Christmas Around the World

Christmas Around the World

Antarctica and North Pole

This is an interactive map, click on the Continent button to open the page with each country and click on to open information on how they celebrate Christmas/other holiday.

Europe

Asia

North America

Africa

South America

Australia

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage.

Antarctica and North Pole

Creators Webpage Link:

Sources

Africa

Morocco

Algeria

Libya

Egypt

Mauritania

This is an interactive map, click on the country name or icon (see legend below) to open window about how the country celebrates Christmas/other holiday. The information provided includes:

Niger

Mali

Sudan

Chad

• Date observed
• Customs on Christmas/other holiday
• What Santa Claus is known as
• Holiday recipes (click on)
• How to say "Merry Christmas" in the languages spoken in the country.
• The religion statistic percentage (Gotten where possible from the most reacent census results)

Nigeria

South Sudan

Ethiopia

Cameroon

Central African Republic

Somalia

Legend

Kenya

Republic of the Congo

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Label for Country name (click on)

Name

Explore Next (clicking on button goes to Continent page)

Home

Marker for Country (click on)

Tanzania

Island/Group of Islands off map area (click on)

Australia

Asia

Europe

Angola

Zambia

Island/Group of Islands (click on)

Antarctica and North Pole

South America

North America

Mozambique

Madagascar

Links to external websites/ videos (click on)

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage.

Creators Webpage Link:

Namibia

Blue Text

Botswana

Mainly tourists (Not banned)

South Africa

Christmas Officially banned

Sources

Asia

Russia

Kazakhstan

Home

Mongolia

This is an interactive map, click on the country name or icon (see legend below) to open window about how the country celebrates Christmas/other holiday. The information provided includes:

Uzbekistan

Turkm-enistan

Turkey

Japan

China

Afghanistan

Iran

Iraq

• Date observed
• Customs on Christmas/other holiday
• What Santa Claus is known as
• Holiday recipes (click on)
• How to say "Merry Christmas" in the languages spoken in the country.
• The religion statistic percentage (Gotten where possible from the most reacent census results)

Pakistan

Saudi Arabia

India

Myanmar

Oman

Yemen

Thailand

Christmas Officially banned

Island/Group of Islands (click on)

Island/Group of Islands off map area (click on)

Marker for Country (click on)

Mainly tourists (Not banned)

Links to external websites/ videos (click on)

Blue Text

Legend

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage:

Explore Next (clicking on button goes to Continent page)

North America

Africa

Singapore

South America

Australia

Europe

Antarctica and North Pole

Sources

Australia

Christmas Officially banned

Island/Group of Islands (click on)

Island/Group of Islands off map area (click on)

Marker for Country (click on)

Name

Label for Country name (click on)

Legend

Mainly tourists (Not banned)

Links to external websites/ videos (click on)

Blue Text

and New Zealand

Home

This is an interactive map, click on the country name or icon (see legend below) to open window about how the country celebrates Christmas/other holiday. The information provided includes:

Northern Territory

Queensland

• Date observed
• Customs on Christmas/other holiday
• What Santa Claus is known as
• Holiday recipes (click on)
• How to say "Merry Christmas" in the languages spoken in the country.
• The religion statistic percentage (Gotten where possible from the most reacent census results)

Western Australia

Explore Next (clicking on button goes to Continent page)

Southern Australia

New South Wales

Africa

Asia

Europe

North America

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage:

Antarctica and North Pole

South America

Victoria

Sources

Explore Next (clicking on button goes to Continent page)

Europe

Africa

Asia

Australia

North America

Home

Antarctica and North Pole

South America

This is an interactive map, click on the country name or icon (see legend below) to open window about how the country celebrates Christmas/other holiday. The information provided includes:

Sweden

Iceland

Finland

• Date observed
• Customs on Christmas/other holiday
• What Santa Claus is known as
• Holiday recipes (click on)
• How to say "Merry Christmas" in the languages spoken in the country.
• The religion statistic percentage (Gotten where possible from the most reacent census results)

Norway

Russia

United Kingdom

Legend

Belarus

Label for Country name (click on)

Name

Poland

Germany

Marker for Country (click on)

Ukraine

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage:

Island/Group of Islands off map area (click on)

France

Island/Group of Islands (click on)

Romania

Italy

Links to external websites/ videos (click on)

Blue Text

Spain

Mainly tourists (Not banned)

Turkey

Sources

Christmas Officially banned

Legend

Label for Country name (click on)

Name

North America

Marker for Country (click on)

Greenland

Island/Group of Islands off map area (click on)

Island/Group of Islands (click on)

This is an interactive map, click on the country name or icon (see legend) to open window about how the country celebrates Christmas/other holiday. The information provided includes:

United States

Links to external websites/ videos (click on)

Blue Text

Mainly tourists (Not banned)

• Date observed
• Customs on Christmas/other holiday
• What Santa Claus is known as
• Holiday recipes (click on)
• How to say "Merry Christmas" in the languages spoken in the country.
• The religion statistic percentage (Gotten where possible from the most reacent census results)

Christmas Officially banned

Canada

United States of America

Explore Next (clicking on button goes to Continent page)

Africa

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage:

Asia

Australia

Europe

Mexico

Antarctica and North Pole

South America

Sources

South America

Venezuela

Colombia

This is an interactive map, click on the country name or icon (see legend) to open window about how the country celebrates Christmas/other holiday. The information provided includes:

Brazil

Peru

• Date observed
• Customs on Christmas/other holiday
• What Santa Claus is known as
• Holiday recipes (click on)
• How to say "Merry Christmas" in the languages spoken in the country.
• The religion statistic percentage (Gotten where possible from the most reacent census results)

Bolivia

Legend

Paraguay

Label for Country name (click on)

Name

Chile

Marker for Country (click on)

Explore Next (clicking on button goes to Continent page)

Island/Group of Islands off map area (click on)

Argentina

Island/Group of Islands (click on)

Africa

Disclaimer: All information has been found from internet searches, through reliable sources, and does not reflect any disrespect or cultural/religeous bias. If you would like to address incorrect information, so it can be corrected, please contact the creator through her webpage:

Asia

Links to external websites/ videos (click on)

Australia

Europe

Blue Text

Mainly tourists (Not banned)

Antarctica and North Pole

North America

Christmas Officially banned

Sources

Antarctica

and the North Pole

Track Santa on Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas from Maxine the person who made these maps

Play Christmas Online Games

Write Santa a Letter

Christmas Crafts

Antarctica

Sources

Seychelles

25 Dec

Christmas time in the Seychelles is the time for sumptuous banquets and family meetings. During this festive season, every family member usually hosts a lavish dinner which is then followed by gift-giving and evening parties. With delightful food, games, and fun-filled activities, the festivities in Seychelles are no less exhilarating than that in any other part of the world during the festival.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Seychelles Christmas recipes include:

• 61.3% Roman Catholicism
• 13.6% Other Christian
• 12.2% Not stated
• 5.40% Hinduism
• 5.10% Other
• 2.40% Islam

Smoked Fish Salad

Honey Glazed Pork Gammon

Pumpkin Chutney

Ladob

Octopus Coconut Curry

Merry Christmas in Seychelles Languages

• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’

Albania

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in Albania include religious observances like church services, decorating streets and homes, and a strong focus on festive food such as baklava and special Christmas bread. Some older customs, like placing straw on fruit trees to ensure a good harvest, have been adapted, and families may gather for religious services or a "Christ block" ceremony on Christmas Eve a family member announces that the "Christ block" is coming, and a large wooden block is brought into the house and greeted by all. Foods and drinks are placed on it as a symbol of sacrifice and hospitality. . Cities like Tirana host festive markets and public light displays. On Christmas Eve, it is a custom in some areas to light a candle and place cheese, bread, and yogurt on the graves of deceased relatives.

• 45.9% Islam
• 15.8% Undeclared
• 13.8% Non-affiliated believers
• 8.38% Catholicism
• 7.22% Eastern Orthodoxy

• 4.81% Bektashism
• 3.55% Atheism
• 0.40% Evangelical Christians
• 0.15% Other

Merry Christmas in Albania Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Babagjyshi i Vitit te Ri"

Albania Christmas recipes include:

• Albanian is 'Gëzuar Krishtlindjet'
• Greek is 'Kalá Christoúgenna'

Byrek me kungull dhe arre

Çesnica

Roast turkey

Baklava

Kadaif

Ghana

25 Dec

People in Ghana celebrate Christmas from the 20th of December to the first week in January with lots of different activities. Over 66 languages are spoken in Ghana and all these language groups have their own traditions and customs. On Christmas Day the Churches are very full. People come out dressed in their colorful traditional clothes. After the Church service on Christmas morning, people quickly go back to their houses to start giving and receiving gifts.

Santa Claus goes by "Papa Bronya"

• Christianity (71.3%)
• Islam (19.9%)
• Traditional faiths (3.20%)
• None (1.10%)
• Others/Undeclared (4.50%)

Merry Christmas in Ghana Languages

Ghana Christmas recipes include:

Fufu and soup

Jollof rice

• Akan is 'Afishapa’
• Ewe is 'Blunya na wo'
• Ga is ‘Afii oo afi’
• Dagbani is 'Ni ti Burunya Chou'

Atidua

Waakye

Tilapia

India

25 Dec

Instead of having traditional Christmas Trees, a banana or mango tree is decorated (or whatever tree people can find to decorate!). Sometimes people use mango leaves to decorate their homes. In Southern India, Christians often put small oil burning clay lamps on the flat roofs of their homes to show their neighbors that Jesus is the light of the world. On Christmas Eve, Christians in Goa hang out giant paper lanterns, in the shape of stars, between the houses so that the stars float above you as you walk down the road. The main Christmas meal is also eaten on Christmas Eve and is also 'western' with roast turkey or chicken being popular. After the meal, Christians head to Church for a Midnight mass service. After the service the church bells ring to announce that Christmas Day has arrived. Many Christians in Goa also celebrate Epiphany.

• 79.8% Hinduism
• 14.2% Islam
• 2.30% Christianity
• 1.70% Sikhism
• 0.70% Buddhism
• 0.50% Animism/Adivasi

• 0.40% Jainism
• 0.20% No religion
• 0.20% Other
• 0.10% Judaism

Santa Claus is known as "Christmas Papa" or "Christmas Thaathaa"

India Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in India Languages

• Hindi is 'krisamas kee badhaee'
• Bengali is 'Izilokotho Śubha baṛadina'
• Marathi is 'Khrisamasacyā śubhēcchā'

• Urdu is 'krismas mubarak'
• Sanskrit is 'Krismasasya shubhkaamnaa'
• Gujarati is 'Anandi Natal'

Biryani

Dal Makhani

Matar Paneer

Jalebi

Ladoo

Gulab Jamun

Malaysia

25 Dec

Malaysia celebrates Christmas, and it is a national public holiday on December 25th. While the celebration is not as religious for the majority of the population as it is in some Western countries, it is widely observed as a commercial and festive holiday marked by shopping malls decorated with elaborate displays, holiday parties, gift exchanges, and special menus. Some communities, particularly in East Malaysia, might incorporate local traditions like playing instruments or gathering for special occasions outside of the more commercial aspects of the holiday.

• 79.3% Christianity
• 14.0% Islam
• 5.90% Traditional faiths
• 0.50% None
• 0.30% Others

Merry Christmas in Malaysia Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Pater Noel"

• Malay is ‘Selamat Hari Natal’
• Mandarin is ‘Shèngdàn kuàilè’
• Tamil is ‘Kiṟistumas vāḻttukkaḷ’
• Iban is ‘Selamat Hari Krismas’
• Kadazandusun is ‘Kotobian tadau Krismas’

Malaysia Christmas recipes include:

Rendang

Yee Sang

Nasi Lemak

Laksa

Pineapple Tarts

Bangladesh

25 Dec

In big towns and cities, shops and hotels will have 'western' style Christmas decorations like fake snow and artificial Christmas Trees with lots of lights. Having a Christmas tree in your home is also becoming more popular, especially among Christians. More people are also exchanging Christmas cards. Catholic Christians will go to a Midnight Mass service. Christmas morning church services are also popular with Christians. A way of decorating buildings for different festive occasions in Bangladesh are 'Nishan' (which means small flag). These are strings made of hundreds of small pink paper triangles.

Santa Claus has no traditional name, but the holiday is called "Bada Din" (Big day in Hindi)

• 91.04% Islam
• 7.95% Hinduism
• 0.61% Buddhism
• 0.30% Christianity
• 0.12% Other religions

Bangladesh Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Bangladesh Languages

Preeti-bhoj

Pitha

Payesh

• Bengali is 'Shubho Borodin'
• Hindi is 'Śubh krisamas'

Pulao

Nankhatai

Czech Republic

25 Dec

A wreath with four candles is kept in the home, with one candle lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas. On December 5th, St. Nicholas, the Devil, and an angel visit children. Good children receive sweets, while the bad might get a piece of coal or potato. On Christmas eve many people fast throughout the day until dinner, hoping to see a glimpse of a golden pig. Presents are brought by Baby Jesus (Ježíšek) and are opened after dinner, following the sound of a magical bell. After dinner, everyone at the table cuts an apple crosswise. If the core is a star, the year will be good for everyone; a four-pointed cross can be a bad omen. Leftover crumbs and fish bones are buried around trees to ensure a good harvest.

• 47.8% No religion
• 30.1% Undeclared
• 9.60% Believers without religion
• 9.30% Catholicism
• 2.40% Other Christians
• 1.20% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Czech Republic Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Ježíšek" (Baby Jesus)

Czech Republic Christmas recipes include:

• Czech is 'Veselé Vánoce'
• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'

Vánočka

Smažený kapr

Bramborový salát

Jablečný závin

L inecké kolečko

Montenegro

7 Jan

Montenegrin Christmas traditions center around family, religious observance, and a special meal, with key customs including the badnjak (Yule log), singing carols (koleda), and a coin-filled cesnica bread. Families gather for a feast, often after a period of fasting, to eat traditional dishes like roast meat, sarma, and pita, with some spreading straw under the table to symbolize the nativity. Gifts are often exchanged, especially among children, and Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th.

• 28.0% Buddhism
• 27.0% No religion
• 24.0% Taoism
• 12.0% Others
• 7.00% Christianity
• 2.00% Unknown

Merry Christmas in Montenegro Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Deda Mraz"

Montenegro Christmas recipes include:

• Montenegrin, Croatian and Bosnian is 'Srećan Božić'
• Albanian is 'Gëzuar Krishtlindjet'

Sarma

Zelnik

Priganice

Baklava

Česnica

Luxembourg

24 Dec

The season kicks off with the Winterlights festival, which illuminates the city and includes large Christmas markets, often referred to as the Wantermaart. Families prepare for Kleeschen (St. Nicholas) by leaving a shoe or a plate with a carrot or hay for his donkey. Many families attend midnight mass (Metten) on Christmas Eve. More than 30 nativity scenes can be viewed around the country as part of a special trail. An outdoor ice rink is a popular attraction, typically set up in a main square like Place de la Constitution. Some traditions extend into the first week of January, including the Buergbrennen (fire festival) which symbolizes the end of winter.

• 46.0% Catholicism
• 25.0% Agnosticism
• 13.0% Atheism
• 8.00% Other
• 7.00% Other Christians
• 1.00% Undeclared

Merry Christmas in Luxembourg Languages

Santa Claus is known as "De Kleeschen"

Luxembourg Christmas recipes include:

• Luxembourgish is 'Schéi Chrëschtdeeg'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'

Gromperekichelcher

Kniddelen

Black Pudding

Stollen

Bûche de Noël

Slovenia

24 Dec

Slovenian Christmas traditions include the "three good men," Saint Nicholas (Miklavž), Božiček (Christmas Man), and Dedek Mraz (Grandfather Frost), who bring gifts to children on different days. Other customs feature decorations like advent wreaths and nativity scenes, and festive meals centered on roast pork, Christmas bread, and a special rolled cake called potica. The main Christmas meal is often on Christmas Eve, followed by Midnight Mass.

Santa Claus like gift givers fall on three dates "Miklavž" (St. Nicholas, Dec 6), "Božiček" (the traditional Santa Claus, Christmas Eve), and "Dedek Mraz" (Grandfather Frost, New Year's Eve)

Merry Christmas in Slovenia Languages

• 69.5% Catholicism
• 17.4% None
• 3.57% Serbian Orthodoxy
• 2.89% Islam

• 2.89% Other religion
• 1.93% Undeclared
• 0.96% Other Christian
• 0.87% Protestantism

• Slovene is 'Vesel božič'
• Italian is 'Buon Natale'
• Hungarian is 'Boldog Karácsonyt'

Slovenia Christmas recipes include:

Potica

Pražen Krompir

Bakala

Apple Strudel

Prekmurska Gibanica

Senegal

25 Dec

Christmas in Senegal is a widely celebrated secular holiday, with decorations and festivities common in public spaces and homes. one of the hottest parts of the world, you stumble upon decorated snowmen, Christmas trees with cotton snowballs, traditional masks covered in Christmas lights. Senegal is known for its music, dance, and the many traditions upheld and adapted by its tribal peoples.

Santa Claus goes by "Père Noël" or "Baba Krismasi"

Senegal Christmas recipes include:

Maafe

Thieboudienne

Jollof rice

Yassa

Fried coconut balls

Merry Christmas in Senegal Languages

• 96.6% Islam
• 3.30% Christianity
• 0.10% Other

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Wolof is 'Nowelu jàmm'
• Pulaar is 'Ñalawma barkinaaku Krismas'

• Jola-Fonyi is ‘Ñuuju bu xanaaŋ’
• Serer is ‘Jam gééj, jam a Yeesu Kiristi’
• Mandinka is ‘Jooli Keewo Kwasia’

Réunion

25 Dec

Christmas in Reunion, a French island off the coast of Africa, is celebrated in a unique way, blending French and diverse cultural traditions in a warm climate. Celebrations include a festive meal, often with dishes like mulled wine, and the exchange of gifts on the 25th. The summer weather allows for unique activities like swimming in the ocean or cool waterfalls on Christmas Day, and the celebrations occur within a diverse and inclusive society.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël".

Réunion Christmas recipes include:

Pâté créole

Rougail sausage

Cari

• 86% - 97% Christian
• 6.7% Hindu
• 4.2% Muslim
• 2% Unaffiliated with a religion

Jam cake

Gratin dauphinois

Merry Christmas in Réunion Languages

• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Tamil is ‘Kiristumas vāḻttukkaḷ’
• Mandarin is ‘Shèngdàn kuàilè!’

Bahrain

Not a public holiday

In Bahrain, a predominantly Muslim country, Christmas is not a public holiday, but the spirit of the season is still palpable, especially within the expat communities and commercial areas. Malls and hotels don lavish decorations, with Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments creating a festive ambiance.

Santa Claus is the standard and most common name used

Bahrain recipes include:

Baklava

Kebab

• 69.7% Islam
• 14.1% Christianity
• 10.2% Hinduism
• 3.10% Buddhism

Halwa

Balaleet

Maamoul

• 2.00% Unaffiliated
• 0.90% Other

Merry Christmas in Bahrain Languages

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• Persian is 'Krismas mobaarak'

Finland

24 Dec

Christmas Eve is the main day for festivities, with families gathering for a special dinner and opening presents. A ceremony proclaiming Christmas Peace takes place in Turku, which is broadcast on TV and radio for the whole country to follow. A traditional Christmas sauna is a significant part of the celebrations, often enjoyed in the morning or evening before the main meal. Families visit cemeteries to light candles for deceased relatives and friends, creating a beautiful and touching display of lights. In Finland, Santa Claus is known as Joulupukki, which translates to "Christmas Goat". This name comes from an old tradition of a goat-like figure who would bring gifts during winter festivals.

• 62.2% Evangelical Lutheran
• 34.9% Unaffiliated
• 1.00% Orthodox
• 1.00% Other Christian
• 0.80% Other Religions

Merry Christmas in Finland Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Joulupukki"

• Finnish is 'Hyvää Joulua'
• Swedish is 'God Jul'

Finland Christmas recipes include:

Joulukinkku

Riisipuuro

Joulutorttu

Ruisleipä

Piparkakut

East Timor (Timor-Leste)

25 Dec

Timorese culture is deeply religious. While most Timorese formally identify as Catholic, for many, their lived-out ‘faith’ is a hybrid of Catholicism with traditional Timorese animism, including ancestor-worship, and appeasement of much-feared spirits. This is the spiritual backdrop for the celebration of Christmas, Timorese-style. Fireworks are relatively cheap there (and apparently unregulated), so many people set off fireworks on Christmas Eve and Christmas night.

Santa Claus is known as "Pai Natal"

• 97.3% Catholicism
• 2.00% Protestantism
• 0.60% Islam
• 0.01% Others

Merry Christmas in East Timor Languages

East Timor Christmas recipes include:

• Tetun is 'Ksolok loron natal nian'
• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'

Ikan sabuko

Tukir naan bibi

Feijoada

Caril

Bibinka

Tapai

Malawi

25 Dec

Before the main event, many attend church on Christmas Eve to sing carols and on Christmas morning, a special Church service is held, often to showcase a re-enactment of the nativity by Malawian children. That’s not where the performances end though. Many put on their own shows in their local villages. In fact, many young children visit other families door-to-door, to share their very own spectacular performances with lots of singing and dancing, some even with homemade instruments! Malawians often share handmade gifts with each other.

