Christmas holidays around the world? You might think you know what to expect, but nope, not everywhere celebrates the same way. From the solemn rituals of Kwanzaa in Africa to the festive parades of Las Posadas in Mexico, every culture has its own unique traditions.
In this article, we’ll explore how different countries around the world celebrate the Christmas holidays, highlighting the most special events, food, and customs that make them unique.
Let’s take a look at some of the fascinating traditions that make this time of year so meaningful around the world.
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Christmas Holidays Around The World
Saturnalia: Ancient Roman Festival
Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival celebrated between December 17 and 23. It honored the god Saturn. It began with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn and included public feasting and celebrations. As it was recalled, the traditional practices of social interaction were subdued during Saturnalia. So, masters served their slaves, and people could gamble.
Gift-giving was a common practice, with people exchanging small items or gag gifts known as sigillaria. A “King of the Saturnalia” was elected to preside over the festivities. It was considered to be ”the best of days” as it was named by the poet Catullus. It is interesting to note that many of the customs of Saturnalia were adopted in the celebration of Christmas when the Roman Empire transitioned to Christianity.
Today, Saturnalia is no longer celebrated, but its influence lives on in modern traditions. Some history fans and neopagan groups copy its ancient customs, like feasting, giving gifts, and switching roles, to connect with ancient Roman culture. Its spirit of joy and kindness can still be seen in holidays celebrated around the world.
Themadchopper, Antoine-François Callet, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Yule: Ancient Winter Solstice Rituals
Yule is a winter solstice celebration with roots in ancient Germanic and Norse cultures. It is observed around the time of the shortest day of the year, which often falls on December 21st. Traditionally, Yule involves feasting, lighting bonfires, and burning a Yule log to symbolize the return of the sun.
The celebration lasts for twelve days and includes rituals honoring nature and community. Many customs from Yule have shaped modern Christmas traditions, such as decorating with evergreens and gift-giving.
Today, Yule is still being celebrated through family gatherings, storytelling, and various rituals associated with renewal and the promise of longer days ahead particularly in places like Scandinavia, Germany, the United Kingdom, and other regions with Germanic and Norse heritage, as well as by modern Pagan communities and those celebrating the Winter Solstice globally.
Dongzhi Festival: Winter Solstice in China
The Dongzhi Festival also known as the Winter Solstice is celebrated in China in the middle of December, around December 21. It is celebrated to mark the shortest day and longest night of the year. It is an ancient holiday, that has been celebrated since the Han Dynasty. Families gather to pay respect to ancestors, worship heaven, and think about family and how to express their gratitude.
To a great extent, food is an important aspect of the Dongzhi Festival. In the north, people eat dumplings, believed to protect against frostbite. In the south, people consume tangyuan which are sweet rice balls to symbolize reunion.
Dongzhi is considered as important as the Chinese New Year. It emphasizes balance and the return of longer days ahead.
Las Posadas: Mexican Christmas Tradition
Las Posadas is a Mexican Christmas tradition that is held from December 16 to 24. This is a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before Jesus’ birth. Every evening, Mexican people gather for a procession where children dress as angels and shepherds. They visit different houses, sing songs, and ask for lodging. According to tradition, every home has to reject them until they get to the right home and they are welcomed in for a celebration.
Festivities include food, drinks, and breaking a star-shaped piñata symbolizing the seven deadly sins. Las Posadas contributes to uniting people and reflects on faith during this important time of year.
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You know piñatas, right? Those colorful, festive figures filled with candy? In Mexico, they are a big part of celebrations and date back over 400 years, when Spanish missionaries introduced them to align local traditions with Christian practices. In fact, the Christmas celebration in Mexico honored the birth of the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli, but the missionaries transformed it to focus on the birth of Christ.
During Christmas, piñatas get extra decorated, filled with treats like candy, fruits, and peanuts. Traditional piñatas often have seven points, representing the seven deadly sins. The tradition of breaking the piñata with a stick symbolizes overcoming temptation and showing faith in God.
Noche de las Velitas in Colombia
Colombians, mostly Christian, kick off the holiday season on December 7th with Noche de las Velitas, or Night of the Little Candles. It’s a dazzling celebration where millions of candles light up homes, windows, balconies, and parks. While candles and lanterns are traditionally used, today’s festivities also include creative decorations, electric lights, music, and fireworks.
