As the magic of Christmas slowly embraces the world, every corner of the globe adds its charm to this festive season. Expat.com is delighted to present your first gift: a global tour of the essential events for anyone celebrating Christmas abroad! Come along as we wander through the brilliant streets of Europe, explore the unique traditions of Asia, and immerse ourselves in the festive fervor of celebrations across America.
Christmas in Europe
Christmas is a special celebration in France and Italy, where each country showcases its distinctive traditions and festivities. Christmas markets, like those in Strasbourg, Colmar, Paris, Rome, Florence, and Milan, are epicenters with festive activity, featuring handmade goods and delectable treats that contribute to a cozy atmosphere. Christmas illuminations, whether adorning the Champs-Élysées in Paris or lighting up the streets of Rome, turn these cities into sparkling gems of light. The Provençal cribs in France, and the artistic masterpieces in Naples reflect our deep connection to tradition. Midnight mass, outdoor ice skating rinks, sumptuous New Year's Eve feasts, live nativity scenes, and lively concerts are shared traditions in both nations. In Italy, "La Befana" contributes distinctive touches to the magic of Christmas.
Spain and Portugal certainly hold their own particular Christmas celebrations. In Spain, "Nochebuena" is marked by joyful family feasts and midnight mass, while the streets are lit up with festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere. The Spanish national lottery, "Lotteria de Navidad," adds an extra layer of excitement to the season. In Portugal, the "Consoada" involves a family-focused New Year's Eve gathering, followed by midnight mass. The streets of Portugal are also illuminated with festive lights, contributing to a joyous ambiance. Both countries share the tradition of Christmas markets, where you can find handmade crafts and seasonal delights.
And let's not forget the German-speaking countries of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Germany's renowned Christmas markets, especially in Nuremberg, Cologne, and Munich, attract visitors with their charming chalets showcasing traditional crafts and culinary delights like "Lebkuchen." The streets are aglow with dazzling decorations, creating a truly magical atmosphere. In Austria, the Viennese Christmas markets, like the one at Rathausplatz, are captivating with their sophisticated decorations and handmade crafts. With its festive markets in Zurich and Basel, Switzerland provides a unique holiday atmosphere. Germanic traditions in the region also involve the "Christkind" or baby Jesus, who brings gifts in certain regions. Christmas masses, live nativity scenes, and traditional concerts add the finishing touch to this delightful and convivial celebration in German-speaking countries.
Eastern European countries like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary provide a Christmas experience deeply rooted in rich traditions and unique festivities. The Christmas markets, especially in Krakow, Prague, and Budapest, are breathtaking, with their charming chalets showcasing traditional crafts, festive decorations, and local specialties. The streets come alive with sparkling lights, crafting a truly magical atmosphere. Living nativity scenes, ice sculptures, and folk shows are typical in these regions. In Poland, Christmas Eve, known as "Wigilia," is an important family celebration with traditional dishes and the communal breaking of bread. The Czech Republic celebrates Christmas with midnight masses and artistic decorations, while in Hungary, Budapest's Christmas markets offer culinary delights and festive concerts.
Heading further north, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland offer a distinctive Christmas experience steeped in their own traditions. Christmas markets, candlelit processions, illuminated decorations, and traditional dishes are integral parts of the festive celebrations in the Nordic countries. Sweden marks the feast of St. Lucia with candlelight processions, and Finland proudly claims the official home of Santa Claus in Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle. Iceland, with its long winter nights, creates a magical atmosphere with the Northern Lights and unique traditions like the "Yule Lads" – 13 trolls and elves who visit children's homes during the thirteen nights leading up to Christmas, from December 12 until Christmas Eve.
Christmas in Asia
In Asia, the celebration of Christmas takes on a unique character shaped by the diverse cultures of the region. In Japan, for instance, this period is often highlighted by spectacular illuminations in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere with streets lit up in colorful lights. Despite Christmas not being a major religious holiday in Japan, festive decorations grace homes and stores during this time. In China, although the majority of the population doesn't celebrate Christmas in a religious context, many large cities embellish streets and shopping centers with lights and Christmas trees, giving the celebration a more commercial atmosphere characterized by gift exchanges and festive dinners.
In India, where various religions coexist, Christmas is often celebrated in a diverse manner. Major cities like Mumbai and Delhi come alive with festive decorations, and gift exchanges are common. Christian communities commemorate midnight mass in richly decorated churches. In South Korea, Christmas is often seen as a romantic holiday. Couples exchange gifts, and bustling districts like Seoul's Myeongdong sparkle with twinkling lights. Finally, in the Philippines, where the festive season kicks off early, sometimes as early as September, houses and streets are adorned with vibrant lanterns known as "parols." Celebrations involve midnight masses, family feasts, and the exchange of gifts.
Christmas in America
The festivities in America take on a unique twist! In the United States, Christmas celebrations differ from one region to another. Major cities like New York are famous for their extravagant parades, such as Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the dazzling lights at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan. Families commonly decorate their homes with festive lights, and gift exchanges are a focal point of family gatherings. In Mexico, the Christmas season kicks off with the nine-night "Posada," a re-enactment of Mary and Joseph's journey in search of shelter. In Canada, celebrations vary between English-speaking and French-speaking regions, featuring Christmas markets, light decorations, and fireworks.
In Latin America, outside Mexico, Christmas is often celebrated with vibrant festivities. In Colombia, for example, streets come alive with lights and lanterns, and families gather for festive meals. In Brazil, where Christmas aligns with the beginning of summer, celebrations often feature outdoor events, fireworks, and beach parties.
As our virtual journey takes us through lit-up streets, lively markets, and vibrant traditions, it's time to wrap up our festive world tour. Much more than a celebration, Christmas is a magical time that has the ability to bring together a significant part of the planet in a moment of joy and sharing. Whether your Christmas is marked by age-old traditions or embraces modern festivities, may the magic of this season bring all your dearest wishes to life. Happy holidays to everyone from Paris to Tokyo, New York to Bogotá, no matter where you are in the world!
