The Strangest Christmas traditions from around the world
The Strangest Christmas traditions from around the world
If you celebrate Christmas, the great likelihood is you follow a set of festive traditions that are replicated in homes across the UK; decorating a Christmas tree, eating a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, and exchanging gifts with loved ones.
But have you ever thought to dine on a KFC Xmas Family Bucket? Or toss your shoe over your shoulder out of the front door? Perhaps you've spent Christmas Eve hiding the broomsticks in your house?
No? Well then maybe it's time to discover some unusual Christmas traditions from around the world to mark this holiday season, from giant straw goats to festive saunas, these are 10 of the best. You can even experience some of them on your next winter break...
1. Christmas with KFC in Japan
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Dressing the Christmas tree
Forget carving the turkey at the Christmas dinner table, in Japan, the holiday tradition is to tuck into "Finger Lickin' Good" fried chicken!
Back in December 1974, American-born fast-food chain KFC began to promote itself as the place to eat the ideal Christmas meal. This clever marketing idea sparked a trend, and since then, a Christmas trip to KFC has become part and parcel of the celebrations for many families. In fact, an estimated 3.6 million families gather together to share a KFC bucket every year. This tradition means KFC is incredibly busy in Japan throughout December, with pre-orders made weeks in advance.
Served in festive packaging, dining on 'Kentucky for Christmas' from Santa doppelganger Colonel Sanders is now a somewhat unusual Christmas tradition that Japanese families use to mark the festive season. But it's one you can experience year-round on a holiday in Japan (minus the festive bucket!).
Culture & Cuisine of Japan
Tokyo and Mt Fuji at night
If Japan’s unique Christmas customs have sparked your curiosity, you can experience the country’s rich culinary traditions first-hand on our culture & cuisine of Japan tour. Designed by our team of experts who’ve explored these regions themselves, this journey blends authentic flavours with cultural discovery — from soba-making in Tokyo to temple stays in Nagano and food tours through Osaka’s lively streets. Whether you visit during the festive season or any time of year, it’s the perfect way to savour Japan’s food culture and spirit with all the details seamlessly taken care of.
2. Hiding broomsticks in Norway
Bergen at Christmas
From a stay in the world's most northerly town to sleeping in the bucket list Snow Resort Kirkenes, a winter break to Norway is packed full of unique and extraordinary experiences.
But for something wholly out-of-the-ordinary, in Norway there is the somewhat terrifying tradition of hiding all the broomsticks in the home on Christmas Eve to prevent witches and evil spirits from stealing them!
Unfortunately we've never had this 'holiday tradition' actually verified by a Norwegian person, and it seems likely that joy-riding witches aren't in reality a feature of Norway's national holiday.
But if you're celebrating Christmas in Norway, then Julebord is a festive tradition that you should definitely get on board with. Translating as 'Christmas table', if you're invited to Julebord then expect a Christmas party of epic Norwegian proportions, with a feast serving traditional roasted pork belly, meatballs and gløgg - Norway's version of mulled wine.
Tromsø Winter Break
Tromsø at night
While Norway’s witches might be in hiding, the magic of a Scandinavian Christmas is very real, especially under the glow of the northern lights. Our Tromsø winter break lets you experience the season at its most magical, from reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobile safaris to evenings spent chasing the aurora across Arctic skies. Crafted by our Regent experts who know this region first-hand, this winter escape captures the true spirit of a Norwegian Christmas: crisp air, warm gløgg, and northern wonder.
3. Enormous Christmas goats in Sweden
Swedish Christmas traditions
As strange traditions fare, a gigantic straw goat statue has to be up there.
Dating back to pagan times, the story of the Yule goat has morphed over the centuries, from a sacrifice to the god of harvest, to Saint Nicholas' symbol of control over evil in the 11th century. Later it was seen as the giver of gifts and today it's a traditional ornament in Scandinavian countries, where a straw goat is wrapped in red ribbon and used as a decoration (one you're certain to pick up from a Christmas market in Gothenburg).
