The holiday season is full of joy, color, and family traditions — but did you know that celebrations look a little different all around the world? From lantern festivals in the Philippines to star songs in Poland, families everywhere find unique ways to share light, laughter, and love. Let’s take a trip around the globe and explore holiday traditions your kids will love learning about — plus fun activities you can try at home!
🎅 United States
In the U.S., Christmas trees, stockings, and Santa Claus take center stage, but traditions vary from home to home. Some families drive around to see light displays, while others bake cookies for Santa or volunteer at local charities.
- Activity idea: Have a “Lights Night” — take a family walk or drive to see neighborhood decorations, then come home for hot cocoa and cookie baking.
- Try this: Start a “kindness advent calendar,” where kids perform a good deed each day leading up to Christmas.
🎄 Germany
Germany is famous for its festive Christmas markets and delicious treats like gingerbread and marzipan. Children also celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, leaving shoes by the door to find small gifts or candy the next morning.
- Activity idea: Have your kids leave their shoes by the door and fill them with fruit, nuts, or chocolate overnight.
- Make it fun: Create paper stars or advent wreaths together to decorate your home — just like families in Germany.
🕯️ Sweden
In Sweden, December 13th marks St. Lucia’s Day, celebrating light during the darkest time of year. Children dress in white robes and sing songs while carrying candles. The holiday focuses on hope, kindness, and brightness through the winter season.
- Activity idea: Have a “Festival of Light” night — dim the lights, light candles (or LED versions), and sing favorite family songs together.
- Bake together: Try making Lussekatter, Swedish saffron buns shaped like little figure eights!
🎆 Mexico
In Mexico, families celebrate Las Posadas — nine days of candlelit processions that reenact the journey of Mary and Joseph. Christmas Eve, called Nochebuena, is celebrated with a feast and fireworks. Kids often play with colorful piñatas shaped like stars.
- Activity idea: Make a star-shaped piñata with cardboard and tissue paper. Fill it with small toys or candy for a family fiesta.
- Family craft: Decorate paper lanterns and light them during a nighttime walk to represent the procession of light.
🕎 Israel
Families celebrating Hanukkah light the menorah for eight nights, spin dreidels, and enjoy foods cooked in oil — like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). The festival celebrates light, miracles, and perseverance.
- Activity idea: Make a paper menorah and “light” one new candle each night with colored paper flames.
- Cook together: Fry up potato pancakes or doughnuts and talk about what miracles mean to your family.
🎋 Japan
While Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, families celebrate New Year’s with beautiful customs. People clean their homes to welcome good luck, visit shrines, and eat osechi ryori (special New Year’s food). Children receive envelopes with money called otoshidama.
- Activity idea: Try a family “Clean and Refresh” day — tidy up together while listening to music, then write wishes or goals for the new year.
- Craft together: Make paper cranes or draw daruma dolls for good fortune.
🎁 The Philippines
The Philippines hosts one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons, starting in September! One highlight is the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, where people create enormous, glowing star lanterns called parols.
- Activity idea: Make your own mini parol using paper, cardboard, and tissue paper. Hang it in a window to shine all season long.
- Family fun: Play festive music, share stories about what light means to your family, and enjoy a “lantern lighting night.”
🕯️ Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, Christmas (called Genna) is celebrated on January 7th. People dress in white traditional clothing called shamma and gather for church services followed by a special meal — often including injera and stew. Games, dancing, and music fill the day with joy.
- Activity idea: Host a “White Celebration” — wear white, listen to Ethiopian music, and try making homemade flatbread together.
- Learn together: Locate Ethiopia on a map and talk about how the world celebrates at different times.
🎇 India
In India, people of different faiths celebrate many holidays this time of year. Christians celebrate Christmas with bright lights and sweets, while Hindus celebrate Diwali — the Festival of Lights — with candles, clay lamps, and fireworks.
- Activity idea: Make your own diya lamps using small cups and tea lights. Paint them with bright colors and glitter!
- Learn about diversity: Share how different cultures celebrate light, family, and togetherness in their own ways.
🌍 Bringing It All Together
Celebrating holidays from around the world teaches kids about kindness, culture, and connection. Whether it’s lighting a candle, baking a traditional treat, or crafting a lantern, these small activities spark curiosity and remind us that joy shines brightest when it’s shared.
This season, take a little inspiration from around the globe — and maybe even start a new family tradition of your own!