Christmas is undoubtedly my favorite time of the year, and many worldwide feel the same way. There are many ways to celebrate Christmas, and every country has its unique way of celebrating.

Some countries emphasize religious ceremonies, whereas others focus more on family gatherings and gift-giving. Growing up in America, I’ve grown to be very familiar with tree decorating, gift-giving, and of course, the infamous Santa Claus. But throughout my travels, I’ve become rather familiar with other traditions that have shaped my perspective of Christmas. So with that being said, I’d love to share what I’ve learned over the years and how Christmas differs around the world.

Guatemala

Guatemala is one of the most underrated Christmas destinations in North America and it definitely varies from an American Christmas. In Guatemala, Christmas is focused on bringing people together. You can expect the festivities to start early in December with Las Posadas being the first of many Christmas Celebrations in Guatemala. It’s a nightly reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter and is carried out with colorful parades and traditional music.

On Christmas Eve, families will typically gather for a grand feast which includes dishes like Tamales and Ponche Navideño (fruit punch). Then, at midnight, the skies light up with fireworks as everyone welcomes Christmas Day. The fireworks are beautiful but because of the amount being lit at the same time, it can get very stinky and smokey, so just be aware of that.

My favorite part about Christmas in Guatemala was seeing the joy of the people. I remember walking through the main square of Antigua and seeing children playing with their new toys alongside their families. It was beautiful. So if you want to try something new this year, I highly recommend spending Christmas in Guatemala.

Norway

In Norway, Christmas, or “Jul“, as they call it is a celebration that is very rich in traditions and quite festive. The holiday season in Norway begins with Advent, which a tradition where families light candles and decorate their homes with greenevery such as pine leaves or pine cones.

One of the highlights of Christmas in Norway is the preparation of Julebord which is almost like a lavish feast that features the local delicacies of Ribbe (Roast Pork) and Lutefisk. Norwegians are also massive fans of baking and will spend time with their families baking julekaker which is basically Norwegian sugar cookies.

On Christmas Eve, the locals will typically gather for a special meal, and exchange gifts. The children of Norway, often wait for “St Nick” or “Julenissen” which is considered to be the Norwegian Santa Clause. Just like in the United States, the Norwegians sing traditional carols and love to spend cold evenings by the fireplace or close by the tree.

Though I have never spent Christmas in Norway myself, It’s something I’d love to do, someday.

Japan

Japan celebrates Christmas in such a unique way. Will you see Christmas lights and decorated trees? Yes! But the Japanese themselves aren’t as into Christmas as most of the West is. This is because traditionally, Japan is not a Christian-majority country and the holiday doesn’t hold the religious significance it does in Europe or America for instance.

Christmas Eve in Japan is celebrated as a “romantic” holiday and many couples will go out for dinner dates or will go to see the many lights. One of the most popular traditions in Japan is to enjoy KFC. It seems strange but back in the 70’s, KFC was very successful with their marketing tactics, marketing the chicken joint as sort of a symbol for Christmas celebrations.

Other foods that are enjoyed include a Christmas cake called Kurisumasu Keki which is a fluffy sponge cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream. Another Christmas dessert would be the Anmitsu which consists of colorful, jelly cubes topped with red bean paste, fruit, and your choice of white or brown sugar syrup.

Nigeria

Christmas is one of the most popular celebrations of the year in Nigeria. In Nigeria, the festivities will usually begin with church services that focus on worship and giving thanks. Homes are sometimes decorated with lights and ornaments.

Christmas markets are popular there too and often offer Christmas delicacies, like Jollof stuffed chicken, gifts, and other festive treats. A traditional Nigerian Christmas dinner usually consists of goat meat, Jollof rice, and stews, which are shared with family on Christmas Day.

A Nigerian Christmas is more about faith and worship than anything else and although it loosely resembles an American Christmas it is still very different.

Australia

Christmas in Australia is unique in the sense that it is celebrated in the summer. While many traditions mirror those in the Northern Hemisphere, Australians add their own, summery twist to things. Families often gather outdoors for barbecues, beach trips, or picnics, enjoying fresh seafood and seasonal fruits instead of heavy winter dishes.

Cities like Sydney light up with decorations, like multi-colored lights and brightly decorated trees, and guess what? Santa can even be spotted in board shorts! That’s why an Australian Christmas is so unique and must be experienced at least once.

Peru

A Peruvian Christmas is a unique experience that’s for sure! Peruvians refer to Christmas as “Navidad” and it’s considered to be a time of religious observances and family gatherings.

