One of the most wonderful times of the year, celebrations are different all across the world. Different traditions and celebrations happen to celebrate Christmas depending on the country. Holiday Genie has brought you Christmas traditions from around the world. Whether it is a certain festival or a traditional food, each country has something unique for the big event.
Philippines
This pacific island will celebrate Christmas for as long as possible as it is the most important holiday Filipinos celebrate. Festivities usually begin on the 16th of December and carry on right through to the first Sunday in January. The Giant Lantern Festival is held on the Saturday before Christmas Eve which has been a tradition for years. Locals take part in the big event and a competition to build the most elaborate lantern.
Germany
Saint Nicholas Day is widely celebrated across Germany, and no this is not to be mistaken for Father Christmas. The centuries old tradition is that St Nicholas visits children across the country in the lead up to Christmas leaving them treats and gifts. Children will leave hay and carrots in their shoes as a gift for St Nicholas and his horse or donkey. In return, St Nicholas would have left a gift in the child’s shoe on the eve of December 5th. The tradition varies across different countries in Europe.
Colombia
Christmas across Colombia is marked with Little Candles Day. People place candles and paper lanterns throughout their home and in their gardens. The tradition is in respect of the Virgin Mary and is a growing tradition across the country. Some towns create extravagant displays and compete with each other for the best display.
Sweden
A straw Yule Goat has been in the centre of Gävle Square in Sweden since 1966. The 13 metre tall Goat comes to life on the first day of advent where an opening ceremony attracts thousands of locals and visitors. After advent and Christmas is over, the goat is deconstructed. Many arson attempts have been made and it has been successfully burnt down before. When this happens, the following year a new goat is built and designed to continue the tradition.
Venezuela
Who would have thought roller skating would be this Christmas tradition? In Caracas, Venezuela, residents head to church in their roller skates every Christmas eve. The tradition is so popular that many roads across the city shut so that people make it to church safely on their roller blades. After church is over, everyone stays and gets together for a traditional meal of ‘Tamales’ which is a wrap made of dough with meat inside which is then steamed.
Christmas celebrations across the globe vary from different countries. With whacky traditions such as roller skating to church and building the most elaborate lantern. Festivities are definitely widely celebrated! Let us know what your Christmas traditions are over on twitter!