Christmas is truly one of the most heart-warming seasons of the year! From glowing streets and twinkling lights to the sound of joyful carols, the festive magic surrounds everything. But apart from the classic trees and gifts, there are some surprising Christmas traditions around the world that will absolutely amaze you.
From Japan’s famous KFC Christmas feast to Iceland’s playful Yule Lads, and from Sweden’s iconic giant straw goat to Colombia’s glowing Little Candles’ Day—every celebration carries its own charm. These unique traditions are filled with joy, togetherness, good luck, and deep cultural meaning.
If you dream of experiencing these celebrations in real life, explore Christmas and New Year Tour Packages and witness how different cultures welcome the most joyful season of the year. Create beautiful memories and enjoy the festive vibes like never before!
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List of Most Unique Christmas Traditions from Around the World
Explore the most unusual Christmas traditions across the world below:
1. Hiding Brooms – Norweigh
Among the world’s unusual Christmas traditions, Norway has one of the most fascinating ones. Every Christmas Eve, Norwegians make sure to hide all their brooms before going to sleep. This fun and quirky ritual adds a playful touch to the festive season while keeping homes “safe” from any unwanted supernatural visitors.
The Belief: On Christmas Eve, witches and evil spirits are said to roam freely in search of brooms to ride. By hiding them, families make sure these wandering spirits don’t turn their homes into a magical takeoff runway!
2. Facing the Demons – Austria
Among the world’s most unusual Christmas traditions, Austria has one that is both festive and frightening. Here, people celebrate not only Saint Nicholas but also his terrifying companion, Krampus.
While Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with treats, Krampus—a horned, half-goat creature—wanders through the streets with chains and a sack, searching for naughty kids to scare or carry away. In early December, many people even dress as Krampus and take part in lively, dramatic parades that fill the towns with excitement.
The Belief: This tradition comes from an old folklore that Krampus punishes misbehaving children, reminding everyone to be kind, respectful, and good as the Christmas season begins.
3. Pooping Christmas – Catalonia, Spain
One of the most unusual Christmas traditions in the world comes from Spain, where the focus is surprisingly on… poop! In Catalonia’s nativity scenes, you’ll often find a tiny figurine of a man with his pants down, hidden somewhere in the corner. This quirky character, known as the Caganer, has been part of Christmas displays since the 18th century and now even appears in fun celebrity versions.
The Belief: The Caganer is said to symbolize fertilizing the earth, ensuring prosperity, good luck, and a bountiful harvest in the coming year. It’s a humorous reminder that Christmas is also a celebration of life, growth, and happiness.
4. Witches Instead of Santa?! – Italy
In Italy, one of the most charming and unique Christmas traditions is the story of La Befana, a gentle old witch who brings gifts to children. Instead of Santa Claus, it’s La Befana who takes to the skies on her broomstick on the night of January 5th, filling stockings with sweets for well-behaved kids and leaving coal for the naughty ones.
The Belief: According to legend, La Befana helps Santa because she once missed the chance to travel with the Wise Men to visit baby Jesus. Since then, she has been flying from house to house every year, giving gifts as she continues her search for him—spreading warmth, love, and kindness along the way.
5. Eating KFC, C Stands for Christmas – Japan
In Japan, one of the most surprising Christmas traditions is celebrating the holiday with a bucket of KFC instead of the usual turkey dinner.
Every Christmas, people form long queues outside KFC outlets or make early reservations just to enjoy their festive chicken feast. Even Colonel Sanders statues are dressed up as Santa, and the meals come in cheerful holiday-themed packaging. It has become such a big part of the season that many families treat it as their special Christmas celebration.
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The Belief: This tradition started in the 1970s after KFC launched its “Kentucky for Christmas” campaign. It became so popular that eating KFC together is now seen as a joyful way for families to celebrate togetherness during Christmas.
6. Feeding the Dead – Portugal
Among Europe’s unique Christmas traditions, Portugal’s Consoada holds a special place. Families gather on Christmas Eve to enjoy a traditional salted cod meal, and they leave an empty chair at the table as a symbolic gesture for departed loved ones.
