For this reason, you won’t come across any Nativity Scenes, Advent wreaths, or Midnight Masses in China. In fact, public expression of Christian faith in the region is shunned. Despite the lack of religious context, Christmas has more connections with China than you may imagine. The country is the largest manufacturer of holiday decorations in… […]
Some Serbian Christmas traditions are universal for Eastern Orthodox Christians, such as observing the Nativity fast, attending the Midnight Mass, and getting gifts from Grandfather Frost. However, many customs are peculiar to the Balkan region, like burning the Badnjak, decorating the table with straw, and caroling in scary masks. Christmas in Serbia isn’t as commercialized… […]
Some American Christmas traditions originated in Britain, and that’s no wonder, as the Brits actively colonized the region since the 17th century. Although the US is long freed, the customs of caroling, eating Christmas pudding, and attending pantomimes were preserved through centuries. While many local Christmas traditions weren’t invented in the US, Americans managed to… […]
People spend time with their loved ones at home, attend church services, cook traditional food, set up nativity scenes, and watch festive performances. Lebanon’s religious history is somewhat turbulent, but a country located so close to the Holy Land was bound to celebrate the birth of Christ and adopt early Christmas traditions. Despite a prevalently… […]
Some of the Christmas traditions originating in Germany are Christmas markets, Advent wreaths and calendars, and decorating the Christmas tree. Germans have also made the first tinsel and Christmas baubles. Like all people around the globe, Germans consider Christmas a family holiday and gather together to enjoy traditional foods and exchange gifts. However, unlike Americans… […]
Specifically, caroling and mumming originated in Britain in the Middle Ages, while leaving milk and cookies for Santa or the ugly sweater traditions appeared in the 20th-century USA. Exclusively Irish Christmas customs, however, are of the most remarkable. Some, like leaving a candle in the window, carry a deep religious significance; others, like the 12… […]
However, the raw Greenlandic nature and cold climate make Christmas decorations appear even cozier and allow locals and tourists experience unique winter activities that can’t be found anywhere else. Greenlanders are prevalently Lutherans, but Greenlandic Christmas customs are generally similar to Catholic – they observe the Advent tradition, attend church services, celebrate Saint Lucia’s Day,… […]
The Christmas season in Austria begins on the first Advent and lasts until Epiphany. National radio stations play traditional Christmas music non-stop, Christmas markets welcome visitors, and streets sparkle in festive decorations. Austria at Christmas time resembles a fairy tale, but some festive practices in Alpine towns may seem bizarre and terrifying to tourists. Overall,… […]
The Swiss celebrate Christmas in the best traditions of Christianity, observing the Advent season, attending the Midnight Mass, enjoying local foods, and spending time with their loved ones. Swiss Christmas celebrations don’t lack fun either – people shop in Christmas markets, skate on ice rinks, build snowmen, ski in the mountains, and gather with friends.… […]
Lithuanians value their cultural heritage and prefer traditional food, decorations, and hymns to western. Folk motifs give Lithuanian Christmas a unique flair. Christmas is a quiet time of family gatherings. The streets of Lithuanian towns are empty from December 24 to December 26 as people spend quality time with their loved ones. However, Lithuanians are… […]
Canada is famous for its impressive parades and festivals, some of which are held for over a century and are only growing bigger. These include the Toronto Santa Claus Parade and Newfoundland’s mummering festival. Canadian nature is what makes locals so proud and tourists so interested in this country. At Christmas time, Canadian mountains and… […]
Castro’s regime has resulted in Christmas remaining a solely religious, non-commercialized holiday. Cuban children don’t go caroling and don’t meet Santa Claus in a shopping mall. Many don’t even receive gifts! Christmas decorations on the streets, Mariah Carrey and Bing Crosby songs, holiday shopping, and movies are non-existent in Cuba. So what does make Cubans… […]
Croatians don’t have any bizarre customs that may astonish foreigners. Croatian Christmas is a quiet religious celebration that stays true to its initial meaning. The holiday season in Croatia begins with Saint Catherine’s Day, followed by Saint Barbara’s day and Saint Nicholas Day. Many Croatians strictly observe the Advent tradition and Nativity Fast. However, Croatian… […]
