Christmas in Different Countries: Global Traditions Explained

When you think of Christmas, what comes to your mind first?

Perhaps carefully wrapped gifts, a cozy dinner with roasted turkey, or a flaming Christmas pudding. These are the familiar images we all know. But around the world, Christmas takes on many unique and surprising forms. For those who want to explore how different cultures celebrate this festive season, here are some of the most unusual Christmas traditions in different countries from across the globe.

Europe: Where fairy tales still breathe within modern life

Our journey of discovery begins in Europe, a continent where Christmas traditions are preserved and retold like cherished fairy tales, each with its own unique story across nations.

United Kingdom: Family warmth and playful pantomimes

The British celebrate Christmas on December 24–25, focusing on family gatherings and festive reunions. The feast typically includes roast turkey, mince pies, and warm mulled wine. A special tradition is watching pantomime — interactive, humorous performances based on fairy tales.

Right after Christmas comes Boxing Day (December 26), a day for shopping, relaxing, and participating in sports events.

Iceland: Lessons of “Good and Naughty” from 13 quirky Santa figures

Icelandic children are visited by 13 Yule Lads from December 12 to 24 — one each night. They leave gifts in shoes placed on windowsills for well-behaved children and a rotten potato for naughty ones. Families enjoy smoked lamb and Laufabrauð (leaf bread).

This tradition humorously yet meaningfully teaches children about the consequences of their behavior.

Italy: Magic delivered by the broom of a kind-hearted witch

In Italy, children receive gifts later, on January 6. On Christmas Eve, families celebrate the “Feast of the Seven Fishes,” featuring dishes such as salted cod and pasta with clams.

Children eagerly await La Befana, a friendly witch who flies on a broomstick and arrives on the night of January 5, leaving gifts in stockings. Towns are decorated with nativity scenes (presepi) and Christmas markets.

Finland: Rediscovering sacred stillness at the home of Santa Claus

In the “homeland of Santa Claus,” Christmas (Joulu) is celebrated on December 24–25 in a peaceful atmosphere. Families begin with Joulusauna, a cleansing sauna, followed by a dinner of baked ham and salmon.

A moving tradition is lighting candles at the graves of loved ones. The stillness of winter and candlelight creates a deeply reflective Christmas.

Americas: A vibrant blend of indigenous, European, and festive influences

To see how this blend reaches a monumental scale and global cultural influence, there is no better example than the United States.

United States: A factory of miracles and traditions penned by Hollywood

Across the U.S., Christmas is filled with festive lights, parades, and community events. Many towns go all out, transforming streets and neighborhoods into winter wonderlands, and cities like New York and Chicago are famous for public displays such as the Rockefeller Center tree lighting and holiday window decorations. Seasonal meals often include roasted turkey or ham with assorted desserts. Families decorate trees, hang stockings, and gather for holiday feasts, while communities host Christmas markets, craft fairs, and tree-lighting ceremonies that bring people together in celebration.

Seasonal meals often include roasted turkey or ham with assorted desserts. Communities host Christmas markets, craft fairs, and tree-lighting ceremonies.

Mexico: “Las Posadas” — a nine-night street festival reenacting the search for shelter

From December 16 to 24, Mexico celebrates Las Posadas, reenactments of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families process through streets singing villancicos and end the night by breaking star-shaped piñatas filled with candy.

Traditional foods include tamales and warm ponche (fruit punch). This festival celebrates hospitality, sharing, and community connection.

Colombia: The city of candles and family games

Christmas in Colombia begins on December 7 with the Festival of Lights (Día de las Velitas), when millions of candles and lanterns are lit in honor of the Virgin Mary.

Families gather throughout December to play traditional games called Aguinaldos. Popular treats include buñuelos (cheese fritters) and sweet natilla custard.

Brazil: A celebration of the sea, fireworks, and a surfing “Papai Noel”

With summer weather, Christmas in Brazil becomes a massive outdoor celebration. After Christmas Eve dinner featuring pork or turkey, crowds gather on beaches like Copacabana for midnight fireworks.

Papai Noel often appears in summer attire, sometimes even surfing. The Amigo Secreto (Secret Santa) tradition is popular among friends and coworkers.

Asia: Where tradition meets modernity in unexpected ways

Here, Christmas is flexibly adapted and transformed, becoming a vibrant reflection of the intersection between local identity, rituals, and modern life rhythms. Let’s explore these unique expressions by embarking on a journey to Japan first – where the festive spirit is reshaped in unexpectedly distinctive ways.

