40 Christmas Traditions in the US and Around The World

We dive into the holiday spirit through cherished movies and TV shows. From timeless holiday films like It’s A Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street to heartwarming cartoons such as Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman, there's something for every generation. Modern classics like Home Alone, Elf, and The Grinch ensure even the youngest viewers stay engaged throughout the festive movie marathon.

Holiday Movie Night Essentials

With the right snacks, cozy atmosphere, and thoughtful Christmas preparation, ordinary movie watching can become a memorable family tradition.

• Gourmet popcorn varieties
• Hot chocolate with toppings
• Christmas cookies
• Holiday candies
• Festive plates and napkins
• Soft throw blankets
• Holiday string lights
• Extra pillows
• Device chargers

The joyful art of choosing and adorning a Christmas tree is one of the oldest Christmas traditions, dating back to the 15th century. In the US alone, a staggering 30-35 million real Christmas trees find new homes each year.

We recommend making an occasion out of it by bundling up and heading to a local tree farm for the time-honored tradition of cutting down your own Christmas tree. This cherished outing often becomes a full day of holiday magic, complete with hot cocoa, hayrides, and the triumphant moment of finding that perfect tree.

Walk through rows of fragrant pines, examining each tree for the perfect combination of scent, sturdiness, and size. Once you've found your ideal tree, cut it down with help from farm staff who guide you through the process. Many farms enhance the outing with cozy fire pits, Santa photos, and warm cider, making this tradition a full day of holiday memories.

Tree Hunting Supplies List

Come prepared for your tree farm adventure with the right gear and comfort items for a memorable family outing.

• Measuring tape
• Work gloves
• Rope for car transport
• Waterproof tarp
• Cash for payment
• A thermos of hot cocoa
• Hand warmers
• Waterproof boots
• A camera or smartphone
• Extra layers for warmth

With the tree nestled in your home, it's time for the decorating excitement to kick in! Begin by laying down a festive tree skirt as a foundation. Then, let your creative spirit shine as you bedeck the tree with twinkling lights, shiny tinsel, lovely garlands, and a medley of ornaments and charming trinkets that perfectly match your family's theme and personal style.

Plenty of families have a heartwarming tradition of hanging a unique ornament every year, each carrying its own special meaning. Why not kick off your own family tradition by adding one special ornament to your tree annually? If you're thinking of crafting special ornaments to share with your dear ones this year, Minted has you covered with our hand-picked collection of Christmas ornaments that you can even share with your family and friends.

The Christmas pickle tradition involves hiding a glass pickle ornament deep within the branches of your Christmas tree. According to this custom, the first child to spot the pickle on Christmas morning receives an extra gift or gets to open the first present. Though often thought to be an old German tradition, this festive hide-and-seek game actually originated in America during the late 1800s, when Woolworth stores began importing glass ornaments shaped like fruits and vegetables from Germany.

Getting into the holiday spirit goes beyond decking the tree! Transform your home into a twinkling wonderland with dazzling Christmas light displays that will surely make your neighbors green with envy. Some displays even sync up with favorite festive tunes, creating a magical dance of lights. Families from near and far often embark on joyful journeys to seek out the most stunning light spectacles, bringing miles of smiles.

With all the decorating excitement, don't forget to hang stockings for every family member, furry pals included. Dive into our post on Christmas mantel decoration ideas for more inspiration.

The charming tradition of hanging mistletoe dates way back to the 2nd or 3rd century. Not only did it supposedly ward off mischievous spirits, bringing good vibes to homes, but it also symbolized affection and camaraderie. And guess what? That's the very root of the smooching-under-mistletoe custom!

Of the many Christmas traditions celebrated around the world, the most common thread is the celebration of a shared meal. Create memories and reflect on the year by joining friends and family together to enjoy a delicious meal.

As you might imagine, there are countless food choices that people enjoy throughout the world during Christmas; however, there are some main staples that are a part of many Christmas meals. Classics include roast turkey, ham or chicken, potatoes, stuffing, and of course, you can’t forget the gravy!

If you're hosting, you can create a merrier ambiance around the dining room and kitchen with napkin sets and tea towels in Christmas patterns. Some candles and garland on the dining table set the mood for this Christmas dinner with your loved ones. Little accents and decorations here and there in the house will certainly make the season brighter and warmer for everyone.