• 79.3% Christianity
• 14.0% Islam
• 5.90% Traditional faiths
• 0.50% None
• 0.30% Others

Santa Claus is known as "Father Christmas"

Help the vulnerable:

Malawi Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Malawi Languages

UNHCR

Save the Children

Kondowole

Nsima

• Chichewa is 'Khrisimasi yabwino'
• Chitumbuka is 'Kirisimasi'

GlobalGiving

Chirwa

Chambo

Maheu

Vatican City

24 Dec

The Feast of the Immaculate Conception: Held on December 8 of every year, it marks the official start of the Christmas season. The unveiling of the Christmas tree in St. Peter’s Square kicks off the festivities. And it is a sight to behold, for sure. The Christmas Eve Midnight Mass is celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica by the Pope. Even though the name suggests that it starts at midnight, it actually starts around 7:30 pm on Christmas Eve. Tickets are hard to come by (speaking from personal experience). While the mass itself is free to attend, tickets need to be applied for before you can enter. But you can attend the afternoon mass held in the Basilica. Fair warning, once you are seated and the address has begun, there is no way you are getting off the church benches till it’s over. Every year, the Vatican City arranges a Christmas concert in collaboration with international artists. All the proceeds from the concert go to charity. While the music spans several genres, you can expect festive, cheery music to go with the season.

Merry Christmas in Vatican City Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Babbo Natale"

• 100% Roman Catholic

Vatican City Christmas recipes include:

• Latin is 'Felicem Natalem Christi'
• Italian is 'Buon Natale'

Lasagne

Pumpkin soup with amaretto

Panettone

Tiramisu

Pandoro

Sierra Leone

25 Dec

Christmas in Sierra Leone is a vibrant celebration centered on family, community, and religious observance, featuring traditions like attending church services, sharing festive meals, and gift-giving. A key part of the celebration is the "Watch Night" Christmas Eve service, followed by feasting on traditional dishes like jollof rice and pepe soup, and enjoying cultural events such as masquerade parties and beach gatherings.

Santa Claus has no traditional name in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone Christmas recipes include:

Pepe soup

White egusi

Jollof rice

• 78.5% Islam
• 20.4% Christianity
• 1.1% Other religions

Egusi stew

Plasas

Merry Christmas in Sierra Leone Languages

• Krio is ‘Api Krismas’
• Mende is ‘E keresi i yɛɛni’

Romania

24 Dec

Romanian Christmas traditions include preparing traditional foods like sarmale and cozonac, caroling, attending church services, and decorating the home. A significant tradition is the "Goat" dance and other masked caroler performances where performers dress as bears to ward off evil spirits. Some villages performing a theatrical play called Viflaim. The celebrations often begin on December 6 with Moș Nicolae (Saint Nicholas) and include a week-long fast leading up to Christmas.

• 73.4% Romanian Orthodox
• 13.9% Unknown
• 6.22% Protestantism
• 4.50% Catholic
• 0.80% Not religious
• 0.68% Other religions
• 0.44% Other Orthodox

Merry Christmas in Romania Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Moș Crăciun"

• Romanian is 'Crăciun fericit'
• Hungarian is 'Boldog Karácsonyt'
• Romani is 'Baxtalo Krećuno'
• Ukrainian is 'shchaslyvoho Rizdva'

Romania Christmas recipes include:

Sarmale

Cozonac

Salată de boeuf

Piftie

Ciorbă de burtă

Guyana

25 Dec

Guyanese Christmas traditions blend festive lights, family feasting, church services, and vibrant street celebrations, highlighted by unique masquerade bands with drums and flutes, house decorations with lights and maybe a "Christmas tree," gift exchanges on Christmas morning, and a strong focus on community, peace, and love. See link for video of a Masquerade Band.

Santa Claus has no other traditional name.

• 3.14% None
• 1.38% Other
• 1.35% Methodism
• 1.29% Jehovah's Witnesses

• 24.8% Hinduism
• 22.8% Pentecostalism
• 20.8% Other Christians
• 7.08% Catholicism
• 6.77% Islam
• 5.41% Adventism
• 5.22% Anglicanism

Guyana Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Guyana Languages

Pepperpot

Baked Ham

Black Cake

Christmas Rice

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Cassava Pone

Macau

25 Dec

Christmas in Macau is a unique blend of Western and Macanese traditions, marked by elaborate church services, festive light displays, and seasonal markets. Key celebrations include Midnight Mass at historic cathedrals, the "Light Up Macao" festival illuminating the city (see the link for youtube video, on the picture) with installations and projection mapping, and lively Christmas markets in locations like Tap Seac Square. Visitors can also find special activities, such as free ice skating at Studio City and various festive decorations across landmarks like Senado Square.

Santa Claus is known as "Sheng Dan Lao Ren"

• 4.90% Catholic Christianity
• 2.00% Other Religion
• 1.60% Protestant

• 58.7% Folk religion
• 17.3% Buddhism
• 15.8% No Religion

Macau Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Macau Languages

Caldo Verde

• Chinese is ‘Shèngdàn jié kuàilè’
• Portuguese is ‘Feliz Natal’

Serradura

Minchi

Curry fish balls

Portuguese Egg Tarts

Marshall Islands

25 Dec

Christmas in the Marshall Islands blends Christian traditions with unique local flair, featuring midnight masses, caroling, and gift-giving, but its standout feature is the "Jepta" (or Tiete Jepta)—an all-day/night communal celebration of non-stop singing and dancing at churches, bringing families and communities together for feasting and spiritual expression, reinforcing island culture and faith.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Marshall Islands Christmas recipes include:

Pork Stew

Braised Pork

• 48-55% Protestants
• 43.07% Agnostic/Atheist
• 9-13% Catholicism
• 2.65% Baha'is
• < 1% Muslims/Other Ethnic Religions

Katsu Curry

Marshallese Baked Papaya with Coconut Cream

Stir-fry Squid

Merry Christmas in Marshall Islands Languages

• Marshallese is ‘Kilisimasi Fiefia’

Turks and Caicos Islands

25 Dec

Turks & Caicos Christmas traditions blend Caribbean island cheer with unique cultural flair, highlighted by the vibrant Maskanoo festival (Boxing Day parade with Junkanoo-style music and costumes), festive tree lightings, church services (Midnight Mass), carolling, beach bonfires, and decorated streets (pepper lights), creating a lively mix of cultural heritage and holiday spirit.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Turks and Caicos Islands recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Turks and Caicos IslandsLanguages

• 72.8% Protestants
• 14% Other Faiths
• 11.4% Roman Catholics
• 1.8% Jehovah's Witnesses

Callaloo

Stewed Oxtail

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Johnny Cakes

Pates

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Lebanon

25 Dec

Lebanese Christmas traditions include setting up a cave-style nativity scene decorated with sprouted seeds. Instead of a stable, the scene is often a cave, decorated with seeds (like wheat, lentils, and chickpeas) that have been sprouted in cotton wool in the weeks leading up to Christmas. This serves as a central focus for prayer. Attending Midnight Mass, celebrating with a large family feast featuring traditional dishes, and enjoying festive treats like meghleh. Social traditions involve performing the dabke dance and receiving gifts from "Baba Noël" (Father Christmas), who may visit homes in person.

• 68% Muslim
• 32% Christians

Merry Christmas in Lebanon Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Noël" or "Papa Noël"

Lebanon Christmas recipes include:

• Arabic is ‘Eid milad majid’
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Western Armenian is ‘Shnorhavor Surb Tsnund’
• Turkish is ‘Mutlu Noeller’

Meghli

Kibbeh Bil Sanieh

Fattoush

Maamoul

Baklava

Mongolia

Christmas is not a public holiday

Christmas is not a traditional public holiday in Mongolia, which primarily celebrates the New Year (Tsagaan Sar), but some Christians celebrate Christmas with church services and concerts, and secular New Year's festivities have adopted elements like "New Year's trees" and gift-giving. A figure called "Grandpa Winter" is the New Year's equivalent of Santa Claus, who dresses in blue rather than red. People wear their traditional deel costumes and gather at the home of the eldest family member.

Santa Claus is known as "Uvliin Uvgun" which translates to "Grandfather of Winter". This character is associated with New Year's celebrations, where he brings gifts to children.

• 51.7% Buddhism
• 40.6% No religion
• 3.20% Islam
• 2.50% Mongolian shamanism
• 1.30% Christianity
• 0.70% Other

Merry Christmas in Mongolia Languages

• Mongolian is ‘Zul saryn mend’
• Kazakh is ‘Rojdestvo quttı bolsın ‘
• Russian is ‘Schastlivogo Rozhdestva’

Mongolia Christmas recipes include:

Buuz

Khuushuur

Ul boov

Khorkhog

Airag

Sudan

25 Dec

Sudanese Christmas traditions emphasize community, food, and church, with celebrations including choirs singing carols, decorating homes, and preparing traditional feasts to share. Celebrations often feature lively church services with music, a large communal meal, and gift-giving, with children going door-to-door singing for cakes and small gifts.

Santa Claus has no traditional names in Sudan.

Sudan Christmas recipes include:

Um rigeiga

Kebda

Fattah

• 94.7% Islam
• 1.40% Christianity
• 2.90% Traditional African religions
• 1.00% Others / None

Sudanese Kahk

Ghorayebah cookies

Help the vulnerable:

UNHCR

Merry Christmas in Sudan Languages

Save the Children

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

• Beja is 'Iddeeruka Hawwiyaatii'

GlobalGiving

Russia

6 Jan

Russian Christmas traditions include a 40-day Nativity Fast, the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve (January 6th) with 12 meatless dishes, and attending midnight church services. Many Russians celebrate the main holiday, which is often overshadowed by New Year, on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. Other customs include caroling, fortune-telling, and decorating a New Year's tree (though it is also associated with Christmas). The period between Christmas and Epiphany is known as Svyatki, a time for traditional folklore, fortune-telling, and caroling.

• 67% Orthodox Christianity
• 10% to 11% Islam
• 11% to 15 Unaffiliated
• 2% Other Christians
• 1% to 2% Protestantism
• 1% Buddhism
• < 1% Judaism

Merry Christmas in Russia Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Ded Moroz" and his grandaughter "Snegurochka" (Snow maiden)

Russia Christmas recipes include:

• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'
• Tatar is 'Räisä Gıyelä'

Pelmeni

Pirozhki

Kholodets

Kutia

Blueberry Piroshki

Maldives

Christmas is not a public holiday

Christmas traditions in the Maldives are primarily celebrated in tourist resorts, not in the local Maldivian culture, which is predominantly Muslim. Resorts organize festive events like tree lighting, beach BBQs, live music, and special Christmas Eve dinners with live entertainment, creating a holiday atmosphere for tourists.

Santa Claus has no specific name in Maldives

Maldives recipes include:

Kulhi Boakibaa

• 98.7% Islam
• 0.74% Others
• 0.29% Christianity
• 0.29% Agnostics
• 0.29% Hindu

Merry Christmas in Maldives Languages

Banbukeyo harisa

Naana kataa

• Dhivehi is ‘Eedhu meelaadhu majeedhu’

Gulab jamun

Handulu bondibai

Lesotho

25 Dec

On Christmas morning, each child is given a new outfit, including new shoes. They then get dressed in their new clothes and go to church with their parents. After church, it’s time for a special meal of delicious braai (barbecued meat) and many tasty side dishes that go with it. In many villages, there are also community parties where gifts are exchanged. Traditional music and dance forms are often part of the celebrations, which helps pass on cultural heritage to younger generations.

• 52.0% Protestantism
• 41.0% Catholicism
• 7.00% Others / None

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader"

Lesotho Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Lesotho Languages

Jollof rice

Lekhotloane (bashed beef) with Morogo

Chakalaka

• Sesotho/SiPhuthi is 'Keresemese e monate'
• Xhosa is 'Krismesi emnandi'

Trifle

Lesotho Likhobe

Syria

25 Dec

The streets are decorated in festive lights. Some people dress in Santa hats and gather together in the central neighbourhood of Qassaa, to celebrate and admire the local Christmas Tree. Everybody from the community comes along to enjoy the atmosphere of Christmas and takes part in the celebrations. .The biggest tree in Damascus that stands over 30 metres tall lights up in Abbasiya Square. Festivities are organised to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, and people line the streets to perform songs and enjoy great company. Due to previous years struggles Christians still have concerns about their safety and the possibility of attacks from armed groups, which leads some to stay home rather than participating in public festivities.

Merry Christmas in Syria Languages

• 74.0% Sunni Islam
• 13.0% Other Islam
• 10.0% Christianity
• 3.00% Druze

Santa Claus is known as "Noel Baba"

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• Kurdish is 'Kirîstmas piroz be'
• Armenian is 'Shnorhavor Surb Tsnund'

Syria Christmas recipes include:

Shishak

Kibbeh

Fattoush

Mshabak

Basbosa

Spain

24 Dec

Spanish Christmas traditions center on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) with a large family dinner followed by Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass). Other traditions include decorating with nativity scenes (belén) and Christmas trees, singing carols (villancicos), playing the Christmas lottery, and celebrating the Three Kings Day on January 6th when children receive their main gifts.

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel"

Spain Christmas recipes include:

Escudella i Carn d'Olla

Cordero Asado

Roscón de Reyes

Croquetas

Mantecados

• 36.6% Non-Practicing Catholic
• 18.8% Practicing Catholic
• 15.8% Atheist
• 12.0% No religion

• 11.2% Agnostic
• 3.60% Other religion
• 2.00% Unanswered

Merry Christmas in Spain Languages

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Basque is 'Eguberri on'
• Catalan and Aranese is 'Bon Nadal'
• Galician is 'Bo Nadal'

South Africa

25 Dec

The schools are closed for the Christmas holidays and some people like to go camping. Going carol singing, on Christmas Eve, is very popular in towns and cities. Carols by Candlelight services are also popular on Christmas Eve. And many people go to a Christmas morning Church Service. On Christmas day afternoon, people visit family and friends or might go for a trip into the country side to play games or have a swim.

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader"

South Africa Christmas recipes include:

Chakalaka

Yellow rice with raisins

Koeksisters

Mielie pap

Milk tart

• 85.3% Christianity
• 7.80% Traditional faiths
• 3.10% No religion
• 1.60% Islam
• 1.10% Hinduism
• 1.10% Others

Merry Christmas in South Africa Languages

• Afrikaans is 'Geseënde Kersfees'
• Ndebele is 'Izilokotho Ezihle Zamaholdeni'
• Sesotho is 'Le be le keresemese e monate'
• Xhosa is 'Krismesi emnandi'
• Sepedi is 'Mahlogonolo a Keresemose'

• Swazi is 'Khisimusi lomuhle'
• Venḓa is 'D’uvha la mabebo a Murena l’avhudi'
• Tsonga is 'A ku ve Khisimusi lerinene'
• Tswana it's 'Masego a Keresemose'
• Zulu it's 'uKhisimusi oMuhle'

Saudi Arabia

Not a public holiday

The country's ambitious Vision 2030 reforms have ushered in a new era of openness, creating space for cultural diversity in the kingdom’s larger cities. Supermarkets in the Saudi capital now stock colourful Christmas decorations and trees, while Riyadh’s top hotels have embraced the season's culinary and decorative traditions with festive-themed brunches, seasonal menus and sparkling holiday displays. Christmas is not officially recognised in Saudi Arabia, but 2025 continues to show a gradual cultural shift. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously welcomed several Christian delegations to the Kingdom, and in 2022, Arab News made headlines of its own with a festive front page wishing “Christian readers, both in Saudi Arabia and abroad, a Merry Christmas”. It may seem like a small step, but it’s all part of the country’s moves towards a more inclusive approach to some global traditions. While showing openess, it is considered rude to display religious icons for Christmas outside of the home.

• 90.4% Islam
• 6.04% Christianity
• 2.03% Hinduism
• 0.86% Other
• 0.69% None

Santa Claus is known as "Baba No'el"

Merry Christmas in Saudi Arabia Languages

Saudi Arabia Christmas recipes include:

Arabic turkey

Kabsa

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

Maamol

Baklava

Baked Quince

Kosovo

25 Dec

Christmas traditions in Kosovo are a mix of religious customs, especially for the Christian minority, and secular, winter-themed celebrations like those for New Year's, which are popular with the majority Muslim population. Traditions include celebrating on both Catholic (Dec. 25) and Orthodox (Jan. 7) dates, lighting a Yule log (sometimes called buzm), having a special feast with dishes like roast pork and cabbage rolls, and secular celebrations involving Christmas trees and markets that are often conflated with New Year's festivities.

• 93.5% Islam
• 2.31% Orthodox Christian
• 1.75% Catholic Christian
• 1.50% Religion not Stated
• 0.50% No religion
• 0.45% Others

Merry Christmas in Kosovo Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Babadimri"

Kosovo Christmas recipes include:

• Albanian is 'Gëzuar Krishtlindjet'
• Serbian is 'Srećan Božić'

Byrek

Ćevapčići

Pasul

Ljutenica

Cesnica

Vietnam

Not a public holiday

Major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are decked out with colorful lights, Christmas trees, and large nativity scenes, especially around Catholic churches. Christmas Eve is the main event, with massive street celebrations. Christmas Day is typically quieter, though still a time for relaxation or church services. Christmas is not an official public holiday, so schools and most businesses remain open, especially on Christmas Day. While some people exchange gifts, it's not as common as in Western countries. Instead, the focus is on the social experience.

• 76.5% Irreligion/folk religion
• 13.3% Buddhism
• 6.60% Catholicism
• 1.40% Hoahaoism Buddhism

Merry Christmas in Vietnam Languages

• 1.00% Caodaism
• 1.00% Protestantism
• 0.20% Others

Santa Claus is known as "Ông Già Noel", which translates to "Old Man Noel"

• Vietnamese is 'Chúc Mừng Giáng Sinh'

Vietnam Christmas recipes include:

Tamarind-glazed duck

Gà luộc

Bánh xèo

Bò nhúng dấm

Bûche de Noël

North Korea

Christmas is effectively banned in North Korea, where the government has worked to ensure most citizens are unaware of the holiday. The state-controlled atheistic country prohibits religious observances, viewing them as a threat to its authority and instead promotes the celebration of national leaders' birthdays, such as Kim Jong-un's grandmother on December 24th. Secret, underground celebrations may occur among a small number of Christians, but they risk severe punishment, including imprisonment or execution.

• 73% Irreligious (includes agnostic and atheist)
• 13% Chondoism
• 12% Shamanism
• 1.5% Buddhism
• < 0.5% Other religions

The Gambia

25 Dec

Christmas fun starts around the 15th of December. Gambians begin caroling and the fun tradition of building a "fannal" or paper boat made of bamboo and decorative paper. They can be very big and are often parts of the parades. Everybody goes to church on Christmas Eve for Midnight Mass then the parties begin, sometimes until 5am. On Christmas there is Morning Mass and then a family lunch.

Santa Claus goes by "Papá Noel"

The Gambia Christmas recipes include:

Benachin

Domoda

Superkanja

Fish pepper soup

Pork mbahal

• 96.4% Muslim
• 3.50% Christian
• 0.10% Other

Merry Christmas in The Gambia Languages

• Mandinka is ‘Joolu wuli suman!’
• Wolof is 'Nowelu jàmm'
• Pulaar is 'Ñalawma barkinaaku Krismas'

Bulgaria

25 Dec

Many Bulgarians fast for 40 days leading up to Christmas, and the Christmas Eve meal is the culmination of this fast. A specific log, traditionally an oak, is prepared and burned on the hearth. A prayer is made before it is chopped, and it is believed to bring food, happiness, and luck for the year. The Christmas Eve table is set with an odd number of vegan dishes, such as sarmi (stuffed vine leaves), stuffed peppers, and oshsav (a dried fruit compote). At midnight, groups of young men called Koledari go from house to house singing carols and blessing families for health, longevity, and prosperity. The fast is broken, and the Christmas Day feast includes meat dishes, such as banitsa (a cheese-filled pastry) and other traditional Bulgarian foods.

• 69.3% Orthodoxy
• 10.8% Islam
• 8.00% Unanswered
• 5.20% No religion
• 4.40% Unsure
• 1.20% Protestantism
• 0.70% Catholicism
• 0.50% Other

Merry Christmas in Bulgaria Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Dyado Koleda"

Bulgaria Christmas recipes include:

• Bulgarian is 'Vesela Koleda'
• Turkish is 'Mutlu Noeller'
• Romani is 'Baxtalo Krećuno'
• Macedonian is 'Sreken Bozhik'

Pulneni chushki

Sarmi

Bobena Chorba

Koledna Pitka

Tikvenik

Somalia

The Somali government has banned Christmas celebrations, a ban that has been in place since at least 2015, citing security concerns and the nation's identity as a Muslim-majority country. The ban is still largely enforced, though there are some exceptions, such as for foreigners celebrating in their own homes or for the African Union peacekeepers in their compounds. The government has prohibited public Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Authorities have been instructed to prevent celebrations, and there have been crackdowns on public displays of festive decorations. Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group, has also issued its own edicts against Christmas celebrations.

