Christmas Traditions Around the World for Kids
Inviting kids into the magic of global traditions is one of the simplest ways to spark curiosity. This gentle, kid-friendly tour of Christmas traditions around the world for kids turns December into a month of storytelling, hands-on learning, and small moments of wonder.
From lantern festivals to seaside picnics, every culture brings something beautiful to the season. These traditions are rooted in family, food, faith, and joy—universal themes children connect with instantly. Whether you’re celebrating at home or exploring as part of a classroom unit, this guide helps little learners see the holiday through a wider, more compassionate lens.
If you’re searching for an engaging way to introduce Christmas traditions around the world for kids, these simple activities and explanations make each celebration feel both magical and accessible.
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Why Explore Global Christmas Traditions With Kids?
Learning about Christmas traditions around the world for kids is more than a festive geography lesson. It helps children:
- Discover surprising customs, holiday foods, and celebrations
- Recognize that families everywhere express joy and togetherness differently
- Build empathy and cultural awareness through stories and play
Parents, teachers, and caregivers can bring these traditions to life with easy crafts, recipes, and read-aloud moments—no passport required.
21 Magical Christmas Traditions Around the World for Kids
Exploring Christmas traditions around the world for kids gives families a playful way to learn about other cultures while strengthening their own traditions at home. Each country below includes a quick explanation and a kid-friendly activity inspired by its celebration.
🇩🇪 Germany: St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6)
Children leave clean shoes outside their door for St. Nicholas, who fills them with sweets and tiny treasures.
Try This: Let kids decorate boots or paper “shoes,” then tuck in chocolate coins and oranges.
Browse St. Nicholas Day storybooks
🇲🇽 Mexico: Las Posadas
This nine-night celebration brings communities together with lanterns, songs, and festive piñatas.
Try This: Create simple paper star piñatas and learn a traditional Posadas song.
🇮🇹 Italy: La Befana
On January 5th, children await La Befana, a kind witch who brings small gifts and sweets.
Try This: Make tiny broomstick ornaments or read La Befana picture books.
🇯🇵 Japan: Christmas Cake & KFC
A modern tradition: families enjoy fluffy strawberry shortcake and a festive KFC dinner.
Try This: Bake your own Japanese-style sponge cake and learn about winter illuminations in Japan.
🇦🇺 Australia: Beach BBQs & Carols by Candlelight
Christmas arrives in the middle of summer, so celebrations spill outdoors with picnics and concerts.
Try This: Host a pretend “beach day” indoors with towels, sunglasses, and a summery snack.
🇳🇴 Norway: Hiding the Brooms
Families hide their brooms on Christmas Eve—a nod to old folklore about mischievous holiday witches.
Try This: Turn it into a scavenger hunt by hiding toy brooms around your home.
🇵🇭 Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival
San Fernando hosts a brilliant lantern festival, symbolizing hope and community.
Try This: Craft simple paper lanterns using recycled materials.
🇳🇱 Netherlands: Sinterklaas Arrives by Boat
Children place carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas’ horse.
Try This: Recreate the shoe tradition and read Sinterklaas stories together.
🇫🇮 Finland: Visiting the Sauna
Families gather for a quiet, warm sauna before Christmas dinner.
Try This: Build a cozy “relaxation corner” with twinkly lights and soft blankets.
🇮🇸 Iceland: 13 Yule Lads
A troop of playful Yule Lads visits children each night leading up to Christmas.
Try This: Countdown with 13 tiny surprises or handwritten notes.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Midnight Fireworks
Families gather for midnight fireworks, dancing, and joyful late-night feasts.
Try This: Hold a glow-stick dance party before bedtime.
🇫🇷 France: Shoes by the Fireplace
Children leave shoes by the hearth for Père Noël to fill with treats.
Try This: Craft tiny paper shoes and leave them out overnight.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Christmas Crackers
Dinner includes pulling colorful crackers filled with silly jokes and paper crowns.
Try This: Make your own crackers using toilet paper rolls and festive paper.
🇺🇸 USA: Elf on the Shelf
This mischievous elf hides around the house, bringing laughs and anticipation.
Try This: Create a nightly elf setup—funny, sweet, or surprising.
🇨🇳 China: Peace Apples
Families exchange beautifully wrapped peace apples as a wish for safety and harmony.
Try This: Wrap apples in red tissue and add a handwritten note.
🇷🇺 Russia: Grandfather Frost
Kids look forward to visits from Ded Moroz and his granddaughter, Snegurochka.
Try This: Watch animated winter tales from Russian folklore.
🇿🇦 South Africa: Carol Singing & Outdoor Feasts
With summer sunshine, families celebrate outdoors with games and BBQs.
Try This: Set up outdoor (or indoor) games and sing carols together.
🇪🇸 Spain: The Three Kings Parade
The highlight of the season arrives on January 6th, when the Three Wise Men bring gifts.
Try This: Host a mini parade or write letters to the Kings.
🇬🇷 Greece: Kalanda Songs
Children sing Kalanda carols with triangles or tiny instruments.
Try This: Make simple triangle instruments and learn a Kalanda tune.
🇵🇱 Poland: 12-Dish Dinner
Families enjoy a symbolic, meatless feast on Christmas Eve.
Try This: Pick one traditional dish to try cooking with your child.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia: Ganna on January 7
Families celebrate with church services, feasting, and a lively stick-and-ball game.
Try This: Create a mini Ganna game using safe household items.
Bonus Learning Ideas
- Interactive map: Place stickers on each country as you learn.
- Craft challenge: Create one decoration inspired by every region.
- Food tasting: Sample global holiday treats throughout December.
More Holiday Fun for Kids
- The Ultimate List of the Best Christmas Books for Kids
- Christmas Craft Activities for Kids
- Christmas Scattergories for Kids
- Christmas Morning Traditions
- Toddler Stocking Stuffers
- Holiday Games
- Reindeer Books for Kids
FAQ: Christmas Traditions Around the World for Kids
Why should kids learn about Christmas around the world?
It builds empathy, cultural understanding, and helps children appreciate different family traditions.
How can I make these activities fun for younger kids?
Keep it hands-on—simple crafts, bright visuals, music, and engaging read-aloud moments.
Can teachers use these ideas in the classroom?
Yes! Pair each country with a map activity, book, or craft to deepen learning.
When should we start exploring global holiday traditions?
Late November or early December works best, giving time to explore several countries.
Are these traditions still practiced today?
Most of them are actively celebrated and passed down through generations.
Final Thoughts
Sharing Christmas traditions around the world for kids is a gift in itself. These stories, songs, foods, and crafts help children see that the world is wide, warm, and full of wonder. However you choose to explore these traditions, the memories you make will stretch far beyond the holiday season.
📌 Pin this post to revisit these ideas all December long!
💬 Which tradition will you try first? Share your pick in the comments!