Christmas Traditions Around the World

"Nobody’s walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas,” Clark Griswold tells his family in National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989). 'Tis tradition after all to spend the holiday season watching festive films, feasting on sweet treats, decorating homes in tinsel and lights, wrapping presents and counting down the days to December 25th, or – for the Dutch - the 5th December, when Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas) brings them their presents! So, on that note, here’s some of the unique ways Christmas traditions differentiate around the world. It really is the most wonderful time of the year.  

Traditions Along the Danube 

On a festive Danube river cruise, you’ll stop in Hungary, Slovakia and Austria. These neighbouring countries share similarities and some differences, but if there’s one thing guaranteed – there’s plenty of charming yuletide Christmas markets to enjoy.

Hungary

If you’re visiting Hungary during the festive period, don’t be surprised not to see any Christmas trees. It’s a Hungarian tradition that trees are decorated on the Holy Night (Christmas Eve) when they celebrate the birth of Jesus, exchange presents, and eat dinners of carp fish soup, fried fish, turkey, cabbage and beigli (a traditional winter pastry). But that doesn’t mean the rest of the month isn’t a festive delight. How about visiting Budapest’s acclaimed Christmas market? 

Christmas begins with Advent – four Sundays before – when front gardens are decorated with lights and tables are laid with advent wreaths and four candles. On the night of December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them by the window for St. Mikulás (St Nicholas). If they’ve been nice, they’ll wake up on the 6th December to toys, books, chocolates and peanuts. Those that have been naughty will still receive some treats, but also fear the ‘Devil Boy’ who beats naughty children with a switch made of dry twigs! Remember, he’s checking it twice. 

Slovakia

Bratislava’s Christmas Market is a huge annual event in Slovakia, marking the holiday season. From the end of November to the end of December, the market is bustling with charming stalls, festive lights and a huge 112 metre tree. You can expect an assortment of beers, warm mulled wine and different dishes to tickle your taste buds (we’re feeling hungry just writing this). 

Christmas Eve or, ‘Generous Evening’ as it’s also known, is celebrated by decorating the tree and dining at a festive feast. It's tradition that an extra set is placed at the table to symbolise the welcoming of those with no-one to share Christmas with. Dinners often include the breaking and sharing of wafers, cabbage soup and the Christmas carp (an important part of the Christmas Eve feast) - the carp is marinated in milk and cut down the middle, thought to bring peace and good will to all. 

Throughout December, carol singers go from door to door, rejoicing the season with all the classics and receiving pastries in return. Slovakia’s Santa Claus counterpart is known as Father Frost, but it’s Ježiško (Baby Jesus) who leaves the presents under the tree.

Austria

The origin country of the famous song ‘Silent Night’, Christmas in Austria is unique to anywhere else in the world. Whilst there are some similarities to the UK, like the Advent Wreath tradition and the lighting of a candle every Sunday, there are some peculiar differences. Take the tradition of Santa Claus for example. Children leave their shining shoes by the window on the night of 5th December in the hope of treats. 6th December marks St Nikolaus Day, where Santa gives out sweets in schools and offices if you sing to him. But here’s the kicker, Austria’s white-bearded fellow is accompanied by his evil brother, Krampus. The Krampuslauf tradition involves people dressing up as the monster and scaring children who have been bad. Yes, this is a real thing, and it happens every year. 

Anyway, who’s interested in cookies? They're huge in Austria. Dive into the Christmas markets and try vanilla cookies, gingerbread, nut or coconut kisses. Christmas dinners often consist of fried carp with potato salad. Whilst turkey is becoming more common, the country traditionally fasts on Christmas Day, so meat is off the table (literally). 

German Origins and Traditions

A lot of the modern traditions enjoyed at Christmas time have originated from Germany. From hanging up stockings to Christmas trees and markets, the season of “singing loud for all to hear” (Elf, 2003) is owed to the Germans. Advent calendars were first used in the 19th century by German Lutheran families who marked the build-up to Christmas by burning a candle or marking walls with a line of chalk. Of course, now you’ll find ones full of chocolates or other goodies – they’re a festive treat for people of all ages.

Since the 16th century, Christmas trees have been brought into German homes with Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, allegedly being the first person to decorate a tree with lights. Even now, some German households don’t decorate their trees until Christmas Eve – perhaps they’re just saving the best for last.

And we can’t go away without mentioning the famous German Christmas markets. Whilst it’s now a worldwide Christmas tradition, its origins go back to the German-speaking parts of Europe during the Middle Ages. In charming locations like Rüdesheim, Koblenz, Bonn and Cologne, discover the sights, smells and sounds of Christmas. From gingerbread delights to sipping mulled wine and singing Christmas carols, you’ll be at the heart of Christmas. 

American Christmas Vacation

May all your days be merry and bright when Maria Carey and Michael Bublé defrost for the season. North American Christmases aren’t much different to our own. They celebrate the great Christmas story and Santa Claus coming down the chimney, and you won’t be a stranger to their catalogue of festive movies (and the questionable Hallmark ones). Technically, Christmas season begins after the celebration of Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t stop some homeowners from starting in early November. Halloween is over, cobwebs get swapped for dazzling Christmas lights and figures and the sweet smell of gingerbread lingers in the air.

North American cityscapes are sublime places to be during the December period. In New York, you’ll find a giant Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Centre, complete with an annual ice rink. More than a million lights decorate Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Avenue. And in San Francisco, there are fairs, Christmas shows and lights covering the hills from November through to the New Year. So how about booking a California and the Golden West Tour in November for a glimpse of Christmas magic? Did we hear sleigh bells? 

Tis the Season Down Under

Christmas is slightly different in Australia; our winter is their summer. But that doesn't stop celebrations from November onwards. Swap snow, log fires and Christmas dinners for barbecues on the beach and you'll be riding the waves and bellowing, "Ho-Ho-Ho". From celebrating with parties in the weeks building up, decorating houses, listening to the Christmas classics, children anticipating the arrival of Father Christmas and attending Midnight Mass, Christmas Down Under is somewhat the same (except the part about wearing Santa hats on the beach, sunbathing and surfing). And festivities don't stop at Boxing Day, they continue for the rest of the month. Aussies will find any excuse to spend time with loved ones. Who wouldn't?

We’re dreaming of a festive holiday. Check out our full list of River Cruises and Festive Holidays for a taste of winter magic. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good holiday!