While we all love a good meal, the actual process of baking together is often a family tradition in itself. Making cookies, baking pies, or building gingerbread houses falls in line with the holiday spirit that it is better to give than receive. Don’t forget to set a few cookies aside (with a glass of milk) for when Santa pays a visit. Some popular Christmas snacks include:

• Sugar cookies with intricate decorations
• Gingerbread men
• Yule log
• Pumpkin Pie
• Puppy chow/reindeer chow (Chex Mix treat)

Christmas Cookie Ingredient Checklist

Stock up on quality baking essentials and decorating supplies for a successful family cookie-making tradition.

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Unsalted butter
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Food coloring gels
• Assorted sprinkles
• Piping bags and tips
• Holiday cookie cutters
• Seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg

Starting December 1st, embrace the spirit of giving through RACK (Random Acts of Christmas Kindness), a heartwarming tradition that turns the entire month into an advent calendar of generosity. Each day brings a new opportunity to spread holiday cheer through simple, thoughtful actions that make others smile.

These acts of kindness might include leaving surprise treats for delivery workers, paying for a stranger's coffee, caroling at a nursing home, or taping dollar bills to items in a dollar store. Some families create RACK calendars, planning out 24 different ways to spread joy leading up to Christmas. This beautiful tradition teaches children that the true magic of the season lies not in receiving gifts but in bringing happiness to others, one small gesture at a time.

Gift-giving is one of the most beloved Christmas traditions (especially for children), originating back when the Three Wise Men offered gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus in the manger. Gifts are usually placed under the Christmas tree or within stockings in festive patterns.

The timing and place of the gift exchange could vary depending on where you live in the world. For example, in some European countries (Netherlands, Germany, and the Czech Republic), some presents are opened as early as December 5th, right before St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6th. In America, we’ve created a few unique ways to exchange gifts in large group settings, such as:

• Secret Santa - In work environments or clubs, one popular tradition of exchanging presents is through “Secret Santa.” This is when each person in a group is randomly assigned another’s name in the group and is responsible for getting them a gift without them knowing their “Santa’s” identity. Be sure to check out our list of Secret Santa gift ideas!
• White Elephant - A fun twist on the “Secret Santa” tradition is known as “White Elephant”. In this tradition, all gifts are placed in a central location. Numbers are drawn for when each participant will choose a gift. Recipients have the option to take a previously opened gift from another person or test their luck by selecting an unwrapped gift. The “White Elephant” concept provides a more fun and interactive environment for a gift exchange.
• Christmas Story Pass-Around - In this gift exchange game, everyone starts with the present they brought. A common Christmas poem or story is read aloud and after certain breaks in the text, all gifts are passed to the left, right, or across the table. Presents are continually swapped until the story is complete.

The tradition of giving gifts to others is centered around showing how much we appreciate others and value the role they play in our lives. As you go about your holiday shopping, remember Christmas is a time to think about others and the joy of giving rather than receiving.

As Christmas Eve settles in, participate in one of the coziest holiday traditions — the giving of new pajamas! This sweet custom typically involves presenting each family member with a fresh set of PJs on Christmas Eve, often coordinating or matching sets that make for precious family photos the next morning.

The excitement of opening that special Christmas Eve package adds an extra touch of magic to the night before Christmas. Many families expand on this tradition by including hot chocolate, holiday movies, and bedtime stories while everyone snuggles in their new sleepwear. Not only does this tradition create adorable holiday photos, but it also helps children channel their Christmas excitement into a fun evening routine, making the anticipation of Santa's arrival even more special.

Exchanging greeting cards has become a huge tradition during the holidays. It is a great way to communicate with friends and family and express that you are thinking of them. Did you know that in the United States alone, more than two billion Christmas cards are sent annually?

When it comes time to pick out the perfect Christmas cards to send to your loved ones, consider our wide range of beautiful and unique designs that capture the celebration of the holiday. Minted’s exclusive Christmas cards are designed by a global community of independent artists, which guarantees that you will always find a unique and stylish design. There are a number of customization options available through Minted to add a more personal touch to your holiday greeting. Impress your friends and family with beautiful designs, premium quality, and experienced craftsmanship.

The Elf on a Shelf phenomenon became a family Christmas tradition 20 years ago. It is derived from a children’s story about Santa’s elves watching over children and reporting back to Santa about the good and bad activities of the children observed that day.

