Christmas Around the World: A Celebration of Joy and Traditions
Christmas is a magical time of year, filled with unique traditions, foods, and fun all over the globe! While many people know about Santa, stockings, and candy canes, there are so many ways to celebrate this festive season that make each country’s traditions unique. Let’s take a trip around the world and see how Christmas is celebrated in different countries—you might find some new holiday inspiration!
Europe: Explore Global Christmas Traditions in Markets and Foods
In Germany, Christmas markets pop up in almost every town. These markets are full of twinkling lights, booths selling gingerbread, and warm mugs of hot chocolate. Families walk through, picking up gifts and enjoying snacks like stollen (a sweet bread with fruit) and gingerbread.
In Italy, the holidays wouldn’t be complete without a Nativity scene, a detailed display of the birth of Jesus. Italians also have a unique friend named La Befana, a Christmas witch who visits children and brings candy for those who have been good. Many Italian families also enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes, where everyone gathers to eat seven different seafood dishes!
In France, Christmas means enjoying the delicious bûche de Noël, a cake shaped like a Yule log. And if you’re in certain parts of France, you might see kids celebrating St. Nicholas Day, where good children are rewarded with treats!

The Americas: Santa and Skating to Church!
The United States has many familiar holiday traditions: Santa Claus, Christmas lights, and cozy gatherings. However, each family might have its way of making Christmas unique, whether it’s through cooking family recipes, decorating cookies, or watching holiday movies.
In Mexico, Christmas is celebrated with colorful parties called Las Posadas, which reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey. Families break piñatas filled with candy and treats, and later, they celebrate Three Kings’ Day, where children get one more round of gifts!
Meanwhile, in Brazil, Santa might show up on a boat! Since Christmas falls in summer, many families head to the beach and watch fireworks light up the sky.
One of the most fun traditions is in Venezuela, where people in Caracas skate to church on Christmas morning! Imagine the streets filled with people on roller skates, enjoying the holiday spirit.
Africa: Summer BBQs and Traditional Feasts
In South Africa, it’s summertime in December, so Christmas often means backyard barbecues called braais. Families grill meat, sing carols and enjoy the warm weather together.
In Ethiopia, Christmas, known as Ganna, is celebrated on January 7. People attend church dressed in white, and after the service, they enjoy a big family feast. There are even games that people play together to celebrate the day!
In Ghana, Christmas means colorful parades, joyful dancing, and festive drumming. Families dress up in their best clothes and gather at church to celebrate together.
Asia: Lanterns, Lights, and Long Celebrations
In the Philippines, Christmas starts early—as in September! Families decorate with parols and beautiful star-shaped lanterns and attend Mass nine nights before Christmas Day. It’s one of the longest holiday seasons in the world!

In Japan, many people celebrate Christmas with bright lights and a special meal from KFC! Yes, fried chicken has become a Christmas tradition, with families lining up for their holiday meal.
In India, Christmas traditions include Midnight Mass and decorating homes with lanterns. The celebrations in states like Goa and Kerala blend Christian and local traditions, making for a colorful holiday season!
Oceania Celebrates Global Christmas Traditions on the Beach
Down in Australia, it’s Christmas in the sun! Many families head to the beach for a barbecue and enjoy Christmas lunch outdoors. Santa might even arrive on a surfboard! With warm weather and sunshine, it’s the perfect time for a summer celebration.

In New Zealand, families gather for big lunches and enjoy time together. There’s even a special Christmas tree called the Pōhutukawa, with bright red flowers that bloom around Christmastime, adding to the festive spirit.
Christmas Around the World: Different, Yet the Same
No matter where you go, Christmas brings people together to share joy, kindness, and love. Whether it’s fireworks in Brazil, lanterns in the Philippines, or cozy market strolls in Germany, each country has its way of making the season unique. The variety of global Christmas traditions shows us that while foods, activities, and weather might differ, the spirit of Christmas is the same everywhere.
This holiday season, maybe you’ll try a new tradition from another part of the world! You might find a new favorite way to celebrate. Happy holidays—and merry Christmas from around the world! Joy, kindness, and love. Whether it’s fireworks in Brazil, lanterns in the Philippines, or cozy market strolls in Germany, each country has its way of making the season unique. And while the foods, activities, and weather might differ, Christmas is when people come together to celebrate.
This holiday season, maybe you’ll try a new tradition from another part of the world! You might find a new favorite way to celebrate. Happy holidays – and merry Christmas from around the world!