However, this long yuletide history has now made way for a very special annual Christmas tradition: the Swedish town of Gävle's giant goat!
Every year an enormous goat is constructed in Slottstorget Castle Square in Gävle, Sweden, some 200 miles north-west of Stockholm. This gigantic version of the traditional straw Swedish Yule goat stands tall and proud in the square for the whole of the Christmas season, and on its record-breaking year, the gigantic straw goat statue measured a whopping 49ft!
Sadly most years vandals get to the Gävle goat and burn it down. Although illegal, it has become a Christmas tradition and a mark of pride if the goat is able to be destroyed.
Fortunately, the local fire station is just around the corner and the blaze can usually be put out before the goat’s skeleton is damaged, and the city rebuilds the yule goat in time for Christmas.
The Gävle goat has now been damaged or destroyed an astonishing 38 times. Despite this, it is able keep its global fan club updated throughout advent on X.
In order to prevent arson and the yule goat being destroyed, more elaborate security measures are added each year and now include a double fence, 24-hour CCTV and 24 guard patrol with a K9 unit!
Arctic Retreat Winter Short Break
Arctic Retreat, Luleå
After all the excitement of Sweden’s fiery festive folklore, you may be craving a Christmas escape that’s a little more serene. Our Arctic retreat winter short break captures the quieter side of Swedish Lapland, a world of whispering pines, frozen rivers and soft snowfall. Tucked deep within the Råne River Valley, this luxurious eco-lodge offers the perfect balance of adventure and indulgence. Spend your days snowshoeing, skiing or ice fishing, and your evenings soaking in a private hot tub beneath a canopy of northern lights. Every cabin is a cosy hideaway, every meal a celebration of Nordic flavours, and every moment a reminder of why winter in Sweden feels so magical.
4. ...And Men Dressed as Goats in Romania
The traditional Romanian Christmas goat
Romania is a fascinating country to visit, but even more so if you happen to be there on Christmas Eve when you might catch the sight of men dressed as goats, called capra, walking through the streets accompanied by singers. The traditional garments worn by the capra are brightly coloured with a wooden goat mask and sheepskin on the back.
In some areas this lively tradition is undertaken on New Year's Eve, but whenever you get to watch it, it certainly makes for an authentic experience.
Bucharest, Baths & Bears – A Short Break in Romania
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Bucharest at Christmas
If Romania’s colourful capra celebrations spark your curiosity, why not experience the country’s festive spirit for yourself? Our Bucharest, baths & bears – a short break in Romania offers a captivating glimpse into the nation’s folklore, landscapes, and culture, all with Regent’s expert touch.
From Bucharest’s twinkling Christmas lights and grand boulevards to the mystical heart of Transylvania, this journey captures Romania at its most captivating. Unwind in the thermal pools of Therme Bucharest, where steamy mineral waters contrast beautifully with the crisp winter air. Then travel into the snow-dusted Carpathians, where you’ll visit Bran Castle, the legendary home of Dracula, and watch rescued brown bears roam freely at Zărnești Bear Sanctuary.
5. Eating raw whale and decomposed auks in Greenland
Nuuk under a blanket of snow in winter
Did you know that in Greenland mattak and kiviak are considered a great delicacy reserved for Christmas?
Mattak is whale skin with some blubber attached that is supposed to be chewed, but is often just swallowed as it can be a little tough. Apparently it tastes like coconuts.
Kiviak is made from the raw flesh of auks, a small Arctic bird. The auks are buried in sealskin a long time before Christmas and then dug up to eat when they have reached an advanced stage of decomposition.
Don't fancy it? Not to worry, as there is usually barbecued caribou on the menu too.
Or you could always join in with the Christmas Eve tradition of wearing national clothing to a church service; for men that's a white anorak, a colour chosen because for hunters it would mean they could blend into the snowy landscape.
Other ways to get into the holiday spirit in Greenland include children 'screaming for Santa' at the start of December, and the terrifying tradition of the entire family telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve.
