Different Countries celebrate Christmas in unique and interesting ways. While most of these holiday traditions celebrate gift-giving, there are many different ways you can enjoy Christmas time. Let’s explore how different parts of the world celebrate it, incorporating fun Christmas around the world activities.
Christmas Around the World Activities
Exploring interesting facts about different cultures can bring about a rich experience in world history and geography. Learning about different Christmas traditions is a great way to appreciate various cultures and countries through a fun activity.
We’re going to take a look at some world traditions and include fun Christmas around the world activites that you can do in your homeschool below.
Christmas Around The World Unit Study
If you’d like to incorporate a fun unit study for gentle Christmas school, we’ve got the perfect resource for you! Our Christmas around the world unit study travels through 10 countries teaching kids about traditions, decorations, Christmas songs, and more!
40 Christmas Around the World Activities
Christmas is a joyous occasion celebrated by people all around the world in various unique ways. To help you explore the diverse cultural traditions associated with this festive season, we have compiled a list of 40 Christmas around the world activities specially curated for kids.
Each activity is accompanied by a brief description and its significance in relation to Christmas. You can learn how to say Merry Christmas in different languages as you explore the various activites from other countries.
1. Las Posadas (Mexico)
- Significance: Recreates the journey of Mary and Joseph for lodging.
- How to do: Organize a procession, reenact the journey, and end with food and music.
2. Giant Lantern Festival (Philippines)
- Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus with dazzling lantern displays.
- How to do: Create and decorate homemade paper lanterns to light up the night for a fun craft.
3. Kala Mauli (India)
- Significance: Kala Mauli is a significant cultural celebration that holds deep roots in the traditions of Christmas. Originating from the Mangalorean Catholic community in India, Kala Mauli is a vivid display of faith, joy, and togetherness.
- How to do: Experience the Indian tradition of making Kala Mauli, a paper mache angel. Mold torn newspaper into a desired angelic shape, paint it, and use it as a Christmas decoration.
4. The Feast of the Seven Fishes (Italy)
- Significance: Honors the tradition of having a seafood feast on Christmas Eve.
- How to do: Prepare and enjoy a delightful seafood meal with family and friends.
5. KFC Christmas Dinner (Japan)
- Significance: In Japan, Christmas dinner often consists of fried chicken from KFC.
- How to do: Try making your own crispy fried chicken with a Japanese twist.
6. Day of Goodwill (South Africa)
- Significance: Promotes community service and kindness towards others.
- How to do: Volunteer together as a family or perform random acts of kindness.
7. Mummering (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Significance: Involves visiting homes in disguise, singing, and dancing.
- How to do: Dress up in costumes, sing carols, and perform small skits for family and friends.
8. Piñatas (Mexico)
- Significance: Symbolizes breaking away from sin and indulgence.
- How to do: Create and decorate a piñata, fill it with treats, and enjoy the exciting game.
9. Poinsettia Craft (Mexico)
- Significance: The Poinsettia craft finds its roots in Mexico, where it is commonly known as La Flor de Nochebuena or The Flower of the Holy Night.
- How to do: Make a poinsettia craft using red and green construction paper, scissors, and glue. Use it as a festive decoration.
10. Polar Bear Plunge (Various countries)
- Significance: Raises awareness and funds for charities during the winter season.
- How to do: Participate in a polar bear plunge event or organize your own.
11. Farolito Walk (Mexico)
- Significance: Mexican tradition of lighting up the streets with farolitos (small lanterns) during Christmas.
- How to do: Create your own farolitos using paper bags and candles, and take a walk around the neighborhood.
12. Diwali Lanterns (India)
- Significance: Represents the victory of light over darkness.
- How to do: Design and decorate paper lanterns; light them up for a vibrant display.
13. Advent Calendars (Germany)
- Significance: Counts down the days leading up to Christmas.
- How to do: Make or buy an Advent calendar and open a new window each day. You can also use our Advent study, Preparing Your Hearts for Christmas as you countdown until December 25th.
14. Carols by Candlelight (Australia)
- Significance: Celebrates Christmas with open-air concerts and carols.
- How to do: Attend or organize an outdoor carols event, complete with candles.
15. Lone Child (China)
- Significance: Commemorates the birth of Jesus with a festive church service.
