The holiday season is approaching! Our shops, neighborhoods, and hearts will soon be filled with festive decorations and cheer. While the spirit of unity is shared globally, not all customs are the same. For some, it might be an annual practice to set out milk for Santa and snacks for his reindeer, although this may seem unusual to others. In fact, in some regions, Santa isn’t even the one delivering gifts!

Together with our travel-savvy friends at AllTheRooms, we’ve assembled a list of unique, and possibly peculiar, holiday season festivities from around the planet.

Japan

Does the Colonel remind you of Santa? In Japan, both figures symbolize the Christmas season. Following an extremely effective 70s advertising campaign, KFC has become a staple Christmas dinner in Japan.

Colombia

In Colombia, Christmas festivities extend well beyond just Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Across numerous cities, December is celebrated with fervor. On Dia de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles), Colombians create and display candles within paper lanterns to pay tribute to the Virgin Mary.

Austria

Did you know jolly Saint Nick has a sinister sidekick? In Austria, he does. Krampus, a demonic figure, joins St. Nicholas on his Christmas journey, but instead of bringing gifts, he captures naughty children and stuffs them in his sack. The first week of December witnesses Austrian men dressing up as Krampus to frighten children.

Speaking of Krampus, check out our list of Terrifying Christmas Movies.

Philippines

On the Saturday before Christmas Eve, in San Fernando, the Philippines’ Christmas Capital, local villages compete in a lantern-making contest. These elaborate and stunning lanterns can reach up to 20 feet and now draw spectators from all over the world.

Sweden

Every year since 1966, at the onset of Advent, the Swedish town of Gävle builds a Yule Goat, a large straw goat effigy. Sounds charming, right? Well, since its creation, another tradition has emerged where groups of people try to incinerate the goat. Despite measures to protect it, the goat has been vandalized for 37 years, though it did survive 2017.

Iceland

In the thirteen days leading up to Christmas, Iceland celebrates with the appearance of 13 impish troll figures called ‘The Yule Lads’. These quirky characters leave gifts in children’s shoes; but if they have been naughty, they receive rotten potatoes instead. With names like Stúfur (Stubby), Askasleikir (Bowl-Licker), Bjúgnakraekir (Sausage-Swiper), and Gluggagægir (Window-Peeper), these aren’t your typical innocent Christmas elves.

Norway

Hide your brooms — Christmas is here! According to Norwegian folklore, Christmas Eve is the night for witches to engage in mischievous activities. Thus, they steal any brooms in sight for their nocturnal flights.

Venezuela

In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, it’s customary for large crowds to attend Christmas Mass on roller-skates. This lively and fun tradition has become so widespread that many streets are closed to allow skaters to glide safely from their homes to church.

Germany

Among German Christmas tree-decorating customs, parents hide a pickle ornament in the tree, and the first child to find it receives a special gift. While mostly observed in Germany, some argue this tradition originated in Spain. It may stir competitive sibling rivalry, but it’s all in good fun!

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South Africa

Christmas Markets worldwide, from Cambria, California to Strasbourg, France, might offer delectable treats like mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. However, in South Africa, it’s a bit different. Many people eagerly anticipate enjoying a dish of fried caterpillars, specifically those of the Pine Tree Emperor Moth, served with various sides, spices, or edible decorations to make them more festive and less intimidating.

About the Guest Author
Zack, a former tech recruiter, swapped his Silicon Valley attire for a love of salsa music and writing in Medellin, Colombia. When he’s not crafting articles for AllTheRooms, the world’s first vacation rental search engine, Zack can be found engrossed in a book, exploring nature, or getting fiercely competitive with Jeopardy.