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15 Fun Holiday Traditions from Around the World

15 Fun Holiday Traditions from Around the World

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Christmas is one of those holidays that manages to feel both universally shared and incredibly personal. But there’s more to this time of year beyond this one big day, especially for non-Christians.

Growing up, maybe you had a particular way of celebrating: cookies for Santa, stockings hung up, or carols on repeat. But beyond those familiar scenes, there’s a whole world of unique holiday traditions that put their own spin on the holiday. From Iceland’s playful trolls to Venezuela’s roller-skating churchgoers, Christmas looks and feels different in every corner of the globe.

What’s fascinating is that some of these traditions go back hundreds of years, while others are surprisingly new, yet each has become deeply rooted in local culture. Some might be endearing, others a little strange, but all of them carry that same festive spirit. The world’s December traditions are as diverse as its people.

Here’s a peek at 15 of the most fun and quirky holiday traditions from around the world. Who knows, one of them might inspire a new tradition for you and your family this holiday season.

1. The Yule Lads – Iceland

Two santa clauses at the christmas market
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

In Iceland, the excitement of Christmas isn’t just about Santa but 13 mischievous characters known as the Yule Lads. Starting 13 days before Christmas, each Yule Lad visits children, leaving treats or small gifts in shoes placed by the window or, if you’ve been a little too naughty, a rotten potato.

Each Yule Lad has his own distinct personality. There’s Spoon-Licker, who, as you’d guess, licks spoons, and Door-Slammer, who’s fond of creating a racket. These quirky characters are Iceland’s way of blending humor with holiday cheer, keeping children entertained (and maybe a bit on their toes).

2. La Befana – Italy

La Befana (L'Italie, la Sicile, les Iles Éoliennes, l'Ile d'Elbe, la Sardaigne, Malte, l'Ile de Calypso etc) 1
Photo Credit: Émile Rouargue – Public Domain/Wiki Commons.

Forget Santa, Italian children get gifts from La Befana, a friendly, gift-giving witch. According to legend, La Befana was busy sweeping her house when the Wise Men invited her to join them on their journey to find baby Jesus. She declined but later regretted it, and now she’s said to fly around on January 5th, looking for him and leaving treats for the children.

Italian kids leave wine and treats for La Befana, who fills their stockings with sweets if they’ve been good or lumps of coal if they’ve misbehaved. It’s a magical twist on the gift-giving tradition, blending folklore and holiday cheer.

3. The Giant Lantern Festival – Philippines

2012 Ligligan Parul Giant Lantern Festival
Photo Credit: Ramon Velasquez – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

In San Fernando, Philippines, the holidays come with a burst of color at the Giant Lantern Festival held on the Saturday before Christmas. Local communities compete to create enormous, elaborate lanterns up to 20 feet in diameter that dazzle with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

The festival lights up the town, symbolizing hope and unity, and has even earned San Fernando the nickname “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” It’s a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship and community spirit.

4. KFC Christmas Dinner – Japan

Family celebrating Christmas
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Christmas in Japan might not be a traditional holiday, but thanks to a clever KFC campaign from the 1970s, it’s become synonymous with a bucket of fried chicken. Now, millions of Japanese families place their orders for “Christmas Chicken” weeks in advance.

It may sound unusual, but in Japan, KFC has become a beloved Christmas meal, a modern tradition that’s as much about family as it is about fried chicken.

5. Simbang Gabi – Philippines

The Bamboo Organ Church or the St. Joseph Parish Church of Las Piñas City in the Philippines during Simbang Gabi or Night Mass on Christmas eve.
Photo Credit: Ervin Malicdem – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

Starting nine days before Christmas, Filipino Catholics celebrate Simbang Gabi, a series of dawn masses. Families gather at church in the early morning hours, and after the service, it’s time for traditional treats like bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple sticky rice).

Simbang Gabi isn’t just a religious tradition, it’s a cherished family ritual, marking the anticipation of Christmas with warmth, community, and delicious food.

6. Caga Tió – Catalonia, Spain

Tions de Nadal a la Fira de Santa Llúcia (Barcelona). Caga Tio
Photo Credit: Enfo – CC BY-SA 3.0/Wiki Commons.

In Catalonia, Christmas wouldn’t be complete without Caga Tió, or the “pooping log.” Yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds. Children decorate a small log, feed it sweets, and cover it with a blanket. Then, on Christmas Eve, they sing songs and tap the log with sticks until it “poops” out small presents.

This lighthearted tradition adds a playful element to the holiday, making it uniquely Catalonian. It’s one way to get kids excited about the magic (and mystery) of Christmas.

7. Krampus – Austria

Krampustreiben im Zentrum von St. Ulrich in Gröden. Krampus
Photo Credit: David Kostner (German Wikipedia) – CC BY-SA 3.0 de/Wiki Commons.

Austria’s Christmas isn’t all about candy canes and carols. Meet Krampus, the terrifying, horned creature who shows up on December 5th, known as Krampusnacht, to scare naughty children. He’s basically the anti-Santa, and he’s become a fixture in Alpine folklore.

Krampus parades bring the legend to life, with costumed participants taking to the streets, making for a night of spooky fun that’s become a beloved, if slightly creepy, tradition.

