Christmas is a time for twinkling lights, cosy nights, and festive treats — but did you know that not every country celebrates it quite like we do in the UK? From quirky customs to heartwarming family rituals, Christmas traditions around the world are endlessly fascinating and often surprisingly inspiring.

As someone who loves Christmas (and all the little oddities that come with it), I thought it would be fun to share some of the most magical, unusual, and downright charming ways people celebrate across the globe. You might even find a tradition or two you want to start in your own home!

Germany: Christmas Markets & Advent Calendars

Germany is basically the birthplace of the Christmas market, and honestly, wandering through one is like stepping into a festive fairytale. Twinkling lights, the smell of mulled wine (or hot chocolate if you’re with the kids), gingerbread hearts, roasted nuts, and handmade decorations — it’s magical.

The Germans also gave us the Advent calendar — something we all know and love. Each day leading up to Christmas is a little countdown surprise, usually with chocolate, small toys, or festive messages.

Want to bring a bit of this magic home? You don’t need a huge setup — even a mini, German-style festive market at home is fun and simple. String up fairy lights for that warm glow, set up a little table with festive treats like gingerbread biscuits or chocolate, hang some homemade or store-bought ornaments, play traditional German Christmas music in the background, and add a small craft corner where kids can decorate wooden ornaments or make paper stars. It’s cosy, cheerful, and gives everyone a taste of that market magic without leaving the house.

Sweden: St. Lucia Day

On December 13th, Swedes celebrate St. Lucia’s Day, marking the start of the Christmas season. Little girls dress in white gowns with red sashes and wear crowns of candles (battery-operated if you’re indoors with toddlers!) and sing traditional songs.

It’s a celebration of light during the dark winter months and really brings the community together.

Inspiration for your home:

• Make a small St. Lucia crown with paper and battery candles.
• Bake saffron buns (Lussekatter) and enjoy a candle-lit breakfast with your family.

Iceland: The Yule Lads

Forget Santa — Iceland has 13 mischievous Yule Lads, each leaving little gifts or jokes for children in their shoes during the 13 nights before Christmas. Some are friendly, some are hilarious troublemakers.

Inspiration for your home:

• Make a mini “Yule Lads” scavenger hunt with small treats for your kids.
• Add playful surprises to stockings leading up to Christmas.

Mexico: Las Posadas

In Mexico, the nine nights leading up to Christmas are called Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph seeking shelter. Neighbours and friends go door to door singing, and there are festive piñatas, fireworks, and shared meals.

Inspiration for your home:

• Create a mini “posada” with family singing and storytelling nights.
• Make a festive piñata for kids to break on Christmas Eve.

Italy: La Befana

Italy has a twist on gift-giving — children receive presents not just from Santa, but also from La Befana, a kind old witch who delivers treats on January 6th for Epiphany.

Inspiration for your home:

• Extend the festive magic into the New Year with a small stocking or treat from La Befana. Make this part of a “second Christmas” tradition for a little extra fun.

Japan: Christmas Cake & KFC

Christmas in Japan is surprisingly festive, but not in the way you might expect. It’s mostly a romantic holiday, and families often enjoy Christmas cake — a sponge cake decorated with strawberries and cream. Another quirky tradition? Eating KFC on Christmas Eve, thanks to a clever 1970s marketing campaign.

Inspiration for your home:

• Bake a simple Christmas sponge or “festive cake” for a fun family twist.
• Try quirky food traditions from around the world as a family activity.

Australia: Christmas in the Sun

In Australia, Christmas happens in the middle of summer! Imagine beaches instead of snow, barbecues instead of roasting dinners, and outdoor fun under the sun. Many Australians enjoy Carols by Candlelight in parks during the evening.

Inspiration for your home:

• If you’re lucky with mild winter weather, have a picnic or outdoor snack on Christmas Day.
• Decorate with summery vibes, even if it’s snowing outside — it’s a fun nod to festive diversity.

The Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival

The Philippines is known for Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul) in December. Towns light up with enormous, intricate lanterns — some over 20 feet wide — creating a stunning display of colour and light.

Inspiration for your home:

• Make small paper lanterns to hang around your home.
• Have a family lantern-making afternoon with tea and Christmas music.

Norway: Hiding the Brooms

In Norway, children traditionally hide all the brooms in the house on Christmas Eve to prevent witches and evil spirits from taking them for a midnight ride.

Inspiration for your home:

• Make a fun “hide-and-seek” game with festive objects.
• Add a playful twist to your Christmas Eve routines with little surprises and silliness.

Poland: Sharing Opłatek

In Poland, families share opłatek, a thin wafer, before Christmas dinner. Everyone breaks off a piece and exchanges well-wishes. It’s a beautiful symbol of forgiveness and connection.

Inspiration for your home:

• Start a small ritual of sharing a festive treat while wishing everyone in the family something special.
• Encourage toddlers to “share and care” moments around the table.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of Christmas traditions around the world is how wonderfully varied they are. Some are funny, some are magical, some are deeply meaningful — and all of them can inspire your own festive celebrations.

You don’t need to travel far to make Christmas magical — sometimes borrowing a tradition, or even just the spirit of it, can add a little extra sparkle to your own home. Whether it’s baking a Swedish saffron bun, hiding brooms for a giggle, or creating a Yule Lad scavenger hunt, it’s all about the joy, connection and wonder that makes this season so special.