Japan: When romance comes packaged as the “perfect combo”

Christmas in Japan is a holiday for couples. They enjoy romantic dinners, stroll under dazzling lights, and exchange gifts.

A must-have food is KFC fried chicken - often ordered a month in advance! This tradition began with a 1974 advertising campaign and has become a unique part of modern Japanese culture.

Philippines: The world’s longest and most joyful Christmas season

While the rest of the world rushes to prepare in December, Filipinos have been soaking in Christmas cheer since September. They don’t just celebrate Christmas - they live in it as an almost endless season. Imagine waking up at 4 a.m. to join crowds attending the Simbang Gabi mass, then realizing that joy and faith can glow brilliantly under tropical skies through the giant Parol lanterns hung across the streets.

India: “Bada Din” — the big day in a multicolored cultural feast

Christmas in India (December 25th), known as Bada Din (The Big Day), is celebrated as part of the country’s diverse cultural festivities. Instead of pine trees, people decorate mango or banana trees with lights and ornaments. In Goa, with its large Catholic community, traditional sweets like Bebinca are enjoyed alongside Christmas cake. The celebrations include concerts, dances, and participation from people of all faiths.

Vietnam: Where sacred rituals meet a youthful urban pulse

In Vietnam, Christmas (December 24th-25th) blends solemn religious rituals with vibrant street festivities. Churches hold Midnight Mass with nativity scenes, while streets fill with colorful lights and young people gathering, taking photos, and having fun. Christmas treats like cakes and sweets add to the youthful, modern holiday spirit.

Africa: A rhythm of joy and deep-rooted faith

To conclude our journey, let us arrive at our final destination – the African continent. Here, Christmas has a unique rhythm: it is not merely a holiday, but a polyphonic symphony of lively joy, profound gratitude, and enduring faith.

Ethiopia: “Ganna” — walking toward the light in pure white garments

Ethiopia celebrates Christmas (Ganna) on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. At dawn, people dress in traditional white Netela garments and gather at round churches for lengthy services. Afterward, families share spicy chicken stew (Doro Wat) and Injera bread. Without Santa Claus or sparkling trees, Ganna is a deeply spiritual celebration of faith and family reunion.

Ghana: Music, color, and creative recycled “Christmas trees”

In Ghana, Christmas is celebrated on December 24th-25th, marked by the warm flavors of traditional dishes: fragrant Fufu with rich meat stew and aromatic Jollof rice. The highlight of the festive season is the vibrant street festival atmosphere, where locals dress in bright Ankara outfits and create unique “Christmas trees” from colorful plastic buckets – a symbol of optimism and clever recycling.

South Africa: A summer braai feast and the song of the sea

Christmas in South Africa (December 24th-25th) takes place in the summertime. Families often hold a braai (barbecue) outdoors, grilling meats and boerewors sausages. A touching tradition is “Carols by the Sea” where thousands gather on beaches like Muizenberg on Christmas Eve, holding candles and singing carols under starlit skies with waves crashing nearby - a uniquely Southern Hemisphere Christmas experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Christmas first celebrated?

Christmas was first celebrated in Rome all the way back in 336 AD to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and was intended to replace previous pagan celebrations. In all the years since, Christmas has evolved to include both secular and religious customs from around the world.

How many countries recognize Christmas as a holiday?

About 160 of the world’s 197 countries recognize Christmas in some belov- from official national holidays to cultural and commercial celebrations.

What are some traditional Christmas foods around the world?

From classic Christmas pudding in the UK to roasted ham and eggnog in the U.S., traditional dishes vary widely. In Italy, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is iconic, while in Japan, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a giant bucket of KFC fried chicken.

Why do people exchange Christmas gifts?

Although Christmas traditions differ globally, one thing seems universal: giving and receiving gifts. The custom originally had religious meaning, honoring the gifts brought by the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus. Today, it has become a joyful part of the holiday spirit, symbolizing generosity and connection.

Today, gift-giving has evolved with new trends, such as the growing popularity of gift cards. Furthermore, this is also an occasion for brands to launch creative Christmas marketing campaigns, which blend meaningful storytelling with attractive promotions to engage customers. If you are looking for typical examples, you can explore some successful Christmas marketing campaigns.

Final Thoughts

In the end, though celebrated in many different ways around the world, Christmas ultimately centers on togetherness, shared joy, and meaningful moments with loved ones. We hope this journey has brought you not only new insights but also fresh inspiration to make your own Christmas season feel renewed and meaningful. Don’t forget to take advantage of the key business opportunities around Boxing Day (December 26) and the transition into the New Year. Wishing you a successful holiday season and an outstanding year of growth in 2026!