The tradition has become extremely popular amongst adults and kids, as the Elf hides in a new spot every morning around the house, and the kids try to find it. The elves are said to have magical powers derived from being adopted and loved by a child. However, the kids must follow one simple rule, and that is not to touch the elf, or the elves may lose their magic. If touched, the elves cannot report the children’s Christmas wishes back to Santa.

The Rink at Rockefeller Center has to be one of the most iconic outdoor ice skating venues in the world. The seasonal rink opens around the end of October each year, but starts to really lure in skaters once the Rockefeller Center Tree is lit in early December.

Music plays a large role in many Christmas traditions around the world. We listen to holiday favorites with family and friends and have our playlist of favorite songs, such as “O Holy Night,” “Let It Snow,” “Jingle Bells,” and many others.

One Christmas tradition that has been passed down from many generations is caroling, in which a group of people shows up at homes to serenade inhabitants with holiday music. Some grade schools and high schools have even adopted the practice by encouraging certain groups of students to travel from classroom to classroom singing. This tradition of caroling dates back to the 19th century and is still practiced in many countries to this day.

Countless German cities like Berlin, Munich, Nuremberg, and Düsseldorf host impressive Christkindlmarkts, or Christmas Markets, where locals and tourists can shop for hand-made souvenirs and seasonal-themed edible treats like lebkuchen and pfeffernüsse. Some of these outdoor markets and villages have been held for 500 years!

This theme has become fairly popular over the last few years. Outfits our parents and grandparents wore during the holidays (considered fashionable at the time) are now the butt of the joke at these gatherings and have become a funny family pastime. In line with dressing up, be sure to check out our list of Christmas outfit ideas for the perfect family holiday card.

How would you like to take a nice swim in freezing cold water on Christmas morning? This may not be for you, but hundreds of people in Brighton, England, schedule a Christmas Day dip every year with just a swimsuit and their Santa hat. This tradition is not exclusive to Brighton. It is also practiced in London’s Serpentine Lake, Sandycove, Dublin, and plenty of other cold bodies of water around the world.

While Christmas is not viewed as a huge celebration in Japan, a fairly new tradition has emerged in which families enjoy a feast of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day.

One of Britain's most cherished Christmas traditions dates back to the Victorian era – the making of the Christmas pudding! Traditionally prepared on "Stir-up Sunday" (the last Sunday before Advent), this rich, fruity dessert brings families together as each member takes a turn to stir the mixture from east to west – a nod to the journey of the Three Wise Men – and makes a wish. The pudding often contains lucky charms like a silver coin for wealth or a ring for marriage, and after aging for weeks, it makes its grand entrance on Christmas Day when it's ceremoniously doused in warm brandy and set aflame, creating a spectacular blue-flamed display that delights both young and old.

One of Norway’s Christmas Eve traditions that dates back centuries is the act of hiding all the brooms in the house. This act deprives the witches and evil spirits of finding something to ride on.

Before Venezuelans in Caracas head home to enjoy their Christmas day feast of tamales, hundreds head to church on roller skates. Roads all across the city are closed to cars so people can partake in this unique annual tradition and skate to church in safety.

In the Czech Republic, young women participate in a charming (and slightly quirky) Christmas tradition to predict their romantic futures! On Christmas Day, unmarried women stand with their backs to their house doors and toss one of their shoes over their shoulder – if the toe points toward the door, wedding bells might be ringing soon, but if it points away, they'll need to wait another year for their true love. This playful tradition has evolved into a festive moment of fun for the whole family, with everyone gathering to watch and celebrate regardless of the shoe's landing, often accompanied by hot mulled wine (for the adults) and plenty of laughter.

Numerous cities throughout the U.S. and Europe host a Dickens Fair tradition each holiday season (San Francisco has been hosting one annually since 1970). Attendees will feel as though they have time-traveled back in time to a Victorian London setting where old-timey vernacular is used, vintage clothing is adorned, and bangers and mash are served at every other food stall.

On the Saturday before Christmas Eve, eleven villages in the city of San Fernando in the Philippines create giant lanterns in an annual competition. Known as the Giant Lantern Festival, this competition attracts people from all over the country to view this spectacle. The lanterns started off as small and simple creations, but over the years, they have become more elaborate and much larger, reaching close to 20 feet tall. The lanterns are shaped in kaleidoscope patterns and are illuminated with electric bulbs.

One of the scarier traditions around the holidays takes place in Austria. While St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls with presents, his evil counterpart, Krampus, is said to capture the naughty children and take them away in a sack. Krampus is described to be a half-man, half-goat, and young men dress up in costume to frighten kids during the Krampus Parade, which has grown in popularity across Europe.