- How to do: Attend a Christmas service or host a small gathering at your home.
16. Día de los Reyes (Spain)
- Significance: Marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men who bring gifts.
- How to do: Prepare and share a King’s Cake (Rosca de Reyes) with family and friends.
17. Christmas Star Craft (Sweden)
- Significance: Swedish tradition of hanging Christmas stars in windows.
How to do: Make a simple star craft using colored paper, scissors, and glue. Hang it in your window to spread the Christmas cheer.
18. Christmas Star (Germany)
- Significance: Symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men.
- How to do: Craft and decorate a large Christmas star for your home.
19. The Nativity Scene (Various countries)
- Significance: Depicts the birth of Jesus in a stable with Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds.
- How to do: Create your own nativity scene using figurines or as paper cutouts to represent baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angels, the wise men, and animals.
20. Lebkuchen Hearts (Germany)
- Significance: The enchanting charm of Lebkuchen Hearts is best experienced at Germany’s famous Christmas markets.
- How to do: Make heart-shaped gingerbread cookies, decorate them with icing and edible decorations, and give them as gifts.
21. Christingle (United Kingdom)
- Significance: Celebrates Jesus as the Light of the World.
- How to do: Assemble a Christingle with an orange, candle, ribbon, and sweets.
22. Christmas Caroling (United States)
- Significance: Christmas caroling, a beloved tradition in the United States, brings joy and spreads the festive spirit during the holiday season.
- How to do: Gather a group of friends or family members, choose some classic carols, and spread the joy by singing them in your neighborhood.
23. Tio de Nadal (Catalonia)
- Significance: A log with a smiling face that defecates small gifts.
- How to do: Create a mini version of Tio de Nadal and follow the amusing tradition.
24. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony (Various countries)
- Significance: Marks the beginning of festive celebrations.
- How to do: Attend or host a community tree lighting ceremony, complete with carols and hot cocoa.
25. Japanese Origami Ornaments (Japan)
- Significance: Although Origami is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, its been incorporated into Christmas celebrations over the years.
- How to do: Create origami ornaments, such as cranes, stars, or trees, using colorful paper. Hang them on your Christmas tree.
26. Christmas Tamales (Mexico)
- Significance: Christmas tamales symbolize unity and the spirit of giving in Mexican culture.
- How to do: Prepare masa (corn dough), fill it with your favorite ingredients, wrap it in corn husks, and steam them to perfection.
27. Christmas Eve Bonfire (Bermuda)
- Significance: The tradition of lighting a bonfire on Christmas Eve.
- How to do: Light a small bonfire or gather around a fireplace, sharing stories and laughter.
28. The Feast of the Three Kings (Various countries)
- Significance: Commemorates the visit of the Wise Men with a special feast.
- How to do: Prepare and savor a meal fit for kings with family and friends.
29. The Christkind (Germany)
- Significance: An angel-like figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
- How to do: Craft a Christkind figure and discuss the importance of giving and selflessness.
30. Advent Wreath (Various countries)
- Significance: Symbolizes the four weeks preceding Christmas.
- How to do: Create an Advent wreath using candles and natural materials; light a new candle each week.
31. Julbord (Sweden)
- Significance: A traditional Christmas buffet featuring various dishes.
- How to do: Prepare and enjoy a Julbord feast, including traditional Swedish delicacies.
32. Christmas Crackers (United Kingdom)
- Significance: A festive paper tube that contains small gifts, jokes, and paper hats.
- How to do: Make or purchase Christmas crackers and enjoy the surprise inside.
33. Christkindlmarkt (Germany)
- Significance: Christmas markets that offer crafts, food, and holiday cheer.
- How to do: Visit a local Christmas market or organize a mini-market with handmade goods.
34. The Star Boys (Finland)
- Significance: Boys dress in white robes with star-shaped hats, singing and visiting homes.
- How to do: Craft a star hat and sing Christmas carols while visiting neighbors or loved ones.
35. Polish Christmas Pickle (Poland)
- Significance: In Polish culture, the Christmas season is steeped in rich traditions and customs, and the Polish Christmas pickle holds a revered place in these celebrations.
- How to do: Hide a small pickle ornament in your Christmas tree and have fun searching for it.
