Winter Celebrations Around the World
While Christmas might be the most widely recognized holiday of the season, it’s far from the only one! Across the world (and right here in the U.S.), families celebrate a variety of holidays during the winter months. Some share themes of light, family, generosity, or new beginnings. Others have their own unique traditions that make this time of year feel magical.
Let's take a look at some winter holidays that are celebrated around the same time as Christmas or have similar festive vibes.
Hanukkah
When: Late November - December (varies each year)
Who celebrates: Jewish families around the world
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day-long Jewish celebration honoring a miracle from over 2,000 years ago. Families light the menorah each night, play dreidel, enjoy tasty foods like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and spend time together. It’s a cozy, joyful holiday filled with warmth and tradition.
Kwanzaa
When: December 26 - January 1
Who celebrates: Many African & African American families
Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of community, culture, creativity, and heritage. Each day focuses on a different principle, such as unity, purpose, or faith. Families light the kinara, enjoy African-inspired meals, share stories, exchange gifts, and celebrate with music and dance. The holiday ends with a big feast called the Karamu.
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)
When: Late January - February (varies each year)
Who celebrates: East and Southeast Asia, including China, Korea, Vietnam, and more
While it’s not “China’s Christmas,” the Lunar New Year it is one of the biggest holidays of the year, full of family reunions, gifts, decorations, feasts, and fireworks. The Lunar New Year marks the start of the new year on the lunar calendar and includes traditions like dragon & lion dances, lantern festivals, and good luck gifts in the form of red envelopes. It’s a joyful celebration of fresh starts and good luck.
St. Lucia’s Day
When: December 13
Who celebrates: Sweden, Norway, and parts of Scandinavia
This beautiful winter holiday honors St. Lucia, a symbol of light during the darkest time of the year. Children dress in white with candle crowns and bring sweet buns called lussekatter to family and friends. It’s all about kindness, warmth, and bringing light to others.
Diwali
When: October - November (varies each year)
Who celebrates: Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and many others around the world
Just like Hanukkah, Diwali is also known as The Festival of Lights. Families decorate with lanterns and candles, enjoy special foods, exchange gifts, and watch fireworks. It’s a joyful celebration of good triumphing over darkness.
Las Posadas
When: December 16 - 24
Who celebrates: Families in Mexico, Central America, and many Latino communities
Las Posadas reenacts Mary and Joseph’s journey seeking shelter before Jesus’s birth. Neighborhoods join together for singing, candlelit processions, food, music, and piñatas. It’s nine nights of togetherness, tradition, and community celebration leading right up to Christmas.
Three Kings’ Day (Epiphany)
When: January 6
Who celebrates: Many countries in Latin America, Spain, the Philippines, and beyond
In many cultures, Epiphany is the real gift-giving holiday! Kids leave out shoes or boxes of grass for the kings’ camels, and wake up to presents left by Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar. Families enjoy parades, festivals, and the famous Rosca de Reyes sweet bread.
Yule (Winter Solstice)
When: December 21 - 22
Who celebrates: Pagan, Wiccan, and some Northern European traditions
Yule celebrates the shortest day of the year and the return of longer sunlight. Traditions include burning the Yule log, decorating with evergreens, exchanging gifts, feasting, and celebrating nature. Many Christmas traditions actually have roots in these ancient winter solstice festivals.
However You Celebrate, There’s Magic in the Season
Winter is a time for light, family, reflection, and fun -- no matter which holiday your family celebrates. It’s a season filled with joy, culture, and traditions from around the world.
If you’re looking to make this winter extra special, celebrate the season at Metropolis Resort!
Enjoy a festive winter menu at City Eats, snap photos with Santa in Action City, and decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus in the hotel lobby. View our full holiday activity schedule here!
