Christmas Around the World 2025

Explore how different cultures celebrate the most wonderful time of the year

December 25, 2025

Christmas is more than just gifts and decorations - it's a time of joy, unity, and tradition shared by people all over the world.

From the snowy towns of Europe to the sunny beaches of Australia, every country celebrates Christmas in its own magical way. Let's take a journey to explore Christmas Around the World and see how different cultures bring the festive spirit to life!

Join us as we explore the diverse and enchanting ways cultures celebrate Christmas across the world. From the twinkling lights of New York City to the vibrant festivities of Tokyo, discover the unique traditions and customs that make this season truly magical.

Though rooted in Christian tradition, Christmas is a global phenomenon celebrated by people of diverse faiths and cultures. From the solemn to the secular, Christmas traditions vary widely, yet they all share a common thread: the joy of giving, the warmth of community, and the hope for the future.

Join us on a global journey to explore the diverse and enchanting ways cultures celebrate Christmas. From the heart of Christian traditions to secular festivities, discover how people of different faiths and cultures come together to share the spirit of Christmas.

"Norwegian Christmas Tradition", 1846, Adolph Tidemand, Norwegian, 1814 – 1876

Global Christmas Traditions

Christmas is celebrated by billions of people around the world, each country adding its own unique customs, foods, and traditions to the holiday. From Australia's beachside barbecues to Austria's terrifying Krampus, the ways of celebrating are as diverse as our planet itself.

In 2025, Christmas falls on a Thursday, making it a perfect opportunity for long weekend celebrations in many countries. Let's explore how different cultures mark this special time of year.

Mexico

Celebrations: Dec 16 - Dec 24

In Mexico, Christmas celebrations begin on December 16th with Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging. Children break piñatas filled with candies and fruits, and families enjoy buñuelos (fried dough pastries) and warm ponche (fruit punch).

A traditional Mexican Posada procession at dusk, featuring a large crowd carrying candles

On Christmas Eve, families attend midnight Mass (Misa de Gallo) followed by a festive dinner with traditional dishes like bacalao (salted cod) and romeritos (a shrimp and potato dish).

Germany

Christmas Markets: Nov 24 - Dec 24

Germany is famous for its Christmas markets (Christkindlmarkt), where vendors sell crafts, gifts, and festive foods. The tradition of decorating Christmas trees originated in Germany, and many families still use real candles to light their trees.

Traditional German Christmas market scene with a large, decorated Christmas tree, stalls selling seasonal items, and steam rising from food vendors

On December 6th, children leave their shoes out for St. Nicholas to fill with treats. The Christmas Eve meal typically includes goose, carp, or fondue, followed by the exchange of gifts.

Japan

Christmas Eve: Dec 24, 2025

While only about 1% of Japanese people are Christian, Christmas has become a widely celebrated holiday focused on happiness and love. It's often considered a romantic holiday for couples, similar to Valentine's Day.

Dusk scene of a large-scale Christmas light show in Japan, dominated by cool blue and brilliant white LED lights, with warmer golden accents, covering vast landscaped areas and drawing numerous spectators.

The most popular Christmas food in Japan is fried chicken from KFC, thanks to a highly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. Families also enjoy Christmas cake—a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and whipped cream.

Philippines

Longest Season: Sep 1 - Jan 6, 2026

The Philippines boasts the world's longest Christmas season, starting in September and ending in January. Parols (star-shaped lanterns) adorn homes and streets, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem.

A nighttime scene in the Philippines with numerous traditional handmade Filipino parol lanterns hanging from a street or home, casting a warm, festive glow over the surroundings.

At midnight on Christmas Eve, families enjoy Noche Buena, a feast including queso de bola (edam cheese), hamón (Christmas ham), and lechón (roast pig). Children also practice pagmamáno, a tradition of kissing an elder's hand as a sign of respect.

Australia

Christmas Day: Dec 25, 2025

Christmas in Australia comes during the summer, so many celebrations happen outdoors. Families often enjoy beach barbecues, picnics in parks, and swimming parties instead of traditional indoor feasts.

People celebrating Christmas on a sunny Australian beach.

Carols by Candlelight events are popular on Christmas Eve, where communities gather in parks to sing Christmas songs by candlelight. A traditional Christmas meal might include seafood, ham, turkey, and pavlova—a meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit.

Ethiopia

Christmas: Jan 7, 2026

Ethiopia follows the ancient Julian calendar, so Christmas (called Ganna) is celebrated on January 7th. People dress in white traditional clothing and attend church services that begin at 4 AM and last until dawn.

Ethiopian Christmas Ganna celebration at Lalibela rock-hewn church.

After church, families enjoy a feast that includes doro wat (a spicy chicken stew) and injera (a sourdough flatbread). The holiday is focused on religious observance rather than gift-giving, though children may receive small presents.

Celebration in Africa, Alaska, Albania, Argentina

Celebration in Bahamas, Bethlehem, Brazil, Bulgaria

Celebration in Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Czechoslovakia

Celebration in Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France

Celebration in Greece, Greenland, Georgia, Holland, Hong Kong, Hungary

Celebration in India, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Italy

Celebration in Lebanon, Malta, New Zealand, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway

Celebration in Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia

Celebration in Scotland, South America, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

Celebration in Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wales

As we conclude our global Christmas journey, we hope you've been inspired by the diversity and beauty of Christmas holiday celebrations around the world. May the spirit of Christmas fill your heart with joy, peace, and love. Happy Holidays!

Plan Your 2025 Christmas Experience

Whether you're celebrating at home or planning to experience Christmas in another country, 2025 offers wonderful opportunities to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Many countries will have special events and extended holiday periods around Christmas Day (Thursday) and Boxing Day (Friday), creating a long weekend perfect for travel or local festivities.

Explore More Holiday Traditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How is Christmas celebrated around the world?

A: Different countries celebrate Christmas with unique customs. In Europe, people enjoy snowy holidays and carols; in Latin America, there are colorful festivals and piñatas; while in Australia, families have sunny beach barbecues.

Q: Why do Christmas traditions vary across countries?

A: Christmas traditions vary due to cultural, historical, and climatic differences. Each country blends its local customs with Christian beliefs, creating a rich tapestry of global celebrations.

Q: What are some unique Christmas traditions from different countries?

In Germany, children open Advent calendars.
In Mexico, families celebrate Las Posadas.
In India, homes glow with star lanterns.
In Japan, people enjoy Christmas cake and fried chicken!

Q: What do people eat at Christmas around the world?

A: Holiday dishes differ widely - roast turkey in the U.S. and U.K., tamales in Mexico, seafood in Australia, and sweets like kalkals in India. Food reflects each country's festive culture.

Q: How can children learn about global Christmas traditions?

A: Kids can explore stories, crafts, and videos online, or try celebrating with foods, songs, and decorations from other cultures. It's a fun way to learn geography and respect diversity!