Traditions
Christmas Traditions Around the World
A short tour of how families in Europe, the Americas and Asia celebrate Christmas, from Advent wreaths to fried chicken dinners.
A short tour of how families in Europe, the Americas and Asia celebrate Christmas, from Advent wreaths to fried chicken dinners.
Europe
Across much of Europe, Christmas is a long season that begins with Advent and runs into early January. Germany and Austria centre the celebration on Christmas Eve, when families light the tree and exchange gifts.
The United Kingdom focuses on Christmas Day lunch with roast turkey and Christmas pudding, followed by Boxing Day on December 26.
The Americas
In the United States the season opens after Thanksgiving and is marked by lights, Santa visits and a large Christmas Day meal. Many Latin American countries celebrate Nochebuena on December 24 with a late family dinner.
Asia
Christmas is not a public holiday in Japan but is widely celebrated as a secular evening. Fried chicken and strawberry shortcake have become iconic Christmas Eve foods.
In the Philippines the Christmas season is one of the longest in the world, starting in September and running through January.
Common threads
Despite the differences, most Christmas traditions share three core ideas: bringing light into the darkest part of the year, gathering family at the table, and giving small tokens of care.
Frequently asked questions
- Which country has the longest Christmas season?
- The Philippines is often cited as having the longest Christmas season, with festivities running from September through January.
- Why do Germans and Austrians celebrate on December 24?
- In both countries the main family celebration falls on Heiligabend, Christmas Eve, when the tree is lit and gifts are exchanged.
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