Christmas is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, traditions!
While many of us know about the classic customs like decorating the Christmas tree with coloured lights or waiting patiently for Santa to shimmy down the chimney, around the world, there are some truly unique and fascinating ways that people celebrate the holiday season.
From roller-skating to Christmas Mass in Venezuela to digging into some delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken in Japan, the global holiday spirit is filled with a treasure trove of surprises.
So, grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to explore the 10 most interesting Christmas traditions you’ve probably never heard of—They might just inspire you to add a new twist to your own family festivities!
The Top 10 Creative, International Christmas Customs
1. China—An Apple a Day Keeps the Christmas Blues Away
In China, Christmas is celebrated with a sweet, symbolic, and healthy treat—apples!
While Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in China, many people in cities like Beijing and Shanghai embrace a festive custom of giving ping guo (apples) as gifts.
This tradition “stems” from the wordplay between "ping" (apple), "ping" (peace), and “pingan ye” (Christmas Eve or literally peaceful night) in Mandarin, as the Christmas season is seen as a time to wish for peace and happiness.
The apples are often beautifully wrapped in shiny paper and given to friends and loved ones on Christmas Eve, symbolising good health and peace in the year ahead.
So, while you might be used to visions of sugarplums during the holiday season, in China, it’s all about spreading joy and prosperity with a crisp, red apple!
2. Iceland—Every Christmas is One for the Books
In Iceland, Christmas is a cosy affair filled with stories and hot cocoa, thanks to the enchanting tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or the "Christmas Book Flood."
Each year, Icelanders exchange books as gifts on Christmas Eve, then curl up by the fire with their new reads and a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
This beloved tradition dates back to World War II when imports were limited, and books became the go-to gift.
Today, it’s a cherished way to celebrate the season, combining the magic of storytelling with the warmth of togetherness.
If you’re a book lover, Iceland might just be the dream Christmas destination that’s straight out of a fairytale for you!
3. Mexico—The Christmas Radish Carving Competition
In Mexico, Christmas creativity literally takes root in radishes!
Every 23rd of December, the city of Oaxaca comes alive with La Noche de Rábanos, or "The Night of the Radishes." This one-of-a-kind tradition sees local artisans carving sizeable radishes into elaborate scenes of nativity stories, folklore, and festive designs.
These aren’t your average salad toppings—they’re intricate works of art! The radishes, grown specifically for this event, are transformed into whimsical creations that draw crowds of admirers.
With music, lights, and plenty of holiday cheer, this quirky competition turns humble root vegetables into the stars of the season. Who knew radishes could be so ravishing?
4. Poland—Spot a Shining Star So You Won’t “Star”ve
In Poland, Christmas Eve dinner begins with a celestial twist—Everyone waits for the first star to appear in the night sky before starting their feast.
This beautiful tradition, called “Gwiazda” (the little star), honours the Star of Bethlehem and adds a touch of magic to the holiday meal.
Families gather around the table, eagerly scanning the sky for that first twinkle. Once the shining star is spotted, it’s finally time to dig into the Wigilia feast, a delicious and meatless 12-course meal symbolising the 12 apostles.
From borscht to pierogi, it’s a celebration filled with love, tradition, and a reminder to keep your sights on the stars for guidance—because only then can the feast and festivities truly begin!
5. Czech Republic—A Shoe Will Show If You’re Single
In the Czech Republic, Christmas isn’t just about celebrating—it’s also about fortune-telling, especially for those curious about the fates of their love lives!
On Christmas Day, single women perform a playful ritual to see if marriage is on the horizon. Here’s how it works: They stand with their back to the door and toss a shoe over their shoulder.
If the shoe lands with the toe pointing toward the door, it’s a sign that wedding bells might be ringing soon! However, if the heel is pointing toward the door, you can kiss your dreams of marriage goodbye—at least until next year.
It’s a fun, lighthearted tradition that brings a little suspense to the holidays—and maybe even a nudge to start planning that wedding guest list.
Who knew a single shoe could hold the secrets to your relationship status?
6. Japan—Kentucky Fried Chickmas
In Japan, Christmas comes with a crispy, finger-lickin’ twist! Forget the traditional turkey—Here, it’s all about Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Yes, you read that right! Every year, millions of families and friends across Japan gather around a bucket of KFC for their holiday feast.
This quirky tradition started in the 1970s when a clever marketing campaign, "Kentucky for Christmas," captured the hearts (and appetites) of the nation.
Since then, it’s become such a big deal that you can no longer “wing” it and order it last minute. In fact, people place their popular holiday orders weeks in advance just to ensure that their families get a taste of that famous fried chicken that everyone has grown to love on Christmas day.
Complete with festive packaging and even Christmas-themed menus, it’s a deliciously unique way to celebrate the season—because who says Christmas cheer can’t come with a side of fries?
7. Norway—A Clean Christmas Sweep
In Norway, Christmas isn’t just about decking the halls—it’s also about sweeping them clean, literally!
On Christmas Eve, Norwegians take a curious and spooky precaution: They hide all their brooms and mops. Why?
According to folklore, Christmas Eve is prime time for witches and mischievous spirits to roam, and a broom or mop is their cleaning product of choice for a midnight ride.
By tucking them away in secret spots, families ensure that no uninvited guest will be zooming through the skies and interfering with Santa and his reindeers’ rigorous international route.
This blend of holiday cheer and ancient superstition adds a magical (and slightly eerie) twist to Norway’s festive traditions. So, if you’re spending Christmas there, don’t forget to stash your cleaning tools—you wouldn’t want to fuel any witchy mischief when everyone should be making merry!
8. Venezuela— Rolling into Christmas Mass
Each year on Christmas Eve, families in Caracas hit the streets on roller skates, gliding their way to Christmas Mass bright and early in a tradition called "La Misa de Gallo."
The city comes alive as children and adults alike roll through the streets, dodging traffic and spreading Christmas cheer. It’s a fun, festive way to gather with loved ones and celebrate the season, combining holiday spirit with a bit of exercise!
The tradition is so beloved that the roads are even closed off to make way for the skaters. So, if you're in Venezuela for Christmas, be ready to lace up your skates—This is one holiday tradition that rolls by fast, and you won’t want it to pass you by!
9. Ukraine—The Season of Spiderwebs
In Ukraine, Christmas decorations come with a little bit of a spin...spiderwebs! That’s right—Ukrainians often adorn their Christmas trees with shimmering webs and spider ornaments.
This enchanting tradition stems from a heartwarming folktale about a poor widow who couldn’t afford to decorate her tree. According to the story, kind-hearted spiders spun beautiful, glittering webs of silver and gold that shone in the sunlight overnight to surprise her children.
Now, these delicate decorations symbolise good luck, prosperity, and the beauty of unexpected blessings and generosity. So, if you find a little extra sparkle on your tree in Ukraine, it’s not a sign to call pest control—It’s a festive nod to this unique and touching Christmas tradition!
10. Finland—Soak up the Holiday Spirit in a Sauna
In Finland, the holidays are all about warmth—literally! On Christmas Eve, families across the country head to the sauna to soak up some festive relaxation and blow off some steam.
Known as the “Christmas sauna,” this steamy tradition is deeply rooted in Finnish culture, symbolising cleansing and renewal before the holiday celebrations begin. For many, it’s a serene moment to reflect, bond with loved ones, and let the holiday spirit sink in.
Whether you’re sweating out stress or simply enjoying the cosy vibes, the Christmas sauna is the ultimate way to kick off the festivities—because nothing says “Merry Christmas” like stepping into the warmth of festive, Finnish tradition!
