2. Mexico: Las Posadas

In Mexico, Christmas isn’t complete without Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Each evening, families and neighbors join processions, carrying candles, singing carols, and stopping at homes to symbolically ask for shelter. The festivities end with piñatas, tamales, and hot drinks like champurrado (a thick chocolate beverage).

What’s Unique? The piñatas used during Las Posadas often have seven points, representing the seven deadly sins. Breaking them symbolizes triumph over temptation.

Fun Fact: In Oaxaca, the festivities get an artistic twist with “La Noche de Rábanos” (Night of the Radishes), where giant radishes are carved into intricate nativity scenes and holiday figures.

3. Japan: A KFC Christmas

Yes, you read that right—Kentucky Fried Chicken is the meal of choice for many Japanese families on Christmas! Thanks to a wildly successful 1970s ad campaign, KFC became synonymous with the holiday, and now people pre-order their crispy chicken buckets weeks in advance.

What’s Unique? While Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, the festive lights and romantic dinners on Christmas Eve have turned it into a celebration of love and togetherness.

Fun Fact: Some KFC locations in Japan even have Colonel Sanders dressed as Santa Claus during the holiday season!

4. Italy: La Befana and the Feast of Seven Fishes

Christmas in Italy isn’t just about December 25th. The celebrations stretch all the way to January 6th with the arrival of La Befana, a kind witch who flies on her broomstick delivering gifts. On Christmas Eve, Italians enjoy the Feast of Seven Fishes, a decadent seafood spread honoring their Catholic heritage.

What’s Unique? Legend has it that La Befana missed her chance to join the Wise Men on their journey to Bethlehem and now searches for baby Jesus every Epiphany Eve.

Fun Fact: In Venice, locals celebrate by rowing gondolas dressed as Santa along the canals—a sight as magical as it sounds!

5. Sweden: The Yule Goat

In Sweden, Christmas decorations often feature the Julbock, or Yule Goat, a symbol of good fortune. Towns like Gävle even build giant straw goats as part of the festivities. The twist? Mischief-makers often attempt to burn them down before the season ends!

What’s Unique? The Yule Goat tradition dates back to Viking times, when goats were associated with Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Today, it’s a charming nod to Sweden’s past.

Fun Fact: The Gävle Goat has been successfully burned down 29 times since its first appearance in 1966, despite increased security measures each year!

6. The Philippines: The Giant Lantern Festival

The Philippines takes Christmas cheer to dazzling new heights with the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Enormous lanterns, some as tall as 20 feet, light up the night in a kaleidoscope of colors and designs.

What’s Unique? Filipino Christmas celebrations are among the longest in the world, starting as early as September and continuing into January. Carolers, light displays, and family feasts fill the season with joy.

Fun Fact: These lanterns are traditionally made from simple bamboo and paper, but modern designs now incorporate LED lights and intricate patterns.

7. Iceland: The 13 Yule Lads

In Iceland, children eagerly await visits from the Yule Lads—13 mischievous characters who bring small gifts for the well-behaved and rotten potatoes for the naughty. Each Yule Lad has a distinct personality, like Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer, and Sausage-Swiper!

What’s Unique? The Yule Lads are the children of Grýla, a fearsome troll who comes down from the mountains to scare misbehaving kids.

Fun Fact: Icelanders also celebrate Jólabókaflóð, or the “Christmas Book Flood,” where books are exchanged on Christmas Eve, followed by a cozy night of reading with hot cocoa.

8. Australia: Christmas on the Beach

While much of the world celebrates Christmas bundled in coats, Australians enjoy sun-soaked beach picnics and barbecues. Santa often trades his sleigh for a surfboard, and Christmas lunch might include seafood and Pavlova.

What’s Unique? Communities gather for “Carols by Candlelight,” singing under the stars while enjoying the warm summer evening.

Fun Fact: In Bondi Beach, lifeguards often dress as Santa on Christmas Day, making it one of the most iconic holiday spots in the world.

9. Venezuela: Roller Skating to Church

In Caracas, Christmas morning starts with a unique tradition: roller skating to early Mass. Streets are closed to cars so families can safely skate to church, creating a joyful, colorful procession.

What’s Unique? After Mass, families gather for breakfast featuring hallacas (a traditional cornmeal dish) and warm drinks.

Fun Fact: Children tie strings to their toes and hang them out the window for skaters to tug as they pass by—an interactive way to wake up on Christmas morning!

10. Finland: A Sauna Christmas Eve

In Finland, families head to the sauna on Christmas Eve as a way to relax and cleanse before the holiday festivities. The warm glow of candlelight and a peaceful atmosphere set the tone for a meaningful celebration.

What’s Unique? Santa Claus, or “Joulupukki,” is said to live in Finland’s Lapland region, where families can visit his village year-round.

Fun Fact: Finnish saunas are often decorated with festive lights and greenery during the holidays, making the experience even more magical.