Christmas customs worldwide: The most beautiful and unusual Christmas traditions from over 20 countries

A tour through Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and Oceania –

from Father Frost to the flying Christmas witch.

Contents of this Article

1  Why Christmas is celebrated so differently worldwide

2  Christmas customs in Europe

3  Christmas customs in North and South America

4  Christmas customs in Asia

5  Christmas customs in Africa

6  Christmas customs in Australia and Oceania

7  The different faces of Santa Claus

8  Culinary Christmas traditions compared

9  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

10  Conclusion: One festival, a thousand faces

Christmas has a common origin: it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, making it essentially a Christian festival. Nevertheless, December 24th or 25th looks completely different from country to country. The reason for this is a mix of climate, pre-Christian winter customs, regional cuisine, colonial history, and sheer inventiveness. In Scandinavia, old Yule festivals merge with the Christian holiday; in Latin America, Catholic processions shape Advent; and in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated on the beach in mid-summer.

The symbolic figures also differ greatly: while in Germany Santa Claus and the Christ Child compete for the children's affection, elsewhere witches, trolls, grandfathers, or even 13 brothers bring the gifts. It is precisely this diversity that makes Christmas one of the most exciting festivals, once you look beyond your own plate – or rather: beyond your own roast goose.

Europe is the cradle of many Christmas traditions now known worldwide – from German Christmas markets to British Christmas crackers. Yet, even within the continent, customs vary enormously.

Scandinavia: Festivals of Light against the Darkness

Sweden  —  Lucia Festival and Julbord

On December 13th, Sweden celebrates the Lucia Festival: a young girl with a crown of candles in her hair, dressed in white, walks through the streets, accompanied by singing "star boys" and "elves." The custom dates back to Saint Lucia of Syracuse and is meant to bring light to the darkest time of the year. On Christmas Eve itself, the grand Julbord is served, a festive buffet with pickled herring, ham, Köttbullar, and Risgrynsgröt, a rice pudding in which a hidden almond promises good luck in the coming year to whoever finds it.

Norway  —  Shots against witches

In rural regions of Norway, it is still customary on Christmas Eve to fire a rifle into the air to ward off evil spirits and witches, who are said to be out and about on this night. The festive meal in many places includes Ribbe, crispy pork belly, or in Western Norway, Pinnekjøtt, steamed lamb ribs.

Finland  —  Home of Santa Claus

Finland claims to be the official home of Santa Claus: In Rovaniemi in Lapland, directly on the Arctic Circle, "Joulupukki" operates his own Santa Claus village, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Traditionally, the Finnish Santa Claus personally visits families on Christmas Eve and asks at the door: "Are there any well-behaved children here?"

Iceland  —  13 Santas and a monster cat

Instead of just one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13: the Jólasveinar, also called "Yule Lads." They are the sons of the troll Grýla and descend from the mountains individually every night starting December 12th. Each has a peculiarity – door-slammer, spoon-licker, or sausage-thief – and each places a small gift or, for bad behavior, a rotten potato in the children's shoes during the 13 nights before Christmas Eve. According to legend, those who haven't received new clothes by Christmas Eve must even beware of the giant Christmas cat Jólakötturinn, which supposedly targets poorly dressed children.

Central and Western Europe

United Kingdom  —  Christmas Crackers and Christmas Address

British Christmas dinner includes "Christmas Crackers": colorful cardboard tubes that pop when pulled open, containing paper crowns, small novelty items, and joke slips. Traditionally, everyone at the table wears a crown during the meal. At 3 PM on December 25th, the British monarch's Christmas address is broadcast on television, a fixed part of the program since the 1930s.

France  —  Réveillon and 13 Desserts

In France, the highlight is the multi-course feast "Réveillon de Noël" on the night of December 24th to 25th, often featuring oysters, foie gras, and the famous Bûche de Noël, a Yule log cake. In Provence, traditionally 13 different desserts are served, a number representing Jesus and the twelve apostles.

Italy  —  The Christmas Witch Befana

In Italy, besides Babbo Natale, La Befana also brings gifts: a friendly old witch who, on January 5th, the eve of Epiphany, flies down chimneys on her broom and places sweets in the stockings of well-behaved children, and sugar coal for naughty ones. The Presepe, the elaborately designed Nativity scene, which is lovingly set up in many families and churches, is also central.

Spain / Catalonia  —  The Caganer and the Christmas Log

In Catalan Nativity scenes, alongside Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus, there is an unusual figure: the Caganer, a small statue depicted defecating, symbolizing luck and fertility. Even more curious is the Tió de Nadal, a wooden "Christmas log" with a painted face: starting December 8th, it is fed daily and covered, until children "beat" it with sticks on Christmas Eve while singing a song, so it "excretes" sweets and small gifts.

Greece  —  Protection from the Kallikantzaroi

In Greece, legends about the Kallikantzaroi, goblin- or troll-like creatures who are said to emerge from the underworld to the surface during the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany and cause mischief, are widespread. Traditionally, a fire is kept burning in the fireplace to ward them off.

