From elves to pickles: The 10 most beautiful Christmas traditions around the world

The key points

• Christmas traditions are as diverse as the cultures themselves – ranging from reflective rituals to quirky customs.

• Many modern Advent practices, such as Secret Santa or Christmas-themed pyjamas, blend old traditions with new ideas, helping you create special memories.

• Classic German traditions, like the Christmas tree and nativity scenes, can be beautifully combined with international customs.

The 10 most heartwarming, funny, and creative Christmas traditions worldwide

From playful costumes to unusual decorations and special good luck customs, the following ten Christmas traditions show just how diverse this festive season is celebrated around the globe.

Spiders and pickles as Christmas tree ornaments

Traditionally, we decorate our Christmas tree with baubles, candles, and tinsel. In Ukraine, however, you might find something rather unusual on the tree: spider webs.

These are intricate ornaments designed to look like spider webs and are believed to bring good luck. The tradition originates from an old story in which a poor widow could not afford any decorations for her tree. The next morning, it was covered in sparkling spider webs – a true Christmas miracle!

If spiders remind you too much of Halloween, you might prefer this quirky American tradition: a pickle ornament is hidden in the branches of the Christmas tree. The first person to find it receives an extra gift and is said to have especially good luck in the coming year. The origin of this unusual custom is unclear – but who would say no to an extra present?

Costume lovers take note: Mummering & Julebukking

If you enjoy dressing up, Christmas in Newfoundland is the place to be! During Mummering (or Janneying), people dress in elaborate costumes and go from house to house, singing, dancing, and entertaining their neighbours. The hosts must then guess who is hiding beneath the unusual outfits made from old rags, cardboard, and masks.

In Norway, a similar tradition is called Julebukking: a cheerful custom celebrated between Christmas and New Year, bringing lots of fun and strengthening the sense of community during the snowy winter months.

Inline skates instead of ice skates: A tradition from Venezuela

Snow and ice at Christmas? In Germany, often just a dream – and in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, absolutely unthinkable. Even in December, temperatures are summer-like, and that’s exactly why locals have found a unique way to get to church: they strap on roller skates or inline skates and travel together through closed streets to the Christmas service.

A reflective Christmas in Colombia: Noche de Las Velitas

On 7 December, the eve of the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, the streets of Colombia transform into a sparkling sea of lights. During the Noche de Las Velitas (Night of the Candles), families place countless candles and lanterns to honour Mary and officially usher in the Christmas season.

This heartwarming custom creates a magical atmosphere and highlights the importance of light and community during the darker months. It’s a tradition we also celebrate in our own way, for example with Advent wreaths and fairy lights.

Crafting with a twist: Chichilaki from Georgia

In Georgia, Christmas features a slightly different type of tree: the Chichilaki. Made from dried hazel or walnut branches, peeled and bent into a tree-like shape, it is decorated with dried fruits, sweets, and handmade ornaments. On 19 January, the Chichilaki is burned – a symbolic gesture to let go of the old year and make space for the new.

Pre-Christmas fun with friends: Secret Santa at Pikkujoulu

In Finland, celebrations don’t wait until Christmas Eve – the festive season starts weeks earlier with Pikkujoulu parties, which literally means “little Christmas”. Friends, colleagues, and clubs gather at cosy home celebrations to eat, drink, listen to music, and of course, exchange gifts.

The Secret Santa tradition has also become popular in Germany. Each participant secretly draws the name of a person for whom they will buy a gift. Especially in large families or friend groups, where buying presents for everyone can get expensive, Secret Santa is a fun and affordable way to create excitement and anticipation!

The warming CALIDA pyjamas made from selected natural fibres are the perfect choice for your Secret Santa or Christmas gift. They keep you cozy even on the coldest winter nights and ensure everyone feels completely comfortable. How about spending this year’s Christmas in matching pyjamas for a relaxed and harmonious festive experience?

Pudding instead of cookies: A Slovak Christmas tradition

In Slovakia, there is a rather unusual Christmas custom: the eldest male family member throws a spoonful of Loksa pudding up to the ceiling. The more pudding sticks, the more luck the family will have in the coming year. Whether it actually works is up for debate, but it certainly guarantees laughter, unforgettable memories, and extra cleaning effort!

Himmelpfort or Canada: Reaching Santa Claus and St. Nicholas

Did you know that Santa Claus has an official address? In Canada, it’s: Santa Claus, North Pole H0H 0H0, Canada. If you send your letter by 16 December, Santa personally replies – and the best part? No postage required!

In Germany, you can send your wish lists to the Christ child in Engelskirchen or to Santa in Himmelpfort. St. Nicholas resides in Nikolausdorf, where his diligent helpers respond to every letter. A truly magical tradition that warms children’s hearts and increases the excitement for Christmas.

El Gordo: Spain’s famous lottery captures attention worldwide

Since the late 19th century, Spain’s biggest lottery, El Gordo (The Fat One), takes place on 22 December. The winning numbers are traditionally sung by 22 schoolchildren, while the whole country watches eagerly, hoping to win the biggest Christmas gift of a lifetime.

Even if you can’t participate from Germany, you can replicate the excitement and anticipation with your family. Grab your lottery tickets and hope together for a stroke of Christmas luck!

A botanical Christmas tradition: St. Barbara’s Day on 4 December

On 4 December, Barbaratag is celebrated – an ancient custom still observed in many parts of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. On this day, branches of cherry, apple, or other fruit trees are cut and placed in water. If all goes well, they bloom by Christmas – a symbol of luck and hope for the New Year.

This tradition combines nature with reflection and brings a touch of life into the house even in the depths of winter. A beautiful, sustainable Christmas custom that shows the simplest things often have the greatest impact.

Conclusion

From pickles in the Christmas tree to pudding on the ceiling, Christmas traditions worldwide show just how diverse and creative the celebration of the festive season can be. While classic Advent customs such as the decorated Christmas tree, Advent candles, mulled wine, and cookies hold a special place in many households, it can be worthwhile to explore international traditions as well – perhaps you’ll want to incorporate one or two elements into your own family celebrations and create unforgettable shared memories.