Christmas may look a little different depending on where you celebrate, but the spirit of joy, giving, and togetherness is the same everywhere! From shoes left out for Santa to giant lantern festivals, here are some of the most fun and festive Christmas traditions from around the globe.

Mexico

Las Posadas

In Mexico, the holiday season begins with Las Posadas, a 9-night-long celebration leading up to Christmas Eve. Families reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph searching for shelter, visiting different homes each night. Every evening ends with music, food, and a piñata full of candy for the kids!

Germany

Christmas Markets and Advent Calendars

Germany is famous for its magical Christmas markets filled with twinkling lights, handmade ornaments, and sweet treats like roasted nuts and gingerbread. The tradition of Advent calendars also started here, helping kids count down the days to Christmas with tiny doors hiding chocolates or surprises behind each one.

Japan

Fried Chicken Feast

Here’s a fun one—many families in Japan celebrate Christmas with a KFC dinner! In the 1970s, a clever holiday campaign turned fried chicken into a Christmas tradition. Now, buckets of crispy chicken are ordered weeks in advance as families enjoy a festive meal together.

Sweden

The Yule Goat

In Sweden, the Yule Goat has been part of Christmas celebrations for hundreds of years. The goat was once believed to help deliver gifts, but today, people decorate their homes with straw goats or visit the giant Yule Goat statue in Gävle, a holiday landmark that’s become famous worldwide.

Philippines

Giant Lantern Festival

In the Philippines, Christmas is celebrated with color and light! The city of San Fernando hosts the Giant Lantern Festival, where enormous, glowing lanterns called parols fill the streets. Made with thousands of lights, these lanterns symbolize hope and the star that guided the Wise Men to Bethlehem.

Italy

La Befana

In Italy, children look forward to a visit not just from Santa, but also from La Befana, a kind old woman who delivers sweets on January 6th, known as Three Kings Day or Epiphany. According to legend, she flies on a broomstick and leaves gifts in children’s stockings like a friendly Christmas witch!

United States

Lights, Movies, and Matching PJs

From decorating the tree to watching Home Alone and wearing matching family pajamas, the U.S. is full of cozy traditions. Many families drive around to admire twinkling neighborhood lights or sip hot cocoa while wrapping gifts together.

No matter where you celebrate, the joy of Christmas comes from spending time with the people you love most, and making memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re unwrapping presents, singing carols, or sharing a meal, the magic of the season is all about togetherness.

Make your own holiday traditions at Metropolis Resort!

Join us on weekends in December for photos with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, holiday crafts, and more!

[Christmas Activities at Metropolis Resort]