🎄 Christmas Traditions Around the World for Kids: Fun Ways to Celebrate Globally
Get ready to take your kids on a global Christmas adventure—without leaving home!
This guide to Christmas traditions around the world for kids highlights how families across the globe celebrate the season.
Packed with engaging facts, cultural tidbits, and hands-on activities, it’s perfect for teaching children the beauty of diverse holiday traditions through fun.
Looking for a creative way to teach Christmas traditions around the world for kids? These ideas bring global celebrations to life.
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Why Teach Kids About Global Christmas Traditions?
Learning about Christmas traditions around the world for kids builds empathy, curiosity, and cultural awareness. It helps children:
- Discover new customs and holiday foods
- Appreciate different ways of celebrating
- Understand the global meaning of joy, family, and giving
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this guide makes it easy to bring the magic of international holiday spirit into your home or classroom.
🌎 21 Magical Christmas Traditions Around the World for Kids
By exploring Christmas traditions around the world for kids, families can bond while learning about different cultures and values.
Each country listed below includes fun facts, a quick cultural explanation, and suggested kid-friendly activities to help bring the experience to life!
🇩🇪 Germany: St. Nicholas Day (Dec 6th)
Teachers love incorporating Christmas traditions around the world for kids into December lesson plans for cultural learning.
Children leave shoes out for St. Nicholas, who fills them with treats.
Activity Idea: Let kids decorate their own shoes or boots and fill them with chocolate coins and oranges.
👉 St. Nicholas Day storybooks on Amazon
🇲🇽 Mexico: Las Posadas
This list of Christmas traditions around the world for kids is perfect for curious little minds and hands-on learning.
A nine-night celebration with candlelit processions, songs, and piñatas.
Try This: Make paper star piñatas and learn traditional songs.
🇮🇹 Italy: La Befana
Children await a visit from La Befana, a kind witch who delivers gifts.
Try This: Read stories about Befana and make broomstick ornaments.
🇯🇵 Japan: Christmas Cake & KFC
Christmas isn’t a national holiday, but families enjoy strawberry shortcake and KFC!
Try This: Bake your own Japanese-style cake and explore Japanese winter culture.
🇦🇺 Australia: Beach BBQs & Carols by Candlelight
It’s summer during Christmas, so celebrations happen outdoors.
Activity Idea: Have a “summertime” Christmas picnic indoors with fans and beach towels!
🇳🇴 Norway: Hiding the Brooms
Norwegian families hide their brooms to avoid mischievous witches.
Try This: Create a scavenger hunt with hidden brooms around your house!
If you want to expand your holiday celebrations, try incorporating Christmas traditions around the world for kids this season.
🇵🇭 Philippines: Giant Lantern Festival
Held in San Fernando, this dazzling display celebrates community spirit.
Activity Idea: Make lanterns from paper or recycled materials.
🇳🇱 Netherlands: Sinterklaas Arrives by Boat
Children leave carrots in their shoes for Sinterklaas’ horse.
Try This: Read about Sinterklaas and recreate the carrot tradition.
🇫🇮 Finland: Visiting the Sauna
Families enjoy a sauna together before holiday dinner.
Try This: Create a “relax corner” with music and warm blankets for kids to unwind.
🇮🇸 Iceland: 13 Yule Lads
Children are visited by 13 mischievous figures before Christmas.
Try This: Countdown with 13 small gifts or notes from the Yule Lads.
🇧🇷 Brazil: Midnight Fireworks
Christmas is hot and festive with midnight fireworks and dancing.
Try This: Have a family dance party with glow sticks and samba music!
🇫🇷 France: Shoes by the Fireplace
Children leave shoes near the hearth for Père Noël to fill.
Try This: Craft mini “shoes” from paper and fill with small treats.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Christmas Crackers
Dinner includes pulling crackers filled with paper crowns and jokes.
Try This: Make your own paper crackers and silly hats!
🇺🇸 USA: Elf on the Shelf
An elf watches children and reports back to Santa.
Try This: Set up a new silly elf scene each night.
👉 Elf on the Shelf accessories
🇨🇳 China: Peace Apples
Christmas is growing in popularity. Families gift “peace apples” as a sign of goodwill.
Try This: Wrap apples in red tissue and gift them with a note.
🇷🇺 Russia: Grandfather Frost
Children wait for Ded Moroz and his granddaughter Snegurochka to arrive.
Try This: Watch animations of Russian winter tales.
🇿🇦 South Africa: Carol Singing & Outdoor Feasts
Christmas falls in summer—think BBQs and outdoor games!
Try This: Set up outdoor games or sing carols around a fire pit.
🇪🇸 Spain: The Three Kings Parade
January 6th is the highlight, when the Three Wise Men deliver gifts.
Try This: Host a mini parade or write letters to the Kings!
🇬🇷 Greece: Kalanda Songs
Children sing Kalanda carols door to door, often accompanied by triangles.
Try This: Make simple triangle instruments and sing traditional songs.
🇵🇱 Poland: 12-Dish Dinner
Families enjoy a meatless feast with symbolic dishes.
Try This: Try one or two Polish recipes with the kids.
🇪🇹 Ethiopia: Ganna on January 7
Celebrated with fasting, church, and a game like hockey.
Try This: Create a mini “Ganna” stick-and-ball game at home.
🧠 Bonus Learning Ideas
- Interactive map: Place stickers on each country as you explore.
- Craft challenge: Create a decoration from each region.
- Food tasting: Try global Christmas snacks together.
🧡 Internal Resources to Expand the Fun
- The Ultimate List of the Best Christmas Books for Kids
- 17 Adorable Christmas Crafty Activities for Kids
- Fun Christmas Scattergories for Kids
- Sweet Christmas Morning Traditions for Families
- Toddler Stocking Stuffer Ideas
- 21 Holiday Games for the Family
- 20 Magical Reindeer Books for Kids
❓ FAQ: Christmas Traditions Around the World for Kids
Why should kids learn about Christmas around the world?
Learning about other cultures’ traditions helps kids build empathy, appreciation for diversity, and curiosity about the world.
How can I make these activities fun for younger children?
Use simple crafts, read-aloud books, and songs. Focus on sensory experiences—lights, colors, music, and food.
Can these lessons be adapted for classroom use?
Absolutely! Use a world map, daily country focus, and easy crafts to bring each tradition to life.
When should I start teaching about global Christmas traditions?
Start in late November or early December to give time for each country. Consider a daily or weekly tradition focus.
Are these traditions still practiced today?
Yes, many are centuries old and still celebrated annually, often passed down through generations.
🎁 Final Thoughts
Celebrating Christmas traditions around the world for kids is one of the most magical ways to teach global citizenship, empathy, and joy. Whether you’re crafting, reading, or baking together, these experiences will stick with your children long after the holidays end.
📌 Pin this post to save your global celebration ideas!
💬 Leave a comment: Which country’s tradition was your favorite? Have you tried any of these with your kids?