Eastern and Southeastern Europe

Poland — Wigilia and the First Star

In Poland, Christmas Eve, known as Wigilia, only begins with the appearance of the first star in the night sky – traditionally, the youngest child in the family looks out for it. At the richly set table, an additional, empty place is left for an unexpected guest, and straw is often scattered under the tablecloth, as a reminder of the Bethlehem manger. The meal traditionally includes twelve meatless dishes, including borscht with stuffed dumplings (Uszka) and carp.

Ukraine — The Lucky Spider in the Christmas Tree

Instead of sparkling tinsel, many Ukrainian households hang small artificial spiders and cobwebs in their Christmas trees. The custom dates back to an old legend, according to which a poor widow could not afford Christmas tree decorations – overnight, spiders wove glittering webs on the tree, which shimmered like silver and gold in the morning light. Since then, a spiderweb on Christmas morning has been considered a symbol of good luck, and the "Pauk", the Christmas spider, is an integral part of the decorations.

Russia — Father Frost and the Snowflake

In Russia and other Slavic countries, it is not Santa Claus but "Ded Moroz" (Father Frost) who brings gifts – accompanied by his granddaughter Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden. Since the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, Christmas itself is not celebrated until January 7th; gifts from Father Frost are traditionally given at New Year anyway.

Romania — Carol Singers and the Disguised Goat

In Romania, singing groups known as "Colindători" go from house to house, performing songs and well wishes, and receiving sweets or small monetary gifts in return. They are often accompanied by the "Capra", a figure dressed as a goat, who creates a lively atmosphere and a small scare for those being visited.

Hungary — The Luca Chair Against Witches

On December 13th, St. Lucy's Day ("Luca-Tag"), in rural regions of Hungary, people traditionally began building a small wooden chair, working on it only a little each day so that it was only finished on Christmas Eve. It was believed that whoever stood on this chair during Midnight Mass would be able to identify witches in the village.

USA — Elf on the Shelf and Rockefeller Tree

In many American households, a small elf figure, the "Elf on the Shelf," hides in a new spot each day to secretly observe if children are well-behaved and report back to Santa in the evening. Another major event is the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York, a tradition since 1931, which is broadcast live on television and watched by millions of viewers. Entire residential streets also engage in veritable competitions for the most elaborate light decorations.

Canada — Santa's Official Address

Canadian children can send their wish lists directly to an official address: "Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, Canada." Thousands of volunteers personally respond to the incoming mail each year.

Mexico — Posadas and the Night of the Radishes

In the nine days before Christmas (the "Las Posadas"), neighborhood groups go from house to house reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging, before celebrating together with music, food, and a piñata. In the city of Oaxaca, the curious "Noche de Rábanos" (Night of the Radishes) also takes place every year, where intricately carved figures made from radishes are exhibited.

Venezuela — Roller Skating to Early Mass

In Caracas, it is customary to roller skate to early morning mass in the days leading up to Christmas. In some neighborhoods, streets are even specifically closed to traffic so that worshippers can safely reach the church.

Peru & Andes Region — Diversity of Regional Customs

In Peru, Christmas customs vary greatly from region to region: in many places, the veneration of the "Niño Manuelito," the Christ Child, plays a central role, accompanied by colorful processions, traditional music, and elaborately decorated nativity scenes.

Japan — Fried Chicken Instead of Roast Goose

Christmas is not an official holiday in Japan, but it is celebrated festively – especially as a romantic festival for couples, similar to Valentine's Day. The notorious tradition of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Eve dates back to a 1974 advertising campaign with the slogan "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii" ("Kentucky for Christmas"). To this day, the chain records its highest annual sales on Christmas Eve, with many families even ordering their Christmas chicken weeks in advance.

Philippines — The Longest Christmas Season in the World

The Philippines celebrate perhaps the longest Christmas season in the world: as soon as the month name contains "-ber," i.e., from September onwards, Christmas carols can be heard in many places, and the festivities continue into January. The colorful "Parol" lanterns in the shape of stars, which hang on houses and streets, are a defining feature and originally symbolize the light over the manger in Bethlehem.

China — Peace Apples Instead of Stollen

Christmas is celebrated commercially and decoratively in China, especially in larger cities. The custom of giving apples to each other is widespread: the Chinese word for apple, píngguǒ, sounds similar to píng'ān, the word for peace – the fruit is therefore affectionately called "peace apple" and is often given as a gift in elaborate packaging.

India — Mango Trees Instead of Fir Trees

Since conifers are scarce in many parts of India, Christian families often decorate mango or banana trees with lights and garlands instead. In some states, such as Goa and Kerala, with larger Christian communities, Christmas is a particularly colorful festival with nativity plays and festive lighting.

South Korea — A Holiday with Its Own Character

Unlike many other Asian countries, December 25th is an official public holiday in South Korea. Christmas there is understood less as a religious festival and more as a joyful occasion for excursions, gifts, and festive lighting in the city centers.

