Even being a traditional Christian holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated worldwide, including in non-Christian countries. Some traditions of the season celebration are so old that goes up to pre-Christian or secular origins.
Nowadays, the most common is the exchange of gifts and cards with beloved ones, Christmas dinner, Christmas carols and other celebrations alongside local traditions, bringing together each place’s custom to this time of the year.
But if you are thinking about how people celebrate Christmas worldwide, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading and find out.
1 — Christmas in India
Although Christians are a minority, Christmas in India is celebrated with enthusiasm in all states and major cities. The country’s famous adage “Unity in Diversity” drives the whole festivity.
In South India, one of the most common Christmas celebrations is putting a burning earthen lamp on their roofs, symbolizing that Jesus is the world’s light. In the northwest, Christians tell Christmas stories and sing carols in their dialects. In some places of the southwest, devotees fast from December 1 until December 24 and end with a sumptuous feast at midnight on December 25.
2 — Christmas in the Philippines
The Philippines is the country in Asia with the highest number of Catholic people, almost 80% of the population. For this reason, Christmas is the most important holiday of the year.
Christmas traditions in the Philippines are a mix of western and native Filipino cultures. Thus, they have Santa Claus, a Christmas tree, Christmas cards, and Christmas carols from the west; they also have traditions like the “parol,” a bamboo pole with a lighted star lantern. A big Christmas feast is held at midnight, called “Noche Buena“.
3 — Christmas in Australia
Australia celebrates Christmas in the middle of summer, bringing long sunny days until almost 8 pm.
With lots of outdoor fun and concerts on the country’s wonderful beaches, Christmas in Australia is usually very festive. The Christmas menu includes roast meats such as turkey and loin, as well as pudding for dessert.
4 — Christmas in Brazil
Brazilians also celebrate Christmas during the summer. The 24th held a big celebration, where family and friends get together to have dinner and open presents.
The supper is full of fresh fruits, all kinds of food with raisins (a big national controversy) and the traditional dessert is the “pave”, layared non-bake cake with cream and cookies.
5 — The Japanese Christmas
Japan has an unusual Christmas tradition. At this time of year, in addition to some Christmas practices, such as sending cards and exchanging gifts, many Japanese families treat themselves to a giant red and white bucket of “Christmas chicken.”
6 — Christmas in Mexico
Christmas in Mexico is filled with vibrant traditions, including Las Posadas, a nine-day celebration from December 16 to 24 reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families break piñatas, sing carols, set up nacimientos (nativity scenes), attend Misa de Gallo (midnight Mass), and enjoy festive foods like tamales and warm ponche (fruit punch).
7 — Christmas in Germany
Germany is famous for its magical Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte), which fill towns with lights, handcrafted gifts, and mulled wine (Glühwein). Advent calendars and wreaths are widely used, and children eagerly await gifts from Christkind, St. Nicholas, or Weihnachtsmann, depending on the region.
8 — Christmas in South Africa
In South Africa, Christmas falls during summer, making outdoor celebrations especially popular. Families gather for festive meals or braais (barbecues), attend church services, and often spend the day enjoying beach outings. Traditional foods may include roast meats and desserts like malva pudding.
9 — Christmas in Italy
Italy celebrates Christmas with deep-rooted traditions, including the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve, particularly in southern regions. Nativity scenes (presepi) are a central part of decorations, and the holiday season continues through Epiphany with the arrival of La Befana, who brings gifts on January 6.
10 — Christmas in Nigeria
In Nigeria, Christmas is a joyful time marked by family reunions, vibrant clothing, and extended celebrations. Many travel back to their hometowns, attend church services, and enjoy festive dishes like jollof rice and fried chicken. Music, dancing, and community gatherings are essential parts of the holiday spirit.
11 — Christmas in Guatemala
Christmas in Guatemala blends Indigenous and Spanish traditions. Families decorate homes with nacimientos (nativity scenes) and celebrate with fireworks, music, and church services. A unique tradition is La Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil) on December 7, symbolizing cleansing before the holiday season. Festive foods like tamales wrapped in banana leaves and warm fruit punch are enjoyed with family.
12 — Christmas in the Philippines
The Philippines celebrates one of the longest Christmas seasons in the world, beginning as early as September. A beloved tradition is Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn Masses leading up to Christmas Day. Homes and streets are decorated with colorful parol lanterns, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. Families gather on Christmas Eve for Noche Buena, sharing dishes like lechon, rice cakes, and sweets.
13 — Christmas in India
In India, Christmas is celebrated with a blend of Christian traditions and local culture, especially in states like Goa, Kerala, and parts of the Northeast. Homes and churches are decorated with stars, lights, and sometimes banana or mango trees. People attend midnight Mass, exchange sweets, and enjoy festive foods such as biryani, curries, and traditional Christmas cakes. The season is marked by community gatherings, music, and charity.
It started with the KFC fast food chain’s marketing campaign in 1974. Inspired by a Christmas turkey dinner, the company introduced a “barrel party” to celebrate the holiday.
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