Greenland Winter Wonders: Nuuk to Ilulissat
Greenland's Ilulissat in winter
If you’re dreaming of a truly magical Arctic Christmas, our Greenland winter wonders: Nuuk to Ilulissat tour is the perfect festive escape. Celebrate the season surrounded by glittering icebergs, crisp snowy landscapes, and the northern lights dancing overhead, an experience far removed from the usual tinsel and turkey. From riding traditional dog sleds to exploring remote settlements, this journey blends Greenland’s spectacular natural beauty with its rich Inuit culture, offering a winter adventure that feels both authentic and unforgettable.
Our team of experts at Regent has experienced this Arctic wonderland first-hand, so every detail of your trip is carefully curated to ensure a seamless and immersive experience. Whether you choose to spend a night in a traditional igloo, cruise among colossal icebergs, or simply savour the serene winter scenery, this is a Christmas holiday like no other, full of magic, adventure, and memories to last a lifetime.
6. Giving treats to the Christmas mummers in Latvia
Christmas in Latvia
In Latvia mummers roam the streets during Christmastime. But "what are mummers?" we hear you cry!
A tradition in a number of northern hemisphere countries, even in some parts of the UK, mummering is when groups get together dressed in disguise, going from house to house during the twelve days of Christmas.
In Latvia, these masked processions are rooted in tradition and known as Kekatas, and although they started to disappear in the 19th century, they've had something of a revival since the 1970s.
A kind of moving social gathering, the group dressed in masks depicting animals, or more macabre figures like death and living corpses, are offered food and drink at the houses they visit, and are often invited inside for treats... in exchange for a dance or performance.
If, however, the individual is recognised underneath the costume, then they have to remove the outfit.
Tradition says that when you treat the mummers well, they bring blessings to the house and encourage fertility whilst scaring away bad spirits.
Another Christmas-related fact you may not know is that Latvia is thought to be the home of the very first Christmas tree.
Baltic Capitals Odyssey
Riga Christmas markets
If Latvia’s festive folklore has captured your imagination, our Baltic capitals odyssey is the perfect way to experience the region’s rich traditions for yourself. Journey through Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn, three capitals that sparkle with Christmas allure, from medieval market squares dusted in snow to Gothic spires wrapped in twinkling lights. In Riga, where the world’s first Christmas tree is said to have stood, soak up the festive atmosphere as you wander past stalls serving mulled wine and handmade crafts. Our experts at Regent have experienced these cities first-hand and will craft a private itinerary filled with history, warmth, and seasonal magic. Whether you’re tracing medieval cobblestone streets or discovering fairytale castles en route, this winter escape is an exciting way to celebrate the season across the Baltics.
7. Finland's Candlelit Graveyards and the Sauna Elf
Candles in Finland
At first glance this might feel a little morbid, but it is in fact surprisingly uplifting - and beautiful too. On Christmas Eve, families in Finland visit the resting places of their lost loved ones and light a candle to place on the grave.
Not only does this tradition help people to remember those they have lost, it turns cemeteries into tranquil, glittering havens of light that some choose to walk in just to appreciate their beauty.
The Finnish take this tradition seriously - as many as 75% of Finnish families take part.
A common tradition you're likely to associate with a winter holiday to Finland is sauna, and with many homes having their own, families will often get together on Christmas Eve for a sauna together.
Joulusauna - Finnish for 'Christmas sauna' - is a tradition in most households. It aims to be relaxing before the busyness of Christmas day, as well as an opportunity to pay tribute to the sauna elf - Saunatonttu - by leaving him treats and thanking him for keeping the sauna tidy and warm.
Lapland Break at the Nellim Hotel
Nellim Wilderness Hotel
For those dreaming of a truly magical Christmas escape, our Lapland break at the Nellim Hotel captures the spirit of Finland at its most idyllic. Nestled deep in the snowy wilderness on the edge of Lake Inari, this remote retreat offers everything from husky sledding and reindeer encounters to nights spent chasing the northern lights across frozen landscapes. After days of adventure, unwind by the fire or in your private sauna, just as the Finns do on Christmas Eve. With direct flights from London Gatwick and every detail expertly arranged by our Regent specialists, this five-day journey fuses Arctic wonder with unhurried comfort, a festive getaway you’ll treasure for years to come.