• 0.52% Christianity
• 0.26% Buddhism

Help the vulnerable:

• 98.1% Sunni Muslim
• 1.16% Shia Muslim
• > 1% Other Religions

UNHCR

Save the Children

GlobalGiving

Thailand

Not a public holiday

The festive atmosphere is most prominent in major cities like Bangkok and in popular tourist destinations such as Phuket and the islands, where both locals and tourists participate. Celebrations often blend Western traditions with local creativity. This can include decorations with Thai motifs, Santa Claus figures in traditional Thai outfits, and unique "Lai Nopphamat" Christmas trees adorned with flowers and intricate paper decorations. While not a religious event for the majority, many Thai people participate in the festivities out of a love for "Sanook," a concept centered around enjoyment and fun.

Merry Christmas in Thailand Languages

• 92.5% Buddhism
• 5.40% Islam
• 1.20% Christianity
• 0.90% Other / None

Santa Claus is known as "Sāntākhlxs̄"

Thailand Christmas recipes include:

• Thai is 'Suk-san wan khrit-maat khrap / kha'
• Burmese 'Krismas nay hma mue pyaw pa'

Pad Thai

Turkey with hoisin glaze

Coconut Thai Curry

Thai mojito

Black sesame ice cream

Bermuda

25 Dec

Bermudian Christmas traditions blend British heritage with unique island flair, featuring delicious Cassava Pie, festive church services with carols, and island-style feasting, often culminating in New Year's Eve's famous Onion Drop in St. George's. On Boxing Day (December 26th) and New Year's, brightly costumed Gombey troupes perform energetic, rhythmic dances in the streets, a tradition stemming from enslaved Africans enjoying holiday freedom. Bermuda's Christmas Boat Parade is a beloved annual holiday event in Hamilton Harbour, featuring beautifully decorated boats lighting up the water (See link on picture for video)

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Merry Christmas in Bermuda Languages

• 46.2% Protestant
• 17.8% Unaffiliated
• 14.5% Roman Catholic
• 12.4% Other religion
• 9.10% Other Christian

Bermuda recipes include:

Cassava Pie

Rum and Peach Glazed Ham

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'

Codfish Cakes

Mussel Pie

Sweet Potato Pudding

Mozambique

25 Dec

Christmas. The festive season in Mozambique is enjoyed by both Christians and those of other faiths with concerts, parties, music, and songs at large family get-togethers. The Catholic churches hold midnight masses and choirs fill the air with carols rich in glorious a-capella African harmonies.

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader" or "Sinterklaas"

Mozambique Christmas recipes include:

Help the vulnerable:

UNHCR

Piri-piri chicken

Matata

Save the Children

Frango à Zambeziana

• 27.5% Other Christian
• 18.0% Islam
• 17.3% Roman Catholic
• 12.5% No religion or agnosticism
• 11.0% Evangelical

• 5.60% Baptist
• 5.40% Zionist Christian Church
• 2.40% Other/Unknown
• 0.30% Traditional faiths

GlobalGiving

Matapa

Pastéis de nata

Merry Christmas in Mozambique Languages

• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'

• Makhuwa is 'Khisimusi Miamia'
• Tsonga is 'A ku ve Khisimusi lerinene'

• Sena is 'Muve neKisimusi'
• Swahili is 'Heri ya Krismasi'
• Chewa is 'Khrisimasi Yabwino'

Montserrat

25 Dec

Christmas in Montserrat blends Caribbean island vibes with community festivities, featuring the major Montserrat Carnival (also called the Christmas Carnival) with parades, music, and J'ouvert; spiritual events like the National Trust's Festival of Light with carols and readings; local church services, particularly Midnight Mass, plus general festive lights, family gatherings, and island culture.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Montserrat recipes include:

Stuffing & Gravy

Roast Turkey

• 1.4% Rastafarian
• 1.2% Hindu
• 1% Jehovah's Witness
• 0.4% Muslim

• 71.6% Christianity
• 11.4% Roman Catholic
• 7.9% None (Unaffiliated)
• 5.1% Other/Not Stated

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Pigeon peas with rice

Merry Christmas in Montserrat Languages

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Austria

24 Dec

Austrian Christmas traditions include the Advent season with Advent wreaths and markets, the Krampus and St. Nicholas tradition on December 5th and 6th, and celebrating Christmas Eve with a Christkindl gift-giving on December 24th, followed by a large family feast, say Trafalgar Tours, Austria Wanderlust, ActiLingua Academy Vienna, and B2B Austria. Other customs include fumigating houses during the "Rauhnächte" (Holy Nights) and baking traditional cookies like Vanillekipferl. On December 5th, "Krampus" figures parade through towns to frighten misbehaving children, while Saint Nicholas gives treats to well-behaved ones on the 6th. On December 6th, Saint Nicholas visits children to give them small gifts, sweets, nuts, and mandarins. During the "Rauhnächte" (Holy Nights), some families burn incense and herbs to protect their homes from evil spirits.

• 55.3% Catholicism
• 22.4% No religion
• 8.30% Islam
• 4.90% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 4.20% Other Christians

• 3.80% Protestantism
• 0.70% Other religions
• 0.30% Buddhism
• 0.10% Hinduism
• 0.10% Judaism

Merry Christmas in Austria Languages

• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'
• Slovene is 'Vesel božič'
• Croatian is 'Sretan Božić'

Santa Claus is the Christmas Angel "Christkind"

Austria Christmas recipes include:

Weihnachtskarpfen

Schweinebraten

Vanillekipferl

Stollen

Sachertorte

Sri Lanka

25 Dec

Christmas is celebrated as a public holiday by everyone. Most Christians in Sri Lanka are Catholics. There has been influences from several different European countries. Sri Lanka (it was also called Ceylon) was ruled by the Portuguese from 1505 to 1650, the Dutch from 1658 to 1796 and the British from 1815 to 1948. For Christians in Sri Lanka, the Christmas season starts on 1st December when people let off fire crackers at dawn! The streets are decorated and the shopping centers have large Christmas Trees in them. Big companies have Christmas parties and large hotels have Christmas dinner dances.

• 70.2% Buddhism
• 12.6% Hinduism
• 9.70% Islam
• 7.40% Christianity
• 0.10% Others

Merry Christmas in Sri Lanka Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Naththal Seeya"

Sri Lanka Christmas recipes include:

• Sinhala is 'Suba Naththalak Wewa'
• Tamil is 'Kiṟistumas vāḻttukka'

Lamprais

Devilled Chicken

Kottu Roti

Breudher

Bibikkan

Namibia

25 Dec

Many Christmas traditions in Namibia come from Germany as it was a German colony between 1884 and 1915. On St Nicholas' Day, 6th December, some children will hope for a visit from St Nicholas and there might be a St Nicholas party at schools. This is often the time that Christmas lights are switched on in the big towns and cities. Often a branch of a thorn tree is used instead. The tree is normally put up and decorated on Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader", "Nikolaus" or "Weihnachtsmann"

Namibia Christmas recipes include:

Potjiekos

Pap en Wors

Ombidi

• 43.7% Lutheran Church
• 22.8% Catholic Church
• 17.0% Anglican Church
• 10.1% Traditional faiths

Rabanadas

Bacalhau cozido

• 4.40% Other Christian
• 1.50% No religion
• 0.40% Others

Merry Christmas in Namibia Languages

• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'
• Afrikaans is 'Geseënde Kersfees'

Bolivia

25 Dec

Bolivian Christmas traditions blend Catholic customs with Andean culture, focusing heavily on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) with Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass), elaborate Nativity scenes (Pesebres) featuring local motifs, and a festive late dinner of hearty Picana stew, often accompanied by firecrackers, local caroling (pastorelas), and sometimes toy drives for the poor, leading to family gifts and sweet breakfasts on Christmas Day.

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel" or Niño Dios (Baby Jesus)

Merry Christmas in Bolivia Languages

• Catholic 70.0%
• Protestant 17.2%
• None 9.30%
• Other Christians 1.70%
• Other religion 1.20%
• No answer 0.60%

Bolivia Christmas recipes include:

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'

Picana

Ensalada Rusa

Buñuelos

Sopaipillas Potosinas

Arroz con Leche

Moldova

25 Dec

Moldovan Christmas traditions include a large family dinner on Christmas Eve, often featuring 12 fasting dishes, and caroling, known as colindat, where groups sing door-to-door for good wishes and receive gifts. The songs are often epic in nature and may include specific tunes for unmarried girls to help them find a husband. Many Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th, following the Julian calendar, though December 25th is also increasingly observed. Other customs include St. Nicholas Day gifts on December 6th and the New Year tradition of Children visit neighbors on New Year's Day to wish them good luck and health by "swatting" them gently with a colorful stick called a sorcova.

Merry Christmas in Moldova Languages

• 97.4% Christianity
• 1.5% No Religion/Undeclared
• 0.85% Judaism
• 0.15% Islam

Santa Claus is known as "Ded Moroz"

Moldova Christmas recipes include:

• Moldovan is 'Crăciun Fericit'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva'
• Ukrainian is 'shchaslyvoho Rizdva'

Salată de Boeuf

Pârjoale

Plăcintă

Cornulețe

Cozonac

Christmas Games

Play free online Christmas games. Celebrate Christmas with these fun and festive games! Help Santa deliver presents to good girls and boys, learn new vocabulary words, solve challenging puzzles or make Christmas cookies with Baby Hazel.

Fun Christmas Online Games

Mexico

6 Jan

Christmas traditions in Mexico include the nine-day novena for the Virgin of Guadalupe, the nightly Posadas processions leading up to Christmas Eve, and festive events like Pastorelas (shepherds' plays) and breaking piñatas. Christmas Eve, or Nochebuena, is the main celebration with a large family feast, often followed by midnight mass. The Christmas season concludes on February 2nd with Candlemas (Día de la Candelaria), and children typically receive their main gifts on January 6th, Three Kings' Day (Día de Reyes).

Santa Claus is known as "Santa Clós"

• 77.8% Catholicism
• 11.7% Protestantism
• 8.40% Non-religious
• 1.80% Other Christian
• 0.30% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Mexico Languages

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'

Mexico Christmas recipes include:

Chicken Pozole Verde

Rosca de Reyes

Tamales

Pozole

Ponche Navideño

NORAD Santa Tracker

NORAD Tracks Santa, also called NORAD Santa Tracker, is an annual official program in which North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) publishes the tracking of Santa Claus, who leaves the North Pole to travel around the world on his mission to deliver presents to children every year on Christmas Eve. The program starts on December 1, but the actual Santa-tracking starts at midnight annually on December 24. It is a community outreach function of NORAD, and has been held annually since 1955.

NORAD Santa Tracker

Gibraltar

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in Gibraltar include attending a "Festival of Lights" event to officially start the season, and the presence of a traditional Christmas tree. Celebrations also feature public carol singing and the opening of Christmas markets, particularly in the Kings Bastion Leisure Centre.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Gibraltar Christmas recipes include:

Jamón ibérico

Spanish omelette

• 72.1% Roman Catholic
• 7.7% Church of England
• 7.1% No religion
• 3.8% Other Christian

• 3.6% Muslim
• 2.4% Jewish
• 2.0% Hindu
• 1.3% Other or not stated

Pan dulce

Bollo de hornasso

Japonesa

Merry Christmas in Gibraltar Languages

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'

Morocco

Not a pulic holiday

Christmas in Morocco is not a public holiday but is celebrated in tourist areas and by expats through Western-style traditions mixed with Moroccan touches, such as festive dinners in hotels and riads, and unique desert celebrations.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Noel"

Morocco Christmas recipes include:

Tagine

Chebakia

Couscous

Moroccan Fruit Salad

Chicken pastilla

Spiced mashed potatoes

• 99.2% Sunni Islam
• 0.45% Shia Islam
• 0.34% Christianity, Judaism, Baháʼí, Agnostics, others

Merry Christmas in Morocco Languages

• Darija is 'Eid milad majid'
• Berber is 'Newwal ameggaz'

Myanmar (Burma)

25 Dec

Christmas traditions in Myanmar are modest, primarily celebrated by the country's small Christian minority through religious services at churches, communal meals, and singing carols. While Christmas is not a major commercialized holiday due to the prevalence of Buddhism, some city centers and homes may have decorations, and tourist areas may offer special Christmas dinners on the beach. Some Christians also combine religious celebrations with cultural traditions, such as preparing traditional dishes

Santa Claus has no unique or traditional name for him.

Myanmar Christmas recipes include:

• 87.9% Buddhism
• 6.20% Christianity
• 4.30% Islam
• 1.60% Others

Tea leaf salad (Lahpet Thoke)

Shan noodles

Htamane

Mohinga

Mont Lone Yay Paw

Merry Christmas in Myanmar Languages

• Burmese is ‘Krismas nay hma mue pyaw pa’

Mali

Mali is a mainly Muslim country, but Christmas is also an official public holiday. In Mali, most Christmas celebrations take place in Churches. The festivities begin on Christmas Eve with an all night service. At the Christmas Eve service, each language group gets up and sings a song in their language. There is often a baptismal service on the day after Christmas.

Mali Christmas recipes include:

Jollof Rice

Poulet Yassa

Riz au Gras

Foutou

Sauce d'Arachide

Frites de Patates Douces

Merry Christmas in Mali Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Babbo Natale" or the Baby Jesus "Gesu' bambino" distributes gifts

• Bambara is 'Hnit thit ku mingalar pa'
• Tamasheq is 'Aïd Milad Saïd'
• Fula/Fulani is 'Jabbama be salla Kirismati'
• Dogon is 'Amba u m bara'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

• 95% Sunni Islam
• 5% Other

Brunei

25 Dec public holiday and has a December Festival

Public Christmas celebrations remain banned in Brunei, particularly for Muslims, and have been since a 2015 decree to enforce the ban. The government warned that the use of religious symbols like crosses, singing carols, putting up Christmas trees, and wearing Santa hats are against Islamic faith and could lead to a jail sentence. While not all celebrations are completely forbidden for Christians in private, public and open displays are strictly prohibited to prevent the spread of other religions.

• 82.1% Islam
• 6.70% Christianity
• 6.30% Buddhism
• 4.90% Others

Brunei December Festival

Cabo Verde (Cape Verde)

25 Dec

Christmas in Cabo Verde is a festive, family-oriented celebration with religious traditions like Christmas Eve Mass, special holiday meals, lively music, and spectacular beach fireworks. Santa may arrive on a surfboard instead of a sleigh. As a predominantly Catholic country, religious holidays are important and are observed with local fervor.

Santa Claus is known as "São Nicolau".

Cabo Verde Christmas recipes include:

Cachupa

Pudim

Caldeirada

• 84.5% Roman Catholic
• 6.8% Other Christian
• 3.6% Protestant
• 2.8% Islam

• 1.1% Traditional
• 1% None
• 0.1%other religion

Caldeirada

Bolo de Cus-Cus

Merry Christmas in Cabo Verde Languages

• Portuguese is ‘Feliz Natal’
• Creole is ‘Jwaye Nowèl’

New South Wales

25 Dec

Christmas events in New South Wales (NSW) include a variety of traditions and events, from traditional Northern Hemisphere-style carols and markets to summer-appropriate activities like barbecues and beach gatherings. Key events include the Martin Place Christmas Tree lighting, carols services such as the Carols in the Domain, and large Christmas lights displays, particularly at the Hunter Valley Gardens. In some areas, you might find Santas catching waves as part of a unique local tradition.

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

Santa Claus has no other names.

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

Australian Christmas recipes include:

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Shrimp on the Barbie

Sausage Rolls

Meat Pie

Avocado salad

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Pavlova

Niger

25 Dec

For weeks before the celebration, special offerings are taken to pay for the big meal. A cow is butchered on Christmas Eve, and the women stay up all night cooking for the more than 300 men, women, and children who will be served on Christmas Day. When the service ends, people gather in circles to wait for the food. As is the case in many African contexts, the men will not eat with the women, nor do they sit together during the church service. In addition, Christian families prepare special food at home and carry food to their Muslim neighbors, just as the Muslim families share their goodies with their Christian neighbors during the Muslim celebrations of Tabaski and Eid al-Fitr.

Merry Christmas in Niger Languages

• Hausa it's 'barka dà Kirsìmatì'

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Keresi"

Niger Christmas recipes include:

Jollof Rice

Egusi Soup

Pounded Yam

• 99.3% Islam
• 0.7% Other

Pepper Soup

Tomato Stew

Iraq

25 Dec

On 16 December 2020, Iraq\'s parliament passed a bill making Christmas Day an annual national holiday in the majority-Muslim country. Christmas remains very much a religious holiday for Iraq's Christian communities. On Christmas Eve, Chaldean Christian families gather and hold candles while one of the children reads aloud the story of the birth of Jesus in Syriac, the language of liturgy for Assyrians and Chaldean Christians. Afterward the reading, a bonfire of thorn bushes is let and everyone sings. If the thorns burn to ashes, good luck will be granted for the coming year. When the fire dies, each person jumps over the ashes three times and makes a wish. On Christmas Day another bonfire is lit in the churchyard. The bishop, carrying a figure of the Baby Jesus leads the service. Afterwards he blesses one person with a touch. That person touches the person next to him or her and the touch is passed around until all present have felt the "touch of peace."

• 85.3% Christianity
• 7.80% Traditional faiths
• 3.10% No religion
• 1.60% Islam
• 1.10% Hinduism
• 1.10% Others

Merry Christmas in Iraq Languages

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• Kurdish is 'Kirîstmas piroz be'

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Noel"

Iraq Christmas recipes include:

Dolma

Qeema

Iraqi Biryani

Baklava

Kleicha

Chad

25 Dec

Christmas is celebrated differently in Chad. They don't have Christmas lights or Christmas trees. For the Chadians, none of this is important. The spiritual part of Christmas is important. The like to visit family members, have specials feasts. They don't give out presents.

Santa Claus has no traditional names in Chad.

Chad Christmas recipes include:

Jollof Rice

Karkanji

Plantains

Bouillie de Mil

Bangaou

• 55.0% Islam
• 41.0% Christianity
• 2.00% None
• 1.40% Traditional religions

Help the vulnerable:

UNHCR

Merry Christmas in Chad Languages

Save the Children

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• French is 'Joyeux noël'

GlobalGiving

Bahamas

25 Dec

Bahamian Christmas traditions blend British customs with unique island flair, centered around the vibrant, noisy Junkanoo parade on Boxing Day (Dec 26), featuring elaborate costumes, music, and dancing, plus Carols by Candlelight, feasting on turkey/ham with tropical sides, Santa visits for kids, and beachside celebrations, creating a lively, communal, and distinctly Bahamian holiday spirit.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Merry Christmas in Bahamas Languages

Bahamas recipes include:

• 80.0% Protestant
• 14.5% Catholic
• 3.10% Unaffiliated
• 1.30% Other Christian
• 1.10% Other religion

Sky Juice

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

• Haitian Creole is 'Jwaye Nwèl'

Guava Duff

Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Trinidad and Tobago

25 Dec

A special Trinidadian music, Parang, is also played. Parang is an upbeat Venezuela-Trinidad hybrid music normally sung in Spanish. Now there's also 'soca parang' where songs are sung in English. In the evenings around Christmas, many people like to be 'Parranderos' and go from house to house singing Christmas songs. Lots of different instruments are used in Parang including guitars and cuatros (a small four stringed guitar), violins, maracas (called chac-chacs) and (two wooden blocks which are known as toc-toc). If you've been good at singing, you'll hopefully be given some food and drink.

Santa Claus has no other traditional name.

Merry Christmas in Trinidad and Tobago Languages

Trinidad and Tobago recipes include:

• 55.2% Christianity
• 18.2% Hinduism
• 11.1% Not Stated
• 7.10% Other

• 5.00% Islam
• 2.20% None
• 0.90% Trinidad Orisha
• 0.30% Rastafari

Christmas Rice

Pastelles

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwèl'

Garlic Pork

Macaroni Pie

Black Cake

Monaco

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in Monaco blend religious observance with festive public celebrations and unique local customs, such as the religious bread Pan de Natale and the family gathering for a large Christmas Eve dinner. The season officially kicks off with the lighting of festive illuminations in Casino Square and continues with the popular Christmas Village at Port Hercule, featuring a market, ice rink, and ferris wheel. While Père Noël is known as Santa, the saint celebrated with Christmas-like traditions (including gifts for kids) is Saint Devote (Sainte Devote/Santa Devota in Monegasque), whose legend involves a dove guiding a boat to Monaco, making her deeply significant, though she is celebrated on January 27th.