Though the exact origin is unclear, the tradition started as a way to honor the Virgin Mary on the eve of December 8th, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. What began as a humble family tradition blossomed into a grand celebration, spreading joy in towns and cities across the country. Not only in Colombia, but also in Santa Fe, New Mexico, they have their own twist with the Christmas Eve Farolito Walk.
La Vigilia di Natale in Italy
La Vigilia di Natale, or Christmas Eve, is an important celebration in Italy. gather for a special dinner with several courses, including seafood, because of the tradition of fasting before the Christmas holidays. In Italian-American culture, this dinner is known as the Feast of the Seven Fishes because they serve seven different types of seafood.
The dinner is followed by attending midnight Mass, marking the birth of Jesus, and in some regions, families exchange gifts.
Midnight Mass in Rome
In many Western Christian customs, Midnight Mass marks the beginning of Christmas. This festive event, held on Christmas Eve, typically begins at midnight to usher in Christmas Day. It is a time for people to gather and celebrate the birth of Jesus.
The tradition of Midnight Mass in Rome has its origins in Eastern Christian customs and later spread to the West. In the late fourth century, a Roman pilgrim participated in a Christmas Eve service in Bethlehem on January 6th, according to the Eastern Christian calendar. Following a night vigil and a torchlight procession to Jerusalem, Pope Sixtus III helped establish the Midnight Mass tradition in the 5th century. Initially, the Pope played a central role in the service, but eventually, the practice was expanded, and now any priest can celebrate three Masses on Christmas Day.
Today, Midnight Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is much of a spectacle. The Mass is led by Pope Francis himself which draws many attendees and viewers worldwide. The service includes prayers, hymns, and a message of hope. This event represents the birth of Jesus and focuses on community and faith during Christmas.
Patrick Sweeney, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
La Befana, the Witch from Italy
According to legend, Befana, an old woman, flies around the country, filling children’s stockings with sweets and leaving gifts for the well-behaved ones. Like Santa, she follows the chimney routine but prefers local treats. Imagine an old witch soaring on her broomstick, delivering goodies to good Italian kids and coal to the naughty ones.
Befana’s witch-like figure is rooted in both ancient pagan traditions and Christian stories. The name “Befana” itself derives from Epiphany. According to the legend, Befana encountered the Wise Men but missed the opportunity to meet the baby Jesus. As a way to make amends, she delivers gifts to children on Epiphany Eve.
This blend of folklore has made Befana a cherished figure in Italian celebrations, with events like the Regata delle Befane boat race in Venice on January 6th, one of the most unique Christmas traditions around the world.
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St. Lucia Day in Scandinavia
St. Lucia Day is celebrated in Scandinavia on December 13, starting the festive Christmas holidays. The festival is named after St. Lucia, an early Christian martyr known for bringing food to those in need during a famine.
Traditions include a candlelit procession led by a girl chosen to represent St. Lucia, who wears a white gown and a crown made of candles. Handmaidens and boys dressed in white, follow her singing traditional songs.
Families like saffron buns called lussekatter and gingerbread cookies during this time. People arrange parties even in schools and communities preparing for the long dark nights that are common during winters.
Christmas Eve in Japan
December 24th is a special day for lovers in Japan. It’s like Valentine’s Day. Most couples will take their time to have dinner together, take a shower, and stroll around with lots of lights. The traditional Christmas cake, a sponge cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries, is a favorite Christmas Eve dessert in Japan.
Another unique tradition during Christmas holidays around the world, particularly in Japan, is having KFC dinner on Christmas Eve. This all started in the 1970s when KFC advertised itself as a holiday meal. Today, many families order KFC during Christmas time, making it one of the busiest days of the year for the fast-food chain.
Omisoka: Japan’s Year-End Celebration
Omisoka, Japan’s year-end celebration on December 31, involves family gatherings and rituals to welcome the new year. The Japanese clean their homes, prepare special foods like soba noodles, and visit shrines to pray for good fortune. Omisoka encourages reflection and renewal as the year ends.