Ethiopia — Genna on January 7th

The Ethiopian Orthodox Church follows its own calendar, which is why Christmas, called "Genna" there, is celebrated on January 7th. After a 43-day fast, believers in traditional white clothing attend hours-long church services, often starting in the early morning, followed by a communal feast with Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew.

Madagascar — Community Celebrations Throughout the Village

In Madagascar, Christmas is often celebrated as a communal village festival: colorful paper garlands decorate the houses, there is dancing, and traditional rice pancakes called "Mofo Gasy" are baked and shared with the entire neighborhood.

South Africa — Christmas in Mid-Summer

Since it is mid-summer in South Africa at Christmas, the festivities often move outdoors: communal barbecues ("Braai"), trips to the beach, and picnics in the garden are as much a part of the celebration for many families as the classic roast turkey at the dinner table.

Australia — Christmas on the Beach

Since Christmas in Australia falls during summer, many families spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the beach, often with a barbecue instead of a traditional feast. Since 1938, Melbourne has also had the tradition of "Carols by Candlelight": a communal carol singing outdoors by candlelight, which has now been emulated in many cities nationwide. In Sydney, a large "Christmas Parade" also winds through the city center.

New Zealand — The Red Christmas Tree of the Southern Hemisphere

The Pōhutukawa is considered the unofficial New Zealand Christmas tree, a tree that blooms in vibrant red in December, thus naturally bringing the classic Christmas color to the landscape.

Hardly any figure illustrates the cultural diversity of Christmas as clearly as the gift-bringer himself. While in Germany, Weihnachtsmann (Santa Claus) and Christkind (Christ Child) coexist, virtually every culture has developed its own version:

•      Iceland: 13 Jólasveinar (Yule Lads), sons of the troll Grýla

•      Russia: Ded Moros (Father Frost) with his granddaughter Snegurochka

•      Italy: Babbo Natale and the witch La Befana on January 5th

•      Finland: Joulupukki from Rovaniemi in Lapland

•      France: Père Noël

•      Netherlands: Sinterklaas, who brings gifts as early as December 5th/6th

•      Spain: the Three Kings (Reyes Magos) on January 6th

Few things reveal as much about a culture as its festive meals. A small culinary journey around the globe:

•      Germany: Roast goose or duck, red cabbage, dumplings, Christstollen, and cookies

•      Sweden: Julbord with pickled herring, ham, and rice pudding with a hidden almond

•      United Kingdom: Turkey, Christmas Pudding, and Mince Pies

•      Japan: KFC fried chicken and Christmas strawberry cake (Kurisumasu Keeki)

•      Poland: Twelve meatless dishes, including carp and borscht with pierogi

•      Ethiopia: Doro Wat, a spicy chicken stew, after the fasting period

•      Venezuela: Hallacas, corn dough pockets steamed in banana leaves

•      Australia: Barbecued meat and seafood instead of a warm feast

❓ Which country has the longest Christmas season in the world?

The Philippines are considered the country with the longest Christmas season worldwide, with celebrations from September to January.

❓ Why do people eat KFC in Japan at Christmas?

The custom originated from a successful advertising campaign by the fast-food chain in 1974, which promoted fried chicken as a substitute for turkey roast, uncommon in Japan. It has since developed into a firm tradition.

❓ Who brings the gifts in Iceland?

In Iceland, it's not one, but 13 Santas, the Jólasveinar, who descend from the mountains one after another in the 13 nights before Christmas Eve.

❓ What's the deal with the spider on the Ukrainian Christmas tree?

It stems from a legend about a poor widow whose tree was adorned overnight by spiders with glittering webs. A spiderweb on Christmas morning has since been considered a symbol of good luck.

❓ Who is Ded Moros?

Ded Moros, "Father Frost," is the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus, widespread in many Slavic countries. He is usually accompanied by his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden Snegurochka.

❓ Why do Orthodox churches celebrate Christmas in January?

Orthodox churches, such as the Russian or Ethiopian, follow the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar, which means their Christmas falls on January 7th of the Gregorian calendar.

❓ What is a Caganer?

The Caganer is a small, humorous figure in Catalan nativity scenes, depicted defecating, and traditionally symbolizes good luck and fertility.

❓ Why do some countries celebrate Christmas in summer?

In the Southern Hemisphere, for example, in Australia, New Zealand, or parts of South Africa, December 25th falls in the middle of summer. The holiday is therefore often celebrated outdoors, at the beach, or with a barbecue.

Whether it's 13 Icelandic Yule Lads, a flying witch in Italy, fried chicken in Japan, or a beach barbecue in Australia: Christmas around the world shows how differently people translate the same message of light, family, and community into their own culture. It is precisely this richness of facets that makes the Advent season so special – and provides new topics of conversation for the Christmas dinner table every year.

Which of these customs surprised you the most? Perhaps one or two traditions can be wonderfully integrated into your own Christmas celebration – even if it's just a little lucky spider in the Christmas tree.