Every year in Sweden, they construct the Yule Goat — a giant straw goat, which is over 42 feet high, 23 feet wide, and weighs over 3 tons. If you are not able to view the Yule Goat in person (it’s always built in the city center of Gävle), you can watch a live stream from the first Sunday of Advent until after it is taken down at the beginning of the New Year. More recently, vandals have been setting the Yule Goats on fire, which is easy prey given that it is made from straw.

If roast turkey or ham does not seem appetizing for Christmas dinner, then how about fried caterpillars? This delicacy can be enjoyed in South Africa at Christmas. The Pine Tree Emperor Moth — also known as the Christmas caterpillar — is covered in different colors and is said to give a little extra luck in the New Year to all those who eat it.

In Iceland, Christmas Eve brings one of the coziest traditions in the world – Jólabókaflóð, or the "Christmas Book Flood." Dating back to World War II, when paper was one of the few items not rationed, this heartwarming custom involves exchanging books on Christmas Eve and spending the night reading together while enjoying hot chocolate and traditional treats.

The tradition begins with the delivery of the Bókatíðindi, a catalog of new publications that every household receives in November, allowing families to carefully select books that will be treasured as the perfect Christmas gift for each family member.

The beautiful nine-day celebration of Las Posadas reaches its magnificent conclusion on Christmas Eve with processions, special masses, and elaborate feasts that bring entire communities together. This Latin American tradition reenacts Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem, with families taking turns hosting processions that move from house to house, singing traditional songs and carrying candles through neighborhoods decorated with luminarias and colorful papel picado.

On Christmas Eve, the final posada culminates in midnight mass followed by family gatherings featuring traditional foods like tamales, ponche navideño, and buñuelos, while children break piñatas filled with candy and small gifts.

In Finland, Christmas Eve wouldn't be complete without the purifying ritual of the Christmas sauna, followed by the invigorating experience of rolling in snow or jumping into icy lakes. This tradition symbolizes spiritual and physical cleansing before the sacred celebration of Christmas Day, often including traditional birch whipping to improve circulation and enhance the purification process.

Christmas Eve in Italian households centers around the magnificent Feast of Seven Fishes, a meatless dinner featuring seven different seafood dishes prepared with recipes passed down through generations. The elaborate meal might include linguine alle vongole, baccalà mantecato, branzino al sale, and fritto misto di mare, with family members spending the entire day cooking together before attending midnight mass.

Christmas in Australia falls during summer, leading to the delightful tradition of beach barbecues where families gather on sandy shores to celebrate with outdoor feasts, surfing, and beach games under the warm December sun. These celebrations feature barbecued prawns, lamb, and fresh salads, while many beaches host surfing competitions with participants dressed as Santa Claus.

Ukrainian families decorate Christmas trees with artificial spider webs, honoring a beloved folk tale about a poor family whose sparse tree was transformed by spiders who covered it with webs that turned to silver and gold in the Christmas morning sunlight. This beautiful tradition represents hope, transformation, and the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can create miraculous beauty.

Christmas Day in the rural Czech Republic features magnificent horse processions where riders dressed in traditional costumes parade through villages on beautifully decorated horses. These processions include stops at local churches for blessings and visits to homes where riders share Christmas greetings, concluding with community gatherings featuring traditional Czech Christmas foods and carol singing.

Christian communities across India gather for beautiful midnight mass celebrations on Christmas Eve, with churches decorated in vibrant colors and local flowers creating stunning displays that blend Christian traditions with Indian cultural elements.

These services often feature traditional Indian instruments alongside organ music, creating unique worship experiences that reflect the rich cultural diversity of Indian Christianity. Many churches hold elaborate processions before midnight mass, with families dressed in their finest traditional clothing joining together for this sacred celebration that marks the beginning of Christmas Day.

Dutch children place their shoes by the fireplace or door on Christmas Eve, filled with hay and carrots for Sinterklaas's horse, hoping to find them filled with gifts and treats by Christmas morning. This charming tradition often includes leaving letters with Christmas wishes and drawings for Sinterklaas.

French families gather around the fireplace on Christmas Eve to ceremonially light the bûche de Noël, a large log meant to burn throughout the night and into Christmas Day. This ancient tradition symbolizes warmth, light, and protection for the family, with the ashes later scattered in gardens for good luck and fertility in the coming year.

