Christmas Around the World: How Do Other Countries Celebrate Christmas?
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It’s that time of year again – lights twinkling, gifts exchanging, and Mariah Carey on repeat! While you’re decking the halls and sipping hot cocoa, have you ever wondered how other countries celebrate Christmas? From feasts that go on for days to quirky traditions you’ve never heard of, Christmas in other countries is full of surprises.
Get ready to unwrap Christmas traditions in other countries that might just have you jingling all the way to a new holiday destination this year!
How is Christmas Celebrated Around the World?
So, how do people around the globe celebrate the most wonderful time of the year? Let’s take a quick trip to learn about Christmas traditions from other countries and what makes each place unique!
Christmas in Spain
In Spain, Christmas isn’t just a one-day affair – it’s an extravagant celebration that stretches over weeks! The festivities kick off on December 24 with "Nochebuena," a massive family feast that’s all about indulgence. Picture tables overflowing with seafood, roasted lamb, and turrón, a sweet almond nougat that’s a holiday must. But the real magic happens at midnight when families head to "La Misa del Gallo" (The Rooster’s Mass) to welcome Christmas Day.
And just when you think the fun is over, the Spanish keep the party going with "El Día de los Reyes" (Three Kings’ Day) on January 6. This day is like a second Christmas where kids finally open their presents after a grand parade featuring the Three Wise Men who shower the crowd with candy. The excitement of Christmas in Spain is infectious – it’s a season filled with joy, togetherness, and traditions that might just make you want to join in the fiesta! ¡Feliz Navidad!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Spain
Christmas in Japan
Christmas in Japan is a unique and delightful blend of Western influences and local traditions, creating a holiday experience unlike any other. While Christmas isn't a national holiday here, the Japanese have fully embraced the festive spirit with their own twist. Envision twinkling lights and lavish decorations turning cities into winter wonderlands, and instead of turkey, the go-to Christmas meal is – wait for it – fried chicken! Thanks to a wildly successful KFC marketing campaign in the 1970s, "Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas!) has become a beloved tradition, with families ordering buckets of chicken weeks in advance.
But the fun doesn’t stop at dinner. Christmas Eve in Japan is often celebrated as a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine’s Day, with couples exchanging gifts and going on date nights under the festive glow of illuminations. The night wouldn’t be complete without indulging in a slice of Christmas cake – a fluffy sponge cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. While Christmas in Japan may not be about religion, it’s all about joy, togetherness, and a little bit of holiday magic, making it an experience you won’t forget!
Read More: How to Study Abroad in Japan
Christmas in Italy
In Italy, the holiday season is a celebration steeped in tradition, warmth, and, of course, incredible food. The festivities begin on December 8 with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, marking the official start of Christmas preparations. Italians go all out with nativity scenes, or "presepi," which are intricately crafted and displayed in homes, churches, and piazzas across the country. The Christmas tree might take a backseat, but these nativity scenes are the heart of the holiday decor, with some even including live actors and animals!
On Christmas Eve, Italians gather for "La Vigilia," a feast that’s all about seafood – think dishes like baccalà (salted cod) and pasta with clams, all leading up to the midnight mass known as "La Messa di Mezzanotte." But the real feast happens on Christmas Day, when families come together for a multi-course meal that could last for hours. Picture plates piled high with lasagna, roasted meats, and a sweet finish of "panettone" or "pandoro," light and fluffy cakes that are a holiday staple.
And the festivities don’t stop there! The season extends to January 6, when Italians celebrate "La Befana," a day where a friendly witch is said to visit children, leaving sweets and small gifts in their stockings. Christmas in Italy is a rich blend of food, faith, and family, making it a time of year that’s as warm and comforting as a plate of homemade pasta. Buon Natale!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Italy
What is Christmas Called in Different Countries?
As we dive into Christmas traditions around the world, it’s fascinating to see how different cultures put their own spin on the holiday – even down to what they call it! From "Natal" in Portugal to "Weihnachten" in Germany, each name carries its own festive flair.
Let’s explore what Christmas is called in different countries and how these names reflect the spirit of the season!
