Holiday Fun Facts from Around the World

This time of year is full of holiday fun facts to explore. Follow along as we introduce 50 unique holiday traditions from around the world.

Christmas Around the World

1. In Japan, Christmas isn’t a religious holiday. Eating KFC has become a quirky tradition.
2. In Italy, La Befana, a friendly witch, delivers gifts to children on January 5th.
3. Mexico celebrates Las Posadas from December 16-24, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging.
4. Australians often celebrate Christmas with friends and family at barbecues and beach outings.
5. In Iceland, 13 mischievous yule lads bring treats to children during the 13 nights leading to Christmas.
6. In Norway, hiding brooms on Christmas Eve is common to ward off witches and spirits.
7. Finland’s Santa Claus is Joulupukki and lives in Lapland.
8. Ukrainians decorate their Christmas trees with spider webs, symbolizing good luck.
9. In Germany, children leave shoes out for St. Nicholas on December 5th to fill with gifts.
10. Ethiopia celebrates Christmas (called Ganna) on January 7th with a religious fast and traditional food.

Hanukkah Around the World

1. During Hanukkah in Israel, people eat sufganiyot (jelly donuts) to celebrate.
2. Jews in Yemen celebrate women on the seventh night of Hanukkah.
3. Indian Jews add local flavors to Hanukkah foods, like coconut in latkes.
4. Sephardic Jews have a potluck, or merenda, on the last day of Hanukkah.
5. In Argentina, Hanukkah celebrations often include dancing at a ball.
6. Many Jews play a game of dreidel during their Hanukkah celebrations.
7. The most common Menorahs have seven to nine candles.
8. In France, Hanukkah foods include beignets, a type of fried pastry.
9. The world’s largest menorah is in New York.
10. In Russia, Hanukkah often includes performances of klezmer music.

Kwanzaa Traditions

1. Kwanzaa celebrations primarily occur in the U.S., but African communities worldwide observe it.
2. The seven days of Kwanzaa represent principles rooted in African cultures, such as community and creativity.
3. West African drumming and storytelling are common during Kwanzaa celebrations.
4. Decorative colors of black, red, and green reflect African liberation movements.
5. The Kwanzaa meal often features jollof rice, collard greens, and cornbread.
6. Kwanzaa ceremonies frequently include pouring libations to honor ancestors.
7. Kwanzaa is not considered a religious holiday.
8. The unity cup, or kikombe cha umoja, symbolizes community during Kwanzaa.
9. African-inspired crafts and gifts are common exchanges during Kwanzaa.
10. Some people celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa on the same day to represent heritage and religion.

New Year’s Around the World

1. In Spain, people eat 12 grapes at midnight for good luck in the coming year.
2. Brazil’s New Year’s celebrations include wearing white for peace and tossing flowers into the ocean.
3. In Scotland, coal is given as a Hogmanay gift to represent warmth for the house.
4. In China, people celebrate the Lunar New Year with red envelopes filled with money for prosperity.
5. In Denmark, smashing plates on friends’ doors symbolizes leaving behind past arguments.
6. Ecuadorians burn effigies of old year figures, called año viejo.
7. For good luck, Greek families bake a coin into a New Year’s cake.
8. In Japan, people ring bells 108 times to cleanse worldly desires.
9. Colombians carry an empty suitcase around the block for travel blessings.
10. Italians wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve for luck.

More Holiday Fun Facts

1. Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, features decorating homes with lamps and rangoli designs.
2. In Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day involves a girl dressed in white with a candle crown bringing treats.
3. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and break their fast with iftar.
4. Holi, India’s Festival of Colors, includes throwing powdered dyes to celebrate love and spring.
5. Thailand celebrates Songkran, the water festival, for the Buddhist New Year by splashing water on others.
6. In the Philippines, the Giant Lantern Festival features elaborate lantern displays for Christmas.
7. In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving, or Black Friday, has become one of the busiest shopping days.
8. The Jewish celebrate the holiday of Purim with costumes and triangle-shaped cookies called hamantaschen.
9. The Day of the Dead in Mexico honors ancestors with altars, marigolds, and offerings.
10. Jingle Bells was originally a Thanksgiving song.

Happy Holidays

However you choose to celebrate, Learn Bright wishes you and yours a happy holiday season!