13 Unique Christmas Traditions Around The World

Imagine a world bathed in twinkling lights and filled with the warm glow of festive cheer, where the spirit of Christmas transcends borders and cultures to create a truly universal celebration. Christmas traditions around the world are as diverse and enchanting as the people who cherish them, each adding their unique touch to this beloved holiday. Have you ever dreamed of wandering through the bustling Christmas markets of Germany, savoring the rich flavors of mulled wine and gingerbread? Or perhaps lighting colorful lanterns in the vibrant streets of the Philippines, where joyous parades illuminate the night?

From ancient rituals passed down through generations to modern celebrations that blend tradition with innovation, these global festivities showcase the true essence of Christmas: unity, generosity, and pure joy. Join us on this delightful journey as we delve into the rich and varied Christmas traditions around the world, celebrating the myriad ways people create warmth, wonder, and lasting memories during this special time of year throughout this article of nationalparkshops’s team.

Christmas with KFC in Japan

Forget about carving the turkey during Christmas dinner, in Japan, the holiday custom involves enjoying “Finger Lickin’ Good” fried chicken!

In December 1974, the American fast-food chain KFC began marketing itself as the perfect spot for a Christmas meal. This clever advertising sparked a trend, making visits to KFC a key part of the holiday celebrations for many families since then. In fact, around 3.6 million families gather annually to share a KFC bucket. This tradition keeps KFC extremely busy in Japan throughout December, often requiring pre-orders weeks in advance.

Served in festive packaging, the experience of enjoying ‘Kentucky for Christmas’ from Colonel Sanders, who resembles Santa Claus, has become a unique Christmas ritual for Japanese families. However, visitors can enjoy it any time of year while in Japan (minus the festive bucket!). This is one of the interesting Christmas traditions around the world.

Eating raw whale and decomposed auks in Greenland

In Greenland, mattak and kiviak are regarded as special treats typically enjoyed during Christmas celebrations.

Mattak is the skin of a whale with some attached blubber, which is meant to be chewed, but many people end up swallowing it because it can be quite tough. It is said to have a taste similar to coconut. Kiviak consists of the raw flesh of auks, which are small birds found in the Arctic. The auks are placed inside sealskin and buried well before Christmas, then unearthed for consumption once they are significantly decomposed.

If that doesn’t appeal to you, barbecued caribou is usually available as an alternative.

Additionally, you can participate in the Christmas Eve custom of wearing traditional attire to church; for men, this includes a white anorak, chosen so hunters can camouflage themselves against the snow.

Other ways to celebrate the holidays in Greenland include children shouting for Santa at the beginning of December, as well as the chilling tradition of families sharing ghost stories on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Traditions Around The World: Decorating fir trees in Europe

Pagan Europeans brought a fir tree into their homes during the winter solstice. They commonly practiced tree worship and would embellish a living outdoor tree with candles and ornaments representing the sun, moon, and stars on the tree of life. In Scandinavia, people adorned their homes and barns with greenery for the New Year to protect against evil spirits. Evergreens, symbolizing eternal life, allowed Europeans to envision the upcoming spring.

It is unclear when exactly Christians started using fir trees as Christmas trees, but the cities of Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia both claim to have the earliest recorded instance of a public tree used during Christmas and New Year festivities.

Hanging Advent calendars in Germany

Advent, a term originating from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming,” is the season that starts four Sundays before Christmas. In the 19th century, German Protestants would mark the days leading up to Christmas by drawing 24 chalk lines on a door and erasing one each day in December. In the early 20th century, paper Advent calendars gained popularity in Germany.

Gerhard Lang is believed to have been the first to produce these calendars on a large scale, inspired by a calendar his mother had created for him during his childhood. He then developed the concept of cardboard calendars featuring doors that could be opened. These became commercially successful, but chocolate-filled Advent calendars did not appear until the late 1950s. Nowadays, in many European towns and cities, you can find large Advent calendars displayed on building exteriors. This is considered one of the Christmas traditions around the world that impresses people.

Celebrate Christmas on January 7 in Ethiopia

The Christmas narrative explains that three wise men, also known as magi or kings, traveled from the East, following a miraculous star to Bethlehem, to honor the newborn Jesus. It is commonly believed that these magi originated from Asia, Europe, and Ethiopia. Several Ethiopians hold the belief that all three wise men (some claim there were twelve) were actually from Ethiopia.

Ethiopians observe the Julian calendar, which results in their celebration of Christmas, called Ganna or Genna, on January 7. People typically wear white clothing, with many opting for the traditional netela – a lightweight white cotton shawl featuring colorful stripes at the ends. When worn like a toga or shawl, it gives those who wear it a regal appearance. This is one of the unique Christmas traditions around the world in January.

Giving poinsettias in Mexico

Poinsettias are winter-blooming plants native to Central America, particularly in the southern regions of Mexico, including Taxco del Alarcon and Oaxaca. According to a Mexican legend, a girl arrived at a Christmas Eve service with only a handful of weeds to present to the baby Jesus. When she knelt down to place her offering by the nativity scene, the weeds transformed into vibrant red flowers. Since that moment, these flowers, whose leaves resemble the star of Bethlehem, have been referred to as Flores de Noche Buena, translating to Flowers of the Holy Night, and they have become closely associated with the Christmas season.