One of the most important traditions is attending La Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Mass), followed by a midnight feast featuring dishes like roasted turkey, tamales, and sweet panetón bread. Homes and churches are usually decorated with nativity scenes and other religious symbols. This is because Peru as a whole has a very strong Catholic presence.

In spring of 2024, I was traveling through South America including Peru and a part of me wished I had traveled during Christmas time. Hopefully, someday, I’ll make it back for Christmas.

Jordan

In Jordan, Christmas is celebrated by the country’s Christian communities and is something that is shared among most cultures in Jordan. Lots of festivities take place across the country and most of these are centered around the church with nativity scenes, masses, and community charity events/gatherings.

Amman, which is Jordan’s capital, becomes particularly festive with holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and concerts scattered around the city. Although Jordan may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think of Christmas abroad, it sure is worth the visit, especially during the most magical time of year.

Jamaica

Christmas in Jamaica is a wild celebration filled with music, food, and lots of friends and family. The country’s warm climate sort of sets the stage for outdoor activities. These activities include the grand markets where most families shop for gifts and seasonal items.

A traditional Christmas meal in Jamaica includes jerk chicken, roasted meats, rice and peas, and sorrel, a festive drink made from hibiscus flowers. This meal is almost always served on Christmas Day and is absolutely delicious!

Estonia

An Estonian Christmas is so magical and one you have to experience at least once. Christmas is known locally as Jõulud, and the season begins with Advent which is rooted in both Christian and Pagan rituals. On Christmas Eve, families usually gather for a traditional meal such as sauerkraut and blood sausage followed by gift-giving and candle lighting.

Many Estonians light candles to honor loved ones and visit cemeteries to pay their respects around the holidays. I think it’s a beautiful tradition personally.

The best part about spending the Holidays in Estonia is having access to the Tallinn Christmas Market which is the largest and one of the oldest in the world. In fact, Tallinn is home to one of Europe’s oldest known Christmas trees!

The Philippines

Christmas in the Philippines is a celebration like no other and it’s considered to be the longest holiday season in the world. Festivities begin as early as September, with the “ber” months being the prime time for decorations, Christmas music, and stunning lights.

Family and faith are central, and with that being said, one of the most popular Christmas traditions in the country is Simbang Gabi which is a nine-day dawn mass leading up to Christmas Day. Noche Buena is the grand Christmas Eve feast, where delicious Filipino dishes are served such as suckling pig. It’s such a festive country and if you love the holidays as much as I do, you’ll love a Filipino Christmas!

Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated very differently than in most countries and it’s known as Genna Lideta which is celebrated on January 7th every year. Ethiopians follow the Orthodox calendar which makes January 7th officially Christmas Day.

Festivities begin with a pre-dawn church service where worshippers dress in white robes and gather to sing and pray. Traditional foods like doro wat (spicy chicken stew) and injera (flatbread) are prepared and shared in large family gatherings too.

Unique to Ethiopian Christmas is a game called ye-genna chewata which is a sport resembling field hockey, said to have ties to the shepherds’ story. It is usually played on Christmas morning and is something you can’t find anywhere else. Overall, Ethiopia is a very unique destination to visit this Christmas.

FAQ’s

What Are Some Of The Earliest Christmas Traditions Celebrated Globally?
Christmas traditions like decorating trees and exchanging gifts date back to ancient European winter festivals and early Pagan practices but some of the earliest traditions also include Rome’s Saturnalia festival with feasts and gifts, Scandinavia’s Yule celebrations honoring nature with evergreen decorations, and Nativity plays initiated by St. Francis of Assisi.

Which Countries Celebrate Christmas On Dates Other Than December 25th?
Orthodox Christians in countries like Russia, Greece, Moldova, Serbia, Georgia, and Ethiopia celebrate on January 7th using the Julian calendar.

How Do Christmas Markets Differ Across Europe?
Markets in Germany focus on handmade crafts, while French markets often highlight gourmet food such as cheese and fine wine.

Why is Christmas Eve more significant than Christmas Day in some cultures?
In many European such as Poland, Germany, and Switzerland, Christmas Eve is celebrated and this is because Jesus was believed to have been born at night which makes it the night before Christmas.

Anything In Particular That I Should Pack For My Christmas Travels?

Yes! I always recommend checking out my shop as I offer my go-to essentials such as a rain jacket, that would be perfect for wet or tropical travel this winter!