Christmas is celebrated across the globe with unique traditions that reflect the history, culture, and spirit of each region. From festive markets in Europe to colorful holiday displays in South America and the warm charm of Southeast Asia’s celebrations, the season brings joy and captivating traditions.
Let’s explore the holiday traditions of our destinations!
Christmas in Europe: a celebration of tradition
Austria and Germany: a world of Christmas markets and Krampus
These countries are famous for their charming Christmas markets, where visitors enjoy mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. Austria also has a darker tradition involving Krampus, a terrifying figure who punishes naughty children, often celebrated through parades featuring performers in elaborate costumes.
Another unique Austrian tradition is the Krampuslauf, a lively event originating in Salzburg, where locals dress as Krampus to race through the streets in a display of fearsome theatrics and community spirit.
Hungary, Czech Republic, and Poland: Waiting for “Mikulas”
In Hungary, Christmas is marked by a festive dinner with dishes like fish soup and stuffed cabbage, and children await Jézuska (Little Jesus) to bring gifts. A unique tradition is the Hungarian custom of “szaloncukor” – hanging colorful sugar-coated chocolates on the Christmas tree as a symbol of good fortune for the year ahead.
In the Czech Republic, families enjoy fish and potato salad on Christmas Eve, while Ježíšek (Baby Jesus) brings gifts, and Mikuláš visits on December 6th. A distinctive Czech tradition is the betlémy (nativity scenes) – handcrafted displays that are shown in homes and public spaces, often elaborately crafted from wood or clay.
Poland’s Christmas centers around the Wigilia feast with twelve dishes (representing the twelve apostles) and the exchange of gifts on Christmas Eve, often with children leaving shoes for Dzieciątko Jezus (Baby Jesus). A fascinating Polish custom is the pasterka – a midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, which is considered the most important church service of the year, often attended by families in their best clothes.
All three countries celebrate Mikuláš on December 6th and feature charming Christmas markets to kick off the season.
Top 5 Christmas Markets of Europe
- Christkindlmarkt – Vienna, Austria
- Christkindelsmärik – Strasbourg, France
- Old Town Square Christmas Market – Prague, Czech Republic
- Christmas Fair at Vörösmarty Square – Budapest, Hungary
- Schönbrunn Palace Christmas Market – Vienna, Austria
Scandinavian charm: Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden
In Scandinavia, Christmas embodies hygge, creating a cozy atmosphere with family and friends. People enjoy treats like pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies) and glögg (mulled wine), celebrating warmth and togetherness during the long winter nights.
In Denmark, families celebrate with warm gløgg and hearty meals featuring roast pork and caramelized potatoes. A unique tradition is the julefrokost (Christmas lunch), a festive meal that includes a variety of dishes such as pickled herring, liver pate, and Christmas ham.
Lapland – Home of Santa Claus
Finland, considered Santa Claus’ official home, sees children writing to Santa at the “Santa Claus Village” in Rovaniemi.
A unique Finnish tradition is the sauna on Christmas Eve. Families gather for a relaxing and symbolic cleansing ritual before the festive celebrations. Finnish Christmas meals often feature joulukinkku (Christmas ham), served with lanttulaatikko (rutabaga casserole) and rosolli (a beetroot salad).
The holiday season also includes the Joulupukki tradition, where Santa visits homes personally to give gifts, a custom that dates back to ancient Finnish folklore.
In Norway, the holiday season is marked by the tradition of Lucia on December 13. Children wear white robes and candles, honoring Saint Lucy. Another unique Norwegian tradition is the julebord, a festive Christmas feast that typically includes a variety of traditional dishes such as ribbe (roast pork belly), lutefisk (dried fish rehydrated in lye), and risengrynsgrøt (rice porridge).
Norwegians also celebrate Nisse, a mischievous Christmas elf who is said to live on farms and needs to be treated with kindness, or else he may play pranks.
Source: https://norwaywithpal.com/norway-travel-blog/what-is-a-nisse-christmas-norway/
Mediterranean joy: Greece, Italy, and Cyprus
In Greece and Cyprus, children sing kalanda (Christmas carols) on Christmas Eve, earning small gifts and treats. In Greece, people also celebrate the kallikantzaroi, mischievous goblins believed to cause trouble during the holiday season. Additionally, it is common to decorate a small wooden boat instead of a Christmas tree. This symbolizes the country’s deep connection to the sea. In Cyprus, families enjoy melomakarona, honey-soaked cookies spiced with orange and cloves, as a beloved holiday treat.
Italian Christmas is a gastronomic feast, with Panettone or Pandoro as dessert staples. The Italian holiday season also stretches to January 6 with La Befana, a witch-like figure who delivers presents to children. On Christmas Eve, many Italians celebrate La Vigilia, a grand feast featuring multiple seafood dishes, as they observe the tradition of fasting before the holiday.