Shoes by the Fire in The Netherlands

Each year, in the moments before December 25th, kids in the Netherlands excitedly position their shoes near the fireplace, hoping that Sinterklaas will fill them with little presents and goodies overnight. It has been customary to leave carrots in the shoes for Sinterklaas’ loyal horse, Amerigo, who is white.

In the past, misbehaving children would find a potato instead of gifts, but using potatoes as a form of punishment is now seen as an outdated method of instilling fear. Do you find this to be one of the cool Christmas traditions around the world?

The Alternative Christmas Tree in New Zealand

Not all Christmas trees are the same. In New Zealand, the pōhutukawa is highly valued for its twisted roots and vibrant red blossoms.

Austrian geologist Ferdinand von Hochstetter was the first to document the pōhutukawa tree in 1867, noting that locals adorned their churches and homes with its colorful branches during Christmas.

Currently, the pōhutukawa tree has become an iconic representation of Christmas in New Zealand, appearing on holiday cards, ornaments, and in the carols sung by children at school. This is also considered one of the Christmas traditions around the world that many of you may not pay attention to.

Christmas Capital of the Philippines

If you believe the U.S. takes Christmas decorations seriously, you need to observe the Philippines’ celebration. Annually, San Fernando hosts the Ligligan Parul, also known as the Giant Lantern Festival, showcasing stunning parols that represent the Star of Bethlehem. Each parol is made up of thousands of twinkling lights that brighten up the night. This festival has earned San Fernando the title of the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”.

Christmas Traditions Around The World: Midnight mass in Rome

Many theologians think that the practice known as midnight mass began with pilgrims in what is now Israel. In the late 4th century, a Roman pilgrim participated in a vigil with a group of Christians in Bethlehem on January 5, which is Christmas Eve according to Eastern tradition. This vigil was followed by a procession with torches to Jerusalem, ending with a gathering at dawn. When the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was constructed in the 5th century, Pope Sixtus III established the custom of holding midnight mass on Christmas Eve in its chapel, a tradition that has since been adopted by numerous Christian nations around the world.

Sandy Christmas traditions in Australia

Because of the warm climate in Australia at Christmas, people go to the beach! Family and friends gather for food and drinks at a barbecue, often referred to as a ‘Barbie,’ and enjoy playing cricket. It’s not unusual to spot Santa taking a quick surf in the ocean! That’s why in Australia, at Christmas, people often learn it as Sandy Christmas. This is also one of the Christmas traditions around the world that many people are interested in.

Stockings and more in UK

In the UK, children traditionally look forward to Santa’s arrival by placing treats beside the fireplace on Christmas Eve, typically leaving mince pies and a drink for Santa along with a carrot for the reindeer. On Christmas morning, they hurry down the stairs to check for gifts in their stockings. Families then come together to enjoy a festive meal featuring turkey and roasted vegetables while pulling crackers that contain jokes, paper hats, and other surprises. After gathering around the TV to watch the Queen’s Speech, many families in the UK conclude Christmas Day by enjoying holiday treats and dozing off while watching a Christmas movie. This is one of the popular Christmas traditions around the world that is practiced in many places.

 

Belfana the Witch in Italy

In Italy, the focus shifts from Santa Claus and December 25th to January 5th, when the real celebrations occur.

Folklore tells of a kind elderly woman named Belfana who travels across Italy, filling children’s stockings with sweets and leaving gifts for those who have behaved well. Similar to Santa Claus, Belfana ascends through the chimney and finds treats left out by the children, usually wine and regional specialties.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our delightful exploration of Christmas traditions around the world, it’s heartwarming to see how this festive season brings people together in such unique and beautiful ways. These diverse customs not only highlight our differences but also showcase the shared values of love, generosity, and togetherness that transcend borders. Whether you’ve been inspired to try a new tradition, learned something fascinating about another culture, or simply enjoyed the stories of holiday cheer from afar, we hope this journey has added a touch of magic to your own Christmas celebrations. Thank you for joining us in celebrating the wonderful variety of Christmas traditions around the world. May your holiday season be filled with joy, warmth, and memorable moments that connect us all.

FAQs

What is the most popular Christmas traditions around the world?

Among the numerous Christmas customs observed globally, a unifying aspect is the gathering for a communal meal. Gather with loved ones to savor a delightful feast, creating memories and contemplating the past year. These are popular Christmas traditions around the world.

What country celebrates Christmas the longest?

Christmas celebrations in the Philippines are heavily shaped by Catholicism, with origins linked to Spanish colonialism from 1521 to 1898. Today, the Philippines boasts the longest Christmas season festivities globally, starting on September 1.

What country banned Christmas for 400 years?

Scotland offers many activities during the winter, and numerous Scots enjoy embracing the holiday cheer. However, it might surprise you that Christmas was prohibited in Scotland for nearly four hundred years. Before the Reformation in 1560, Christmas was celebrated as a day of religious feasting in Scotland.