The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. While many people around the world celebrate Christmas in similar ways-through festive meals, exchanging gifts, and spending time with family-there are some truly unique Christmas traditions that vary from country to country. These traditions are a reflection of different cultures, histories, and values, and they can offer us a fascinating glimpse into how diverse the world’s celebrations can be.
For those who have a passion for travel or are keenly interested in the diverse ways Christmas is celebrated across the globe, there are unique Christmas traditions from various countries that may astonish you. Let these holiday traditions inspire you if you're heading to distant lands or imagining an international Christmas.
La Befana - Italy
In Italy, Christmas celebrations extend beyond the 25th of December. On January 5th, Italian children eagerly await La Befana, an old woman who rides a broomstick and delivers gifts to children, much like Santa Claus. Legend has it that the Three Wise Men invited La Befana to join them on their journey to find the baby Jesus. She declined but later regretted her decision and set out to find the baby. To this day, La Befana delivers gifts to children who have been good and coal to those who have been naughty, similar to Santa’s list.
This tradition is especially strong in Italy’s southern regions and is a great example of a unique Christmas custom that blends elements of folklore and religion.
The Yule Lads - Iceland
While many cultures celebrate Santa Claus, Iceland has its own version of holiday mischief. The Yule Lads are 13 mischievous trolls who visit children in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Each Yule Lad has a quirky name and a distinct personality, such as Spoon Licker, Door Slammer, and Window Peeper. These characters, who come from Icelandic folklore, leave small gifts in children’s shoes (placed by the window) if they have been good, or rotten potatoes if they have been bad.
The Yule Lads’ playful nature makes for a fun and slightly spooky holiday tradition that is unlike any other Christmas story.
KFC Christmas Dinner - Japan
In Japan, Christmas is not as widely celebrated as it is in Western countries, but the holiday has gained popularity in recent years, and one tradition that has caught on is eating KFC for Christmas dinner. This peculiar custom began in the 1970s when KFC ran a successful marketing campaign called "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentaki" (Kentucky for Christmas). Today, many families pre-order buckets of fried chicken from KFC for their Christmas meal. While not a traditional Christmas food, fried chicken has become a beloved part of the holiday for many in Japan.
It’s an unusual tradition, but it’s one that highlights how global marketing can create new, unique Christmas practices.
Christmas Pickle - Germanys
A quirky tradition that originates in Germany is the Christmas pickle—a unique ornament shaped like a pickle that is hidden in the Christmas tree. The first child to find the pickle on Christmas morning is said to receive a special gift or be blessed with good luck for the following year. While this custom is particularly common in German-American households, it is also practiced in other parts of the world, with some variations on the meaning and the prize for finding the pickle.
It’s a fun and light-hearted tradition that adds an extra layer of excitement to the holiday season.
Gavle Goat - Sweden
In the Swedish city of Gavle, a giant straw goat is erected in the town square each year as part of the Christmas celebrations. The Gavle Goat was first constructed in 1966, and it has since become an iconic symbol of Swedish Christmas traditions. However, the tradition has a mischievous twist. Over the years, the goat has been famously targeted by vandals who have set it on fire or caused other forms of destruction. Despite these antics, the goat remains a beloved part of the Swedish holiday season.
The Gavle Goat represents both the light-hearted and resilient spirit of Christmas in Sweden, adding a unique element to their celebrations.
Night of the Radishes - Mexico
In Oaxaca, Mexico, Christmas traditions take an unexpected turn with the celebration known as La Noche de los Rábanos (Night of the Radishes). Held on December 23rd, this event features intricate carvings of radishes that depict nativity scenes, animals, and even famous figures. These carvings are then displayed for the public to admire. The tradition dates back to the colonial era and has evolved into a competition, with prizes awarded for the most impressive radish creations.
This unique and artistic tradition is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of Mexican culture, offering a delightful alternative to traditional holiday displays.
Sinterklaas - Netherlands
In the Netherlands, Christmas traditions are heavily influenced by the figure of Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas), who arrives in the country on December 5th. Sinterklaas is similar to Santa Claus but has a more formal appearance, dressed in a bishop’s attire. On the night of December 5th, Dutch children put out their shoes to be filled with sweets and small gifts. The holiday culminates in the Sinterklaasavond feast, a time for family gatherings and festive meals.
While Sinterklaas shares many characteristics with Santa Claus, the focus on December 5th rather than Christmas Day makes this a distinct and unique Christmas tradition in the Netherlands.
The Christmas Witch - Italy
In many parts of Italy, especially in the region of Calabria, a Christmas witch named La Befana is said to bring gifts to children. However, in other regions, such as Abruzzo, the Christmas Witch (La Vecchia), brings a more mischievous spirit to the holiday. Known for playing pranks and leaving behind playful surprises, this figure adds an element of fun and excitement to the Christmas season in these regions.
The Christmas Witch blends elements of magic and folklore, providing a unique and intriguing spin on the holiday’s gift-giving tradition.
Feliz Navidad - Venezuela
In Venezuela, Christmas is celebrated with a high-energy twist, as it is common for people to roller-skate to mass on Christmas Eve. This unique Christmas tradition began in Caracas, where the streets are typically closed off to traffic on December 24th, making it a popular and safe activity. Families and friends don their roller skates to make their way to church for a midnight mass, creating a joyful and festive atmosphere.
This roller-skating tradition in Venezuela is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit and add a little excitement to Christmas Eve.
Día de las Velitas - Colombia
In Colombia, Christmas celebrations kick off on December 7th with Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles). On this night, people light candles and lanterns to honour the Virgin Mary. The streets, parks, and homes are illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a magical and beautiful sight. This tradition not only marks the beginning of the Christmas season but also symbolizes hope and warmth in the darkness.
Día de las Velitas is a beautiful and meaningful way for Colombians to start their Christmas celebrations and share the light with their community.
The Giant Lantern Festival - Philippines
In the Philippines, Christmas celebrations are famous for their elaborate Paról lanterns. However, in the city of San Fernando, the Giant Lantern Festival takes the tradition to new heights. Held annually in December, this event features enormous, brightly lit lanterns that represent the Filipino spirit of Christmas. The lanterns are intricately designed and are often made from bamboo, paper, and other materials. The festival is a spectacular display of creativity, engineering, and holiday cheer.
This dazzling event showcases the Filipino tradition of light during the Christmas season and draws thousands of visitors every year.
Conclusion
Christmas traditions are as diverse as the countries and cultures that celebrate them. From the mischievous Yule Lads of Iceland to the giant lanterns of the Philippines, the ways in which people around the world celebrate Christmas offer unique and surprising insights into different customs, beliefs, and creative expressions of joy.
Make your holiday travel more affordable by looking for cheap flights if you're planning on experiencing these extraordinary traditions firsthand. SkyJet Air Travel offers great deals on flights to your dream Christmas destination, whether it's exploring the festive lights of Mexico or the snowy streets of Sweden.
So, pack your bags, grab your tickets, and get ready to embrace these unique Christmas traditions from around the world!