What is the oldest Christmas tradition still kept today?

Lighting candles or fires in midwinter predates Christmas itself. The Roman Saturnalia and northern European Yule both shaped the candle and evergreen traditions we still keep.

Why do we hang stockings?

The custom comes from a legend about Saint Nicholas dropping gold coins down a chimney, where they landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry.

Why are red and green the Christmas colours?

Evergreens were used through winter as a sign of life. Red came from holly berries and, later, from Victorian printing inks. The pairing was popularised by 19th century cards and advertising.

Traditions

Christmas traditions around the world

Globe surrounded by Christmas ornaments from different countries

Quick answer

Most of what we think of as Christmas is older than Christmas itself. Candles, evergreens and feasts in midwinter go back to long before December 25 became a fixed date. This guide walks through where the traditions come from, and how different countries still keep them. For a country-by-country tour, see Christmas around the world, or jump into our Christmas Traditions Explorer.

Why December 25?

The early church did not celebrate the birth of Jesus on a fixed date. December 25 was set in the fourth century, partly to overlap with existing Roman midwinter festivals. The date stuck and spread with Christianity across Europe.

Candles, evergreens and the Advent wreath

Bringing greenery indoors in winter is a pre Christian habit. The Advent wreath, with four candles for the four Sundays before Christmas, was formalised in 19th century Germany but draws on much older candle traditions. For more on how this still looks today, read about German Christmas traditions.

The Christmas tree

The decorated indoor Christmas tree began in the German speaking world in the 16th century. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularised it in Britain in the 1840s. From there it spread quickly across the English speaking world.

Carols and Christmas music

The earliest Christmas carols were dance songs sung in the round. Many of the carols we sing today were collected or written in the 19th century, including Silent Night, O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

Gift giving and Saint Nicholas

The figure of Santa Claus comes from Saint Nicholas, a fourth century bishop in what is now Turkey, who was known for quietly giving gifts to the poor. Over centuries the figure travelled across Europe, picked up red robes, a beard, reindeer and a sleigh, and became the modern Santa. Smaller countries kept the older Saint Nicholas figure alongside Santa — see Slovenian Christmas traditions for one striking example.

Stockings, shoes and chimneys

In some countries children leave shoes by the door for Saint Nicholas. In others they hang stockings by the chimney. Both traditions trace back to the same legend about coins dropped down a chimney that landed in something drying nearby.

Christmas markets

Outdoor Christmas markets started in late medieval Germany and Austria, where towns gathered for a few weeks of trading, food and music before the long winter. They have spread across Europe and beyond. The festive dishes served at these markets get a full tour in our guide to Christmas food around the world.

Frequently asked questions

What is the oldest Christmas tradition still kept today?: Lighting candles or fires in midwinter predates Christmas itself. The Roman Saturnalia and northern European Yule both shaped the candle and evergreen traditions we still keep.
Why do we hang stockings?: The custom comes from a legend about Saint Nicholas dropping gold coins down a chimney, where they landed in stockings hung by the fire to dry.
Why are red and green the Christmas colours?: Evergreens were used through winter as a sign of life. Red came from holly berries and, later, from Victorian printing inks. The pairing was popularised by 19th century cards and advertising.