Christmas Around The World
Join us as we explore the heartwarming customs, delicious foods, and spirited festivities that make Christmas special in every corner of the world. Together, let’s celebrate the season of love, light, and togetherness!
A Cozy Danish Jul
In Denmark, the concept of “hygge”, a word that captures the feeling of warmth, comfort, and togetherness—lies at the heart of the Christmas season. As winter settles in, snow blankets the streets, windows glow with soft candlelight, and families gather indoors to share food, laughter, and stories.
The Danish Christmas celebration, known as Jul, is filled with tradition. A typical festive meal includes flæskesteg (crispy roast pork with crackling), rødkål (sweet red cabbage), and the much-loved dessert risalamande, a creamy rice pudding served with warm cherry sauce. Hidden inside the bowl is a single whole almond, and whoever finds it is said to receive good luck—often along with a small prize.
On Christmas Eve, the excitement grows as children wait for Julemanden, the Danish Santa Claus, who is often accompanied by Nisse—little elves known for their playful tricks and love of porridge. Some families even leave out a bowl of rice pudding to keep the Nisse happy, just in case!
With its mix of folklore, food, and fireside comfort, a Danish Christmas perfectly reflects the spirit of hygge—where the true gift is sharing simple moments with the people you love.
A Sparkling Start in the Philippines
Imagine looking up to see a sky filled with glowing lanterns, each one shining like a star. In the Philippines, Christmas isn’t just a holiday—it’s a months-long celebration, famously known as the longest Christmas season in the world. As early as September, festive music fills the air, decorations appear in homes and streets, and the country begins its joyful countdown to Christmas.
At the heart of Filipino tradition is Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn or evening masses held from December 16th to 24th. Families, friends, and whole communities come together in faith, often heading straight from church to enjoy traditional treats such as bibingka (rice cake baked in banana leaves) and puto bumbong (purple steamed rice cakes served with coconut and sugar).
Another highlight of the season is the spectacular Giant Lantern Festival, held in San Fernando, known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Here, enormous lanterns called parols—crafted with dazzling colors and complex designs—are lit up in a grand display, symbolizing hope, unity, and the guiding light of the Star of Bethlehem. The parol itself, a star-shaped lantern found in homes across the country, has become one of the most beloved symbols of Filipino Christmas.
With its blend of deep faith, family warmth, and breathtaking light displays, Christmas in the Philippines is a celebration that glows—literally and spiritually—reminding everyone of joy, community, and the light that shines even in the darkest nights.
Australian Beachside Barbecues
While much of the world pictures Christmas wrapped in snow and twinkling frost, Australians celebrate under the blazing summer sun. December in Australia means blue skies, warm sand, and temperatures that can soar well past 30°C—so instead of gathering around a fire, families and friends head to the coast.
Christmas Day often unfolds right on the beach, where barbecues sizzle with fresh prawns, grilled seafood, and juicy sausages, all enjoyed beside crashing waves and picnic blankets. No Aussie Christmas feast is complete without pavlova—a light, fruity dessert topped with whipped cream and summer berries—or a chilled slice of watermelon straight from the esky (cooler).
After a swim in the ocean or a game of backyard cricket, the celebrations continue into the evening. Even in the heat, Australians keep the magic of Christmas alive with carols by candlelight, community gatherings, and vibrant neighbourhood light displays that transform suburban streets into glowing wonderlands.
Sunny, salty, and full of summertime joy, an Australian Christmas proves that the holiday spirit isn’t tied to snow—it’s found wherever people come together to celebrate love, laughter, and the joy of giving.
Iceland’s 13 Yule Lads
In Iceland, Christmas is wrapped in a world of stories, snow, and a touch of mischief. Unlike the familiar single Santa Claus, Icelandic children are visited by not one—but thirteen festive figures known as the Yule Lads. These quirky characters begin arriving 13 days before Christmas, each night bringing either a small gift for well-behaved children… or a raw potato for those who haven’t been so nice!
Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality and playful habit, from Spoon-Licker and Door-Slammer to Sausage-Swiper and Candle-Stealer. Their names come from old Icelandic traditions and reflect the humorous, sometimes mischievous spirit woven through the country’s folklore.
Children leave shoes on their windowsills, eagerly waiting to see which Lad will visit next. As the nights grow longer and the northern lights dance across the sky, Iceland’s celebrations blend storytelling, family warmth, and wintry magic—making Christmas feel like a living fairy tale.
With its blend of folklore, mystery, and good-natured mischief, Christmas in Iceland is a reminder that the season isn’t just about presents—it’s about traditions, imagination, and a little bit of wonder.
Mexican Posadas and Piñatas
In Mexico, Christmas is a vibrant celebration rooted in faith, community, and joyful tradition. Beginning on December 16th, streets and neighbourhoods come to life with Las Posadas, a nine-night reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem. Each evening, families, friends, and neighbours join in a candlelit procession, singing carols and visiting different homes until they are finally welcomed inside, symbolising the spirit of hospitality and compassion.
Once the “inn” is found, the night transforms into a festive gathering filled with laughter, music, and food. Tables are lined with tamales, buñuelos (crispy fried pastries), and steaming cups of ponche navideño, a warm spiced fruit punch made with guava, cinnamon, hibiscus, and sugar cane.
For children, the highlight is often the piñata, brightly coloured and traditionally star-shaped, representing the Star of Bethlehem. Breaking the piñata is more than just a game; it symbolises the victory of good over evil, showering everyone below with sweets and treats like a celebration of blessing and joy.
Mexican Christmas is more than a single day, it’s a living tradition woven with faith, food, song, and togetherness. From the heartfelt rituals of Las Posadas to the bursting of piñatas, it reflects a culture where the true gift of the season is community.
Germany’s Enchanting Christmas Markets
Step into a real-life fairytale and wander through Germany’s world-famous Weihnachtsmärkte, traditional Christmas markets that transform towns and cities into scenes straight from a storybook. Along cobblestone streets, rows of wooden huts glow beneath strings of golden lights, their rooftops dusted with winter frost. From Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt to Dresden’s historic Striezelmarkt, each market has its own charm and century-old traditions.
The air is filled with the scent of Glühwein, a warm, spiced mulled wine served in festive mugs, and roasted chestnuts crackling in paper cones. Everywhere you turn, there are treats to tempt you, Lebkuchen (gingerbread hearts), Stollen (rich fruit bread), and sizzling bratwursts fresh from the grill. Stalls overflow with hand-carved toys, glass baubles, wooden nutcrackers, and candle arches, making it the perfect place to find unique, lovingly crafted gifts.
For many German families, visiting the Christmas market is an essential part of Advent, a tradition that’s as much about gathering with loved ones as it is about shopping. Children ride carousels, choirs sing carols, and the glow of lanterns and laughter fills the cold night air.
More than just a market, the Weihnachtsmarkt is a celebration of seasonal magic, where every sip, step, and snowflake feels like Christmas come to life.
Ukraine’s Sparkling Spider Webs
In Ukraine, Christmas trees shimmer with more than ornaments and lights—they sparkle with a touch of folklore and magic. One of the most beloved holiday legends tells the story of a poor widow who had no money to decorate her family’s Christmas tree. On Christmas morning, her children awoke to a miracle: overnight, spiders had spun delicate webs all over the branches, and when the sunlight streamed in, the webs turned to threads of shimmering silver and gold.
From that day forward, the spider became a symbol of unexpected blessing and good fortune. To honour the tale, many Ukrainian families still hang tiny spider and web ornaments, often made of glass, straw, or metal, as a reminder that even the humblest home can be filled with wonder.
Far more than decoration, these sparkling spiders carry a message of hope: that kindness, patience, and faith can turn even life’s simplest moments into something beautiful.
In Ukraine, the Christmas tree doesn’t just shine with lights—it shines with a story.