Icelanders celebrate Christmas with a family feast, exchange gifts, and decorate Christmas trees, but even such universal customs have notable distinctions from other countries. Winter is a dark, cold time in Iceland, but the sleepy, frozen nature makes Christmas markets and decorated homes appear even cozier, embracing the festive spirit. And since Iceland is one… […]
The biggest difference between western and South Korean Christmas celebrations is their focus. While Americans and Europeans consider Christmas a family holiday, South Koreans spend it with their significant other or friends. Locals don’t typically spend the holidays at home, and that’s understandable. South Korea offers a variety of entertainment for every preference, including shopping,… […]
For Swedes, Christmas is a family celebration focusing on delicious food and communication. Swedes rarely go out on Christmas Eve, even to church – they prefer to spend time at home with their loved ones. While some Swedish Christmas traditions are modern, most date centuries and some were borrowed from Norse paganism. Swedes value tradition… […]
Most Hong Kong Christmas traditions are borrowed from the west, like decorating the Christmas tree, sending cards with wishes, and shopping in Christmas markets. Still, Hongkongers always introduce a contemporary twist on old customs. Christmas in Hong Kong is in no way a solemn, quiet holiday. It’s a vibrant, lively celebration, perhaps a bit commercialized,… […]
Colombians love to party, so Christmas celebrations are anything but boring, involving games, jokes, caroling, dancing, and other fun activities. Americans are famous for starting Christmas preparations early, but they aren’t alone – Colombians also can’t wait to begin the celebrations. Many locals set up nativity scenes and decorate houses as early as October. Colombians… […]
Despite the country’s low Christian population percentage, it has many ties with Christmas. Turkey is the homeland of Santa and the place where the Virgin Mary allegedly spent her last days. Like everywhere in the world, Christians in Turkey attend the Midnight Mass, decorate Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and spend time with their loved ones.… […]
Bulgarians still remember the times when they were dependent on harvest and livestock. They honor their history by incorporating pagan beliefs and winter solstice rituals into Christmas festivities. For the most part, however, Bulgarians celebrate Christmas in the best traditions of Orthodox Christianity, observing the Nativity Fast and attending church services. Most Bulgarians spend winter… […]
Church services are a vital element of Armenian Christmas celebrations, and the most dedicated people strictly observe the Nativity Fast. This doesn’t mean that Christmas in Armenia is all about penance. Like Americans, Armenians indulge in delicious foods, exchange gifts, and spend quality time with their loved ones. Armenian towns welcome visitors to look at… […]
Christmas customs in the Philippines may seem very unusual to Americans and Europeans, and that’s no wonder. The Philippines is the only Asian country with over 90% Christian population. The first Christmas celebrations in the Philippines started only in the 16th century when Spanish colonists took over the country. That’s why so many modern Philippine… […]
For the most part, Bolivians celebrate Christmas like Americans, decorating their homes, attending church, and gathering with family for a festive dinner. However, some Christmas customs are unique to South America or Bolivia in particular. Christmas in Bolivia is a profoundly religious celebration that has maintained its initial meaning, so you won’t see much tinsel,… […]
Some of the customs we share with Britain are shopping on Boxing Day, eating Christmas pudding, and watching pantomimes. However, not many of us know how these traditions appeared and what their meaning was initially. Other British Christmas observances are lesser-known worldwide. These include wassailing, Stir-up-Sunday, and dressing up as Father Christmas. Many of such… […]
Despite cultural differences between the U.S. and India, many Indian Christmas traditions are familiar to us – attending the Midnight Mass, indulging in traditional food with family, and exchanging gifts. Indians also decorate Christmas trees, have Santa Claus, and go caroling, but each of these customs has some peculiarities that make it unique. Although Indians… […]