Merry Christmas in Monaco Languages

• Christianity 83-86%
• 10-13% No Religion/Unaffiliated
• 1.5-3% Judaism
• < 1% Islam

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Monaco Christmas recipes include:

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Italian is 'Buon Natale'
• Monégasque is 'Festusu Natale'

Barbagiuans

Soupe au Pistou

Pan de Natale

Pain d'Épices

Fougasse

Faroe Islands

24 Dec

It all starts on the morning of December 24th: by then, food is stocked up and Christmas shopping is completed. Children wake up early, eager for the day to pass by quickly so they can open their gifts in the evening. Parents will spend the day preparing the evening’s dinner and their Christmas attire. In late afternoon, some people will make their way to church, then people will return home to eat dinner: it is common for many people in each family to gather for Christmas Eve. Christmas Day is usually a quiet day where families spend time with one another, relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. After a good lie-in on Christmas Day, children will spend the day playing with their new toys and parents will relax in various ways. The second day of Christmas is a public holiday and has for centuries been considered a festive day of dancing and parties.

Merry Christmas in Faroe Islands Languages

• 95.0% Christianity
• 4.00% None
• 1.00% Other religions

Santa Claus is known as 'Jólamaðurin'

• Faroese is 'Gleðilig jól'
• Danish is 'Glædelig jul!'

Faroe Islands recipes include:

Rúgbrauð (Dark Rye Bread)

Garnatálg

Kleynur

Hazelnut Oatcake

Skerpikjot

Angola

25 Dec

Christmas is a very big celebration in Angola. The main decoration in most houses will be a Nativity Scene (Presépio). Other decorations like Christmas Trees and stockings are becoming more widespread.

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader" or "Sinterklaas"

Angola Christmas recipes include:

Pirão

Funge

Ozido de bacalhau

Calulu

Mufete

Bolo Rei cake

Merry Christmas in Angola Languages

• 56.4% Catholicism
• 23.4% Protestantism
• 13.6% Other Christian
• 4.40% Traditional faiths
• 1.10% Other
• 1.00% None

• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'
• Umbundu is 'Ukũku wa Krĩstómãsi'
• Kimbundu is 'Kizuwa kya Kristu kya Lusekelu'
• Kikongo is ' Noel ya mbote'
• Chokwe is 'Uloze Wumi!' (means - good year)
• Kwanyama is 'Krismisa ombwaashe'

Jamaica

25 Dec

Jamaican Christmas traditions blend festive community spirit, vibrant decorations, unique foods, and rich cultural practices like Jonkonnu (Junkanoo) parades, featuring elaborate masks and music, alongside church services, Christmas feasts with Sorrel drink, Christmas cake, turkey, and rice & peas, all culminating in the bustling Grand Market on Christmas Eve/morning for last-minute shopping and celebration. Please see the link on the picture for a video on the history of the Jonkonnu.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

• 64.8% Protestantism
• 21.3% None
• 6.50% Other
• 2.20% Unspecified

• 2.20% Catholicism
• 1.90% Jehovah's Witnesses
• 1.10% Rastafari

Jamaica recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Jamaica Languages

Gungo Peas and Rice

Goat Curry

• Haitian Creole is 'Jwaye Nwèl'

Black Cake

Pineapple Glazed Ham

Ackee and saltfish

Malta

24 Dec

Maltese Christmas traditions include the "Priedka tat-Tifel" (preaching of the child), where a child delivers a sermon at midnight mass, and "gulbiena," where wheat seeds are sown five weeks before Christmas to grow into decorative, grass-like shoots. Other customs include decorating with nativity cribs (presepi), having a special Christmas Day lunch, and drinking warm, spiced chestnut and cocoa beverage called Imbuljuta tal-Qastan. Saint George Preca organized the first of these in 1921. Children parade through villages with a statue of baby Jesus, playing traditional instruments and singing carols.

• 82.6% Catholic Church
• 5.10% No religion
• 3.90% Islam
• 3.60% Eastern Orthodox

• 1.40% Hinduism
• 1.30% Church of England
• 1.00% Other Christian
• 0.84% Other Religion

Santa Claus is known as "San Niklaw"

Merry Christmas in Malta Languages

Timpana

Malta recipes include:

Stuffat tal-Qarnit

Bragioli

• Maltese is 'Il-Milied it-Tajjeb'

Romblu tal-Milied

Pudina tal-Hobz

Serbia

24 Dec

Serbian Christmas traditions, celebrated on January 7th, include the Badnjak, where an oak log or branch is brought into the home and burned on Christmas Eve, symbolizing prosperity. On Christmas Eve, families also prepare a special meatless dinner, and men may roast a pig or sheep called pečenica for the Christmas feast. A traditional Christmas bread called česnica is baked, with a coin hidden inside for the person who finds it to have good luck for the year. Men bring straw into the house to lay on the floor, resembling the manger where Jesus was born. The women and children follow behind, making clucking sounds like a hen gathering her chicks to symbolize Christ's wish for community. Detinjci, Materice, and Oci: These are older traditions that took place on the three Sundays leading up to Christmas. Children would "tie up" their parents on the first Sunday and have to give them gifts to be "untied." Women would be "tied" on the second, and men on the third.

• 81.1% Orthodox Christianity
• 7.90% Other / Unanswered
• 4.20% Islam
• 3.90% Catholicism
• 1.70% Other Christian
• 1.20% No religion

Merry Christmas in Serbia Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Sveti Nikola"

• Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian is 'Srećan Božić'
• Montenegrin is 'Hristos se rodi'

Serbia Christmas recipes include:

Pecenica

Olivier salad

Pogača

Tulumba

Bajadera

Nepal

25 Dec

Christmas is a public holiday in Nepal, but it is not a national public holiday for everyone as it is for Christians. It is an official holiday for Nepal's estimated three million Christians. This means the day off is available for employees who are part of this group, though most other businesses remain open. From 2006 to 2018, Christmas was a national public holiday for all of Nepal, but since 2018 it has been an official holiday only for Christians. Attending midnight mass is a popular tradition for Christians, with churches holding special services filled with carols and prayers. A local touch to the celebration is lighting diyos (small oil lamps) and candles outside homes and shops to create a warm, inviting glow. Tourist areas host concerts, parties, and Christmas markets.

Santa Claus is known as "Dzied Mraz" which translates to "Grandfather Frost"

• 81.2% Hinduism
• 8.21% Buddhism
• 5.09% Islam
• 3.17% Kirat Mundhum
• 1.76% Christianity

• 0.35% Prakriti Animism
• 0.23% Bon
• 0.01% Sikhism
• 0.01% Jainism

Merry Christmas in Nepal Languages

Nepal Christmas recipes include:

• Nepali is ‘Krismasko Shubhakamana’
• Maithili is ‘Krisamas ki badhai’
• Bhojpuri is ‘Bada din aa naya saal Mubarak’
• Tharu is ‘Sukhada Krisamas’

Khasi ko masu

Dal Bhat

Aloo Tama

Yomari

Sel Roti

Georgia

7 Jan

Christmas in Tbilisi, Georgia, features a festive atmosphere with markets and lights from mid-December to mid-January, though the main Orthodox Christmas celebration is on January 7th. Key traditions include the Alilo procession on Christmas morning and decorating with the unique chichilaki instead of a traditional Christmas tree. Instead of a traditional fir tree, many homes are decorated with a chichilaki, a tree made from shaved hazelnut branches. It's decorated with fruit and sweets and burned at the end of the holiday season to symbolize letting go of the past year's troubles.

Santa Claus is known as Tovlis Papa or Tovlis Babua, which translates to "Grandfather Snow"

• 83.4% Georgian Orthodoxy
• 10.7% Islam
• 2.90% Armenian Apostolic Church

• 1.20% Refused/Not specified
• 0.80% Other
• 0.50% Other Christian
• 0.50% None

Georgia Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Georgia Languages

Satsivi

Mtsvadi

• Georgian is 'gilo tsavt tshobas'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'

Khachapuri

Shoti

Lobio

Nigeria

Nigerian Christmas Traditions Video

25 Dec

Christmas in Nigeria is a family event. Many families will throw Christmas parties that will last all night long on Christmas Eve! Then, on Christmas Morning, they go to church to give thanks to God.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Keresi"

Nigerian Christmas recipes include:

Jollof Rice

Egusi Soup

Pounded Yam

Nigerian fruitcake

Pepper Soup

Tomato Stew

Nigerian Christmas Food Recipes

More:

Merry Christmas in Nigeria Languages

• Edo is 'Iselogbe'
• Fula/Fulani is 'Jabbama be salla Kirismati'
• Hausa is 'barka dà Kirsìmatì'
• Ibibio is 'Idara ukapade isua'
• Igbo/Igo is 'E keresimesi Oma'
• Yoruba is 'E ku odun, e ku iye'dun'

• 50–55% Muslims
• 35–45% Christians
• 5-10% Indigenous religions, such as those native to the Igbo and Yoruba ethnicities
• 0-5% Undisclosed

Greece

1 Jan

A miniature boat, decorated with lights, is a traditional decoration that symbolizes the country's strong maritime history. While Christmas trees are common now, the boat was the main decoration until the 19th century. Kallikantzaroi (goblins), according to folklore, these mischievous goblins emerge from the center of the earth during the 12 days of Christmas to cause trouble. To keep them out, a special bowl with water and a sprig of basil wrapped around a wooden cross is often kept in the house. The cross is dipped in holy water and used to sprinkle water throughout the house once a day. While some families now exchange gifts on Christmas Day, it is more traditional to give gifts on New Year's Day, which is also the feast day of Saint Basil.

• 85.0% Greek Orthodoxy
• 9.00% Unaffiliated
• 3.00% Other Christians
• 2.00% Islam
• 1.00% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Greece Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Agios Vasilis"

Greece Christmas recipes include:

• Greek is 'Kalá Christoúgenna'

Greek Lamb Stew with Orzo

Pork Fricassee

Dolmadakia

Lahanosalata

Christopsomo

Pakistan

25 Dec

December 25th is a public holiday, but it is in memory of Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. At Christian festivals, like Christmas and Easter, a big procession takes place, in Lahore, from St. Anthony's Church to the Cathedral. It takes hours to reach the Cathedral for the services. These are then celebrated with lots of enthusiasm! Before and during Advent, spiritual seminars take place to help people to prepare for Christmas or 'Bara Din' (which in Urdu and Punjabi means the 'Big Day'). This expression is very popular, even among Muslims in Pakistan. In the big Christian areas, each house is decorated and has a star on the roof. The streets are also decorated and lit. The crib and Christmas tree are also important decorations. Sometimes there are crib competitions! Christians also sometimes exchange Christmas cakes.

• 96.3% Islam
• 2.17% Hinduism
• 1.37% Christianity
• 0.11% Others

Merry Christmas in Pakistan Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Christmas Baba"

• Urdu is 'krismas mubarak'

Pakistan Christmas recipes include:

Chicken karahi

Chapli kabab

Allahabadi cake

Gulab jamun

Gajar ka halwa

United Kingdom

25 Dec

Christmas Trees were first popularised the UK by Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria. Prince Albert was German, and thought that it would be good to use one of his ways of celebrating Christmas in England. Children write letters to Father Christmas/Santa listing their requests, but sometimes instead of putting them in the post, the letters are tossed into the fireplace. The draught carries the letters up the chimney and Father Christmas/Santa reads the smoke. Boxing Day is a very old custom that started in the UK and is now taken as a holiday in many countries around the world.Starting in the Middle Ages, St Stephen's Day was the day when the alms box, collection boxes for the poor often kept in churches, were traditionally opened so that the contents could be distributed to poor people. Some churches still open these boxes on Boxing Day. At 3.00pm on Christmas Day, the Royal Christmas Message is broadcast on TV, radio and online in the UK. The tradition of a Royal Christmas Message started in 1932 by King George V. Queen Elizabeth II gave her first Christmas Message in 1952. It was first broadcast on TV in 1957.

• 46.2% Christian
• 37.2% No religion
• 6.50% Muslim
• 5.99% Not stated
• 1.70% Hindu
• 0.90% Sikh
• 0.60% Other religions
• 0.50% Buddhist
• 0.50% Jewish

Merry Christmas in United Kingdom Languages

• Welsh is 'Nadolig Llawen'
• Scottish is 'Nollaig Chridheil'
• Cornish is 'Nadelik Lowen!'

United Kingdom Christmas recipes include:

Yorkshire Pudding

Honey roast parsnips

Santa Claus is known as "Father Christmas"

Sticky toffee pudding

English trifle

Beef Wellington

Democratic Republic of the Congo

25 Dec

Christmas Eve is very important with Churches having big musical evenings (many churches have at least 5 or 6 choirs) and a nativity play. These plays last a very long time. They start at the beginning of the evening with the creation and the Garden of Eden and end with the story of King Herod killing the baby boys.

Santa Claus is known as "Papa Noël Nedule".

Democratic Republic of the Congo Christmas recipes include:

Moambé chicken

Poulet mayo

Chikwanga

Poulet moambe

• 55.0% Catholicism
• 32.0% Protestantism
• 11.0% Other
• 2.00% Islam

Saka saka

Help the vulnerable:

Merry Christmas in Democratic Republic of the Congo Languages

UNHCR

• Lingala is 'Mbótama elámu'
• Swahili is 'Heri ya Krismasi'
• Tshiluba is 'Kwampeza Kalunga'

Save the Children

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

• Kikongo-Kituba is 'noël ya mbote'

GlobalGiving

South Sudan

25 Dec

Christmas in South Sudan is a vibrant celebration of community, marked by church services, traditional drumming, and sharing festive meals, often with a renewed hope for peace amidst hardship. Celebrations include community gatherings with singing and dancing, a special Christmas Eve with drumming, and religious services where children perform songs.

Santa Claus has no traditional names in Sudan.

South Sudan Christmas recipes include:

Gheema

Bangara

Kisra

Ya Ndeca Daco

Kebda

• 60.5% Christianity
• 32.9% Traditional faiths
• 6.20% Islam
• 0.40% Other

Help the vulnerable:

Merry Christmas in South Sudan Languages

UNHCR

• Arabic is ‘Eid Milad Majid’
• Dinka is ‘Miet puou yan dhiedh Banyda tene Yin’
• Nuer is ‘Wic Yeitho’
• Bari is ‘Buon Natale’

Save the Children

GlobalGiving

New Zealand

25 Dec

New Zealand Christmas traditions blend Northern Hemisphere customs with local summer realities, featuring the bright red-flowering Pōhutukawa as the country's Christmas tree. Celebrations often involve beach trips, BBQs, and backyard cricket, and traditional foods like roasts and pavlova are popular. Indigenous Maori traditions, like the hāngī feast, are also a significant part of celebrations. The pōhutukawa is also significant in Māori culture. The ancient tree at Cape Reinga is believed to be where the spirits of the dead begin their journey to Hawaiki, their ancestral homeland.

• 51.6% No religion
• 32.3% Christianity
• 6.90% Religion not stated
• 2.90% Hinduism
• 1.50% Islam

• 1.30% Māori Indigenous
• 1.20% Other Religions
• 1.10% Buddhism
• 1.10% Sikhism
• 0.10% Judaism

Santa Claus is known as "Hana Kōkō"

Merry Christmas in New Zealand Languages

New Zealand Christmas recipes include:

Hāngī

Ika Mata

Meat Pie

• Māori is 'Meri Kirihimete'

Pavlova

Maori Fried Bread

West Bank

Not able to be celebrated

There's been an increase in Israeli security operations in the northern West Bank since January 2025, including intensive operations in refugee camps. If you're in the West Bank during Israeli military action, stay in a safe place indoors, away from windows. Bethlehem is facing its second bleak Christmas since the outbreak of the war in Gaza — leaving faith leaders and residents grappling with how to mark the festive holiday while fellow Palestinians continue to be killed.

• 99% Muslim
• Other religions not recorded

Help the Vulnerable:

UNRWA

World Food Program

Oxfam

Samoa

25 Dec

Samoan Christmas traditions center on faith, family, and feasting, beginning with church services and caroling, leading to a huge Christmas Day to'ona'i (feast) cooked in an earth oven (umu) featuring pork, fish, taro, and breadfruit, with practical gifts like tools or money given to children, embodying community, gratitude, and reconnecting with loved ones in a tropical, island setting.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Samoa Christmas recipes include:

• 27% Congregational Christian Church
• 19% Roman Catholic
• 18% Mormons
• 12% Methodist

Sapasui

Ulu

Palusami

• 10% Assemblies of God
• 5% Seventh-day Adventist
• < 1% No Religion

Koko Samoa

Pani Popo

Merry Christmas in Samoa Languages

• Samoan is 'Manuia le Kirisimasi'

Guatemala

25 Dec

Guatemalan Christmas traditions center on faith, family, and vibrant celebrations, featuring Las Posadas processions, elaborate Nativity scenes (Nacimientos), festive foods like tamales and ponche, midnight mass, fireworks, and gift-opening after midnight on Christmas Eve, with the whole season kicking off with the symbolic La Quema del Diablo (Burning of the Devil): Celebrated on December 7th, families burn effigies of the devil to purify homes and welcome Christ's birth, marking the start of the season. See link for video on: CHRISTMAS IN GUATEMALA

Merry Christmas in Guatemala Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Santa Clós" or Niño Dios (Baby Jesus) who brings gifts

• 40.0% Protestantism
• 39.0% Catholicism
• 19.0% None
• 1.00% Other Christian
• 1.00% Other

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• K'iche is 'K'axajil Ruxaq Xk'olbal'
• Garífuna is 'Buiti fedu'
• Xinca is 'Krisimesi emnandi'

Guatemala Christmas recipes include:

Tamales Colorados

Tamales Negros

Hilachas

Pan Francés

Buñuelos

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Tonga

25 Dec

Tongan Christmas traditions center on family, church, feasting, and music, with unique elements like decorating tropical trees with candy and balloons, exchanging food gifts, and lighting coconut husks on beaches (Tutukupakanava). Instead of pine trees, Tongans use local trees, and presents are often homemade or simple sweets, emphasizing community and sharing over commercialism. Caroling groups (me'a lea) go house-to-house, filling the air with harmonies, while large feasts with roasted pig and root crops are central to the celebration.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Tonga Christmas recipes include:

Ota Ika

Puaka Tunu

Lūpulu

• 34.4% Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga
• 19.6% Mormans
• 13.8% Catholic Church
• 11.6% Free Church of Tonga

• 1.5% Other Christian
• 6.88% Church of Tonga
• 1.09% Other religions/None
• 0.74% Baháʼí Faith

Tongan Pie

Faikakai Malimali

Merry Christmas in Tonga Languages

• Tongan is 'Kilisimasi Fiefia'

Liechtenstein

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in Liechtenstein include the lively Vaduz Christmas market, a visit from St. Nicholas who leaves small treats, the custom of Treichling (groups ringing bells and cracking whips to scare away evil spirits), family gatherings, and decorating the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. Children also enjoy traditions like riding the "Fairytale Train" at the market and receiving gifts from the Christmas Angel.

Santa Claus is the Christmas Angel or Christ Child instead.

Liechtenstein Christmas recipes include:

• 69.6% Catholicism
• 9.60% Irreligion
• 8.10% Protestantism
• 6.00% Islam

• 4.00% Undeclared
• 1.80% Other Christian
• 1.00% Other religion

Ribel

Krömle

Käsknöpfle

Bratwurst

Pain d’épices

Merry Christmas in Liechtenstein Languages

• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'

Canada

25 Dec

Canadian Christmas traditions blend British, French (Quebecois), and Indigenous influences, featuring snowy outdoor activities (skating, skiing), festive lights (Winter Lights Across Canada), large turkey dinners (similar to Thanksgiving), Santa Claus (believed to live in Canada!), Boxing Day sales, and unique regional customs like Belsnickeling in Nova Scotia, alongside traditional carols, tree decorating, gift-giving (Christmas Eve or Day), and French-Canadian holiday feasts with tourtière and bûche de Noël.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

• 3.7% Baptist
• 3.2% Lutheran
• 1.5% Jewish
• 1.4% Ukrainian (Greek) Catholic
• 1.2% Greek Orthodox

• 43.3% Catholic
• 20.5% United Church
• 14.7% Anglican
• 7.0% Other/No religion/ Unknown
• 5.6% Presbyterian

Merry Christmas in Canada Languages

Canada Christmas recipes include:

Butter tarts

Brussels sprouts

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

Mince pie

Tourtière

Buche de Noel

Azerbaijan

Not a public holiday

Christmas is not an official holiday in Azerbaijan but is celebrated by Christians through family gatherings and church services, while the capital city, Baku, features festive decorations and Christmas markets that create a secular holiday atmosphere. The celebration often incorporates traditional Azerbaijani foods and is closely followed by the culturally significant New Year celebration, which involves larger public festivities and fireworks. The city of Baku transforms with decorations, lights, and Christmas trees, especially in public spaces like Nizami Street and the Old City (Icherisheher).

Santa Claus is known as "Şaxta Baba" (Father Frost). He is often accompanied by his granddaughter, Qar Qızı (Snow Maiden). They bring gifts on New Year's eve.

