How Different Countries Celebrate Christmas

Christmas is a magical time of year with loved ones and sparkling lights, festive tunes and delicious food. But did you know that Christmas is celebrated in lots of unique ways around the world? From festive markets to special traditions that might surprise you, let us take you on a Christmas tour of different countries and cultures.

Sweden

In Sweden, Christmas celebrations begin in early December with St Lucia Day on 13 December. Girls dress in white robes with crowns of candles and sing songs to welcome light into the darkest time of the year. Christmas Eve is the main day for festivities, and families enjoy a special buffet called the Julbord with herring, meatballs and ham. Watching the popular TV Christmas special together is also a cherished tradition.

Norway

In Norway, some families hide their brooms on Christmas Eve. This tradition dates back to folklore where people believed witches and evil spirits would steal brooms to fly on during the night.

Germany

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, known as Weihnachtsmärkte. These festive markets pop up in towns across the country and serve warming mulled wine, gingerbread and roasted nuts. On 6 December children celebrate Saint Nicholas Day when Saint Nicholas might leave sweets in their shoes. Many German families also celebrate Advent with wreaths and candles.

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Christmas is called Genna and is celebrated on 7 January. This follows the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. The day begins with church services that can last for hours, followed by traditional games and a communal meal. Fasting is common before the celebration, which makes the feast feel extra special.

Mexico

Christmas in Mexico blends festive fun with cultural traditions. Celebrations begin on 16 December with Las Posadas. This nine night event remembers Mary and Joseph searching for shelter and involves processions, songs and sharing food. On 24 December families attend midnight mass and enjoy a big feast. Some regions also celebrate with vibrant fireworks and piñatas for children.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, the oldest man in the family throws a spoonful of pudding at the ceiling. The more that sticks, the better the harvest is expected to be in the coming year.

Japan

Christmas in Japan is very different from other countries. Although it is not a national holiday, Christmas is celebrated with lots of lights, decorations and festive cheer. A surprising tradition in Japan is eating fried chicken on Christmas Eve. Thanks to a successful marketing campaign many families order KFC and enjoy it together. Christmas Eve in Japan has also become known as a romantic evening, a bit like Valentine’s Day.

Australia

In Australia, Christmas falls in summer. Instead of snowy scenes, many people enjoy barbecues on the beach or picnics in the park. Families might decorate their homes with Christmas lights and enjoy festive music while wearing summer clothes. Some towns even hold Carols by Candlelight events outdoors where people sing and celebrate under the stars.

Italy

In Italy, Christmas is filled with religious and family traditions. In some regions, children await La Befana, a kind witch, who brings gifts on the night of 5 January. On Christmas Eve many families enjoy a seafood feast called the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Christmas Day itself is for feasting, sharing panettone, a sweet fruit bread that is now popular around the world.

Armenia

Armenia celebrates Christmas on 6 January, making it one of the earliest dates. This combines Christmas and Epiphany into a single celebration and includes church services, candle lighting and traditional foods.

Philippines

The Philippines has one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world. Celebrations begin as early as September and continue into January. Families decorate colourful lanterns called parols and sing joyful carols. On 24 December many attend the Simbang Gabi midnight mass followed by a feast with family and friends.

Iceland

In Iceland there is a fun Christmas tradition involving thirteen mischievous characters known as the Yule Lads. In the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas, children place their shoes by the window. Each night a different Yule Lad visits and leaves small gifts for good children or a potato for those who have been naughty. Icelanders also enjoy reading books and relaxing with family over the festive period.

Brazil

In Brazil, Christmas is celebrated during the summer. People often decorate with bright colours and lights. Many families attend midnight mass and follow it with a feast that includes seasonal dishes and sweet treats. In some coastal areas families may spend the day at the beach before enjoying their Christmas celebrations.

Final Thoughts

Christmas around the world is full of traditions that reflect history, culture and community. Whether it is enjoying a festive feast in Italy, lighting candles in Sweden or singing carols in the Philippines, the spirit of togetherness and joy is universal. These celebrations remind us that even though we may do things differently, the heart of Christmas is the same everywhere.