Discover 14 unique winter holiday traditions you may have never heard of—which will you celebrate next?

As the cold months roll in, many pull out their favorite decorations, recipes, and rituals that make this season feel like home.

But while some are wrapping gifts or trimming trees, others across the world are celebrating with candles, lanterns, feasts, and parades you may never have heard of.

This year, why not add a few global touches to your celebrations—or simply learn how others spread warmth and joy during the winter months?

1. Three Kings’ Day (Spain & Latin America)​

While many are packing away ornaments by January 6, in Spain and across Latin America, the party is just getting started! Three Kings’ Day, or Epiphany, marks the arrival of the wise men to visit baby Jesus. Children leave out snacks for the kings’ camels and set their shoes by the door, hoping to find them filled with gifts by morning. In Mexico, families share a sweet bread called Rosca de Reyes, hiding a tiny baby figurine inside—whoever finds it is in charge of hosting the next party! It’s a joyful way to keep the holiday spirit alive well into the new year.

2. Christmas Pudding Parade (United Kingdom)​

If you thought fruitcake was divisive, wait until you meet its flamboyant cousin: the Christmas pudding. In the UK, this dense, boozy dessert is doused in brandy and set alight at the end of Christmas dinner. The flaming pudding is paraded around the house, led by the eldest family member, with everyone singing We Wish You a Merry Christmas. The alcohol burns off, so everyone can enjoy a slice—raisins and all!

3. Diwali: The Festival of Lights (India)​

Diwali isn’t technically a winter holiday everywhere, but its timing in October or November makes it a luminous prelude to the colder months. Celebrated by Hindus, Jains, and Sikhs, Diwali is a five-day festival of lights, fireworks, and feasting. Homes are decorated with colorful rangoli patterns and earthen lamps, and families gather to honor the triumph of light over darkness. If you’re looking for a reason to brighten up your home, Diwali’s your inspiration.

4. Christmas Markets (Germany)​

Imagine strolling through a twinkling village square, sipping mulled wine and nibbling on marzipan treats. That’s the magic of Germany’s Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas markets. These festive gatherings date back centuries and have spread across Europe and even to the US. Local artisans sell ornaments, musicians play carols, and the scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air. It’s a feast for the senses—and a great excuse to start your holiday shopping early.

5. Santa Lucia Day (Sweden & Italy)​

On December 13, Sweden and parts of Italy honor Saint Lucy, a symbol of hope and light during the darkest days of winter. In Sweden, the eldest daughter dons a white gown, a red sash, and a crown of candles, leading a procession and serving saffron buns (lussekatter) to her family. The debate over whether to include raisins in the buns is as heated as any family argument over pumpkin pie!

6. Boxing Day (UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand)​

The day after Christmas, known as Boxing Day, has its roots in the British tradition of giving boxes of gifts or money to servants and tradespeople. Today, it’s a major shopping holiday—think Black Friday, but with more leftover turkey sandwiches. It’s also a day for sports, charity, and, in some places, a bracing dip in the sea!

7. Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights (Israel & Jewish Communities Worldwide)​

Hanukkah commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days in the rededicated Second Temple of Jerusalem. Each night, families light a candle on the menorah, exchange gifts, and enjoy treats like latkes and sufganiyot (jelly donuts). It’s a celebration of resilience, faith, and the warmth of family during the coldest nights.

8. Simbang Gabi (Philippines)​

In the Philippines, the countdown to Christmas begins with Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses starting December 16. After each mass, churchgoers gather outside for rice cakes and coffee, surrounded by colorful parol lanterns. The tradition culminates in a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, followed by a festive feast.

9. Omisoka (Japan)​

New Year’s Eve in Japan, or Omisoka, is all about fresh starts. Families deep-clean their homes, settle debts, and take long baths to wash away the old year. As midnight approaches, they gather for soba noodles (symbolizing longevity) and listen to temple bells ring 108 times, representing the cleansing of earthly desires.

Also read: The surprising stories behind America's cherished Christmas traditions

10. Feast of the Seven Fishes (Italy & Italian-American Communities)​

On Christmas Eve, many Italian-American families gather for La Vigilia, a seafood extravaganza featuring (you guessed it) seven different fish dishes. The tradition is rooted in the Roman Catholic practice of abstaining from meat before major holidays. Whether you go for seven, twelve, or just your favorite seafood, it’s a delicious way to honor heritage and family.

11. St. Nicholas Day (Northwest Europe)​

Before Santa Claus, there was St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children. On December 6, kids in Belgium, the Netherlands, and beyond leave their shoes out, hoping to find them filled with treats and coins. The day is also a time for acts of kindness and charity, echoing St. Nicholas’s legendary generosity.

12. Kwanzaa (United States, Caribbean, Southern Africa)​

Created in 1966, Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration of African heritage and culture. Each day highlights a different principle, from unity to creativity, and families light candles on a kinara, share stories, and enjoy music, dance, and a communal feast. It’s a vibrant, affirming way to close out the year and look ahead with hope.

Also read: Why we kiss at midnight on New Year’s Eve—and what it really means

13. Las Posadas & Las Navidad (Spain, Mexico, Latin America)​

Las Posadas, celebrated from December 16 to 24, reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter. Each night, families process from house to house, singing and seeking “posada” (lodging), until they’re welcomed in for food and festivities. The celebration culminates in La Nochebuena, a Christmas Eve feast and midnight mass, with gifts for children as Christmas Day dawns.

14. Bodhi Day (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam)​

On December 8, Buddhists around the world honor the day Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. Bodhi Day is marked by meditation, acts of kindness, and simple meals—often including rice and milk, said to be the Buddha’s first meal after enlightenment. It’s a peaceful reminder to seek wisdom and compassion, even in the busiest season.

Bringing the World Home: How to Celebrate Globally​

You don’t need a passport to enjoy these traditions. Why not try baking a Christmas pudding, lighting a menorah, or making your own parol lantern? Host a seafood dinner, volunteer in your community, or simply share stories from around the world with your loved ones. The beauty of winter holidays is that they’re about connection—across generations, cultures, and continents.

Read next:

• 16 festive ways seniors of all ability levels can celebrate the holiday season
• A menu for the heart: Finding comfort, connection, and care this holiday season
• 24 Traditional Christmas dishes, ranked from timeless favorites to holiday letdowns

Key Takeaways

• Winter holidays are celebrated in a variety of unique ways across the globe, with traditions such as Germany’s Christmas markets, Sweden’s Santa Lucia Day processions, and Three Kings Day in Spain and Latin America, all incorporating special foods, decorations, and community gatherings.
• Many cultures mark this season by gathering with family and friends, exchanging gifts, and eating traditional meals, but the particular customs—from lighting Hanukkah candles in Israel to enjoying the Feast of the Seven Fishes in Italian-American homes—reflect diverse religious and historical origins.
• Some holidays observed during this time, like Diwali in India and Hanukkah in Jewish communities, symbolize the triumph of light over darkness, celebrated with lights, fireworks, and colorful decorations.
• Holidays such as Kwanzaa in the United States and the Caribbean and Boxing Day in Australia, the UK, and Canada highlight cultural heritage and community, with practices centered around unity, acts of service, and coming together for shared festivities.

Which of these traditions surprised you? Have you ever celebrated a holiday from another culture, or do you have a unique family tradition of your own? We’d love to hear your stories, recipes, and ideas in the comments below. After all, the best part of the season is sharing it—no matter where, or how, you celebrate.