The Belief: This touching tradition reflects deep respect and the belief that the spirits of family members return to bless the Christmas table, reminding everyone that love and togetherness continue beyond life.
7. The Matchmakers – Czech Republic
Another delightful custom among unique Christmas traditions around the world comes from the Czech Republic. On Christmas Eve, unmarried women stand with their backs to the door and toss one of their shoes over their shoulder.
If the shoe lands with the toe pointing toward the door, it’s believed the woman will get married within the next year. But if it points away, she may need to wait a little longer for love to arrive.
The Belief: This lighthearted tradition is thought to predict a woman’s marital future, symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the exciting possibilities the coming year may bring.
8. Filling the Boots – Germany
In Germany, one of the most charming Christmas traditions involves children cleaning their shoes and placing them outside their rooms on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. By morning, they excitedly find their shoes filled with candies, fruits, or small gifts if they’ve been good—and a twig or small branch if they’ve been naughty. This tradition blends fun, anticipation, and a gentle lesson for children.
The Belief: This custom comes from the story of St. Nicholas, who was known for rewarding kind and well-behaved children while encouraging the mischievous ones to improve. It turns Christmas into a warm celebration of kindness, generosity, and good behavior.
9. Decorating Christmas Trees with Spider’s Web – Ukraine
One of the most unusual Christmas traditions comes from Ukraine, where families decorate their Christmas trees with artificial spider webs.
The tradition is inspired by a heartwarming tale of a poor widow who couldn’t afford ornaments for her tree. On Christmas morning, she woke up to find that a kind spider had woven delicate, shimmering webs across the branches, which sparkled beautifully in the sunlight and transformed the tree into something magical.
The Belief: Since then, spider webs have been cherished as symbols of good luck and prosperity. Ukrainians believe that finding a spider web on your Christmas tree invites blessings, happiness, and abundance for the year ahead.
10. Burning the Dirt – Guatemala
In Guatemala, one of the most striking Christmas traditions involves a deep-clean of the entire house. Families sweep every corner to drive out any evil spirits or negative energy lingering inside. The collected dirt is then placed outside, topped with a small devil effigy, and set on fire.
The Belief: This powerful ritual symbolizes burning away negativity and cleansing the home, allowing good energy, luck, and positivity to enter as the New Year begins.
11. Burning The Yule Goat – Sweden
In Sweden, one of the most unique Christmas traditions is the creation of a giant straw goat known as the Yule Goat. This custom dates all the way back to the 11th century. Today, the most famous version is the 40-foot-tall Gävle Goat, built every year in the city of Gävle, where it attracts thousands of visitors and has become a major holiday highlight.
The Belief: The Yule Goat is believed to bring Christmas cheer and protect homes during the festive season. Some even say that if the goat burns, it brings good luck for the New Year—adding a mysterious twist to this ancient tradition.
12. Hiding Christmas Pickle – Germany
In Germany, one of the most charming and quirky Christmas traditions is hiding a pickle ornament inside the Christmas tree. Families tuck the pickle deep among the branches, and on Christmas morning, children race to find it. The first child who spots the pickle wins an extra present—or is believed to receive good luck for the year ahead.
The Belief: Some say this tradition began in old Germany and was lovingly passed down through generations. Others believe it came from a tale of an American soldier who was miraculously saved by a pickle on Christmas Eve. No matter its true origin, this fun custom adds a burst of excitement and laughter to Christmas morning!
13. Watching Donald Duck on Christmas Eve – Sweden
Every Christmas Eve, families in Sweden come together to watch “Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas” on TV. This tradition began in the 1960s, back when televisions were new and Disney cartoons were a rare and exciting treat. Over time, it became a beloved part of Swedish holiday celebrations.
The Belief: The annual show symbolizes family bonding, nostalgia, and the joy of slowing down. It reminds everyone to cherish simple moments and enjoy the warmth of being together during the holidays.