The majority of the Angolan population spends the holidays at home with their loved ones, enjoying traditional food. Angolan Christmas traditions are familiar to every American or European, including nativity scenes, Christmas trees, and gift exchange, but all have unique peculiarities influenced by local culture. Perhaps, the biggest distinction between Angolan and American Christmas is… […]
Like most Christians, Ghanaians attend the Midnight Mass and Christmas Day Mass and gather with their loved ones for a feast, but that’s where the similarities end. Ghanian Christmas celebrations are light-hearted and relaxed. People don’t care about decorations, fancy attire, and gifts as much as about having a good time and expressing their devotion… […]
Madagascans attend church services, gather with family for a Christmas feast, and decorate their homes. Kids anticipate gifts from Santa Claus and sing carols on the streets. December in Madagascar is hot and humid, so locals don’t skate on ice rinks or build snowmen, but they have plenty of equally fun alternatives, including swimming, cycling,… […]
Same as for Americans, Christmas for Brazilians is a time for family gatherings, religious reflection, and indulgence in delicious holiday foods. However, the Brazilian climate has influenced the holiday activities, and instead of ice skating or building snowmen, locals prefer to spend Christmas on the beach. Many Brazilian Christmas traditions are borrowed from French and… […]
The flight into Egypt is the final episode of the nativity story. When the Magi warned Mary and Joseph about King Herod’s plan to kill Jesus, they sought asylum in Egypt. For Egyptians, Christmas is the time of worship and penance leading to joyous celebrations abundant with delicious food in a family circle. Like most… […]
Montenegrins value their cultural heritage and embrace centuries-long traditions like burning the Christmas log, decorating the table with straw, observing the Nativity Fast, and shooting guns. However, some Montenegrin Christmas traditions are familiar to every American, like decorating the Christmas tree, attending the Midnight Mass, and exchanging gifts. Montenegro may not be the first country… […]
However, local Christians celebrate one of the most important religious holidays of the year by indulging in delicious food, singing festive hymns, decorating their homes, and attending church services. Many Kazakh Christmas traditions resemble Russian customs but don’t lack eastern culture peculiarities. For example, local food is similar to that in neighboring Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and… […]
Christmas markets held on every city square welcome visitors, historical landmarks sparkle in fairy lights, and the air is filled with cheer. Belgians usually spend Christmas with family. The Yule Log cake is always in the spotlight, and kids patiently await one of the three Belgian Christmas gift-givers. And since Christmas is a religious holiday,… […]
However, even the customs New Zealand shares with other commonwealth countries are adapted to local cultural peculiarities. New Zealanders are blessed with warm weather at Christmas time and like to spend holidays outdoors, enjoying the island’s incredible nature and participating in summer activities. Although so different from the rest of the world, Christmas in New… […]
The Christmas season in Guatemala starts on December 7 and ends on February 2, so locals leave the decorations out and enjoy festive foods for nearly two months. Many Guatemalan Christmas traditions are unique to Latin America, such as the Posadas, launching fireworks on Christmas Eve, and burning the devil. Guatemalan Christmas celebrations are far… […]
Christmas wasn’t introduced to Japan as soon as it was in Europe, and because it’s a Christian holiday, it doesn’t have as much importance to the Japanese, who are not predominantly Christian. Because Japan is often associated with things like sushi and samurai, you might find that some of their traditions are not only easy… […]
Of course, Christmas traditions in Botswana were adapted to local cultural peculiarities. Still, the general atmosphere is equally merry as anywhere else in the world. Locals spend the festive season with their families, enjoy traditional food cooked on a grill, and attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Overall, Christmas customs in Botswana… […]
Some Puerto Rican Christmas traditions are universal to the Caribbean, but many are unique to the island or particular villages. Puerto Ricans honor the holiday’s religious aspects by decorating their homes with nativity scenes and attending church, but their celebrations are in no way solemn and quiet. Anyone seeking new experiences for Christmas should add… […]
