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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
