10 Unusual Christmas Festivities Across the Globe

The festive season is approaching! Soon our shops, communities, and hearts will be filled with decorations and happiness. While the Christmas spirit of unity is universal, various other customs differ. For many, leaving milk for Santa and snacks for his reindeer may be a routine practice, but it definitely appears peculiar to people in other nations. In fact, Santa isn’t even the gift-bringer in some places!

Together with our journey-loving partners at AllTheRooms, we’ve gathered a list of distinct and perhaps bizarre holiday celebrations from around the world.

Japan

Does the Colonel resemble Santa a bit? Well, in Japan, both are seen as symbols of the Christmas season. Following a hugely successful advertising effort in the 70s, KFC has become an established Christmas meal in Japan.

Colombia

Christmas festivities in Colombia extend far beyond just Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. In many cities across the nation, December is celebrated with fervor and resembles a month-long party. On Dia de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), Colombians create and showcase candles inside paper lanterns to venerate the Virgin Mary.

Austria

Did you know that jolly old Saint Nick has a sinister companion? In Austria, he does. The Krampus is a demon-like figure who joins St. Nicholas on his Christmas journey, but instead of gifts, he kidnaps misbehaving children and carries them away in his sack. During the first week of December, men in Austrian communities dress as The Krampus and frighten children.

Speaking of Krampus, Check out our list of Scary Christmas Movies.

Philippines

The Saturday before Christmas Eve, in the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, San Fernando, local villages engage in a lantern-making contest. The elaborate and stunning displays can reach nearly 20 feet in size and now draw visitors from around the world.

Sweden

Every year since 1966, at the start of Advent, the Swedish town of Galve constructs a Yule Goat, a substantial straw effigy of a goat. Sounds nice, right? Well, since its inception, there’s been another tradition where groups attempt to burn the goat down. Despite measures to protect it, the goat has been damaged for 37 years, though it did survive 2017.

Iceland

For the thirteen days leading up to Christmas, Iceland witnesses the arrival of 13 mischievous troll characters known as ‘The Yule Lads’. These peculiar beings leave gifts in children’s shoes unless they have been naughty, in which case they receive rotting potatoes. With names like Stufur (Stubby), Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker), Bjugnakraekir (Sausage-Swiper), and Gluggagaegir (Window-Peeper), these are far from the innocent elf figures familiar in many countries’ Christmas myths.

Norway

Hide your brooms — it’s Christmas! Yes, that is the custom in Norway. According to Norwegian folklore, Christmas Eve is the night for witches to cause some mischief. So, naturally, to take to the skies, the witches steal any brooms they can find.

Venezuela

In the capital Caracas, it’s a popular tradition for large crowds to attend Christmas Mass on roller-skates. This lively and energetic custom has gained such popularity that many streets are closed down, allowing the masses of skaters to glide safely from their homes to the church.

Germany

In German tree-decorating customs, parents hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first child to discover it receives a special gift. While this might foster a year of sibling rivalry, it remains a fun tradition! Although widely practiced in Germany, some argue that this custom originated in Spain.

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South Africa

Christmas Markets around the globe, from Cambria, California to Strasbourg, France, might offer delicious seasonal treats like mulled wine and gingerbread cookies, but things are somewhat different in South Africa. Many people in the country anticipate savoring a plate of fried caterpillars. Specifically, Pine Tree Emperor Moth caterpillars are served with sides, spices, or edible decorations, making them seem a bit more festive and a bit less eerie.

About the Guest Author
Zack is a recovering technical recruiter who traded in his suit and tie in Silicon Valley for salsa music and a passion for writing in Medellin, Colombia. When not writing for AllTheRooms, the world’s first vacation rental search engine, you can find Zack with his nose in a book, puttering around nature, or getting ultra-competitive while watching Jeopardy.