36. Nativity Puppet Show (Various countries)
- Significance: Retells the story of Jesus’ birth through a puppet show.
- How to do: Create simple puppets and stage a nativity puppet show with family and friends.
37. Ice Skating (Various countries)
- Significance: Embraces the joy of winter and outdoor activities.
- How to do: Visit an ice skating rink, or create your own temporary ice skating area using synthetic ice.
38. Christmas Lantern Parade (Philippines)
- Significance: A procession featuring colorful lanterns made from bamboo and paper.
- How to do: Create mini lanterns and organize a parade with family and friends.
39. Russian Nesting Dolls (Russia)
- Significance: A set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside the other.
- How to do: Decorate your own set of nesting dolls or draw and color your designs.
40. Norwegian Christmas Chain (Norway)
- Significance: The act of making a Christmas chain, or Julelenke, is a beloved tradition in itself, symbolizing unity, togetherness, and the spirit of giving.
- How to do: Cut strips of colored paper, create loops, and glue them together to form a chain. Hang it as a decoration.
Easy Christmas Around the World Crafts
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration all over the world. To make this festive season even more special, we’ve compiled a list of some fun Christmas crafts and ideas that will help you and your family learn about and appreciate Christmas traditions from various countries.
With these crafts, you can create beautiful decorations while exploring different cultures. Let’s dive in!
German Paper Stars
Capture the spirit of German Christmas with beautiful paper stars. All you need are strips of colorful paper, some glue, and a bit of patience. Follow simple folding techniques to create intricate designs that will add a touch of elegance to your home.
Mexican Paper Ornaments
In Mexico, colorful paper ornaments called papel picado are used to decorate during the holiday season. Grab some tissue paper and scissors, and create your own intricate designs by cutting out symmetrical patterns. Hang them on your tree or windows for a festive ambiance.
Swedish Dala Horse
The Dala Horse is a traditional Swedish wooden horse figurine. Paint a small wooden horse cutout with red, blue, and white acrylic paint. Add some decorative patterns, such as flowers or hearts, to highlight the Swedish folklore. Hang it on your tree or use it as a decorative ornament.
Italian Pasta Wreath
Pasta isn’t just for cooking! Create a unique wreath inspired by Italy using various types of dried pasta. Paint the pasta in festive colors and glue them together in a circular shape. Hang it on your door or use it as a centerpiece.
Russian Egg Ornaments
Traditional Russian hand-painted eggs, known as pysanky, are a symbol of celebration. For a simplified version, paint hard-boiled eggs with bright colors and intricate designs. You can even use stickers or markers for an easier option.
Australian Beach-themed Snow Globe
Celebrate an Aussie Christmas with a beach-themed snow globe. Take a small transparent jar, fill it with sand, seashells, and a mini beach umbrella. Add water and a pinch of glitter to create the snow effect. Seal the jar tightly and shake it gently to create your own beachy winter wonderland.
Japanese Origami Ornaments
Fold colorful origami paper into various shapes, like cranes, fans, or stars. These delicate ornaments are inspired by the Japanese art of paper folding and will add a touch of grace to your tree.
Spanish Cinnamon Stick Stars
In Spain, Christmas is often associated with the sweet aroma of cinnamon. Make your own cinnamon stick stars by carefully bundling and gluing cinnamon sticks together. Tie a ribbon at the top to hang them on your tree or as wall decorations.
French Yarn Wrapped Ornaments
Channel your inner artist with this simple French-inspired craft. Wrap colorful yarn around small foam or cardboard cutouts in the shape of symbols like the Eiffel Tower or a baguette. Hang them on your tree or use them as gift tags.
Scottish Tartan Stockings
Complete your Christmas décor with traditional Scottish tartan stockings. Use felt or fabric in different tartan patterns and sew them into mini stockings. Embellish with ribbons or bells for a fun way to add an extra festive touch.
More Christmas Around the World Ideas
You can encourage your students to get a pencil and paper out and use some Christmas writing prompts about Christmas around the world, in addition to the activities below.
- Research Christmas decorations from various countries and create a multicultural display. Incorporate ornaments, garlands, and other traditional items that represent different cultures. Discuss their significance and learn about the history behind them.