• 66.2% Shia
• 30.0% Sunni
• 2.42% Christianity
• 1.30% None
• 0.13% Other

Merry Christmas in Azerbaijan Languages

• Azerbaijani is 'Milad bayramınız mübarək'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva'

Azerbaijan Christmas recipes include:

Baliq

Dolma

Dograma

Pakhlava

Shakarbura

Tajikistan

Not a public Holiday

Public Christmas celebrations are effectively banned in Tajikistan, with restrictions including the prohibition of Christmas trees, gift-giving, and festive meals in schools and universities. The government has also banned the Russian "Father Frost" (Santa Claus) from television and tightened rules on other festive activities. Restrictions also apply to other celebrations like Halloween and have extended to aspects of events like weddings and funerals, as well as some public New Year's events. Tajikistan is a secular state, and restrictions are part of a broader effort to reduce Soviet and Russian influence and promote national traditions, as well as to prevent excessive spending and waste.

• 97.5% Islam
• 1.70% Unaffiliated
• 0.70% Christianity
• 0.20% Other Religions

Slovakia

24 Dec

Slovak Christmas traditions include several rituals on Christmas Eve, like the Christmas Eve dinner (Štedrý deň) which is meat-free and often features carp and potato salad. Before the meal, families share "oplatky" (Christmas wafers) with honey, have a cross of honey put on their foreheads, and slice an apple to check for a star-shaped pattern for good health. Gifts are opened after dinner, brought by "Baby Jesus". Other traditions include decorating the Christmas tree with various items and attending Midnight Mass. Christmas lasts for three days in total, often including St. Stephan's Day (Boxing Day). They also celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 5th. The eldest family member slices an apple, and if the seeds form a star, the family will have good health for the year. Carp scales are sometimes placed under the tablecloth to symbolize wealth for the coming year. Walnuts may be thrown into the corners of the room to bring prosperity and health to the family.

• 55.8% Roman Catholicism
• 23.8% No religion
• 9.00% Other Christians
• 6.50% Undeclared
• 4.00% Greek Catholicism
• 1.20% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Slovakia Languages

• Slovak is 'Veselé Vianoce'
• Hungarian is 'Boldog Karácsonyt'
• Rusyn is 'Chrystos roždajesja'
• Croatian is 'Sretan Božić'

Santa Claus is known as "Svätý Mikuláš" and "Ježiško"

Slovakia Christmas recipes include:

Kapustnica

Opekance / Bobalky

Lokše

Medovniky

Pirohy

Malaysia

25 Dec

Malaysia celebrates Christmas, and it is a national public holiday on December 25th. While the celebration is not as religious for the majority of the population as it is in some Western countries, it is widely observed as a commercial and festive holiday marked by shopping malls decorated with elaborate displays, holiday parties, gift exchanges, and special menus. Some communities, particularly in East Malaysia, might incorporate local traditions like playing instruments or gathering for special occasions outside of the more commercial aspects of the holiday.

• 63.5% Islam
• 18.7% Buddhism
• 9.10% Christianity
• 6.10% Hinduism
• 1.80% No religion
• 0.90% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Malaysia Languages

• Malay is ‘Selamat Hari Natal’
• Mandarin is ‘Shèngdàn kuàilè’
• Tamil is ‘Kiṟistumas vāḻttukkaḷ’
• Iban is ‘Selamat Hari Krismas’
• Kadazandusun is ‘Kotobian tadau Krismas’

Santa Claus is known as "Pater Noel"

Malaysia Christmas recipes include:

Rendang

Yee Sang

Nasi Lemak

Laksa

Pineapple Tarts

Zambia

25 Dec

Most of the locals dress up in their Sunday best and go to church on Christmas day. During church service, songs are sung, nativity scenes are acted out and in some cases dances are performed. Children are encouraged to bring a present to church to distribute to less fortunate children living in highly impoverished locations or those in hospitals. After church service, on Christmas day, it is a custom that all children go to one house and all the adults go to another house to have a party and eat.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Krismasi"

Zambia Christmas recipes include:

• 98.0% Christianity
• 1.30% No religion
• 0.50% Islam
• 0.50% Other

Nshima

Ifisashi

Sweet Potatoes in Groundnut Sauce

Beef Trotters

Vanilla cake

Merry Christmas in Zambia Languages

• Bemba is ‘Mwezi Mwezi’
• Nyanja is ‘Khirisimasi Yabwino’

Turkmenistan

1 Jan

Turkmenistan's major public winter celebration is New Year's, not Christmas. This holiday is marked by large public decorations, most notably the towering "Main Christmas Tree" in Ashgabat, which is lit in a ceremonial event. Due to its Soviet past, the country's traditions favor New Year's celebrations over Christmas, a legacy shared by many former Soviet republics. New Year's celebrations in Turkmenistan differ significantly between the capital, Ashgabat, and the provinces. In Ashgabat, large public events with official New Year's trees, concerts, and visits from "Father Frost and Snow Maiden" occur, sponsored by the government. However, in the provinces, authorities have been known to tone down or even ban private celebrations like fireworks, a policy sometimes attributed to safety concerns or government control and reinforced through sermons from state-appointed imams.

Merry Christmas in Turkmenistan Languages

• 95.8% Islam
• 3.00% No Religion
• 1.10% Christianity
• 0.10% Other

• Turkmen is 'Täze ýylyňyz gutly bolsun'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva'
• Uzbek is 'Rojdestvo muborak'
• Kazakh is 'Rojdestvo quttı bolsın'

Turkmenistan Christmas recipes include:

Santa Claus is known as "Ayaz Baba"

Plov

Dograma

Chekdirme

Chak-chak

Churek

Pishma

Djibouti

7 Jan

Christmas in djibouti is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. Midnight prayers, candlelight services, and children choirs sing on Christmas. All christian services of christmas are held as well, like morning sermons. Most of the western traditions of christmas are taken into consideration in djibouti, like gifts. But most of religious and christmas serices actually take place on the 7th of january, not on the 25 of december.

Merry Christmas in Djibouti Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel" or "Santa Clós"

• 94% to 98% Islam (mostly Sunni)
• 1% to 2% Christianity
• 1.1% Non-religious
• <1% Other

• Somalian is 'Kirismas Farxada leh'
• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Afar is 'Meqe qiisah ubukyah ayro'

Djibouti Christmas recipes include:

Laxoox

Bariis iyo kaluun

Cambaboor

Xalwo (halwa)

Skoudehkaris

El Salvador

25 Dec

Christmas in El Salvador blends religious traditions with vibrant celebrations, featuring midnight masses (Misa de Gallo), elaborate nativity scenes (Nacimientos), festive family feasts with turkey sandwiches & tamales, fireworks, and gifts exchanged on Christmas Eve for kids, focusing on Baby Jesus, though Santa appears too, all culminating in joy and togetherness, especially for the kids getting new clothes and toys.

Santa Claus is El Niño Dios (Baby Jesus), who brings presents.

• Protestantism 47.0%
• Catholicism 36.8%
• No religion 13.0%
• Others 1.55%

Merry Christmas in El Salvador Languages

El Salvador Christmas recipes include:

Yuca con Chicharrón

Tamales

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Nawat is 'Cualli Tlaneci'

Hongos Rellenos

Sopa de Gallina India

Bunuelos

Merry Christmas

I wish you a wonderful Holiday, which ever type you celebrate, and hope you have a wonderful time filled with peace, joy and love. This map has been a lovely thing to create and I loved exploring the cultural stories of the different countries. Please let me know, if I have made a mistake, as I worked very hard and any mistake was unintentional. Peace and joy to you and your family.

Maxine Stockton https://maxinechaostheory.com/

France

25 Dec

French Christmas traditions include the Réveillon, a large, multi-course Christmas Eve feast, and the celebration of Père Noël (Father Christmas), who fills children's shoes with gifts. Families decorate a Christmas tree, attend Midnight Mass, and some regions have specific traditions like the 13 desserts of Provence. Some families in the Provence region have a tradition of serving 13 different desserts to represent Jesus and his apostles. An old tradition involves burning a yule log, sometimes sprinkled with red wine to make it smell nice as it burns.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

• 47.0% Catholicism
• 33.0% No religion
• 9.00% Unspecified
• 4.00% Islam
• 2.00% Protestantism

France Christmas recipes include:

• 2.00% Buddhism
• 1.00% Orthodoxy
• 1.00% Judaism
• 1.00% Others

Roasted French Turkey

Foie gras

Gougères

Galette des Rois

Bûche de Noël

Merry Christmas in France Languages

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Occitan is 'Bon Nadal'

Uzbekistan

Not a public holiday

The main winter holiday is New Year's Eve, celebrated on December 31st, which incorporates many traditions that are associated with Christmas in other countries. Cities are decorated with festive lights, and a Christmas tree, or its equivalent, is put up in homes and central squares. Fireworks are a popular feature, especially in Tashkent. The New Year's celebration is a major event with concerts, parties, and other festive programs, particularly in Tashkent. While the country has religious freedom, the law restricts proselytizing among ethnic Uzbeks, meaning Christmas is not a widely observed or publicly celebrated religious holiday for the majority population.

• 96.3% Islam
• 2.20% Christianity
• 1.40% Other religion
• 0.10% No religion

Merry Christmas in Uzbekistan Languages

• Uzbek is 'Rojdestvo bayramingiz bilan'
• Russian is ‘Schastlivogo Rozhdestva’
• Persian is 'Krismas Mobarak'
• Kyrgyz is 'Rojdestvo mayramı menen'
• Turkmen is 'Täze ýylyňyz gutly bolsun'

Santa Claus is known as "Qorbobo". He is accompanied by his granddaughter, Qorqiz.

Uzbekistan Christmas recipes include:

Plov

Shashlik

Lagman

Manti

Shivit Oshi

Togo

25 Dec/ 10 Jan

The largest annual public celebration, Vodun Day in Benin, is held on January 10th. While Christmas celebrations are held in some areas with Voodoo practices, such as on Christmas Eve in Ouidah, the primary public Voodoo festival happens in January, dedicated to traditional religion.

Santa Claus goes by "Papa Keresimesi (Papa Christmas)"

Togo Christmas recipes include:

Akoumé

Jollof rice

Fufu

Waakye

Nugbagba

Merry Christmas in Togo Languages

• Christianity (47.8%)
• Traditional faiths (33.0%)
• Islam (18.4%)
• Baháʼí (0.50%)
• None/Other (0.30%)

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Ewe is 'Blunya na wo'
• Kabiyé is ‘Tɛʋ kɩɖɛʋ ŋgʋ pakʋyɩ-ŋgʋ!’
• Yoruba is 'E ku odun, e ku iye'dun'
• Hausa is 'barka dà Kirsìmatì'

Antigua and Barbuda

25 Dec

Christmas in Antigua and Barbuda blends religious services, festive lights, steel bands, and unique cultural traditions like the masked Highlanders (Scottish heritage) and the terrifying Long Ghosts, alongside modern parties, local food (Christmas Bush, festive cakes), house-to-house visits, and the famous Nelson's Dockyard Champagne Party, celebrating community and heritage with music and feasting. In Antigua & Barbuda folklore, Long Ghosts (or Long John/John Bull) are traditional Christmas masqueraders, tall figures with heads high in gallery windows, seeking donations, blending European ghost lore with local African spiritual beliefs, acting as "jumbies" (spirits) during festive seasons, evolving from old traditions but distinct from figures like the vampire-like Soucouyant, representing a unique fusion of cultures.

• Christianity 93%
• Spiritists/Folk Religions 3 - 4%
• Unaffiliated 1 - 2%
• Baha'i Faith 1%
• Muslims 0.3 - 0.6%

Merry Christmas in Antigua and Barbuda Languages

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Antigua and Barbuda recipes include:

Pepperpot & Fungee

Antiguan Ducana and Salt Fish

Ducana

Black Cake

Johnny Cakes

Chile

25 Dec

Chilean Christmas is a summer celebration centered on a big Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) family dinner with roasted meats, Pan de Pascua cake, and Cola de Mono drink, followed by midnight gift-opening from "Viejito Pascuero" (Santa) and placing Baby Jesus in the nativity scene. Traditions blend with European and U.S. influences, featuring trees, lights, carols, and sometimes beach gatherings, all under warm summer skies.

Santa Claus is known as "Viejito Pascuero"

• 53.7% Catholicism
• 25.7% No religion
• 16.2% Protestantism
• 4.33% Other religions

Chile Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Chile Languages

Asado

Cazuela de Ave

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidadl'

Pastel de Choclo

Pan de Pascua

Leche Asada

Guernsey

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in Guernsey include the traditional feast and folk customs from La Longue Veille on December 23rd, which involves a special spread of Guernsey biscuits, cheese, galettes, and mulled wine. Another notable tradition is the Christmas Day diving in the St Peter Port Harbour, a popular, organized event that requires prior permission from the harbourmaster. This is only possible because fewer boats are scheduled to move on this day. Divers must have a surface marker buoy, a support vessel, and provide a risk assessment and safety plan to Guernsey Ports. On Christmas Eve, there was a folk belief that all cattle kneel at midnight in remembrance of the manger. Another superstition was that the water in the wells turned to wine on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas in Guernsey Languages

• 98% Catholic
• 2% Other

• Guernésiais is 'bouan Noué'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Guernsey recipes include:

Seafood Chowder

Guernsey Gâche

Potato Pie

Guernsey Bean Jar

Gâche Mêlaïe

Qatar

Not a public holiday

While not an official holiday, Christmas is widely celebrated by the large Christian and expat community in Qatar.Many hotels and malls host Christmas-themed events, such as tree lighting ceremonies, special dinners, and festive markets. Winter Wonderland is a popular attraction, offering festive decorations, ice skating, and other holiday-themed activities. Instead of a public holiday, Qatar focuses on the "festive season," a period when various hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas menus and events.

• 65.5% Islam
• 15.4% Christianity
• 14.0% Hinduism
• 3.00% Buddhism
• 2.00% Other religions/Unaffiliated

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Nwel"

Merry Christmas in Qatar Languages

Qatar Christmas recipes include:

Machboos

Madrouba

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

Kousa mahshi

Warak enab

Ageeli

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Israel

Christmas is not a public holiday

Christmas is not a public holiday in Israel, but Christians, who make up about 2.5% of the population, celebrate in places like Nazareth, Jaffa, and Jerusalem. Celebrations often include religious services, concerts, and markets, and they are concentrated in Christian communities or tourist areas rather than being widespread across the country. Public festivities can be found in specific areas, including the Old City of Jerusalem and in cities like Nazareth and Haifa. The "Holiday of Holidays" festival in Haifa is one example, blending Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.

Santa Claus is known as "Issa Kassissieh"

• 7.30% Judaism–Haredi
• 4.80% Others
• 1.90% Christianity
• 1.60% Druze

• 33.1% Judaism–Hiloni
• 24.3% Judaism–Masorti
• 18.1% Islam
• 8.80% Judaism–Dati

Merry Christmas in Israel Languages

Israel Christmas recipes include:

Maqluba

Malfouf

• Hebrew is ‘Chag Molad Sameach’
• Arabic is ‘Eid milad majid’
• Russian is ‘Schastlivogo Rozhdestva’

Ma'amoul

Tamriyeh

Sufganiyot

Aruba

25 Dec

Aruba's Christmas traditions blend Dutch, South American, and Caribbean influences with island flair, featuring unique foods like Ayacas, Ponche Crema, and Oliebollen, festive markets with crafts and carols, local decorations (even Santa on the beach!), holiday shopping, special dining, and events like ice skating, creating a lively, multicultural island Christmas experience.

Santa Claus is known as ' Sinterklaas'

Aruba recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Aruba Languages

• Roman Catholicism 75 - 82%
• Protestantism 5 - 9%.
• Islam 0.2 - 0.5%
• Other Faiths 8.5 - 19.8%

Arroz con Gandules

Pernil Asado

• Dutch is 'Vrolijk Kerstfeest'
• Papiamento is 'Bon Pasco'

Coquito

Bacalaitos

Tembleque

Lithuania

24 Dec

Lithuanian Christmas traditions center around Kūčios, a Christmas Eve vigil with a meatless, 12-dish meal that includes dishes like poppy seed milk and herring. Before the meal, families share Christmas wafers (o-płatek), breaking off a piece from each other to exchange good wishes. The meal symbolizes the 12 apostles or months of the year. An extra place is set at the table for deceased relatives, and food is left out overnight for their visiting spirits. Hay is placed under the tablecloth, and rituals are performed to predict future fortunes, such as pulling a stalk of hay to guess the length and quality of the coming year. On Christmas eve it is common to ensuring the health of animals, such as wrapping fruit trees in straw and giving animals special food. It is believed that animals can speak at midnight.

Merry Christmas in Lithuania Languages

• 74.2% Catholicism
• 13.7% Undeclared
• 6.30% No religion
• 4.40% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 0.70% Other religions
• 0.56% Lutheranism
• 0.27% Other Christians

Santa Claus is known as "Kalėdų Senelis/Senis Šaltis"

• Lithuanian is 'Linksmų Kalėdų'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'
• Polish is 'Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzenia

Lithuania Christmas recipes include:

Kūčiukai

White Salad

Sildesalat

Spanguolių kisielius

Poppy Seed Milk

The 1st and 2nd of January are public holidays in Kazakhstan and the 7th January was made a public holiday in 2007.

Kazakhstan

Some non Orthodox christians might celebrate Christmas on December 25th or sometimes the Sunday before. They have also translated some English songs into Kazakh and Russian and there are a few traditional songs that were composed in Kazakhstan, but they normally sing their usual worship songs in Church on the day they celebrate Christmas. When Kazakhstan was part of the USSR, all religions were banned and the government made the New Year celebrations important - that's why they are still more important than Christmas today - even after 25 years after the collapse of the USSR. In fact Kazakhstan finalized independence from the USSR on December 25th 1991! Kazakhstan Independence Day is celebrated on 16th December, the date is the first officially Independence declared from the Soviet Union.

Kazakhstan Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Kazakhstan Languages

• 69.3% Islam
• 17.2% Christianity
• 11.0% Undeclared
• 2.30% No religion
• 0.20% Other Religions

Santa Claus is known as Snow Father/Father Frost/Grandfather Frost, called 'Ayaz Ata' (Аяз Ата) in Kazakh. He often travels with 'Kar Kız' (which means 'Snow Girl' or 'Snow Maiden') who is his granddaughter

Beshbarmak

Pilaf

• Kazakh is ‘Rojdestvo qutty bolsyn’
• Russian is ‘Schastlivogo Rozhdestva’

Manty

Baursak

Zhent (Jent)

Palau

25 Dec

Christmas in Palau, a predominantly Catholic nation, centers on faith, family, and feasting, with major traditions including attending church services on Christmas Eve/Day, singing carols (often with lively, unique Palauan flair), exchanging gifts, and sharing large celebratory meals with relatives and community, blending Christian customs with local community spirit and tropical island life.

Santa Claus has no specific name in Palau

Palau recipes include:

Taro Rösti

• 46.9% Roman Catholicism
• 25.9% Protestantism
• 12.3% Others
• 5.10% Modekngei/Indigenous religion
• 5.00% Seventh-day Adventist
• 4.90% Islam/Muslims

Merry Christmas in Palau Languages

Korokke

Roasted Pork

• Palauan is ‘Ungil Kurismas’

Black Chickpea Rice

Mango Seboseb

Kenya

25 Dec

People try to be home for Christmas Eve, so they can help with the Christmas preparations. Houses and churches are often decorated with colorful balloons, ribbons, paper decorations, flowers and green leaves. For a Christmas Tree, some people will have a Cyprus tree. In Kenya, Santa doesn't arrive with his Reindeer but might well come by Land-rover, Camel or even a bike! Many people, especially Christians, will go to a Midnight Church Service. Some people will also go to Church on Christmas morning (if they haven't fallen asleep from partying all night!). Only small gifts are normally exchanged and sometimes food and gifts are provided by missionary organisations.

• 33.4% Protestantism
• 20.6% Catholicism
• 20.4% Evangelicalism
• 10.9% Islam
• 7.00% African-initiated church

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Krismasi"

Kenya Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Kenya Languages

Help the vulnerable:

UNHCR

• Swahili/Kiswahili is 'Heri ya Krismasi'
• Maasai is 'nchipai e Kirismas'

Nyama choma

Save the Children

• 4.10% Other Christian
• 1.80% Other religion
• 1.80% No religion/Unknown

Biryani

GlobalGiving

Pilau rice

Ugali

Kachumbari

Netherlands

24 Dec

St. Nicholas' Day is on the 6th December, but in The Netherlands, the major celebrations are held on the 5th December, St. Nicholas' Eve. The name Santa Claus comes from the name Sinterklaas. It all starts on the Saturday after St Martin's Day (11th November) when Sinterklaas arrives in a city or town in The Netherlands. This is known as 'Sinterklaas intocht' (Sinterklaas's arrival). Dutch tradition says that St. Nicholas lives in Madrid, Spain and every year he chooses a different harbour/city to arrive in. Sinterklass travels with his servants called 'Zwarte Pieten' ('Black Peters') or 'Sooty Pieten'/'Roetpieten' (Sooty or Chimney Peters). When Sinterklaas and the Piets come ashore from the steam boat, all of the local church bells ring in celebration. Sinterklaas, dressed in his red robes, leads a procession through the town, riding a white horse. Every town in The Netherlands has a few Sinterklaas helpers, dressed the same as Sinterklaas and the Piets who help give the presents out. On Christmas Eve night, Dutch Children believe that Santa Claus, (who is also called 'Christmas man' / 'Kerstman' to avoid confusion with Sinterklaas!) comes from Lapland in Finland to deliver more presents!