8. Icelandic Yule Cats and Rotten Potatoes
Sculpture of the Yule Cat in downtown Reykjavik, Iceland
Bad children don't get coal in Iceland at Christmas, they get rotten potatoes!
Yes you read that correctly, Icelandic Christmas folklore tells stories of monsters who live in the mountains. Of these there are the sons of Grýla, known as the 13 Yule Lads; mischievous boys who come to visit children on the 13 nights in the lead up to Yule.
In what is a similar holiday tradition to advent calendars, Icelandic kids place a shoe on their window sill, with the Yule Lads leaving gifts to children who've behaved, and rotten potatoes for naughty children.
Grýla and the Yule Lads also have a pet called the Yule Cat, a giant, vicious animal that prowls the snowy countryside. The holiday tradition of the Yule Cat is thought to go way back, though there are only written mentions of the mythical creature since the 19th century.
The story goes that farmers would reward their workers with new clothes for getting their work done in time for Christmas. Those who didn't would be eaten by the Yule Cat!
Thankfully today the holiday tradition is to just treat loved ones to new clothes without the terrifying giant snow cat.
Superjeep Winter Adventure
Superjeep excursions under the northern lights, Iceland
If Icelandic Christmas folklore wasn’t magical enough, the country’s dramatic winter landscapes make it even more extraordinary. Our Superjeep winter adventure is the perfect way to experience Iceland at its wildest.
From your base in Reykjavík, journey across frozen plains, volcanic deserts and glacier-topped mountains in specially modified 4x4s that take you far beyond the usual routes. Chase the northern lights through the remote highlands, stand beneath the mighty Gullfoss waterfall, and explore the shimmering Katla Ice Cave on a thrilling off-road adventure. It’s an exhilarating winter escape that captures the same sense of wonder and legend that fills Icelandic folklore.
9. An early Christmas in the Philippines
Santa hat on a hammock in the Philippines
From tropical beaches to bustling city streets, a festive break to the Philippines is full of vibrant sights, sounds, and experiences.
But for something truly extraordinary, the Philippines holds the world record for celebrating the longest Christmas season on the planet. That’s right, Filipinos start decking the halls as early as September, and the festive spirit often stretches all the way through to January! Expect twinkling lights adorning streets, shopping malls, and homes, with colourful parols (traditional star-shaped lanterns) lighting up every neighbourhood. Christmas songs fill the air almost year-round, from jeepneys and radio stations to restaurants and markets, creating a joyful soundtrack to daily life.
Whether it’s joining a bustling Simbang Gabi mass in Manila, exploring festive markets, or simply soaking up the celebratory energy on a tropical beach, the Philippines offers a Christmas experience unlike anywhere else.
Island odyssey: A Visayan circuit tour
Cebu
For a truly unique Christmas escape, the island odyssey: a Visayan circuit tour offers the perfect way to experience the Philippines’ festive spirit in all its tropical splendour. From September through January, the islands are alive with decorations, music, and vibrant celebrations, giving you the rare chance to enjoy the world’s longest Christmas season.
Immerse yourself in local traditions while snorkelling with sea turtles, exploring waterfalls, and wandering centuries-old towns, all set against a backdrop of warm sun and sparkling seas. With expertly arranged transfers, guided tours, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace, this 14-day adventure fuses cultural insight, natural beauty, and festive cheer into an extraordinary holiday experience. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy Christmas in a truly unique setting, where the spirit of the season stretches across months and islands alike.
Looking for an alternative Christmas break?
The festive season has different traditions across the globe, with these 10 unusual Christmas customs just the start. Other unusual traditions include heading to Christmas Mass services on roller skates in Venezuela; hiding a pickle in the Christmas tree in Germany; and the Austrian tradition that puts fear in the hearts of children, the evil Krampus.
If you're seek a change to the culture and traditions of home, speak to a member of the Regent team who can point you in the direction of unique places to visit this holiday season for a Christmas to remember.