In Serbia, families plant wheat seeds in small dishes or shallow containers on St. Lucia's Day (December 13th) and tend to them throughout December so they sprout into bright green shoots by Christmas Eve. On Christmas morning, these wheat sprouts are tied with red and gold ribbons and placed in the center of the dinner table as symbols of prosperity, renewal, and the coming spring. The height and thickness of the wheat growth are believed to predict the family's fortune for the coming year. After the holidays, the sprouted wheat is often planted in gardens or given to livestock.

Spanish families celebrate with Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bread shaped like a crown and decorated with candied fruits, eaten on Christmas Day or Epiphany. Hidden inside the bread are miniature figurines and beans: whoever finds the figurine becomes king or queen for the day, while finding the bean means you must buy next year's bread.

• Set up seated decorating stations with cushioned chairs and easy-to-reach ornament boxes.
• Use lightweight, unbreakable ornaments like those made of felt, wood, or fabric.
• Invite grandparents to share stories behind ornaments or family recipes, recording them for future generations.
• Assign them comfortable, low-effort kitchen tasks like measuring, tasting, or narrating family recipes.

• Let toddlers decorate the lower portion of the tree with unbreakable ornaments.
• Provide a small tabletop tree or a felt wall tree that they can safely decorate and rearrange.
• Focus on cold or no-bake kitchen activities like mixing trail mix or decorating pre-baked cookies.
• Set up a supervised “play kitchen” with safe ingredients and utensils for pretend cooking.

• Give teens responsibility as family photographers or videographers, creating highlight reels and photo books.
• Let them design and share family holiday playlists or run music for gatherings.
• Assign them a recipe to master each year and teach younger family members.
• Put them in charge of planning one tradition—such as movie night, game tournaments, or volunteer activities.

• Blend elements from multiple traditions, like Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or solstice, into shared celebrations.
• Incorporate decorations and symbols representing each family heritage.
• Emphasize universal themes such as gratitude, kindness, and giving.
• Make religious elements optional while offering inclusive, secular activities for everyone.

• Replace prayers with family gratitude circles, journals, or reflection moments.
• Center traditions on light, renewal, and seasonal changes (candles, nature walks, evergreen décor).
• Focus on giving back through community service without religious framing.
• Use inclusive language (“holiday celebration” instead of “Christmas party”) to welcome all beliefs.

• Offer nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free adaptations of classic recipes.
• Provide plant-based versions of traditional main dishes and sides.
• Include naturally sweetened or sugar-free dessert options.
• Create low-sodium or heart-healthy versions of family favorites for health-conscious members.

The most popular American Christmas traditions include decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts on Christmas morning, sending Christmas cards, and hosting family dinners featuring turkey or ham. Other beloved customs include hanging stockings by the fireplace, baking Christmas cookies, watching holiday movies, and displaying elaborate light decorations on homes and yards.

American Christmas traditions tend to be more commercialized and focus heavily on gift-giving and elaborate decorations, while many European traditions emphasize religious observances and community celebrations. International traditions often span longer periods (like Germany's month-long Christmas markets) or include unique customs like Finland's Christmas sauna or Australia's beach barbecues during their summer Christmas.

Unique global traditions include Ukraine's spider web Christmas trees for good luck, the Czech Republic's Christmas horse processions, and Italy's Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Other distinctive customs include Japan's KFC Christmas dinners, the Philippines' giant lantern festivals, and Norway's tradition of hiding brooms to keep witches away.

Social media has transformed how families document and share Christmas celebrations, while globalization has spread American-style traditions like elaborate light displays to other countries. Technology has also enabled virtual celebrations for distant families and digital alternatives to traditional paper Christmas cards, though many cultures maintain their core traditional elements.

Many American Christmas traditions originated from European immigrants, particularly German Christmas trees and Victorian-era gift-giving customs. Religious traditions stem from Christian celebrations of Jesus's birth, while secular customs often blend pagan winter solstice celebrations with cultural practices brought by various immigrant groups to different countries.

American Christmas meals typically center around turkey, ham, or roast beef with traditional sides, while international celebrations feature distinctly regional dishes like Italy's seafood-focused Feast of Seven Fishes or Mexico's tamales and ponche. Many cultures have specific Christmas treats unique to their region, such as Germany's lebkuchen, Britain's Christmas pudding, or Spain's Three Kings Bread.