Celebrate Christmas around the world: Unique traditions to explore

Christmas is the most joyful and warm holiday in the world, and every country has its own peculiarities of Christmas traditions. Delicious food and special occasions are the toughest nut to crack when it comes to differentiating between different countries during the Holidays. Whether you are in the mood for new travel destinations or are interested in how people celebrate Christmas all over the world, here is a list of some of the best places to spend Christmas and the unique Christmas activities that make this place special.

The magical Christmas markets of Germany

Nothing surprises the visitors of Germany during winter and especially during Christmas like the Christmas markets they refer to as Weihnachtsmärkte. Famous places such as Nuremberg, Cologne, and Munich turn into a paradise for Christmas decorations with handmade ornaments and foods. They can smell mulled wine or Glühwein, gingerbread, which adds cosines to the atmosphere. Shopping in these markets is a tradition, and you can also buy a Merry Christmas card as a souvenir. Remember to order Glühwein and get a cup of warm drinks to have while enjoying the Christmas atmosphere.

A festive Christmas in the Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines is a festive, heartwarming celebration filled with vibrant traditions, known for having the longest holiday season. Regarding celebrations, Christmas starts as early as September in the Philippines, and thus people celebrate Christmas longer than most countries in the world currently. In this period, rocks are decorated with bright Christmas lights and everyone can hear such lovely sounds like carols. Another important element of Christmas activities in the Philippines is the so-called parol, which is a star by its shape and represents the Star of Bethlehem. 

Christmas Eve is a day of reunion, songs, and Christmas fare, especially the Lechon (roast pig). Another tradition that accompanies the New Year and the Christmastime is the sending of merry Christmas cards. As a tourist, Filipino hospitality is enough to guarantee anyone a joyous Christmas holiday, hence making it one of the best destinations to spend Christmas.

Christmas down under in Australia

While most countries may celebrate their festive season during the cold period, in Australia December is summer, resulting in a different look of Christmas. Most Australians, therefore, spend the day outdoors having beach barbecues and outdoor festivals rather than having snow. Christmas Eve has usually a family dinner with seafood, ham, and summer salads. Sydney and the Melbourne counterpart in particular have festive parades, and Australians love to celebrate the holiday spirit, especially the fireworks shot on Christmas day. For those who seek a nontraditional type of Christmas and meet locals, Australia is among the top options of best places to spend Christmas in the world, it is a festive mood that is active and warm.

The enchanting Christmas of Sweden

Swedish customs are great and carry a kind of fairy tale aura while keeping historical aspects. Swedish Christmas is all about families and togetherness associated with getting together for a meal and is one of the best places to celebrate Christmas. One of many interesting aspects is the Swedish Christmas markets where people can buy handmade toys, listen to the crib, and drink gingerbread and Glögg (spiced wine). In appreciation of the Yuletide season, families sit down to a special dinner on Christmas Eve, and food specials are hams, pickled herrings, and rice porridge. The Christmas activities done by the Santa Clauses in Sweden are made even more special by the presence of the elves and the reindeer.

The United States: A celebration across the states

American Christmas traditions might be as diverse as the states, but one thing is for sure, the people enjoy themselves a lot. New York and Chicago deserve special attention with their bright holiday lighting, whereas Leavenworth, Washington is painted all white for the Christmas look. The biggest cities to visit in the U.S. after Christmas include ice skating, parades, and Christmas lights dazzle which is quite stunning. You can also attend performances of Christmas-time plays such as The Nutcracker. With so many options, the U.S. ranks as one of the best places to spend Christmas in the world.

Christmas in Mexico: A time for family and faith

Mexicans especially celebrate Christmas, emphasizing family and faith as well as traditions and enjoying good food. The beginning of main Christmas celebrations begins with Las Posadas, where is acted out Mary and Joseph in search of a place to sleep. Folkloric masks are included in the home and streets, with many families gathering together to consume tasty Mexican dishes such as tamales and bacalao (salt cod). Christmas Eve is also marked by a great dinner and then a midnight service. If you're finally planning to visit Mexico in these holidays you will be immersed in that welcoming spirit, making it one of the best destinations to spend Christmas if you want to embrace rich culture.

Winter wonderland Christmas in Finland

Finland is a country famous for Christmas and being the home to Santa Claus. Rovaniemi where people visit the Santa Claus Village to meet the man himself. There are severally activities that would be on during Christmas the activities are husky sledding, snowshoeing, ice castle, etc., making it formal winter. The Finns also wash in the auna during Christmastime before they start their Christmas activities and feasting. Scenic beauty combined with Christmas excitement makes Finland one of the best places to celebrate Xmas for those who are hunting for a snowy Christmas. Explore Finland's Winter Wonderland Christmas with snowy landscapes, cozy cottages, Santa Claus Village, and magical Northern Lights.

Have a Christmas time in Iceland

Iceland has traditions and folklore related to the Christmastime, as well as beautiful and rather bright nature. Celebrated for the Christmas Yule Lads, creatures that come to torment children during the 13 days before Christmas Eve, Iceland is full of Christmas atmosphere. The residents of Iceland have their capital Reykjavik thoroughly decorated with lights, and Christmas markets take place on the streets, with hand-made items on sale. For dinner, traditionally Icelanders have fruits, nuts, and wine besides turkey, roast beef, carrots, peas, potatoes, Christmasgard, Pylsa and Riddu, rice pudding, warm Pastries (Warm Laufabrauð), etc. Iceland’s blend of Christmas traditions and magical scenery makes it one of the best Christmas destinations in the world.

The magic of Christmas across the globe

For most people, the world becomes a haven of joy and warmth from Christmas in Mexico to the Christmas fairs in Germany. Everyone has their traditions during the festive time of the year and the nation provides the visitors with the best experiences during this time of the year. Therefore, no matter if you are sending funny or traditional merry Christmas cards, or planning a Christmas travel to a new place, the idea and energy of Christmas will never leave you.

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How do you celebrate Christmas in a unique way?

Celebrate Christmas uniquely by hosting a cultural-themed dinner, featuring dishes from around the world. Organize a gift of experiences exchange, offering activities like cooking classes or adventure trips. The holiday season can be made even more memorable by celebrating Christmas in a distinctive way. Instead of the traditional tree and gifts, think about creating new traditions that are lively and happy.

Best places to spend Christmas around the World?

Celebrate the enchantment of Christmas in some of the world's best places. Visit Lapland, Finland, for a beautiful wonderland where you can meet Santa Claus. Enjoy Christmas lights and shops in Vienna, Austria, and Prague, Czech Republic. For a tropical twist, visit Cancun, Mexico, for sun-soaked festivities. New York City, USA, is renowned for its iconic Rockefeller Plaza tree and skating rinks. Cologne, Germany, has wonderful Christmas prices, while Zurich in Switzerland has an ideal holiday atmosphere.

What are the worldwide Christmas traditions?

Global Christmas customs reflect the diversity of the cultures that observe them. Advent calendars and Christmas markets are popular traditions in Germany. Mary and Joseph are reenacted in Las Posadas in Mexico. Japan celebrates with dazzling illuminations and KFC feasts. While Sweden celebrates St. Lucia Day in honor of the saint who brings light, the Philippines lights up the season with the Giant Lantern Festival.

Which Country has the best Christmas traditions?

Many countries have different and enjoy Christmas traditions, finding it difficult to choose just one. Germany is well-known for its wonderful Christmas markets and December calendars. Finland celebrates Christmas under the belief that Christmas himself centers in the Lapland region. Italy is well-known for its celebratory holidays and wonderful Christmas scenes.