Beautiful Christmas customs from around the world, plus ideas for starting magical traditions your family will treasure for generations.
12
Countries
30+
Tradition Ideas
4
Categories
Free
Builder
Germany
Christmas Markets
Centuries-old outdoor markets fill town squares with handmade ornaments, mulled wine (Glühwein), gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts. The Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt dates back to 1628. Family idea: visit a different market each weekend in December for hot cocoa and craft shopping.
Mexico
Las Posadas
From December 16–24, communities re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for shelter through processions, songs, and piñata-filled celebrations. Each evening, neighbors visit different homes ending with a feast. Family idea: try one Posada-style evening with neighbors.
Philippines
Giant Lantern Festival
Beautiful handcrafted lanterns called 'parols' light up communities, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. The festival in San Fernando features lanterns 20+ feet tall with intricate designs. Family idea: make a simple parol from cardstock and tissue paper.
Italy
La Befana
On Epiphany Eve (January 5), a kind old witch flies on her broomstick to deliver candy and gifts to children. Gift-giving continues for 12 days after Christmas. Family idea: extend your gift-giving across the 12 days of Christmas instead of one big day.
Australia
Beach Christmas
Christmas falls in summer, so Aussies celebrate with BBQs, beach picnics, and Santa arriving by surfboard. Carols by Candlelight is a national tradition broadcast live. Family idea: have a 'summer in winter' Christmas dinner — light, fresh foods instead of heavy.
Sweden
St. Lucia Day
On December 13, children dress in white robes and candle crowns, leading processions through churches and homes singing traditional songs. The eldest daughter leads with a candle wreath. Family idea: bake saffron buns (lussekatter) together on December 13.
France
Bûche de Noël
After midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, French families enjoy 'Le Réveillon' — an elaborate dinner ending with bûche de Noël (yule log cake). Children leave shoes by the fire for Père Noël. Family idea: start a special Christmas Eve dessert tradition.
Iceland
The Yule Lads
For 13 nights starting December 12, mischievous Yule Lads visit children, leaving gifts in shoes for good kids and rotten potatoes for naughty ones. Family idea: create a 13-day countdown with tiny daily surprises in shoes.
Japan
KFC Christmas Dinner
Since 1974, families across Japan order KFC for Christmas Eve dinner — the result of a brilliantly successful marketing campaign. Reservations fill months in advance. Family idea: pick an unconventional, beloved takeout for your Christmas Eve dinner.
Norway
Hide the Brooms
On Christmas Eve, Norwegians hide all brooms in the house to prevent witches and evil spirits from riding them. It's a charming domestic tradition passed down for generations. Family idea: play a fun 'protect the household' game with young children.
Ethiopia
Ganna (January 7)
Ethiopian Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 following the Julian calendar, dressed in traditional white shamma robes, attending church and playing the traditional sport 'genna' (similar to field hockey). Family idea: explore a different cultural calendar for Christmas.
Canada
Mummering (Newfoundland)
From Boxing Day to January 6, friends and neighbors visit each other's homes in disguise, dancing and drinking while hosts try to identify the visitors. A uniquely Canadian tradition from Newfoundland. Family idea: organize a 'mystery visit' with extended family during the holiday week.
Check off traditions you want to try. Your selections are saved automatically — come back any time.
The best traditions are easy to maintain. Don't try to launch 5 new traditions in one year — pick 1–2 and commit. Simple traditions last; elaborate ones burn out by year 3. The Christmas Eve pajamas tradition has survived because it takes 2 minutes to execute.
A tradition only works if every family member feels included. Adapt for ages — what works at 3 might not work at 13. The activity matters less than the togetherness. Ask older kids what they'd actually enjoy rather than insisting on childhood traditions they've outgrown.
Take photos in the same spot or pose every year. Keep a Christmas journal recording highlights, funny moments, and gifts. Years later, these become priceless time capsules. Even a note on your phone the evening of December 25 is enough.
Traditions evolve. The PJ-and-pancakes tradition might become wine-and-brunch when kids grow up. Honor the spirit, not the rigid form. Add new ones, retire ones that no longer fit. A tradition that stresses anyone out isn't serving its purpose.
Ready to write to Santa?
Help your child send their own letter to the North Pole.