- Organize a fun trivia game night centered around international Christmas traditions. Prepare questions about greetings, customs, and unique practices from around the world. Compete as a family or invite friends to join in on the fun.
- Host a Global Christmas party at home, where each family member represents a different country’s Christmas tradition. Dress up, prepare traditional food, exchange greetings, and engage in cultural activities together. Share what you’ve learned and celebrate the diversity of holiday celebrations.
- Explore international holiday recipes and prepare festive dishes together as a family. Choose recipes from countries such as Germany, Italy, or Japan. Discuss the unique ingredients and culinary customs associated with each dish.
- Discover traditional stories and legends associated with Christmas from different cultures. Read aloud or watch videos of these tales and discuss their meanings. Encourage your children to get creative by writing their own holiday story inspired by a different culture.
- Choose one or two countries and create traditional crafts that represent their holiday customs. For instance, make a Swedish Dala horse or a Mexican papel picado banner. Encourage creativity and discussion about the significance of these symbols.
Christmas Around the World Fun Facts
- Fun fact – in Japan, Christmas isn’t a national holiday, but it’s celebrated with enthusiasm. One popular tradition is enjoying a festive meal at KFC, thanks to a successful marketing campaign in the 1970s.
- In Ukraine, Christmas trees are adorned with spider webs for good luck. Legend has it that a poor widow woke up to find her tree covered in cobwebs, which miraculously turned into silver and gold.
- Australians often spend their Christmas Day at the beach, where they enjoy barbecues, picnics, and even surfing Santa Claus sightings.
- In Venezuela, it’s customary for people to roller skate to early morning church services throughout the festive season.
- In Iceland, children are visited by 13 mischievous Yule Lads, who either reward well-behaved kids with gifts or play pranks on the mischievous ones.
- Mexico celebrates Las Posadas, a nine-day tradition that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Families come together to sing carols and enjoy traditional foods.
- In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th and is known as Ganna. People wear white traditional clothing and participate in a special church service.
- Brazil’s Christmas celebrations are marked by fireworks displays and loud street parties.
- In Finland, Santa Claus is said to reside in Korvatunturi, a remote mountain in Lapland. It is a popular tourist destination and a magical place to visit during the festive season.
- German Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkts, are famous worldwide. Visitors can enjoy delicious treats like gingerbread cookies and mulled wine while shopping for unique handmade crafts.
- In South Africa, Christmas falls during summertime. Many people celebrate by gathering outdoors for festive barbecues called braais.
- In Spain, the Christmas season extends until January 6th, known as Three Kings’ Day or Epiphany. Children eagerly await the arrival of the Three Wise Men, who bring them gifts.
- In Italy, it’s common to celebrate Christmas with a big feast on Christmas Eve called La Vigilia, where families enjoy dishes like fish, pasta, and traditional Italian desserts.
- The Philippines has the longest Christmas season, which officially begins in September. Festivities include parades, lantern-making competitions, and the world’s longest Christmas season.
- In Poland, Christmas Eve is a time for family gatherings and a special meal called Wigilia. It’s believed that if you spot the first star in the sky, it brings good luck.
- In India, Christians decorate banana or mango trees instead of traditional Christmas trees. They also exchange presents and enjoy a special meal with loved ones.
- In Denmark, it’s a tradition to find the almond hidden in the rice pudding served for dessert. The lucky finder is rewarded with a small gift.
- The Christmas pickle tradition is believed to have originated in Germany. A pickle-shaped ornament is hidden in the Christmas tree, and the first child to find it receives an extra present.
- In Greece, Christmas is celebrated with a festive meal featuring lamb, melomakarona (honey cookies), and kourabiedes (almond cookies).
- Russia celebrates Christmas on January 7th and is known for its stunningly beautiful Christmas ornaments and decorations. The country’s largest Christmas tree can be found in Moscow’s Red Square.
In Conclusion
We hope these fun Christmas activities have helped you learn about different traditions and holiday celebrations celebrated around the world. You can use your winter break, homeschool group Christmas party, or the whole month of December to make Christmas decorations and explore ways to start your own own family traditions.
Indulge in the spirit of cultural exchange, create lasting memories, and embrace the uniqueness of each tradition. Let the magic of Christmas come alive through these enriching activities.