For Georgians, Christmas is the time for family gatherings, enjoying traditional foods, and attending church services. Most people strictly observe the Nativity Fast, believing that celebration is impossible without penance. Some Georgian Christmas traditions are similar to those in other countries with a prevalently Orthodox Christian population, but many are peculiar to the region. If… […]
Although some Italian Christmas customs resemble those we observe in America, they still differ in details. For instance, Italian carollers don’t sing God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen, and Italian Christmas pudding doesn’t contain plums or alcohol. Most Christmas traditions in Italy revolve around the religious facet of the holiday. The Nativity Scene is displayed in… […]
Many locals can’t afford lavish decorations or a fancy dinner but manage to create a festive atmosphere regardless, proving that Christmas isn’t about material things. Christmas celebrations in Congo are short, quiet, traditional, and modest. People attend church services, spend time with their loved ones, and watch nativity plays. “Merry Christmas” in the Lingala language… […]
The Christmas season in Costa Rica is filled with entertaining events, social gatherings, and tasty food. Although Costa Ricans consider Christmas a family holiday, it’s in no way quiet and solemn. Costa Rica ranks among the happiest places globally, which doesn’t come as a surprise seeing how locals celebrate Christmas. The country is a popular… […]
Nigerians put emphasis on the holiday’s religious significance and spend it with their loved ones, cooking traditional food, attending church services, and exchanging gifts. Christmas in Nigeria is far from boring. People sing, play traditional music, dance, participate in carnivals and parades, and spend time outdoors, enjoying the warm weather. Christmas brings out the best… […]
Danes don’t go caroling, don’t eat Christmas fruitcakes, and Danish Santa doesn’t live at the North Pole. Many Danish Christmas customs have pagan roots, and most are shared with other Scandinavian countries. Danes celebrate Christmas on December 24 with an abundance of traditional food, drinks, gifts, and games. If you ever are in Denmark at… […]
Like many Catholics, Estonians attend church services, observe the Advent season, and decorate the Christmas tree, but some of their traditions have pagan roots. For Estonians, Christmas is a peaceful, quiet holiday. If you go to Tallinn’s central square on December 24 evening, you’re unlikely to encounter any locals because they prefer to celebrate at… […]
Like Americans, the Portuguese decorate the Christmas tree, set up nativity scenes, gather with family for a festive dinner, and go to church – but that’s where the similarities end. Some customs are limited to specific Portuguese regions, such as the Bananeira, Magusto da Velha, and Caretos de Varge events; others are observed nationwide, like… […]
Finnish Christmas is all about contrasts – chilly weather and hot sauna, dark nights and Christmas markets sparkling in a myriad of lights. Many Finns prefer to spend the holidays outdoors, in the countryside, but Finnish towns don’t lack a festive atmosphere either. Of course, delicious food and gifts are vital elements of the celebration.… […]
The Christmas season in Spain commences with Saint Nicholas Day on December 6 and ends with Epiphany on January 6. This month is filled with family gatherings, street parties, parades, masquerades, and plenty of gifts for children – finding a nation where kids receive more treats for Christmas than Spaniards is challenging. A perfect Christmas… […]
People in the Netherlands consider Christmas merely a family holiday than a religious celebration. They prefer to spend it quietly at home, watching the king’s speech and indulging in festive foods. The beginning of the Christmas season in the Netherlands is marked with the arrival of Sinterklaas, Christmas market opening, and horn blowing. But as… […]
The French value their historical background and haven’t budged their unique customs in favor of the modern commercialized perception of Christmas. On Christmas Eve, people in France customarily attend the Midnight Mass and participate in a long feast with a sophisticated menu known as Réveillon. Children read a personalized letter from Père Noël and find… […]
For Peruvians, Christmas isn’t a quiet family holiday. Of course, locals spend quality time with their favorite people, but they don’t sit at home near the fireplace, watching Christmas movies. The streets of Peruvian towns are always crowded on Christmas Eve, and the skies are lit up with colorful fireworks. While some Peruvian Christmas customs… […]
