Christmas traditions vary widely around the world, from family meals and gift exchanges to beach gatherings and street celebrations. A Condé Nast Traveller feature explores 10 customs, including rituals shared by the magazine’s editors and their families.
In Japan, a marketing campaign launched in 1974 helped establish fried chicken as a popular Christmas meal. Families often need to order in advance, while strawberry shortcake is another seasonal favourite. In Italy, Christmas food differs by region, and the country also shares the tradition of La Befana: a witch-like figure who is said to leave gifts for children on the night of January 5, ahead of Epiphany.
Scotland’s celebrations turn towards Hogmanay after Christmas Day. New Year festivities include singing “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight and the custom of first-footing, in which the first visitor to enter a home after midnight is thought to bring good luck. Traditional gifts for the visitor can include whisky, shortbread or coal.
In Australia, where Christmas falls during summer, meals may feature seafood, cold roast ham, salads and pavlova. Outdoor games are also part of the celebrations, and Santa may appear at the beach. In Southern California, local surfers sometimes dress as Santa and head into the waves on Christmas morning.
Austria’s Krampus folklore offers a darker counterpart to more familiar Christmas figures. The horned character is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on December 5, frightening or punishing naughty children. The custom continues in public Krampuslauf parades, where participants wear elaborate masks and furry costumes.
In Peru, Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, is the main celebration. Families gather for dinner, often including turkey and arroz arabe, and festivities can continue into the early hours. In Poland, the traditional Christmas Eve supper, Wigilia, begins when the first star appears and traditionally includes 12 meatless dishes. Pierogi, or Polish dumplings, are among the foods served.
Germany’s Schrottwichteln turns gift-giving into a humorous exchange of unwanted or ridiculous items. In England, Christmas customs include Boxing Day sea swims, while some Cornish communities gather in pubs to sing folk songs and sea shanties. Together, these traditions show how festive celebrations can reflect local heritage and family life.
Sources: Condé Nast Traveler.