Christmas traditions vary across the globe. Would you like to learn about a few fun and unusual Christmas traditions from around the world?
In this post, you will read about some unique Christmas traditions. And, if you are looking for extra fun, you can get our printable coloring activity with fun Christmas traditions from 20 different countries!
9 Unique Christmas Traditions Around the World
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- Christmas on the Beach
There is no better way to spend your Christmas holiday than getting a tan, building sandcastles and swimming in the ocean. In New Zealand and Australia, where the holidays arrive in the middle of summer, people flock to the beaches.
Instead of a hot roast dinner, Kiwis and Australians prefer seafood or meat cooked on the BBQ accompanied by salad and a cold beer.
- Ice Skating in the City
Each Christmas, visitors and residents alike, pull on their ice skates and twirl around on the ice-rink at Rockefeller Centre, New York. The idea of an artificial rink was hatched back in 1936 and became an instant hit, drawing not just skaters, but tons of onlookers, who found it was just as much fun to watch the rink as it was to skate on it.
- Kissing Under the Mistletoe
Mistletoe was first hung as a Christmas decoration in Great Britain. The tradition says that hanging a sprig of mistletoe on your Christmas tree or in your doorway, gives you permission to kiss on a loved one.
Related Reading: Walk This World at Christmastime (learn ways people around the world celebrate Christmas- with illustrations)
- Giant Lantern Festival
Ligligan Parul Sampernandu (Giant Lantern Festival) is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando in the Philippines. Residents from different villages compete to build the most elaborate lantern, some up to six metres in size. The beautiful lanterns create a kaleidoscope of color and movement in the night sky and send a message of light and hope to all who see them.
- Hiding the Broom
The Norwegian tradition of hiding all the brooms on Christmas Eve dates back centuries to a time when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve. To this day, the people of Norway hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to prevent them being stolen by supernatural forces.
- Roller-Blading to Church
Every Christmas Eve, the people of Caracas, Venezuela head to church on roller skates. This fun tradition is so popular, the city closes roads to cars so people can skate to church safely. After church, they all head back home on their skates for a unique Christmas dinner of tamales.
Related Reading: Celebrate Christmas Around the World (A little history about Christmas and activities from over 20 countries)
- The Giant Cat
One of the strangest festive traditions comes from Iceland, where a giant cat is said to roam the snowy countryside at Christmas time. Traditionally farmers would use the Yule Cat as an incentive for their workers – those who worked hard would receive a new set of clothes, but those who didn’t would be devoured by the gigantic cat-like beast. Today it is customary for everyone in Iceland to get new clothing for Christmas to avoid being eaten.
- The Christmas Pickle
The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree during the festive season is believed to have started in Germany back in the 16th Century, so it isn’t surprising that the German people have some funny customs relating to the their Christmas trees. One of these conventions is to hide a pickle somewhere within the branches of the tree, and give a gift to the child who finds it.
- Fried Caterpillars
Minced pies, nuts and turkey are food we normally associate with Christmas, but in South Africa there is an unusual delicacy to add to the list. Some local people enjoy fried insects as an extra special Christmas treat. Deep fried Emperor Moth caterpillars are full of protein and are said to give all who eat them a little extra luck for the coming year.
Christmas Traditions Around the World (Printable Coloring Activity)
How about a fun activity that can keep the little ones busy and entertained while they learn more fun Christmas traditions worldwide?
This Christmas coloring activity teaches kids how twenty different countries celebrate this wonderful holiday.
Countries included: USA, France, Italy, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Mexico, Georgia, Austria, Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Canada, Brazil, Japan, Israel, Switzerland, Chile, Turkey.
Books about Christmas Around the World
Would you like to add some books about Christmas traditions around the world to your wishlist? Take a look at these titles!
- A World of Cookies for Santa: Follow Santa’s Tasty Trip Around the World
- Walk This World at Christmastime
- Celebrate Christmas Around the World
Would you share an unusual Christmas tradition from your country?
Interesting Christmas Articles
- Santa Claus Names Around the World
- Santa Claus Sensory Bottle: Christmas Crafts + Effective Calming Tool
- Stress-Free Christmas for Autism Families
- Sensory Gifts for Kids with Autism
Looking for More Christmas Fun?
If you’d like even more easy, print-and-go Christmas activities, check out our full Christmas Coloring & Crafts Bundle. It’s packed with festive coloring pages, simple crafts, and fun projects that keep kids happily entertained at home or at school. A great way to add extra creativity to your holiday season!