14. Little Candles’ Day – Columbia
In Colombia, the Christmas season officially begins on Día de las Velitas, or Little Candles’ Day, celebrated on December 7th. Families light candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies, and along the streets, filling entire neighborhoods with a soft, glowing warmth. It marks the joyful start of the festive season, bringing communities together in celebration and light.
The Belief: This beautiful tradition honors the Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception. The glowing candles symbolize purity, hope, and the guiding light that leads people into the Christmas season with faith and positivity.
15. Fun Tradition of Christmas Crackers – UK
Christmas crackers first appeared in 1846 when a London sweetmaker named Tom Smith wrapped sweets in bright, colorful paper. Over time, these simple treats transformed into the fun Christmas crackers we know today—festive tubes filled with small gifts, paper crowns, and cheerful jokes. During Christmas dinner, two people pull the cracker, and the one who ends up with the larger half wins the little prize inside.
The Belief: The joyful crack and shared surprise represent laughter, togetherness, and the playful spirit of Christmas. It’s a reminder that the holiday season is all about sharing smiles, creating memories, and celebrating with loved ones.
16. The Night of the Radishes – Mexico
In Oaxaca, Mexico, Christmas brings one of the most unusual holiday traditions—La Noche de Rábanos, or The Night of the Radishes. On December 23rd, artists carve radishes into incredible shapes, transforming them into detailed figures, famous buildings, and lively festive scenes. These creations are then proudly displayed for everyone to admire, turning the town into an open-air art gallery.
The Belief: This quirky festival celebrates creativity, community spirit, and the joy of Christmas. Locals believe it brings people together through art, imagination, and shared celebration—making it a truly unique way to welcome the holiday season.
17. Roller Skating to Church – Venezuela
In Caracas, Venezuela, Christmas morning comes with a playful twist—people skate to church on roller skates! Every year, from December 16th to Christmas Day, the streets are closed to cars so everyone can glide safely to the Misa de Aguinaldo (Early Morning Mass). It turns the city into a joyful scene full of music, laughter, and holiday excitement.
The Belief: This cheerful tradition began in the 1960s and has continued ever since, bringing the whole community together. It blends faith with fun, reminding everyone that the Christmas spirit is all about joy, togetherness, and celebrating in unique, memorable ways.
18. Christmas Sauna Tradition – Finland
In Finland, saunas are a cherished part of daily life, and Christmas makes them even more special. On Christmas Eve, families begin the day with a comforting bowl of warm rice porridge topped with cinnamon and butter. Later, they gather in the sauna to relax, reflect, and prepare for the night’s celebrations. It’s a peaceful ritual that sets the mood for a cozy Finnish Christmas.
The Belief: The Christmas sauna is considered sacred—a moment to cleanse both body and spirit while honoring ancestors. Many Finns believe that after the family leaves, the spirits of their loved ones visit the sauna for their own quiet Christmas celebration, filling the space with warmth and blessing.
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19. The 13 Yule Lads & Rotten Potato – Iceland
In Iceland, Christmas excitement begins 13 days before Christmas Eve, when the mischievous Yule Lads start their visits. Each night, children place their best shoes on the windowsill before going to bed, eagerly waiting for surprises.
By morning, well-behaved children may find sweets or small gifts tucked inside their shoes, while those who’ve been naughty might discover a rotten potato instead. Each Yule Lad has his own quirky personality—from sneaking food to pulling harmless pranks—making the countdown to Christmas full of fun and laughter.
The Belief: The Yule Lads were once known as troublesome creatures, but over time, they transformed into playful figures. Today, they represent joy, tradition, and gentle moral lessons, reminding children to stay kind and cheerful throughout the festive season.
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20. The Wren Boys’ Tradition – Ireland
On December 26th, children in Ireland take part in a lively tradition known as Wren Day. Dressed in colorful costumes, they carry a symbolic fake wren from house to house. As they sing cheerful songs, neighbors reward them with sweets or small coins, turning the day into a joyful, music-filled celebration.
The Belief: This tradition is rooted in an old Irish legend about the wren and is thought to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year. It also strengthens community spirit, bringing people together through fun, music, and festive cheer.
