida de Navidad.
Philippines: Perhaps the world’s longest festive celebration
The Philippines celebrate what must be the world’s longest festive season which starts in September! There’s the ‘Simbang Gabi’, a nine-day series of dawn masses (with some starting at 4am) leading up to Christmas Day, rooted in Spanish colonial influence. Giant lanterns called parols – which symbolises the Star of Bethlehem – illuminate streets, and after midnight mass there’s a special Christmas Eve feast called Noche Buena, featuring dishes like ham and queso de bola (cheese balls). We also like the sound of exchanging secret gifts during ‘Manito-Manita’ which is part of the anticipation and joy of Christmas Day.
South Africa: Throw a boerewor on the braii
South Africans celebrate Christmas in a unique blend of traditional and local customs. Because it’s summer in the southern hemisphere, South Africans tend to enjoy a ‘braai’ which is a barbecue with grilled meats – a boerewors or spicey sausage is popular – and salads. Church going on Christmas Day is popular and for those not enjoying an outdoor braii, then the traditional meal is roast turkey or ham.
Brazil: Outdoor celebrations and a giant floating Christmas tree
Heavily influenced by its Portuguese heritage and tropical climate, Brazil celebrates with a lot of festive activities outdoors. When attending Midnight Mass, which is very popular, attendees dress up in light clothes to bring a tropical feel to the service; the Christmas dinner consists of rabanada (sweet bread), arroz natalino (Christmas rice which also has onion, raisins, garlic and nuts), and bacalhoada (codfish). Brazilians also enjoy Amigo Secreto (which means secret friend) which is much like the UK’s Secret Santa where people exchange their special gifts. For many people, one of the festive highlights is Rio de Janeiro’s gigantic floating Christmas tree on Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon which is covered with millions of lights.
Japan: KFC, cakes and stunning light shows
Most people have heard about Japan’s weird Christmas Day tradition of eating KFC, but what else does the country do? Basically, because there’s a lack of religious significance, it’s more of a cultural event resulting in some truly distinctive ideas such as couples having a romantic night out on Christmas Eve. Families enjoy strawberry cakes – these are fluffy, delicious creations and are a must-have at this time of year. The country also goes large creating stunning Christmas light displays.
USA: Pickle and popcorn decorations, plus drunk ‘Santa’
You’d think we’d know all about the festive celebrations in the USA, but apparently there are some quirks that might come as a surprise. Most Americans have a pickle as a Christmas tree ornament – it’s a tradition that no-one is sure how it started (though parts of Germany do something similar). Others have popcorn tree decorations. Why not? Then there’s the baffling obsession with eggnog (It’s traditionally made with cream, milk, egg yolks, sugar and whipped egg whites and is based on a 13th Century drink concocted by monks in the UK.) Head to San Francisco if you like the sound of Santarchy – you basically get dressed up as Santa and then get really, really drunk. This ‘tradition’ is now spreading to other US cities, including New York. Louisiana has hundreds of huge bonfires on Christmas Eve, while others enjoy ugly sweater contests or Polar Express pyjama parties (Yes, really). Plus, lots of American homes play host to huge inflatables from dancing reindeer and Santa for the festivities.