8. Roller Skating to Church – Venezuela

Cheerful woman in sunglasses tying laces on roller skate on border near friend
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

In Caracas, Venezuela, locals have a unique way of getting to early morning Christmas Mass: they roller skate. Local parks are closed to cars and decorated with festive lights and music, creating the perfect family-friendly atmosphere for a night of roller skating with friends and family.

Once the sun rises, everyone makes their way over to ‘Misa de Gallo’ to end the night (and start the day) worshipping. This Christmas tradition is a beloved community event, a way to celebrate faith while embracing a bit of holiday spirit on wheels.

9. Mari Lwyd – Wales

Mari Lwyd At Sidmouth Folk Festival
Photo Credit: Wxtim – CC BY-SA 4.0/Wiki Commons.

If you spend Christmas in Wales, don’t be surprised if you see a decorated horse skull on a stick making its way through the streets. This is Mari Lwyd, an old Welsh custom where people dressed as a horse skull go door to door, singing songs and challenging residents to a rhyming contest.

It’s both eerie and festive, a centuries-old tradition that keeps Welsh folklore alive during the Christmas season.

10. Christmas Saunas – Finland

Beautiful woman in finnish sauna caring about health and skin
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

In Finland, Christmas Eve includes a visit to the sauna. The family heads to the sauna together for a warm, relaxing session before the big festivities begin. It’s a way to unwind and prepare for the holiday with calm and closeness.

This ritual embodies the Finnish love of saunas, combining holiday tradition with a touch of Finnish culture and warmth.

11. Christmas Wreaths for Animals – Sweden

Mariefred, Sweden. Two elderly women in traditional costumes attach one of the garlands on the maypole before the rising of the rod at the tradidionellt public midsummer celebration.
Photo Credit: fotonen at Depositphotos.com.

In Sweden, people decorate Christmas trees outside with edible wreaths and treats for animals, turning the holiday into a time of giving for all creatures. Birds and squirrels feast on seeds, nuts, and berries arranged in beautiful displays.

It’s a gentle reminder of the Swedish love for nature and a way of sharing the Christmas spirit beyond just human celebrations.

12. Las Posadas – Mexico

Mexican Posada friends breaking a Pinata celebrating Christmas Mexico
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

Mexicans celebrate Las Posadas nine days before Christmas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Friends and neighbors gather for singing, prayers, and feasting each night, often ending with children breaking piñatas.

It’s a vibrant and joyous community celebration that brings the Christmas story to life, adding warmth and togetherness to the season.

13. St. Nicholas Day – Netherlands

Enschede, The Netherlands. The dutch Santa Claus called 'Sinterklaas' is arriving with his help Black Pete on a steamboat in a harbor in Holland.
Photo Credit: Buurserstraat38 at Depositphotos.com.

In the Netherlands, December 5th is Sinterklaasavond, or St. Nicholas Eve, when children leave their shoes out to be filled with gifts. Sinterklaas, accompanied by his helpers, arrives by boat and parades through town, giving out sweets and small presents.

This celebration predates Santa Claus and is a magical night filled with joy, songs, and festive gatherings. And it doesn’t just happen in the Netherlands, but in many Western Christian countries. In Eastern Christian countries, they celebrate it on December 19.

14. Shoe Toss – Czech Republic

Female hand holding red shoes, against the background of a fountain.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

In the Czech Republic, single women throw a shoe over their shoulder on Christmas Eve. If the shoe lands with the toe pointing toward the door, they’ll supposedly be married within the year.

It’s a fun and lighthearted tradition that’s about hope, humor, and a little holiday luck.

15. Hiding Brooms – Norway

Household Broom For Floor Cleaning Leaning on Brick Wall
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

In Norway, people hide their brooms on Christmas Eve. The reason? To prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing them. This quirky tradition has roots in folklore and adds a little superstition to the holiday cheer.

It’s an old tradition that adds a touch of mystery and magic to Norwegian Christmas celebrations.

15 of the Best European Christmas Markets

Happy young woman choosing Christmas decoration at market.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

If there’s one thing Europe does right, it’s Christmas. And nothing captures the holiday spirit quite like wandering through a festive Christmas market, browsing stalls packed with handcrafted ornaments and seasonal treats. There’s no denying the magic they bring during the holiday season.

15 of the Best European Christmas Markets

14 Outside the Box Gift Ideas Women Will Love

woman christmas opening a gift
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

When it comes to finding the perfect Christmas gift for a woman, it can be challenging to think of something unique and outside the box. Women can have very specific tastes. Plus, some women buy things on their wish lists for themselves throughout the year, making it harder to find something they don’t already have (this is how my mom is!).

But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We’ve put together a list of 15 unique gift ideas that (most) any woman would love to receive this holiday season.

14 Outside the Box Gift Ideas Women Will Love

12 Gifts Men Will Actually Want This Year

man christmas tablet
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com.

With the holiday season officially here, many people are starting to think about gift ideas for their loved ones. Finding the perfect gift can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to buying gifts for men.

Wouldn’t it be easier if they just gave us a list of what they want? Or at least their interests? Well, we can’t promise that, but we’ve put together a list of 12 gifts that men will actually want this year. So whether you’re shopping for your boyfriend, husband, brother, or friend, these gift ideas are a source of inspiration when you’re struggling to find something they’d love. 

12 Gifts Men Will Actually Want This Year

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