From roller skating to Mass to fried chicken dinners, here are some interesting and unique Christmas traditions from around the world. With Christmas traditions from countries as diverse as Italy and Germany to Venezuela and Japan.
23 Christmas Traditions Around The World
1. La Befana – Italy
In Italy, La Befana is a kind-hearted witch who delivers gifts and sweets to children on January 6th, Epiphany Eve. This tradition has its roots in Italian folklore.
2. St. Lucia’s Day – Scandinavia
Celebrated on December 13th in Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, St. Lucia’s Day honours the martyr St. Lucia. Young girls dress in white and wear a crown of candles while serving sweet treats to family members.
3. Tió de Nadal / Caga Tió – Catalonia
A unique tradition in Catalonia, Spain, involves a wooden log called “Caga Tió” or “Tió de Nadal.” In the days leading up to Christmas, children “feed” the log and cover it with a blanket to keep it warm. On Christmas Eve, they hit the log with sticks while singing traditional songs, and the log “releases” small treats and gifts.
4. Feast of the Seven Fishes – Italian American
This Italian-American tradition involves a Christmas Eve meal consisting of seven different seafood dishes. It is believed to represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.
5. Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) – Spain and Latin America
In many Spanish-speaking countries, Three Kings’ Day is celebrated on January 6th to honour the three wise men who brought gifts to baby Jesus. Children often receive gifts on this day, and parades and festivities take place in many cities.
6. Midnight Mass – All Over The World
In various Christian denominations, attending a midnight church service on Christmas Eve is a significant tradition. This service commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is often accompanied by candlelight, carol singing, and scripture readings.
7. Julbord – Sweden
In Sweden, a traditional Christmas meal called Julbord is enjoyed. It is a festive buffet featuring various dishes such as pickled herring, smoked salmon, meatballs, ham, and sausages.
8. Christmas Markets – Europe
In many European countries, Christmas markets are a popular tradition. These markets offer festive food, drink, and handmade crafts, and provide an opportunity for people to gather, socialize, and celebrate the season.
9. Sviata Vecheria – Ukraine
In Ukraine, a traditional Christmas Eve meal called Sviata Vecheria features 12 meatless dishes, representing the 12 apostles. The meal begins when the first star appears in the sky and often includes dishes such as borscht, varenyky (dumplings), and kutia (a sweet grain pudding).
10. Gavotte des Bergers – France
In the Provence region of France, the Gavotte des Bergers is a traditional dance performed during Christmas celebrations. Dancers, dressed as shepherds and shepherdesses, perform the dance to the accompaniment of flutes and drums.
11. Krampus – Central Europe
In some parts of Austria, Germany, and other Central European countries, the folklore figure Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas during the Christmas season. Krampus, a horned creature, is said to punish misbehaving children, in contrast to St. Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved children with gifts.
12. Trafka – Poland
In Poland, a traditional Christmas Eve custom called Trafka involves exchanging small, edible wafers with family members and friends. Each person breaks off a piece of the other’s wafer while exchanging wishes for the coming year.
13. Las Posadas – Mexico
In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, Las Posadas is a Christmas tradition that reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph in search of shelter. The celebration takes place from December 16th to the 24th and involves processions, singing, and the breaking of piñatas.
14. Jólabókaflóð – Iceland
In Iceland, a unique Christmas tradition called Jólabókaflóð, or “Yule Book Flood,” involves exchanging books as gifts on Christmas Eve. People then spend the evening reading their new books in bed, often accompanied by a warm beverage.
15. Christmas Day Swim – UK and Ireland
In Ireland, the United Kingdom, and some other countries, brave swimmers participate in an annual Christmas Day swim. They plunge into the chilly waters of the sea, lakes, or rivers to raise money for charity and celebrate the festive season.
16. Kūčios – Lithuania
In Lithuania, Kūčios is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner. The meal consists of 12 dishes, one for each apostle, and is strictly meatless and dairy-free. The table is set with hay or straw under the tablecloth to symbolise Jesus’ birth in a stable. An extra place is set for a deceased family member or an unexpected guest.
17. Parols – Philipines
In the Philippines, colorful star-shaped lanterns called parols are a significant part of Christmas celebrations. The lanterns, traditionally made from bamboo and paper, symbolise the Star of Bethlehem that guided the three wise men to the birthplace of Jesus. Parols are hung outside homes and along streets, illuminating the surroundings with a festive glow.
18. Fried Chicken Dinner – Japan
In Japan, a unique modern tradition has emerged – having fried chicken for Christmas dinner, primarily from the fast-food chain KFC. The tradition began in the 1970s when KFC ran a successful marketing campaign called “Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii” or “Kentucky for Christmas.” As a result, it has become customary for many people in Japan to enjoy a KFC meal during the holiday season.
19. Christmas Light Displays – USA / Canada
In the United States, Canada, and other countries, a popular Christmas tradition involves decorating homes and yards with elaborate Christmas light displays. Neighbours often compete to create the most impressive display, and families drive around to admire the festive decorations.
20. Roller Skating to Mass – Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, it is customary for people to roller skate to early morning Mass during the week leading up to Christmas, known as “Misas de Aguinaldo.” Many roads in the city are closed to traffic to ensure the safety of skaters, and children often tie strings to their toes and dangle them out of their bedroom windows, so passing skaters can give them a playful tug.
21. Night of the Radishes – Mexico
In Oaxaca, Mexico, the “Noche de Rábanos” or “Night of the Radishes” is celebrated on December 23rd. This unique event features an exhibition of elaborate sculptures carved from large radishes. Artists compete to create the most impressive radish-based displays, which often depict nativity scenes, saints, and other religious or cultural themes.
22. Gävle Goat – Sweden
In Sweden, the town of Gävle erects a giant straw goat, known as the Gävle Goat, in the town’s main square to celebrate the Christmas season. While the tradition began in 1966, an unusual custom of attempting to burn down the goat has emerged, making the Gävle Goat famous for its frequent destruction.
23. Spider Webs on Christmas Trees – Ukraine
In Ukraine, it’s common to decorate Christmas trees with spider web ornaments. This tradition is based on an old folktale about a poor widow and her children who couldn’t afford to decorate their tree. On Christmas morning, they discovered that spiders had spun beautiful webs on the tree overnight, which turned into gold and silver when the sun shone on them, making the family’s fortune.
These examples are just a small glimpse of the diverse Christmas traditions around the world.
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