6 Christmas traditions from around the world 🌏

Festive fried chicken anyone?

Author: Rhys FreemanPublished 3rd Dec 2022

It's the most wonderful time of the year, but how people celebrate Christmas time varies in different countries. We've had a look around to see some of the fascinating traditions that take place annually around the world.

So join us as we look at some of our favourite traditions that hail from within UK to those you can find on the other side of the globe.

Christmas traditions from around the world:

Mari Lwyd - Wales

An old Welsh tradition would see the Mari Lwyd – a horse's skull on a pole covered in decorations and a white sheet - visit houses across the village and take part in a ritual called pwnco, an exchange of rude rhymes with the resident.


Mari would sing rhymes asking to be let in and the resident would have to offer excuses why they couldn't. The exchange would continue until the resident can't think of any more excuses and has to let Mari in for some ale and food.

Yule Lads - Iceland

During the 13 days leading into Christmas, the mischievous Yule Lads come out to play in Iceland. Children will leave shoes out on their windowsills and if they've been good, the Yule Lads will leave gifts, if not they'll leave… potato. Beats coal eh?

KFC Christmas - Japan

Christmas isn't a national holiday in Japan but fast food chain KFC found a way to make it an event in the country. Since 'Kentucky for Christmas' was introduced in the 1970s it's become some of the busiest time of year for them in Japan.

Krampus - Austria

In many parts of Europe, St. Nicholas only deals with the good children, the role of handing out coal to the bad kids is done by Krampus, a terrifying creature whose exact origins are unclear.


In Austria, Krampus has become a more light-hearted part of the festivities and often appears at the Christmas markets in Austrian cities. But the costumes can still be pretty scary!

Gävle Goat - Sweden

On the first day of Advent, a giant Swedish Yule Goat made of straw is erected in the town centre of Gävle. The tradition began in 1966 and continues to this day.


The goat has often been the subject of arson attacks with several of the goats being burned down.

Giant Lantern Festival - The Philippines

Every year, the Giant Lantern Festival is held in San Fernando in the Philippines. Over the past century, the lanterns on display have grown drastically from being about three feet in size to nearly 20!

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