Merry Christmas in Netherlands Languages

• 56.0% No religion
• 17.0% Catholicism
• 14.0% Protestantism
• 7.00% Other
• 6.00% Islam

• Dutch is 'Prettige Kers'
• Frisian is 'Noflike Krystdagen'
• Limburgish is 'Veujlege Keersmisse'

Santa Claus is known as "Kerstman"

Netherlands Christmas recipes include:

Stoofpeertjes

Kerststol

Pasteitjes

Oliebollen

Banketstaaf

Russia

6 Jan

Russian Christmas traditions include a 40-day Nativity Fast, the Holy Supper on Christmas Eve (January 6th) with 12 meatless dishes, and attending midnight church services. Many Russians celebrate the main holiday, which is often overshadowed by New Year, on January 7th according to the Julian calendar. Other customs include caroling, fortune-telling, and decorating a New Year's tree (though it is also associated with Christmas). The period between Christmas and Epiphany is known as Svyatki, a time for traditional folklore, fortune-telling, and caroling.

• 67% Orthodox Christianity
• 10% to 11% Islam
• 11% to 15 Unaffiliated
• 2% Other Christians
• 1% to 2% Protestantism
• 1% Buddhism
• < 1% Judaism

Merry Christmas in Russia Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Ded Moroz" and his grandaughter "Snegurochka" (Snow maiden)

Russia Christmas recipes include:

• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'
• Tatar is 'Räisä Gıyelä'

Pelmeni

Pirozhki

Kholodets

Kutia

Blueberry Piroshki

Guinea

25 Dec

Common celebrations include attending midnight mass, which often involves both Christians and non-Christians, and enjoying a special meal, often with meat like chicken or pork, on Christmas Day. Many Christian traditions of the wider region are adapted to local life, with some families decorating with elements like palm fronds, a West African tradition.

Santa Claus has no traditional name in Guinea.

Guinea Christmas recipes include:

Chicken stew

Fufu

Spicy Fried Rice

Pea and cilantro soup

Chicken

• 85% Muslim
• 8% Christian
• 7% Indigenous beliefs

Merry Christmas in Guinea Languages

• Fula is 'Jabbama be salla Kirismati'
• Malinké is ‘Bara Kisimusu Jamma’

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Susu is ‘Issa barigné gnalakhin yi’

Costa Rica

25 Dec

Costa Rican Christmas traditions blend religious reverence with lively cultural celebrations, featuring elaborate nativity scenes (El Portal), tropical decorations with flowers and lights, the festive Festival de la Luz parade, and post-Christmas events like the Tope (horse parade) and Carnaval, all while enjoying Pura Vida spirit and sharing tamales. Festival de la Luz: A massive, dazzling parade in San José around mid-December with musicians, floats, and lights, kicking off the holiday season. Please see link for a video:

Merry Christmas in Costa Rica Languages

• 50.0% Catholicism
• 31.0% Protestantism
• 16.0% No religion
• 3.00% Other

Santa Claus is known as "Santa Cló"

Costa Rica Christmas recipes include:

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Bribri is '¡Ké'e Kékö!'
• Ukrainian is 'shchaslyvoho Rizdva'

Arracache Hash

Ensalada Navideña

Rompope

Baked Pork Leg

Queque Navideño

Liberia

25 Dec

Colorful lights, palm fronds, and unique African fabrics are used to adorn spaces, creating a festive atmosphere that is distinctly Liberian. Music and dance play a significant role in the celebrations, with local churches and communities organizing events that feature traditional songs and dances. In Liberia, "dancing devils" are a vibrant and unique Christmas tradition, embodying local cultural spirits that have been incorporated into holiday celebrations. The dancing devils originate from traditional festivals of secret societies like the Poro and Sande.

• 84.9% Christianity
• 12.0% Islam
• 2.60% No religion
• 0.50% Indigenous Religions

Santa Claus goes by "Old Man Bayka"

Merry Christmas in Liberia Languages

Liberia Christmas recipes include:

Jollof rice

Fried plantains

• Kpelle is ‘E keresemesi yɛɛla o!’
• Bassa is ‘Mbɔŋ Krismas’

Christmas chin chin

Da Klah Chi

Liberian Cake

British Virgin Islands

25 Dec

A legendary, rum-fueled beach party on Jost Van Dyke. "The Burning of the Socks" A symbolic event marking the start of the sunny holiday season, notes Dream Yacht Charter. Christmas on Main Street (Tortola) A multi-day festival with steel pan, Fungi bands, dancers, and vendors. Beach BBQs & Swimming: Christmas morning often involves opening gifts, then heading to the beach for swimming, games, and BBQ. Music & Culture: Local performances by groups like the Heritage Dancers and steel pan bands are central. Santa in the Tropics: Santa still visits, with cookies (or rum!) and presents under the tree, despite the lack of chimneys.

Merry Christmas in British Virgin Islands Languages

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

• 58.78% Protestant
• 22.98% Other Christian
• 8.39% Indigenous Religion
• 6.85% Non-religious

• 2.81% Catholic
• 2.40% Other Religions
• 1.19% Hindu
• 1.15% Muslims

British Virgin Islands recipes include:

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

Conch fritters

Kalaloo

Guavaberry tart

Baked Mac 'n' Cheese

Rum Cake

Sweden

24 Dec

The Swedish Christmas spirit starts to take off during November, often coinciding with much of the country transforming into a winter wonderland. From the 1st of December, the days until Christmas are counted down on an Advent calendar – each of the four Advent Sundays are social events in their own right, marked by lighting a new candle in a four-candle candelabra. The Swedish Christmas lead-up is sprinkled with events and customs. 13 December is a significant date – this is when Swedes celebrate Saint Lucia Day to mark the winter solstice. Held in schools, workplaces, churches and community halls, the celebration involves a procession of girls and boys – or indeed men and women – wearing white gowns and carrying candles, singing songs to celebrate Saint Lucia, the bearer of light. Though the entire Christmas season centres on socialising over a treat or two, Christmas Eve is the main event.

• 53.2% Church of Sweden (Lutheran)
• 37.9% No religion
• 3.50% Other Protestants
• 2.10% Islam
• 1.50% Eastern Orthodox Church
• 1.20% Catholic Church
• 0.40% Other religions
• 0.20% Other Christian

Merry Christmas in Swedish Languages

Santa Claus is known as " Jultomten (Yule Gnome)" or "Tomte"

• Swedish is 'God Jul'
• Finnish is 'Hyvää joulua'
• Sámi is 'Buorit juovllat'
• Romani is 'Baxtalo Krećuno'
• Yiddish is 'A freylekhn nitl'

Sweden Christmas recipes include:

Köttbullar

Julskinka

Moon Cakes

Risgrynsgröt

Janssons Frestelse

Fiji

25 Dec

Fijian Christmas blends Christian traditions with local culture, focusing on faith, family, and feasts, featuring church services, caroling, and Meke (traditional dances), all centered around large communal meals cooked in an underground oven called a Lovo, with dishes like Palusami, and drinking Kava. Celebrations run for days, incorporating beach activities, outdoor parties, and decorating homes with ribbons and lights, all under the warm summer sun.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Fiji Christmas recipes include:

• 69.2% Christianity
• 24.0% Hinduism
• 5.75% Islam
• 1.04% Other

Lovo

Kokoda

Palusami

Pineapple custard pie

Spiced chicken curry

Merry Christmas in Fiji Languages

• Fijian is ‘Marau na Kerisimasi’
• Hindi is 'Krisamas kee badhaee'

Anguilla

25 Dec

Anguillian Christmas traditions blend Christian celebrations with unique island flavors, focusing on family, feasting, and community, featuring festive foods like ham, sorrel, ginger wine, sweet potato pudding, church services with music, and a strong emphasis on sharing, generosity, and reflecting on the year's blessings within a warm, island atmosphere.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Anguilla recipes include:

Stuffing & Gravy

Roast Turkey

• 40.7% Other Protestant/Pentecostal
• 22.7% Anglican
• 19.4% Methodist
• 8.3% Seventh-day Adventist

• 5.7% Roman Catholic
• 4-4.5% Unspecified
• 1.1% Jehovah's Witnesses

Rum Punch

Pigeon peas with rice

Black Cake

Merry Christmas in Anguilla Languages

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• Danish is 'Glædelig jul!'

Panama

25 Dec

Panama's Christmas blends Catholic traditions with tropical flair, featuring vibrant lights, nativity scenes (Belenes), festive music ( gaitas), and big family feasts with dishes like Panamanian tamales, arroz con pollo, and roast pork ( lechón) on Christmas Eve ( Noche Buena), capped by midnight fireworks and present openings, with Papa Noel (Santa) delivering gifts, especially for kids on Epiphany (Kings' Day).

Santa Claus is known as "Papa Noel"

• 63.2% Catholicism
• 25.0% Evangelicalism
• 7.59% Irreligion
• 1.44% Jehova's Witnesses
• 1.24% Seventh-day Adventist
• 0.57% Mormonism
• 0.46% Buddhism
• 0.45% Other

Merry Christmas in Panama Languages

Panama Christmas recipes include:

Tamales

Pernil

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Ngäbere is 'Kòr kòr-wa'
• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Rosca de Pan

Ensalada de Papas y Remolacha

Bunuelos

Burundi

25 Dec

Instead of traditional Christmas trees, homes are decorated with natural materials like palm and banana leaves, and celebrations often involve music, dancing, and storytelling. Children typically receive a new outfit, and some communities engage in charitable gift-giving to those less fortunate. Gifts are sometimes carried in ornate baskets decorated with banana leaves

Santa Claus goes by "Baba Krismasi"

Burundi Christmas recipes include:

• 93.4% Christianity
• 4.30% Traditional faiths
• 2.10% Islam
• 0.20% Other / None

Boko Boko Harees

Ibiharage

Sweet corn salad

Coconut Rice

Plantains

Merry Christmas in Burundi Languages

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Kirundi is ‘Noheli nziza’

Latvia

24 Dec

In Latvia the traditions are intertwined with pagan winter solstice celebrations. Rolling a large wooden log around the house is a tradition said to drive away evil spirits and symbolize the burning away of the old year's troubles. Some traditions involve eating nine different dishes to ensure good luck and happiness in the new year. Traditional Christmas meals originally did not include meat (pagan tradition), but modern celebrations often feature meat alongside vegetarian options. Gifts are placed under the Christmas tree and exchanged after the meal. To receive a gift, children are often required to sing a song, recite a poem, or play a musical instrument for the family.

• 36.51% Lutheranism
• 31.09% None
• 18.7% Catholicism
• 13.49% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 1.42% Other Christians
• 0.03% Other

Merry Christmas in Latvia Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Ziemassvētku vecītis"

Latvia Christmas recipes include:

• Latvian is 'Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'

Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi

Pīrāgi

Skābēti kāposti

Piparkūkas

Blackcurrant Balsam, Barley

Comoros

25 Dec is a public holiday, but is not observed publicly

Recognize that while Christmas is a public holiday, it is not a mainstream cultural celebration for the majority of the population. Public displays may be uncommon, but individuals are not restricted from private celebrations.

Legal Status: Islam is the state religion. While the constitution guarantees religious freedom, proselytizing for religions other than Sunni Islam is illegal and can be punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Santa Claus has no specific name in Comoros

Comoros recipes include:

• 98% Sunni Islam
• 2.00% Shia Muslim, Roman Catholic, and Protestant

Merry Christmas in Comoros Languages

Akoho sy voanio

Ambrevades au curry

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• French is 'Joyeux noël'

Langouste a la vanille

Mkatra siniya

Pilaou

Jordan

25 Dec

In Jordan, Christmas holidays begin in early December. Usually on Christmas Eve the family gathers in eldest member’s house. In general, spending time with the family is considered one of the most important values, especially during Christmas and other holidays. In Jordan's capital of Amman, the joy of Christmas is contagious and the excitement goes beyond the Christian community, reaching out the whole city while the children eagerly await Santa Claus. Christian or non-Christian, all Jordanians celebrate Christmas with joy and excitement. You will see glimpses of red and green lights start sparkling from behind the windows of the little shops in Amman that will leave you with a joyful spirit.

Merry Christmas in Jordan Languages

Jordan Christmas recipes include:

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

Mahshi

Maqluba

• 97.1% Islam
• 2.10% Christianity
• 0.80% Other

Kunafa

Maamoul

Santa Claus is known as "Baba No'el"

Basbousa

Argentina

25 Dec

Christmas traditions in Argentina center on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), with families gathering for a late dinner of roasted meats and salads, followed by desserts like pan dulce and panettone. Celebrations include attending mass, exchanging gifts after midnight, watching fireworks, and toasting. The holiday season extends to Three Kings' Day (Día de los Reyes) on January 6th, when children place shoes out for gifts.

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel"

• 62.2% Catholicism
• 15.1% Protestantism
• 18.7% None
• 1.98% Islam
• 1.98% Others

Argentina Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Argentina Languages

Asado

Stuffed Pionono

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'

Vitel Toné

Waldorf Salad

Stuffed Tomatoes

Tuvalu

25 Dec

Tuvalu celebrates Christmas with strong community and family focus, marked by church services, large feasts (often with local foods), singing, and lively performances of the traditional fatele dance in local attire, blending Christian themes with unique island traditions, gift-giving of local crafts, and a generally joyful, communal atmosphere.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Tuvalu Christmas recipes include:

• 86.0% Church of Tuvalu
• 10.0% Other Christian
• 2.00% Other religions
• 1.00% Baháʼí Faith
• 1.00% Not stated

Palooami

Funafuna

Pumpkin Curry

Coconut Pudding

Tuvalu Tuna

Merry Christmas in Tuvalu Languages

• Tuvaluan is ‘Manuia te Kilisimasi’

Tanzania

25 Dec

People in Tanzania deeply connect Christmas to the New Year. The celebrations flow from one into the other, turning December into a full season of joy. Families who gather for Christmas often stay together through the New Year, keeping the festive spirit alive. Villages host dances, concerts, and football matches that carry on past Christmas Day. Weddings are also common during this time, so the season becomes a double celebration for many families.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Krismasi"

Tanzania Christmas recipes include:

Pilau

Nyama choma

• 57.0% Christianity
• 37.0% Islam
• 6.00% Other / None

Biryani

Vitumbua

Ugali

Mandazi

Merry Christmas in Tanzania Languages

• Swahili is ‘Heri ya Krismasi’
• Arabic is ‘Eid Milad Majid’

Zimbabwe

25 Dec

For most people in Zimbabwe, Christmas day starts with a Church service. After the Church service, everyone has a party in their homes and people go from house to house, visiting all of their family and friends on the way home! Sometimes, this can take all of the rest of the day! At every house you have something to eat, exchange presents and enjoy the party.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Claus"

Zimbabwe Christmas recipes include:

Beef stew

Sadza

Dovi Chicken Stew

Nhopi

Merry Christmas in Zimbabwe Languages

• 69.2% Protestantism
• 10.2% No religion
• 8.00% Catholicism
• 6.90% Other Christians

• 4.50% Traditional faiths
• 0.70% Muslim
• 0.50% Other faiths

• Shona is 'Muve neKisimusi'
• Ndebele is 'Izilokotho Ezihle Zamaholdeni'
• Xhosa/isiXhosa is 'Krismesi emnandi'
• Zulu it's 'uKhisimusi oMuhle'
• Nyanja/Chewa/Chichewa is 'Moni Wa Chikondwelero Cha Kristmasi'

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Cayman Islands

25 Dec

Cayman Islands Christmas traditions blend religious observance (Midnight Mass), festive gatherings (tea parties, caroling), and unique local touches like "sand backing" for a "white Christmas," festive lights ("pepper lights"), carol-singing "marching" groups (historically), and markets, creating a warm, Caribbean holiday with beach vibes and community spirit.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Merry Christmas in Cayman Islands Languages

• 67% Christianity
• 27% No religion
• 2.8% Not specified
• 2.4% Hinduism
• 0.4% Islam
• 0.3% Rastafari
• 0.2% Judaism

Cayman Islands recipes include:

Callaloo

Stewed Oxtail

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Tagalog is'Maligayang Pasko'

Johnny Cakes

Pates

Caribbean Fruit Salad

San Marino

24 Dec

San Marino celebrates with a "Christmas of Wonders" event featuring elaborate lights, Christmas markets in the historic center, and an ice-skating rink set up in the Crossbowmen's Quarry. Visitors can enjoy unique activities like the "Polar Express" train experience and a toy factory, while shopping for local crafts and food, and immersing themselves in the festive, fairytale atmosphere atop Mount Titano.

Santa Claus is known as "Babbo Natale"

San Marino Christmas recipes include:

• 91.5% Christian
• 5.60% Agnosticism
• 1.90% Atheism
• 1.00% Other

Merry Christmas in San Marino Languages

Strozzapreti

Pasta e Ceci

• Italian and Sammarinese is 'Buon Natale'

Bustrengo

Torta Titano

Cioccolata Calda

Burkina Faso

25 Dec

Making of a Christmas feast in Burkina Faso

Christmas in Burkina Faso is a significant celebration, marked by family gatherings, community meals, and church services on December 25th. A key tradition involves children building nativity scenes from clay, straw, and other materials, sometimes competing for the best one. Celebrations focus on sharing food and communal joy, although gift-giving is less central than in some other cultures.

Santa Claus goes by "Père Noël"

Burkina Faso Christmas recipes include:

Bissup Hibiscus Drink

Thiakry

• Islam (63.8%)
• Christianity (26.3%)
• Indigenous beliefs (9.00%)
• Others / None (0.90%)

Boussan Touba

Tô Tô

Banfora

Merry Christmas in Burkina Faso Languages

• Mòoré is ‘Nedese barka’
• Fula is 'Jabbama be salla Kirismati'

Mauritania

Not a public Holiday

Mauritius has a very diversified population, with only about 30% being Christian. However Christmas is celebrated by almost everyone, with Christian and non-Christian alike getting together as families and exchanging gifts

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Mauritania Christmas recipes include:

Adrar Mechoui

Couscous

Benafé

Thieboudienne

Maru

Firire

Merry Christmas in Mauritania Languages

• 70% Sunni Islam
• 30% Christian

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Pulaar is 'Ñalawma barkinaaku Krismas'
• Soninke is 'Kirismasu barka'
• Wolof is 'Nowelu jàmm'

Rwanda

In Kigali, the capital city, Christmas is a lively affair. Shops and homes are decorated with festive lights and colors. While the weather is often warm, the Christmas spirit is felt in every corner of the city. The churches are filled with joyful hymns, and the streets are abuzz with activity as people prepare for their family gatherings. The local markets overflow with seasonal goods, from vibrant clothing to festive foods, and the city is alive with the energy of the season.

Santa Claus goes by "Baba Krismasi"

Rwanda Christmas recipes include:

Matoke

• 40.0% Catholicism
• 21.0% Pentecostal
• 15.0% Protestant
• 12.0% Seventh-day Adventist

• 4.00% Other Christian
• 3.00% None
• 3.00% Other
• 2.00% Muslim

Isombe

Ukunyomora

Akabanga

Ibihaza

Merry Christmas in Rwanda Languages

• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Kinyarwanda is ‘Noheri nziza’
• Swahili is ‘Heri ya Krismasi’

Saint Lucia

25 Dec

Saint Lucia's Christmas traditions blend local Caribbean flair with influences from its French, African, and British heritage, featuring church services (Midnight Mass), festive meals (ham, turkey, sorrel, local dishes), homemade treats like fruitcake, and vibrant community spirit with caroling and lights, all culminating in a focus on family and religious observance, distinct from the European St. Lucia Day on Dec 13th.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Saint Lucia recipes include:

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

• 50.6% Roman Catholic
• 14.1% None
• 10.8% Seventh-day Adventist
• 9.00% Pentecostal

• 5.60% Other Christians
• 4.10% Not stated
• 2.60% Other religions
• 1.40% Rastafarian

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Merry Christmas in Saint Lucia Languages

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’

North Macedonia

24 Dec

Starting early on January 5th, children (and sometimes adults) go door-to-door singing carols to bless the household and are rewarded with gifts like fruits, nuts, and money. Following the caroling, large bonfires are lit in communities, with people gathering to socialize and celebrate. Individuals may also light smaller fires at home. A log, traditionally from an oak tree, is brought into the home and placed on the fire as a symbolic welcoming of Christ's birth. A special bread is prepared with a coin baked inside. The family shares slices, and the person who finds the coin is said to have good luck for the upcoming year.