Kwanzaa: Celebrating African Heritage
Kwanzaa is celebrated for one week starting from December 26th up to January 1st. It began in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Karenga to celebrate African heritage and unity among people of African descent. The name “Kwanzaa” comes from the Kiswahili phrase meaning “first fruits.”
Each day of Kwanzaa focuses on one of the Seven Principles, which are Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith). Celebrations include the use of the Kinara, sharing meals, and paying tribute to ancestors. It’s a time to talk about the values that foster togetherness and cultural pride.
Christmas Eve in China
Christmas Eve in China is celebrated with different traditions in larger cities. The holiday is known as Sheng Dan Jieh, meaning “Holy Birth Festival.”
A popular custom is giving apples on Christmas Eve. This derives from the phrase “Ping’an Ye,” which means “Peaceful Night” in Chinese. The word for apple, “píngguǒ,” sounds similar to “ping’an,” making apples a symbol of peace. Apples are also given by young people as gifts, they are wrapped in special colored papers.
While only a small percentage of the population is Christian, many enjoy the festive atmosphere, attending parties or dining out with friends. Midnight Mass is also a significant event for Christians celebrating this night.
While most of the Chinese population is not Christian, many like to celebrate, attend parties dine out with friends, and even attend Midnight Mass as part of the festive event.
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Ta Chiu: Renewal in Hong Kong
Ta Chiu is a festival in Hong Kong celebrated on the 27th of December. It can be summed up as a celebration of renewal and peace. People gather to honor their ancestors and deities and pray for the year ahead. An important ritual of the ceremony is the reading of the names of all members of the community, which is believed to ensure their well-being and remembrance.
On the occasion of the festival, people offer something to gods and often burn a paper horse with a list of names attached. The names are taken by the smoke up to the skies. Though not a tradition of Christmas celebration, Ta Chiu reflects themes of community and renewal just like the holiday spirit in Hong Kong where both Eastern and Western celebrations are upheld.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 8 each year. The “Immaculate Conception” refers to Mary’s conception of her mother, Saint Anne, and the belief that she conceived without original sin. Not to be confused with the conception of Jesus. It was formally defined as a dogma by Pope Pius IX in 1854.
This day is a Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics, meaning they are required to attend Mass unless excused for a serious reason. Some of the traditions are attending Mass, participating in processions, and getting together or gatherings. People like certain foods and celebrations of native culture and community festivities.
In Rome, the Pope commemorates the day by visiting the Column of the Immaculate Conception in Piazza di Spagna, offering prayers and floral tributes.
In other countries, including Italy and Spain, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a public holiday, celebrated with cultural and religious festivities.
FroyR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Epiphany: The Day of Kings
Epiphany or Three Kings Day is on the 6th of January. It depicts the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus and its revelation to the world. In many cultures, this day marks the end of the Christmas holiday season.
Traditions include baking a Kings’ Cake, where a figure of baby Jesus is hidden inside. The one who finds it is honored with hosting next year’s celebration. In Spain and Latin America, children receive gifts on this day.
In some places, families chalk their doors with blessings from the Magi. Epiphany focuses on hospitality and receiving Jesus as a gift to everyone.
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Photo by form PxHere
Other Important Christmas Holidays Around The World
Pickle in the Tree in Germany
In Germany, where the global Christmas tree tradition is said to have originated in the 16th century, there is a quirky custom that involves hiding a pickle ornament in the tree’s branches. The child who finds it receives an extra gift.
The origin of this pickle tradition is somewhat unclear. Some believe it began in Germany in the 19th century, with parents hiding a pickle ornament for children to find in exchange for an extra gift. Others claim it is tied to a legend of Saint Nicholas rescuing two boys who were trapped in a pickle barrel, though this story is likely an invention of later folklore.
Despite the mystery surrounding its origins, the pickle ornament tradition has become a fun and beloved holiday custom in many parts of the world. And really, who cares where it came from as long as there’s an extra gift?"
While Christmas holidays are widely celebrated around the world, other unique celebrations are unrelated to Christmas. Here are some interesting articles you may also be interested in reading:
- Celebrate Diwali 2025: The Festival of Lights
- When is Hanukkah 2025: Key Dates and Celebration Traditions
- Fun New Year’s Eve Activities and Celebration Ideas
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