The holiday season in Singapore is never boring. Locals and tourists can skate on ice rinks, shop at Christmas fairs, attend concerts, visit amusement parks, and walk around the town, appreciating decorations. The focus of Christmas in Singapore is shifted towards entertainment rather than religion, but like most Christians, many Singaporeans attend the Midnight Mass… […]
Christmas falls on one of the hottest months in Australia, so Aussie holiday activities include surfing and camping rather than skiing and building snowmen. The history of Christmas in Australia began in 1788 when Britain colonized the island. Australians borrowed many traditions from the British but adapted them to the local peculiarities. Australian Christmas customs… […]
Tourists from all over the world can feel at home, thanks to a wide selection of dining options, abundant decorations, and European-style Christmas markets. Taiwanese streets shine in a myriad of vibrant lights throughout December, carolers and people partying in bars spread the festive cheer, and warm weather encourages long walks. Taiwan is a place… […]
Mexican Christmas traditions, in turn, honor the local culture and were mainly brought in by the Spaniards in the 17th century. Mexicans place great importance on the religious aspect of Christmas and don’t commercialize it as much as Northern regions. The celebrations start early, on December 12, and end on Epiphany. The truth is, some… […]
Like most Christians, Czechs consider Christmas a family holiday and celebrate it by decorating their homes, indulging in delicious foods, exchanging gifts, and attending church services. However, they also embrace local cultural heritage by observing the golden pig tradition, foretelling the future, and watching old Czech cartoons. Major Czech cities, including Prague, Brno, Liberec, and… […]
Locals visit the festive church service on Christmas Eve and feast with the family like most Christians worldwide, but apart from that, Greek Christmas celebrations are very peculiar. Greeks value their cultural heritage and haven’t adopted many western Christmas customs. They prefer to embrace their own traditions, and it deserves respect. If you visit Greece… […]
Vietnamese Christmas traditions are different from western, although some have been adopted from France in the 19th century, such as eating Yule Log and attending Midnight Mass. December weather in Vietnam is hot and humid, so locals spend much time outdoors, bonding with nature, shopping at Christmas fairs, or relaxing on the beach. Christmas in… […]
Because North Macedonians are prevalently Orthodox Christians, they celebrate Christmas differently from Americans and many Europeans, focusing on the religious aspects of the holiday. North Macedonians observe the Nativity Fast, attend the Midnight Mass, and, most importantly, spend time at home with their loved ones. North Macedonians don’t exchange gifts or eat spiced fruitcakes for… […]
However, some Haitian Christmas traditions are peculiar to the region, such as making Fanal lanterns and drinking Cremasse. Christmas in Haiti is the time for prayer, family gatherings, singing cheerful hymns, dancing, indulging in festive foods, and exchanging gifts. If you visit Haiti at Christmas, learn to say Merry Christmas in Haitian Creole – “Jwaye… […]
Hungarian Christmas celebrations don’t lack fun, though – people shop at local Christmas markets (some of the best in Europe, by the way!), indulge in delicious foods, skate on ice rinks, and exchange gifts. At first sight, Hungarian Christmas traditions may seem no different from the rest of Europe, but some customs are very peculiar,… […]
However, Chile also neighbors the U.S. and respects its indigenous heritage, so local Christmas celebrations blend various customs. Like most Catholics, Chileans attend church services, spend quality time with family, and enjoy festive foods. However, locals begin the festivities much earlier than Christmas Eve, observing the Novena tradition. Although the climate in South America is… […]
Poles spend Christmas Eve quietly with their loved ones, enjoying traditional food, drinking, and exchanging wishes and gifts. On Christmas Day, most people rest after festivities, but some go out to meet friends, attend Christmas events, or skate on ice rinks. Poland undoubtedly deserves a place on your must-visit Christmas list. This country with rich… […]