Western European celebrations: Belgium, The Netherlands, and France
In Belgium and The Netherlands, Christmas festivities start early with Sinterklaas on December 5-6. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping for treats from Saint Nicholas. Belgium also enjoys seasonal treats like chocolate figurines and speculoos cookies.
In the Netherlands, Kerstdiner (Christmas dinner) often includes gourmetten, a fun tradition where families cook small pieces of meat and vegetables on a tabletop grill.
Iberian Christmas: Spain and Portugal
In Spain, traditional nativity scenes (belenes) are prominently displayed, and on January 6, Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day) is celebrated with parades and festivities as children eagerly await gifts from the Three Kings. In some regions, like Catalonia, it’s customary to include a Caga Tió (pooping log) in Christmas celebrations, where children “hit” the log to reveal small treats hidden inside.
Source: Caga Tió https://www.catalanwords.com/blogs/articles/tio-de-nadal-catalan-christmas-tradition-explained
In Portugal, families enjoy Bolo Rei, a fruit-filled cake, and children wait for Baby Jesus rather than Santa Claus to deliver gifts. On Christmas Eve, many Portuguese families gather for Consoada, a festive dinner often featuring bacalhau (salted cod), followed by opening presents after the meal.
Source: https://www.portugal-the-simple-life.com/post/bolo-rei-portuguese-christmas
Christmas traditions in Turkey
In Turkey, Christmas is primarily celebrated by the Christian minority, with church services and family gatherings. Traditional meals include lamb or turkey, along with desserts like baklava. While Santa Claus isn’t widely recognized, Noel Baba (Father Christmas) is known in some areas, especially in tourist regions.
Christmas in the LATAM countries = vibrant festivities
Argentina, Brazil, and Chile: Summer Christmas Cheer
Christmas falls in the heart of summer in South America, which means beach picnics and barbecues. In Argentina and Chile, fireworks light up the sky on Christmas Eve. Brazil mixes tropical flair with European traditions, often featuring massive Christmas trees, such as the floating tree in Rio de Janeiro. Rabanadas (a sweet bread similar to French toast) are a festive favorite.
Colombia and Peru: a celebration of light
Colombia’s Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) marks the start of Christmas on December 7, with streets glowing from thousands of candles.
In Peru, nativity scenes play a central role, and Christmas Eve dinner features roast turkey and tamales, followed by hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon.
Christmas in Asia: Southeast Asia’s warm celebrations
Though not traditionally Christian regions, Southeast Asia celebrates the festive spirit.
In the Philippines, Christmas kicks off with Simbang Gabi, a nine-day dawn mass starting on December 16. Cities like Manila feature dazzling parols (lanterns) and lively street celebrations.
In Vietnam, Christmas is more of a festive social event, with families enjoying banh mi (a popular Vietnamese sandwich), street food, and church services.
Christmas in Africa: Morocco’s unique blend
While Morocco is mainly a Muslim country, Christmas is observed by expat communities and tourists. Marrakech’s bustling souks transform, offering holiday-inspired goods, and some restaurants serve festive meals blending Moroccan flavors with traditional Christmas dishes.
Celebrations in coastal cities often include a fusion of beach and holiday-themed gatherings.
A season of global joy
From Austria’s haunting Krampus parades to Colombia’s sparkling candle displays, Christmas traditions highlight the incredible diversity of global cultures. While the decorations, foods, and customs may vary, the universal message of love, family, and giving remains at the heart of every celebration. Wherever you find yourself this holiday season, there’s magic waiting to be discovered
Merry Christmas, or as they say around the world:
Europe:
- Austria: Frohe Weihnachten
- Belgium: Zalig Kerstfeest
- Cyprus: Kala Christougenna
- Czech Republic: Veselé Vánoce
- Denmark: Glædelig Jul
- Finland: Hyvää Joulua
- Germany: Frohe Weihnachten
- Greece: Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kala Christougenna)
- Hungary: Boldog Karácsonyt
- Italy: Buon Natale
- Norway: God Jul
- Poland: Wesołych Świąt
- Portugal: Feliz Natal
- Spain: Feliz Navidad
- Sweden: God Jul
- The Netherlands: Vrolijk Kerstfeest
- Turkey: Mutlu Noeller
America:
- Argentina: Feliz Navidad
- Brazil: Feliz Natal
- Chile: Feliz Navidad
- Colombia: Feliz Navidad
- Peru: Feliz Navidad
Asia (Southeast Asia):
- Philippines: Maligayang Pasko
- Vietnam: Giáng Sinh Vui Vẻ
- Thailand: สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส (Suk San Wan Christmas)
Africa:
- Morocco: عيد ميلاد سعيد (Eid Milad Sa’id)