Christmas in South Korea
"Seongtanjeol" (성탄절), which translates to “Holy Birth Day,” is what Christmas is called in South Korea. While not as universally observed as in some countries, the occasion is marked by festive spirit and unique traditions. Many South Koreans attend church services or enjoy Christmas-themed events, and cities sparkle with dazzling lights and decorations. Christmas Eve often involves romantic dinners or gatherings with friends, and traditional Korean dishes like spicy rice cakes and hot chocolate make an appearance. The holiday season in South Korea combines contemporary festivities with cultural touches, making Seongtanjeol a lively and heartwarming celebration.
Read More: Best Study Abroad Programs in Seoul
Christmas in France
Celebrated as "Noël" in France, Christmas transforms the season into a captivating spectacle of festive cheer. The French take holiday celebrations to the next level with charming markets offering treats like buttery "bûche de Noël" (Yule log) and savory "foie gras." Cities light up with twinkling decorations and intricate nativity scenes, while Christmas Eve is marked by a sumptuous family feast, complete with gourmet dishes and a glass of sparkling champagne. With its blend of culinary delights and elegant traditions, "Noël" in France is a celebration that's as irresistible as a freshly baked croissant!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in France
Christmas in Singapore
The holiday season in Singapore is a blend of celebratory cheer and tropical charm, known simply as "Christmas"! The island city-state lights up with dazzling displays and vibrant decorations that turn streets into winter wonderlands. Amidst the bustling holiday markets, you’ll find unique twists on classic treats, like Christmas-themed kaya toast and durian log cakes. The multicultural blend in Singapore means the holiday is a lively fusion of traditions, with parades, Christmas carols in multiple languages, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy both international and local cuisine. Whether you’re sipping a festive cocktail or indulging in holiday feasts, Christmas in Singapore is a joyful celebration where the warmth of the season shines through, even in the tropical heat!
Read More: Study Abroad Singapore: The Ultimate Guide
When is Christmas Celebrated by Other Countries?
The timing of Christmas celebrations can vary, with some countries kicking off the festivities weeks early while others keep the party going well into the new year. Let’s journey through the world’s diverse holiday calendars and see when Christmas magic happens in different corners of the globe!
Christmas in Mexico
In Mexico, Christmas kicks off on December 12 with the celebration of "La Virgen de Guadalupe" (Our Lady of Guadalupe) and keeps rolling until January 6 with "Día de los Reyes" (Three Kings Day). The season is packed with lively traditions, from "Las Posadas", a nightly reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter, to festive piñatas bursting with treats and candy. The holiday cheer continues with a feast of tamales, sweet "buñuelos" (fritters), and a glass of "ponche" (fruit punch), making Christmas in Mexico a marathon of music, food, and joyous gatherings that lights up the entire month!
Read More: Eat, Drink, Explore: Yucatán
Christmas in England
Christmas in England kicks off with the jolly Advent season in early December and builds up to a festive climax on December 25, followed by the lively Boxing Day celebration on the 26. The English make the most of the holiday with sparkling Christmas lights, charming Christmas markets, and the eagerly awaited Christmas pantomimes – colorful, theatrical performances filled with slapstick humor. The season is topped off with a traditional feast of roast turkey, Christmas pudding, and, of course, a generous helping of mince pies.
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in England
Christmas in Germany
Germany kicks off Christmas with a bang on December 1, marking the start of Advent with festive markets, sparkling lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts in the air. The highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting "Weihnachtsmärkte" (Christmas markets), where you can wander through stalls brimming with handmade crafts, sweet "stollen" (fruit bread), and savory "bratwursts" (sausage). The celebrations crescendo on December 24 with "Heiligabend" (Christmas Eve), when families come together for a hearty meal and exchange gifts. With the festivities extending to December 26, Germany’s Christmas is a whirlwind of tradition, joy, and merry gatherings that make the season truly unforgettable!
Read More: The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Germany
Spend Christmas Abroad with CIEE
From the intricate nativity scenes in Italy to the tropical festivities in Singapore, Christmas customs in other countries are bursting with unique holiday cheer. Why not make this season extra special by diving into these global celebrations firsthand? With CIEE, you have the option to study abroad in more than 40 amazing locations, allowing you to soak up festive traditions, try new foods, and make memories that last a lifetime.
Ready to swap your usual holiday routine for a global Christmas adventure? Let CIEE be your guide to a holiday season that’s as exciting and diverse as the world itself!