How Christmas is celebrated across the world: Traditions that will surprise you

How Christmas is celebrated across the world is one of the most fascinating stories of global culture and tradition - from people indulging in light-hearted pranks in Colombia to mysterious Yule Lads in Iceland.

Even in places where Christmas isn’t a religious holiday, people join in with lights, music, food, and festive cheer, showing that the season of joy takes countless creative forms.

In this article, we explore some of the most unique and memorable Christmas traditions around the world - proving that the magic of the holidays truly spans the globe!

1. Germany: Kids leave their shoes outside

One of the most iconic features of a German Christmas is the Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market. These open-air markets transform town squares into festive spaces filled with lights, handmade crafts, and seasonal foods such as roasted chestnuts and gingerbread.

German families observe Advent, counting down the weeks before Christmas with Advent calendars and wreaths.

On the evening of December 5th, German children clean and polish a shoe or boot and place it outside their bedroom door or by the front doorway before they go to bed. This isn’t for Santa Claus - but for Sankt Nikolaus (Saint Nicholas), a kind, gift-giving figure honored across Europe.

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According to tradition, Saint Nicholas visits during the night and fills the shoe with treats and small gifts if a child has been good - things like chocolates, nuts, mandarins, gingerbread, or little toys.

Well-behaved children find sweets and small surprises in their shoes in the morning. Children who haven’t been so good might find a bunch of twigs or a stick  instead - a playful reminder to be kind and helpful.

In some families and regions, children also leave a carrot or some hay in the shoe for Saint Nicholas’s horse as a token of thanks.

2. Japan: People eat KFC as a tradition

Speaking of Christmas celebrations around the world, in Japan, it is celebrated in a completely different way. Rather than a family-centered celebration, it is mostly a romantic get-together where couples often go out for dinner or exchange gifts on Christmas Eve.

One of the most unusual traditions is eating Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) for Christmas dinner. This custom became popular after a successful advertising campaign in the 1970s and is now a nationwide trend.

Cities across Japan are also famous for their dazzling winter illuminations, which attract visitors from around the country. Christmas Day itself is not a public holiday and is treated like a normal workday.

3. The Philippines: The country with the longest Christmas celebration

Did you know the Philippines is known for having the longest Christmas season? Well, celebrations in the country begin from as early as September and continues into January.

Christmas is deeply rooted in religion, with the majority of the population being Christian. One important tradition is simbang gabi, a series of nine early-morning church services leading up to Christmas Day.

Homes and streets are decorated with parol lanterns, which symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena, is celebrated with a large family feast featuring traditional Filipino dishes.

4. Colombia: People prank each other

Colombians kick-start the Christmas season early. On December 7, Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), families light candles and lanterns in windows and on streets to honor the Virgin Mary and welcome the season of lights.

Till December 24, they indulge in carol singing and prayers, and then comes the fun part - December 28 - when they celebrate El Día de los Santos Inocentes (Day of the Holy Innocents).

On this day, people play harmless pranks, and even some media outlets participate by publishing fictional stories or jokes to add to the fun. Much like April Fool’s Day, it’s a day for light-hearted practical jokes and playful mischief among friends and family.

5. Mexico: A vibrant public celebration

Christmas in Mexico features vibrant public celebrations and strong community involvement. A key tradition is Las Posadas, which takes place from December 16 to December 24. These nightly events reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter through singing, candlelit processions, and visits from house to house.

Festivities often include breaking pinatas, especially star-shaped ones that symbolize hope and faith. Traditional foods such as tamales, ponche (a warm fruit drink), and sweet breads are enjoyed during gatherings.

6. Iceland: Dark winters and legendary figures

Iceland’s Christmas traditions are heavily influenced by folklore and the country’s long, dark winters. Instead of one Santa Claus, Iceland has 13 Yule Lads, mischievous figures who visit children in the days leading up to Christmas.

Another legendary figure is the Yule Cat, which is said to eat children who do not receive new clothes for Christmas.

A beloved modern tradition is Jolabokaflod, or the “Christmas Book Flood,” where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve and read throughout the night. This reflects Iceland’s strong literary culture and emphasis on quiet, cozy celebrations during winter.

7. Australia: A summer Christmas like nowhere else

Christmas in Australia is unlike the snowy, winter scenes many people imagine - because it falls right in the middle of summer in the Southern Hemisphere! This means Australians enjoy warm weather, sunshine, and lots of outdoor festivities that give Christmas a distinctively sun‑soaked vibe!

People  spend Christmas Day at the beach, in parks, or backyard gatherings. Popular spots like Bondi Beach fill up with people picnicking, swimming, and playing games like beach cricket in Santa hats.

Families may also go on harbor cruises or explore outdoor activities while celebrating the holiday in the sun.

How is Christmas celebrated in different countries? (more countries listed!)

Christmas celebrations vary greatly around the world, blending religious traditions, local customs, and cultural creativity. In many countries, Christmas is a time for family gatherings, special meals, decorations, church services, and gift‑giving, but the way these are done can be very different from place to place.

In addition to the above-mentioned countries, other nations add their own twist too: Poland’s Christmas Eve dinner includes traditional rituals and special foods and Ethiopia celebrates Christmas (called Genna) on January  7 with church processions.

How do people celebrate Christmas around the world?

People celebrate Christmas in many different ways across the world, reflecting their cultural, religious, and historical traditions. In most countries where Christmas is widely observed, families decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and attend church services, but the customs can look very different depending on local culture.