• 46.1% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 32.2% Islam
• 13.9% Other Christian
• 7.27% Others
• 0.37% Catholicism
• 0.13% None

Merry Christmas in North Macedonia Languages

Santa Claus is known as " Dedo Mraz"

North Macedonia Christmas recipes include:

• Macedonian is 'Sreḱen Božik'
• Albanian is 'Gëzuar Krishtlindjet'

Ajvar

Tavče gravče

Pogacha

Halva

Ohridska Torta

South Korea

25 Dec

Similar to Valentine's Day, Christmas is primarily a romantic holiday for couples to go on dates, exchange gifts, and enjoy special outings at restaurants, cafes, and hotels. Cities, especially Seoul, are decorated with extensive Christmas lights and displays at department stores (like Lotte and Shinsegae), public areas (like Seoul Plaza and Cheonggyecheon), and large-scale lighting festivals. Gift-giving is not widespread like in some Western countries.

Santa Claus is called Santa Haraboji (Grandpa Santa) who wears green robes and a and a tall Korean hat called a "gat".

• 50.7% Irreligion
• 31.3% Christianity
• 17.0% Buddhism
• 1.00% Other

South Korea Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in South Korea Languages

Tteokguk

Bulgogi

• Korean is 'Meli keuliseumaseu'

Sujeonggwa

Baesuk

Steamed rice cakes

Estonia

24 Dec

The President of Estonia officially declares Christmas Peace on December 24, a 350-year-old tradition. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children leave out slippers or socks on their window ledge for elves to fill with sweets. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree was adopted in the mid-19th century and is now a key part of celebrations. In folk traditions, straw was sometimes brought into the home for good luck and fertility, and was used to make beds for visiting spirits. Families would leave food on the table for deceased relatives and keep a fire burning all night so spirits could celebrate with the living. St. Thomas's Day (December 21) celebrations historically began on this day, and it was also a time for fortune-telling based on the weather. In Estonia, Santa Claus is known as Jõuluvana, which means "Old Yule" or "Christmas Old Man". Traditionally, Jõuluvana visits homes in person, and children must recite a poem or sing a song to receive gifts.

• 58.6% No religion
• 16.3% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 12.7% Undeclared
• 7.70% Lutheranism
• 2.70% Other Christians

• 0.90% Other religions
• 0.50% Islam
• 0.50% Estonian Neopaganism
• 0.20% Buddhism

Santa Claus is known as "Jõuluvana"

Merry Christmas in Estonia Languages

Estonia Christmas recipes include:

Verivorst

Sült

• Estonian is 'Häid jõule'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'

Mulgikapsad

Piparkoogid

Kringel

Belarus

25 Dec

Belarusian Christmas traditions include a 12-dish, fast-breaking meal on Christmas Eve called Kalyady (or Kalyada), which often includes kutya (a ceremonial grain dish) and is served on a table with hay underneath the tablecloth to symbolize Jesus' manger. Many observe a fast before the meal, and families will attend church services either on December 24th or 25th for Catholics, and January 6th or 7th for Orthodox Christians. Other traditions involve lighting a candle, sharing oplatka (Christmas bread), and engaging in fortune-telling and Christmas caroling. It was once common for households to collect the dirt from the house during the period between December 24th and January 1st and burn it in the yard after the New Year for good luck and to protect the garden from pests.

Merry Christmas in Belarus Languages

• 48.3% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 41.1% Irreligion
• 7.10% Catholicism
• 3.50% Other religions

• Belarusian is 'Z Kaljadami'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva!'

Santa Claus is known as "Dzied Maroz"

Belarus Christmas recipes include:

Kutia

Vereshchaka

Kisel

Borst

Aspic

Greenland

24 Dec

Greenlandic Christmas blends Danish and Inuit traditions, featuring imported Danish trees decorated with candles and sealskin boots (kamiks), illuminated stars in windows, and church services on Christmas Eve (24th). There are stars in most homes and in all public buildings. Because Greenland is so far north, and within the Arctic Circle, during the winter the sun never rises! (You might get a brief glimpse over the southern mountains, but that's it!) So the stars help to bring some light. The tradition of hanging stars came with Christian missionaries from the Moravian church. It is traditional on Christmas night that the men look after the women, serving their food and coffee and stirring the meal for them. Santa Claus is linked to Greenland (especially Uummannaq), arriving by helicopter in some traditions.

• Lutheranism 95.5%
• Agnostic 2.30%
• Inuit religion 0.80%
• Baháʼí and Other Religions 0.60%
• Other Christian 0.40%
• Catholicism 0.20%
• Atheist 0.20%

Merry Christmas in Greenland Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Julemanden"

• Greenlandic is 'Juullimi Pilluarit!'
• Danish is 'Glædelig Jul'

Greenland Christmas recipes include:

Risengrød

Roasted musk ox

Suaasat

Klejner

Kalaallit kaagiat

Vanuatu

25 Dec

Vanuatu's Christmas traditions blend Christian festivities with tropical island life, featuring vibrant church services, choir performances in villages, beach picnics with local fruits (mangoes, pineapples), and feasting on local foods like laplap. While embracing Santa and decorations, celebrations focus on community, music, outdoor gatherings, and swapping traditional winter treats for fresh seafood and island flavors, making it a warm, mid-summer holiday.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Vanuatu Christmas recipes include:

• 27.2% Presbyterian
• 14.8% Seventh-day Adventist
• 13.1% Other Christian
• 12.1% Catholic
• 12.0% Anglican
• 12.0% Other

• 3.09% Customary beliefs
• 2.37% Other
• 1.76% Latter-day Saints
• 1.37% No religion
• 0.13% Refuse to answer

Lovo

Kokoda

Palusami

Pineapple custard pie

Spiced chicken curry

Merry Christmas in Vanuatu Languages

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Bislama is 'Mi wisim yufala eerywan wan gutfala Krismas'

Singapore

25 Dec

Singaporean Christmas traditions blend Western customs with local flair, featuring elaborate light displays along Orchard Road, large-scale events like Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, and pop-up Christmas markets. Festive meals, including unique Singaporean twists on traditional dishes, caroling, and visiting decorated shopping malls are also common.

Santa Claus has no other name.

Singapore Christmas recipes include:

• 31.1% Buddhism
• 20.0% No religion
• 18.9% Christianity
• 15.6% Islam

• 8.80% Taoism
• 5.00% Hinduism
• 0.30% Sikhism
• 0.30% Other religions

Yee Sang

Pineapple Tarts

Laksa

Rendang

Nasi Lemak

Merry Christmas in Singapore Languages

• Mandarin is 'Sheng Dan Kuai Le'
• Malay is 'Selamat Hari Krismasi'

Central African Republic

25 Dec

Christmas traditions in the Central African Republic (CAR) revolve around religious services, family gatherings, and communal feasting, with a focus on community and giving. Key traditions include attending church services, which may be held in the afternoon due to curfews, sharing large meals with family and neighbors, and exchanging simple, meaningful gifts like handwoven baskets or local honey. Some areas face challenges like food scarcity due to conflict, which can make celebrating difficult for many.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba wa Krismasi"

Central African Republic Christmas recipes include:

Fried Plantains

Maboké de Capitaine

Kanda

Help the vulnerable:

• 89.0% Christianity
• 9.00% Islam
• 1.00% Traditional faiths
• 1.00% Others / None

Curried Goat Stew

Shrimp and Sweet Potato

UNHCR

Save the Children

Merry Christmas in Central African Republic Languages

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

• Sango is 'Mbiya Kereso'

GlobalGiving

Papua New Guinea

25 Dec

Christmas in Papua New Guinea blends Christian traditions with strong cultural elements, focusing on massive family gatherings, church services (like carols by candlelight), feasts cooked in earth ovens (mumu), and vibrant community events like singsings (traditional dances) and sports, with less emphasis on Santa but more on local customs, music, and celebrating heritage alongside faith.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Papua New Guinea Christmas recipes include:

• 47.8% Protestantism
• 25.7% Catholicism
• 21.5% Other Christian
• 3.40% Traditional
• 1.00% Other religion
• 0.70% No religion

Mumu

Baked Sweet Potatoes

Kokoda

Saksak

Veggies in Spiced Coconut Milk

Merry Christmas in Papua New Guinea Languages

• Tok Pisin is ‘Bikpela hamamas blong dispela Krismas’

Japan

Not a public holiday

Christmas in Japan, Christmas is the time for friends and couples to have parties, make plans to meet up for dinner and celebrate as much as they can. And New Year is the time of the year when all members of the family come together, visit the temple, and usher-in January 1st, with food and drinks. Christmas eve is the equivalent of of Valentine’s Day. Couples celebrate Christmas Eve with a special date, often involving a fancy dinner and a popular strawberry shortcake, while some families and groups of friends gather for fried chicken, especially from KFC. The season is also marked by elaborate illuminations in cities and festive decorations. Order your KFC meal ahead of time, as special Christmas buckets often sell out, quickly. Pre-order or buy a Christmas cake from a bakery or convenience store as soon as possible.

• 46.0% Buddhism
• 42.0% No religion
• 9.00% Others
• 2.00% Christianity
• 1.00% Unknown

Merry Christmas in Japan Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Santa-Kurosu"

• Japanese is ‘Kurisumasu omedetou’
• Ryukyuan is ‘Merī Kurisumasu’
• Korean is ‘Meli keuliseumaseu’

Japan Christmas recipes include:

Kagami moch

Toshikoshi soba

Mizu yokan

Zoni

Strawberry Shortcake

Iceland

24 Dec

Christmas in Iceland is a 26-day celebration from December 11 to January 6, known for the 13 mischievous Yule Lads who visit children individually each day. Key traditions include decorating with natural elements, baking special cookies and bread, and exchanging gifts on Christmas Eve after a family dinner. While Christmas Day is for family, the official celebration begins at 6 p.m. on December 24 when church bells ring. Each day, a different Yule Lad descends from the mountains and leaves a small gift or a potato in a child's shoe, depending on their behavior.

Santa Claus is known as the 13 "Yule Lads"

• 57.2% Church of Iceland (Lutheran)
• 19.8% Other and unspecified
• 7.75% Unaffiliated
• 4.50% Free Lutheran Church

Iceland Christmas recipes include:

• 3.89% Catholic Church
• 1.73% Other Christian
• 1.57% Humanism
• 1.56% Heathenism

• 0.78% Independent Lutheran
• 0.42% Buddhism
• 0.34% Islam
• 0.10% Zuism

Hangikjöt

Pickled Herring

Lakkrís Toppar

Piparkökur

Jólakaka

Merry Christmas in Iceland Languages

• Icelandic is 'Gleðileg jól'
• Polish is 'Wesołych Świąt Bożego Narodzeniai'

Cyprus

1 Jan

Many Orthodox Christians observe a 40-day fast before Christmas, which ends on Christmas Day with a large feast.

Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis), who is celebrated on New Year's Day, January 1st. Agios Vasilis, or Saint Basil, is based on a real historical figure, the Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, who was known for his kindness to the poor and needy.

Santa Claus is known as Saint Basil.

Cyprus recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Cyprus Languages

• 74.5% Eastern Orthodox
• 17.3% Religion not stated
• 2.12% Islam
• 1.75% Other Christian
• 1.50% Roman Catholic

• 1.04% No religion
• 0.85% Buddhist
• 0.67% Other religions
• 0.24% Sikh

Moussaka

• Greek is 'Kala Christouyienna'
• Turkish is 'Mutlu Noeller'

Souvlaki

Kleftiko

Kourabiedes

Tahinopita

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Curaçao

25 Dec

Curaçao's Christmas (Bon Pasku!) blends religious traditions like Midnight Mass with vibrant local flair, featuring beautiful "pepper lights," carol singing (kerstliedjes), family feasts (including pan di pascu), and a focus on community and togetherness, all with a unique Caribbean-Dutch twist, minus the snow but full of warmth and festive spirit.

Santa Claus is known as 'Sinterklaas'

Curaçao recipes include:

• 85-90% Christianity
• 5-6% No religion
• 5-11% Other faiths

Merry Christmas in Curaçao Languages

Arroz con Gandules

Ham di Pasku

• Dutch is 'Vrolijk Kerstfeest'
• Papiamento is 'Bon Pasco'

White Christmas Tres Leches

Paprika soup

Quesillo

Sao Tome and Principe

25 Dec

Christmas in São Tomé and Príncipe, known as Natal, is a major public holiday celebrated on December 25th with religious observance and family gatherings, including attending church services and sharing festive meals. While specific decorations vary, unique local traditions may include decorating with natural materials like cypress, mango, or palm trees, adorned with ornaments and candles, as is common in other African regions

Santa Claus is replaced by the "Three Kings" (Los Reyes Magos) as gift givers.

• 73.2% Catholicism
• 22.9% Other Christian
• 2.30% Baha'i faith
• 1.30% No religion
• 0.20% Folk Religions
• 0.10% Other

Sao Tome and Principe Christmas recipes include:

Feijoada

Calulu

Spicy Red Malagueta Piri-Piri Sauce

Arroz Doce

Mocka

Merry Christmas in Sao Tome and Principe Languages

• Portuguese is ‘Feliz Natal’

Hong Kong

25 Dec

The annual WinterFest transforms the city into a glittering wonderland with festive lights and decorations from late November through New Year's Day. Winterfest is also famous for its New Year's countdown and displays of lights and fireworks all over the city. These are really spectacular and light up all the skyscrapers and buildings. Major attractions like Ocean Park and Hong Kong Disneyland host special Christmas events, parades, and performances. Poinsettias flowers, tinsel, Christmas lights and Nativity scenes decorate homes, churches and public places.

Santa Claus is known as Sing Daan Lou Yan which means "Christmas Old Man" in Cantonese

• 50.0% No religion
• 19.0% Christianity
• 13.0% Buddhism
• 13.0% Taoism
• 4.00% Islam
• 1.00% Hinduism

Hong Kong Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Hong Kong Languages

Poon choi

Zongzi

• Cantonese is 'Seng Dan Fai Lok'
• Mandarin is 'Shèngdàn kuàilè'

Rose goose

Egg tarts

Mango sago

Kiribati

25 Dec

Christmas in Kiribati blends deep Christian faith with strong community traditions, focusing on family, faith, and feasts in communal maneabas (meeting houses), featuring hymns, traditional dances (like bird-like movements), fresh local foods (fish, coconut, taro), gift-giving, and canoe racing, all under the unique distinction of being the first nation to see Christmas Day.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Kiribati Christmas recipes include:

Buatoro

• 58.9% Catholic Church
• 21.2% Uniting Church
• 16.1% Other Christian
• 2.10% Baháʼí Faith
• 1.70% Other / None

Roasted Lobster Tails with Coconut Curry

Te bua toro ni baukin

Palusami

Cuba Lechon Asado

Merry Christmas in Kiribati Languages

• Kiribati is ‘Kona Tekeraoi n te Kiritimati’

Jersey

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in the European island of Jersey include the St Helier Christmas Village and parade, which feature festive floats, live music, and food. The island also hosts a Christmas market with local crafts and food, a helter skelter, and a giant snow globe. While these are a few notable local events, some of Jersey's traditions are similar to others across Europe, such as the general festive atmosphere with twinkling lights and the popular tradition of visiting Christmas markets.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

• 39% No religion
• 23% Anglican
• 22.5% Catholic
• 6.8% Other Christian
• 3% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Jersey Languages

Jersey recipes include:

Jersey Bean Crock

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Jèrriais is 'Bouan Noué'

Glazed Ham

Bûche de Noël

Lé Podîn d'Noué

Flammekueche

Oman

Christmas is not a public holiday

Christmas traditions in Oman are observed primarily by the Christian community and are similar to traditions in other parts of the world, including decorating Christmas trees, exchanging gifts, and celebrating in churches and homes. Hotels and malls also participate by displaying festive decorations and hosting holiday events to cater to both residents and tourists.

Merry Christmas in Oman Languages

• 45.0% Ibadism
• 45.0% Sunni Islam
• 5.00% Shia Islam
• 5.00% Other

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Nwel"

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• Urdu is 'Krismas Mubarak'
• Hindi is 'Krisamas kee badhaee'
• Swahili is 'Krismasi Njema'
• Persian is 'Krismas mobarak'

Oman Christmas recipes include:

Shuwa

Majboos

Haree

Khubz Rakhal

Omani Halwa

Afghanistan

Not a Public Holiday

Christmas is not celebrated as a public holiday in Afghanistan because it is a Muslim-majority country that does not recognize it, and there is a history of religious tension that makes public celebration risky. While some foreign nationals may celebrate privately, public festivities are not permitted, and December 25th is a regular working day. Openly celebrating Christmas is not permitted and could lead to persecution. For this reason, public festivities are non-existent, and those who wish to celebrate may do so only in private.

The "Blue Mosque" is the common name for the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, located in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan.

• 90.0% Sunni Islam
• 9.70% Shia Islam
• 0.30% Other religions

Algeria

Not a pulic holiday

In Algeria, Christmas is celebrated mostly by the Christian minority and expats, with festivities being more subdued compared to Western countries. However, in larger cities like Algiers, Oran, and Constantine, you can find Christmas markets, decorations, and some holiday cheer.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Algerian Christmas recipes include:

Makroudh

Couscous

Shakshouka

Chakhchoukha

Chorba Frik

Baklava

• 99.1% Islam
• 0.40% Christianity
• 0.40% Unaffiliated
• <0.1% Other religions

Sweet Lamb Dish (L'ham Lahlou)

Kleicha

Merry Christmas in Algerian Languages

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• Tamazight is 'Aseggas ameggaz'
• French is 'Joyeux noël'

Solomon Islands

25 Dec

Christmas in the Solomon Islands blends Christian traditions with local customs, featuring church services, caroling, and family gatherings, especially a big move to rural homes for celebrations, gift-giving with both hands, and community feasts, alongside modern touches like electronics mixed with traditional crafts, making it a festive, family-focused time with quiet cities and vibrant village celebrations.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Solomon Islands Christmas recipes include:

Sapasui

Ulu

• 31.0% Anglican
• 19.0% Roman Catholic
• 17.0% Evangelical
• 12.0% Seventh-day Adventist

Palusami

• 10.0% United Methodist
• 5.00% Indigenous & Animistic
• 4.00% Other Christian
• 2.00% Other

Koko Samoa

Pani Popo

Merry Christmas in Solomon Islands Languages

• Creole is ‘Jwaye Nwèl’

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Mauritius

25 Dec

Christmas in Mauritius is a summer celebration, blending local traditions with multicultural influences, featuring outdoor activities, feasting, and vibrant festivities. It's a time for family, with decorations, carols, and gift-giving, alongside unique Mauritian twists like beach BBQs and festive dishes incorporating Creole, Indian, and French flavors. The island's Flamboyant trees are in full bloom, providing a natural tropical symbol for the season.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël".

Mauritius Christmas recipes include:

Dholl Puri

Gateaux Piments

Boulettes

• 47.9% Hinduism
• 32.3% Christianity
• 18.2% Islam
• 1.00% Other
• 0.60% None

Aluda

Bol renversé

Merry Christmas in Mauritius Languages

• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Bhojpuri is ‘Naya Sal Mubarak Ho’
• Chinese is Shèngdàn kuàilè

Christmas Crafts

With Christmas just around the corner, what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than to do some fun Christmas Crafts for Kids? You have come to the right place at The Best Ideas for Kids to get inspired with so many fun Christmas activities and crafts for your kids! We’ve gathered over 50+ of our favorite Christmas kids crafts. We’ve broken down the crafts into different sections for you to make it easy to find the perfect Christmas craft for your kids!

Christmas Crafts for Kids

Honduras

25 Dec

Christmas Eve is called 'Noche Buena' (the good night) and is when the main Christmas celebrations and meal take place. The main meal will often consist of roast pork, turkey or chicken; and there will be 'Nacatamales' - these are like tamales but are moister. They can contain chicken or pork, rice, potatoes, olives, vegetables and raisins. Often apples and red grapes are on the Christmas table and can also be given as small gifts. For dessert you might have 'Rosquillas en Miel' which are donuts soaked in honey. A popular drink is Rompopo, which is like eggnog. Honduras set a Guinness World Record in December 2014 for the Largest Human Christmas Tree, involving 2,945 people in Tegucigalpa, surpassing Argentina's previous record, with participants forming a massive tree shape to spread messages of peace and hope.

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel"

• 43.0% Protestantism
• 36.0% Catholicism
• 2.00% Other Christian
• 17.0% Other
• 2.00% None

Merry Christmas in Honduras Languages

Honduras Christmas recipes include:

Tamales

Pollo Relleno

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Garifuna is ‘Buiti fedu’

Torrejas

Ponche

Rosquillas en Miel

Cambodia

Christmas is not a public holiday

Christmas is not a traditional Cambodian holiday, as the majority of the population is Buddhist. However, Christmas is celebrated in tourist areas with decorations and special events in hotels and restaurants, and many expats and tourists observe the holiday. The celebration is often adapted to be more secular, focusing on family, togetherness, and the New Year. Bodhi Day is a Buddhist holiday that commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. It is primarily observed on December 8th by Mahayana Buddhists, though the date varies across traditions. Celebrations often include decorating a Bodhi tree, stringing lights, and sharing special foods like milk rice, while practices may involve meditation and reciting scriptures.

Merry Christmas in Cambodia Languages

• 97.1% Buddhism
• 2.0% Islam
• 0.5% Other
• 0.3% Christianity

• Khmer is 'ri-kri-yea bon no-el'
• Vietnamese is 'Chuc mung Giang Sinh'

Santa Claus is simply known as Santa Claus in Cambodia.