Christmas Eve in Jamaica isn’t a quiet family holiday like in many other countries. Indeed, Jamaicans go outdoors to party with friends, shop at Gran’ Markets, and watch performances – perhaps, street celebrations have something to do with a warm climate. However, Jamaicans also observe universal Christmas traditions. They decorate the Christmas tree, exchange gifts,… […]
Argentinians are predominantly Catholic, so Christmas is an important cultural affair. The celebrations are always vibrant and jolly. Although Argentinians adopted many Christmas traditions from the U.S., Spain, and other countries, most local customs are one-of-a-kind, embracing local culture. But at the end of the day, Argentinian Christmas, just like American or European, is all… […]
They set up nativity scenes, attend church services, observe the novenas tradition, devotedly pray, and sing traditional Christmas songs. However, it isn’t all about religion. Venezuelans take advantage of public holidays to dance, indulge in seasonal foods, get tipsy on eggnog, launch fireworks, and roller skate in local parks. Christmas celebrations in Venezuela are among… […]
Norwegian mountains are covered in snow, streets glisten in fairy lights, and Christmas markets welcome locals and tourists to enjoy warm mulled wine. For Norwegians, Christmas is all about family get-togethers. They prefer to celebrate at home by watching old traditional movies, indulging in festive foods, and exchanging gifts. Norwegians are pretty conservative regarding Christmas… […]
Christmas in Africa is focused on religious traditions but doesn’t lack fun – after church, African people get together with family, friends, and neighbors for a traditional lunch. South Africa is in the Southern Hemisphere, so white Christmas isn’t a thing there, but the festive spirit is similar to the rest of the world regardless.… […]
Locals spend Christmas at home, cooking traditional food with their loved ones, exchanging gifts, and decorating the Christmas tree. Many Maltese attend church services on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. December temperature in Malta rarely falls below 15 degrees Celsius, so the climate is comfortable for long evening walks. Locals use this opportunity to appreciate… […]
Romanians decorate the Christmas tree, gather with their loved ones for a Christmas feast, and attend the Midnight Mass. These traditions are well known to everyone. However, some Romanian Christmas customs may seem bizarre to foreigners, such as pig slaughtering and dancing in a goat costume. Overall, Christmas in Romania is much merrier than you’d… […]
For this reason, you’re unlikely to see a lot of Christmas decorations if you walk in residential neighborhoods, but major landmarks are always beaming the festive spirit. Of course, many Christians want to celebrate the most important holiday of the year in the Holy Land, so Nazareth and Bethlehem churches are always packed on Christmas… […]
Christmas in Russia wasn’t commercialized like it was in the rest of the world. The main reason for that is the nearly century-long Soviet rule that banned Christmas entirely. In the 20th century, the USA was promoting the plump and jolly new image of Santa and producing Christmas movies. Russians, in turn, had to hide… […]
Nearly 60% of Slovaks are Catholics and 10% Protestants, so Christmas is a major public holiday that unites everyone. Locals decorate the Christmas tree, observe the Advent tradition, gather with family for a feast, attend church services, and exchange gifts, like most Catholics. However, some Slovak Christmas traditions are peculiar to Balkan countries, such as… […]
Overall, Latvian Christmas traditions are very conventional. Locals observe the Advent season, go to church, decorate Christmas trees, and feast with their loved ones. However, some customs are peculiar to the Baltics and Scandinavian regions, such as dragging and burning the Yule log, mumming, and decorating the house with straw ornaments. Latvia has everything it… […]
Hawaiian Christmas traditions include surfing, making sand sculptures, and sipping cocktails by the poolside. Like most Americans, Hawaiians decorate Christmas trees and gather for a family feast. Hawaiian kids believe in Santa and sing Christmas carols. However, even such seemingly universal customs have a unique appeal in Hawaii, adapted to local cultural peculiarities. Although Hawaii… […]
Many Kenyan Christmas traditions are universal, including attending the Midnight Mass, exchanging gifts, caroling, and gathering for a family feast. However, the hot climate, economic situation, and cultural peculiarities have affected Kenyan Christmas celebrations. Winter holidays in Africa are a unique experience for anyone from the Northern Hemisphere. From Santa riding a camel to decorating… […]
Christmas Lyn