Cambodia Christmas recipes include:

Kralan

Papaya salad

Nom Banh Chok

Amok

Oxtail soup

Saint Kitts and Nevis

25 Dec

Christmas in St. Kitts and Nevis blends vibrant Caribbean culture with traditional holiday spirit, featuring church services, festive meals with local dishes like Black Cake and Goat Water, bright decorations (pepper lights), caroling, and the start of the lively Christmas Carnival with steel bands and Masquerade dancers, creating a unique, joyous island celebration.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Saint Kitts and Nevis recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Saint Kitts and Nevis Languages

• 81.3% Protestantism
• 13.3% other Christian
• 2.6% no religion
• 1.5% Hinduism
• 1.3% other

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Isle of Man

24 Dec

Christmas traditions on the Isle of Man include the ancient "Hunt the Wren" custom on St. Stephen's Day (December 26th), A custom dating back to pre-Christian times, where groups carry a decorated wren pole with a wren effigy to reenact a folk tale. The Oie'll Verree (Christmas Eve) celebration involves traditional music, dancing, and Manx dialect plays. Mollag Bands were once a rowdy tradition of young men roaming towns and singing loudly, although their practice has declined.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Isle of Man recipes include:

• 54.7% Christianity
• 43.8% No religion
• 0.5% Islam
• 0.5% Buddhism

• 0.4% Hinduism
• 0.2% Judaism
• 0.2% Other

Merry Christmas in Isle of Man Languages

Mollag Christmas Haggis

• Manx is 'Nollick Ghennal'

Manx queenies

Panackelty

Manx roast beef

Christmas pudding

Equatorial Guinea

25 Dec

Christmas Day. Equatoguinean Christians start shopping well in advance, like many other countries do. They decorate their homes for the season in lights, ribbons, and balloons. Christmas Eve is a big night: people attend a special mass, which includes a lot of singing that carries over long after the service is over. People sing and dance their way to the early hours of the morning. Christmas Day itself is spent visiting family and friends to exchange gifts and share meals. Traditional music and dance is often incorporated into the holiday celebrations.

Santa Claus goes by "Papá Noel", "San Nicolás" or "Papá Lebo"

• 71.3% Catholic Church
• 17.0% Other Christian
• 5.50% No religion
• 4.10% Muslim
• 1.80% Traditional faiths
• 0.30% Other

Merry Christmas in Equatorial Guinea Languages

Equatorial Guinea Christmas recipes include:

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'

Charcoal broiled fish

Jollof rice

Goat curry

Spicy fish soup (pepesup)

Baked plantains (Akwadu)

Falkland Islands

25 Dec

The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory even though they're about 8,000 miles away from the rest of the UK. A pantomime is put on every year by the local dramatic society. Traditionally the Governor of the Islands (the King's official representative on the Islands) goes on the last night and is gently made fun of. Children living in the camp get a small parcel of presents flown to them from Stanley. Santa's helper elves have to fly to the remote farms around the camp to deliver the presents. On Christmas Eve people gather to sing Christmas carols. The Boxing Day horse races are very important and are held just outside Stanley on the race course. It's a very popular event for people who live on the Islands, especially in Stanley. The meeting has been held more than 100 times.

• 57.0% Christianity
• 35.0% No Religion
• 6.00% Not Specified
• 1.00% Others

Merry Christmas in Falkland Islands Languages

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Falkland Islands recipes include:

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'

Meat Pies

Seafood Chowder

Gooseberry Pie

Christmas Pudding

Coconut Pudding

Cameroon

25 Dec

The tradition of celebrating Christmas in Cameroon is a product of French and British influence from the country’s colonial past. Due to the large population of Christians in Cameroon, celebrations in many communities are religious or spiritual in nature. The act of going to church is of major importance during Christmas in Cameroon, and many take part in several services over the festive period, from carol singing to a candlelit service on Christmas Eve. The traditional Christmas tree in Cameroon is the local Cypress tree which can be found decorated with banana leaf and orange ornaments.

• 66.3% Christianity
• 30.6% Islam
• 1.30% Traditional faiths
• 0.70% Other religions
• 1.20% None

Merry Christmas in Cameroon Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Cameroon Christmas recipes include:

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Fulfulde is 'Jabbama be salla Kirismati'
• Bulu is 'Mboa olu'

Achu soup

Ndolé

Fufu

Bûche de Noël

Ekwang

Dominica

25 Dec

Christmas in Dominica blends Caribbean warmth with unique local customs like Bamboo Bursting (bamboo cannons for sound), traditional foods (rich Christmas Cake, sorrel drink), festive house decorations, late-night Midnight Mass (Réveillon), and community caroling (Aguinaldos), all centered on family, food, and joyous gatherings in warm weather. Bamboo Bursting: A distinctive sound of the season, large bamboo canes are used as makeshift cannons, creating loud booms to announce Christmas.

Santa Claus is known as "Santacló"

Merry Christmas in Dominica Languages

• 61.4% Catholic
• 28.6% Protestant
• 7.20% Unspecified beliefs
• 1.30% Rastafarian
• 1.20% Jehovah's Witness
• 0.30% Other Religions

Dominica recipes include:

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’

Black Cake

Rum Punch

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Barbados

25 Dec

Christmas in Barbados is a vibrant mix of British tradition and Bajan flair, featuring festive lights, music (steelpan), special foods like rum-soaked Great Cake, church services (Midnight Mass), beach BBQs, unique traditions like spreading sea sand for a "white Christmas," and community gatherings, especially the joyful Queen's Park event on Christmas morning with music and dancing.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Barbados recipes include:

• 66.4% Protestant (total)
• 20.6% None
• 5.40% Other Christian
• 3.80% Roman Catholic
• 1.50% Other religions
• 1.20% Unspecified
• 1.00% Rastafarian

• 40.7% Other Protestant/Pentecostal
• 22.7% Anglican
• 19.4% Methodist
• 8.3% Seventh-day Adventist

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Merry Christmas in Barbados Languages

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Poland

24 Dec

Polish Christmas traditions center on the Wigilia (Christmas Eve supper), a meatless feast of 12 dishes, shared after the first star appears. Key traditions include breaking and sharing the opłatek (Christmas wafer) with well wishes, placing hay under the tablecloth to represent Jesus' manger, leaving an empty place setting for a guest or deceased relative, and attending midnight mass (Pasterka). Nativity scenes (szopka), which are a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, are a significant part of Christmas. In other regions, the Christmas Eve gift-bringer can be a different figure than Święty Mikołaj, such as the Gwiazdor (Starman) in the western part of the country, or the Dzieciątko (Baby Jesus) or Aniołek (Angel) in areas like Kraków.

Merry Christmas in Polish Languages

• 71.3% Catholicism
• 20.6% Unanswered
• 6.90% No religion
• 1.20% Other Religions

• Polish is 'Wesołych Świąt'
• Silesian is 'Radosnych godów'
• Kashubian is 'Wesołych gódów i szczãsliwegłë nowègó roku

Santa Claus is known as "Święty Mikołaj" (Saint Nicholas)

Poland Christmas recipes include:

Barszcz Czerwony

Uszka

Gołąbki

Pierogi Ruskie

Makowiec

French Guiana

25 Dec

French Guiana's Christmas blends French & Caribbean traditions, featuring Chanté Nwèl (Christmas singing with drums) from the French Antilles, midnight mass, lavish Réveillon feasts (especially Creole dishes), Père Noël (Father Christmas) bringing gifts for kids, and festive parades with colorful costumes, though specific details about Guianese unique events need more sources.

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Merry Christmas in French Guiana Languages

• Christianity 80-90%
• Other Religions/No Religion 9-18%
• Hinduism 1.6%

French Guiana Christmas recipes include:

Pepperpot

Jambon de Noël

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

Bananoton

Gratin de Pommes de Terre

Bûche de Noël

Egypt

7 Jan

Christmas Day isn't celebrated on the 25th December but on 7th January as they use the Gregorian calendar for religious observances. The Coptic month leading to Christmas is called Kiahk. People sing special praise songs on Saturday nights before the Sunday Service. From 25th November to 6th January, Coptic Orthodox Christians have a special fast where they basically eat a vegan diet. This is called 'The Holy Nativity Fast'. On Coptic Christmas Eve (6th January), Coptic Christians go to church for a special liturgy or Service. When the Christmas service ends people go home to eat the big Christmas meal.

Merry Christmas in Egyptian Languages

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Noël"

Egypt Christmas recipes include:

• 90% Sunni Muslim
• 5–10% Christians

Fattah

Roz Me'ammar

Molokhia

Kahk

Mahshi

Sint Maarten

25 Dec

Sint Maarten's Christmas blends Dutch, French, and Caribbean traditions with warm, tropical celebrations: think barefoot on the beach, festive lights in Philipsburg/Marigot, church services, and vibrant parades. Key traditions include feasting on turkey/ham with local sides like conch pudding, sipping Guavaberry Punch and sorrel, enjoying Chanté Nwel carol singing, tasting Creole sausages (boudin) and rum-soaked black cake, and visiting the famously elaborate Christmas House in Cripple Gate for community cheer.

• 82.18% Christianity
• 7.9% No religion
• 5.2% Hinduism
• 2.37% Not stated
• 0.8% Other

Santa Claus is known as "Sinterklaas" (Dutch) or "Père Noël" (French)

Merry Christmas in Sint Maarten Languages

Sint Maarten recipes include:

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

• Dutch is ‘Vrolijk Kerstfeest’

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Philippines

24 Dec and 25 Dec

Christmas in the Philippines is a major holiday known for its exceptionally long celebration, beginning in September with the start of the "ber" months and continuing until January. Key traditions include the Simbang Gabi (dawn masses), Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast), decorating with parols (star lanterns), and re-enactments like Panunuluyan. The season is a vibrant mix of Western-influenced and unique Filipino customs, emphasizing family, faith, and community. The celebration officially ends on January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings.

Santa Claus has no specific name in the Philippines

Philippines recipes include:

• 78.8% Catholic Church
• 6.42% Islam
• 4.82% Evangelical

• 4.61% Other / None
• 2.76% Protestant
• 2.58% Iglesia ni Cristo

Merry Christmas in Philippines Languages

Leche flan

Puto bumbong

Bibingka

• Filipino is 'Maligayang Pasko'

Embutido

Pancit Malabon

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

25 Dec

Christmas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) centers around the unique Nine Mornings festival (Dec 16-24), a pre-dawn celebration with church, street parties, music (steel pan!), sea baths, dancing (fetes), and community spirit, focusing less on Santa and more on spiritual joy, local treats like banana cake, and strong community bonds, blending religious observance with vibrant island culture. The origins of the Nine Mornings festival are clouded in some mystery, although the original tradition relates it to the ‘novena’ of the Catholic Church on the nine days before Christmas. It is believed that after the early morning church services of the Catholics, worshippers began walking the streets while others went for sea baths. From this the popular Nine Mornings festivity emerged. Although popular opinion has this practice as starting during the period of slavery, it was more likely to have been a post-emancipation practice

• 70.2% Protestantism
• 18.4% other Christian
• 3.4% Hinduism
• 2.5% no religion
• 1.8% Rastafari
• 1.6% Baháʼí Faith
• 1.5% Islam
• 0.5% other

Merry Christmas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Languages

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines recipes include:

Johnny Cake

Glazed Ham

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Peru

25 Dec

Peruvian Christmas blends Catholic traditions with Andean culture, focusing heavily on family, faith, and food, with Christmas Eve (Día de Noche Buena) being the main event for midnight feasts, gift exchanges, and Midnight Mass, featuring elaborate Nativity scenes (nacimientos), hot chocolate & panettone, regional dishes like turkey or river fish, and community warmth like "Chocolatadas," celebrating until January 6th with the Wise Men' arrival

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel"

• 76.0% Catholicism
• 14.1% Protestantism
• 5.09% No religion
• 4.40% Other Christians
• 0.41% Others

Merry Christmas in Peru Languages

Peru Christmas recipes include:

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Quechua is ‘Sumaq kausay kachun Navidad qampaq’

Pavo Horneado

Ensalada Rusa

Arroz Navideño

Tamales Navideños

Panetón

United States Virgin Islands

24 Dec

Christmas in the U.S. Virgin Islands blends traditional Christian celebrations with unique Caribbean flair, featuring lively Carnival-style festivals (like the Crucian Christmas Festival on St. Croix), Moko Jumbies, steel drums, parades, beach gatherings, Junkanoo music, and distinct local foods like Kwanzaa*-style dishes, all under warm tropical skies, focusing on community, music, and vibrant island culture alongside religious observances and holiday feasts. Kwanzaa (/ˈkwɑːnzə/) is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day. The kinara (kee-NAH-ruh) holds seven candles: one black, three red, and three green. The black candle in the middle represents unity among people of African descent; the red candles on the left represent the past, and the green candles on the right stand for the future.

Please see link for more information about Kwanzaa

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

• 65.5% Protestant
• 27.1% Catholic
• 8.4% No Religion
• 6% Other Religions

Merry Christmas in United States Virgin Islands Languages

United States Virgin Islands recipes include:

Callaloo

Stewed Oxtail

• Crucian is 'Bon Pasku'

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Johnny Cakes

Pates

Northern Territory

25 Dec

While Christmas-specific events can change, the Darwin region often hosts numerous festive-themed events in December, such as Christmas lights displays, markets, and community gatherings. Christmas events in the Northern Territory (NT) involve traditional summer celebrations like outdoor feasting and gift-opening on Christmas Day, alongside local events, though specific NT-wide events may vary year to year. Celebrations are influenced by the region's tropical climate, featuring beach gatherings and seafood, with traditional hot-weather dishes and gifts.

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

Santa Claus has no other names.

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Australian Christmas recipes include:

Shrimp on the Barbie

Sausage Rolls

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Meat Pie

Avocado salad

Pavlova

Iran

Not a public holiday

Iranians do not widely celebrate Christmas, as it is not a public holiday, but the holiday is becoming a more popular secular festival, especially in areas with larger Christian communities. While Christian communities, particularly Armenian Orthodox Christians who celebrate on January 6, observe Christmas with religious services and feasts, many non-Christians also participate in the festive, commercial aspects of the holiday. Some Iranians see the celebration as a way to express joy or a form of secular fun, separate from religious belief, while the growing trend has drawn some criticism from authorities.

Santa Claus is known as "Amu Nowruz" (Uncle Nowruz), who appears during the Iranian New Year (Nowruz), a festival of renewal celebrated on the spring equinox. He brings gifts to children and is accompanied by his companion, Haji Firuz. Kersvader"

• 96.6% Muslim
• 3.4% Other

Merry Christmas in Iran Languages

• Persian is 'karismos mobark'
• Azerbaijani is 'Milad bayramınız mübarək'
• Kurdish is 'Kirîstmas piroz be'

Iran Christmas recipes include:

Baghali Polo

Sabzi Polo ba Mahi

Ghormeh Sabzi

Kashke Bademjan

Ash-e Reshteh

Antarctica

25 Dec

Christmas day is usually a non-working day for most people, though many will also be doing their jobs for part of the day at least. Details depend on the nationality of the base and on the prevailing base culture, but pretty much all Antarctic bases will have a slap-up Christmas meal and a party of some type.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Antarctica Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Antarctica Languages

Christmas food in Antarctica blends traditional holiday feasts with resourceful, long-lasting staples like canned goods, frozen meats, and hydroponically grown greens, featuring modern luxury items like fresh ham, king prawns, cheese platters, Christmas pudding, and even macarons, alongside historical treats like pemmican, plum pudding made from crushed biscuits, and local seal or seabird, reflecting both modern resupply capabilities and polar expedition history.

Antarctica has no official or indigenous languages as it has no permanent population, but English serves as the primary lingua franca for science and tourism, with many other languages spoken at research bases, including Spanish, Russian, French, Chinese, German, and Japanese, reflecting the nationalities of scientists and support staff from around the world.'

Southern Australia

25 Dec

South Australian Christmas traditions include attending major events like the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant and the Lights of Lobethal, experiencing festive displays like the Riverbank Christmas Display, and enjoying community carols. Common customs also include decorating homes, exchanging gifts with the "Secret Santa" or Kris Kringle tradition, and gathering for a summer lunch featuring foods like seafood, roast turkey, and pavlova.

Santa Claus has no other names.

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Australian Christmas recipes include:

Sausage Rolls

Shrimp on the Barbie

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Meat Pie

Avocado salad

Pavlova

Laos

Christmas is not a public holiday

In Laos, a predominantly Buddhist country, Christmas is not a traditional holiday, and the New Year is typically celebrated in April with the Lao New Year, Pi Mai Lao. However, with the growing expat community and the influence of global culture, Christmas and Western New Year's celebrations have found a cozy niche. The primary winter festival in Laos is the Lao New Year, which takes place around April and does not feature Santa Claus. Vientiane is full of expats who celebrate with Christmas-themed pub crawls, holiday movie nights, trimmed trees and twinkling lights, hosting gift exchanges and visits with Santa. Bodhi Day, a significant Buddhist holiday on December 8th that commemorates the enlightenment of Siddhartha Gautama, who became the Buddha. It is also known as Rohatsu in Japan and is celebrated by Mahayana Buddhists worldwide.

• 66.0% Buddhism
• 30.7% Tai folk religion
• 1.80% Other/not stated
• 1.50% Christianity

Merry Christmas in Laos Languages

• Thai is ‘Sùk-snwankhrít-mâat’
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Vietnamese is ‘Giáng sinh vui vẻ’

Santa Claus has no common name.

Laos Christmas recipes include:

Khao poon

Laap

Papaya salad

Sai oua

Sticky rice (khao niew)

Turkey

Not an public holiday

The main winter celebration for the majority of the population is New Year's Eve (Yılbaşı), which includes festive elements like decorated trees and gifts, and a large family dinner. There are lots of special New Year's Eve TV shows and just before midnight, there's a big national lottery draw on TV. People will also play games after the meal. At midnight there are large celebrations and lots of big firework displays. Some people will exchange gifts for the new year. Getting some red underwear is not unusual as it's thought that wearing red underwear at might on New Year's Eve will mean you have a good next year! Sprinkling salt or your doorstep, turning on the taps, and throwing a pomegranate on the ground are also thought to bring you some good luck! Unlocking a padlock is meant to bring you wealth in the new year.

• 95% Muslim

• 5% No religion/Other

Merry Christmas in Turkey Languages

• Turkish is 'Mutlu Noeller'
• Kurdish is 'Kirîstmas piroz be'
• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• Greek is 'Kala Christougenna!'

Santa Claus is known as "Noel Baba"

Turkey Christmas recipes include:

St Nicholas was born in Myra which is in south west Turkey

Firinda Sebzeli Kofte

Fırın Tavuk

Lokum

Baklava

Revani

Western Australia

25 Dec

Christmas in Western Australia is a summer celebration marked by warm weather, with many people spending the holiday outdoors at the beach or by a pool. Key celebrations include local carols, festive light displays, and markets. Popular activities include caravanning along the coast, enjoying outdoor dining and BBQs, and engaging with regional events like the Mandurah Christmas Lights display transforming the canals and foreshore into a magical wonderland. Visitors can take special Christmas Lights Cruises. Expect various carols events, such as the Fremantle "Carols from the Koort" and other family-friendly evenings with live music and performances. Some events include movie nights, like a free screening of "The Polar Express" in Fremantle.

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Santa Claus has no other names.

Australian Christmas recipes include:

Shrimp on the Barbie

Sausage Rolls

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Avocado salad

Meat Pie

Pavlova

Venezuela

25 Dec

Venezuelan Christmas is vibrant, focusing on faith, family feasts, and music, featuring unique traditions like roller-skating to early morning Masses (Misas de Aguinaldo), creating elaborate Nativity scenes, and preparing iconic foods like Hallacas (meat-filled parcels) and Pan de Jamón (ham bread), all accompanied by festive Gaita folk music and culminating in Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) celebrations and Three Kings' Day on January 6th.

Santa Claus is known as "San Nicolás" or El Niño Jesús (the Baby Jesus)

• 88% Christian
• 71% Catholic
• 17% Protestant and other Christians
• 6% Agnostic/indifferent

• 3% Other faiths
• 2% Atheist
• 1% Santería
• 1% Don't know/refused answer

Venezuela Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Venezuela Languages

Hallacas

Ensalada de Gallina

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Wayuu is 'Anasü sükalia jemeliin nüchon Maleiwa'

Panettone

Pernil

Ponche Crema

United Arab Emirates

Not a public holiday

Christmas is widely celebrated in the United Arab Emirates with festive decorations, special events, and feasts, especially in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to their large expatriate communities. However, Christmas is not an official public holiday, so most businesses remain open on December 25th. Celebrations are often integrated with UAE National Day festivities, which occur just before Christmas on December 2nd.

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Noel"

• 74.5% Islam
• 12.9% Christianity
• 6.20% Hinduism
• 3.20% Buddhism
• 1.90% Others
• 1.30% Agnosticism

Merry Christmas in United Arab Emirates Languages

United Arab Emirates Christmas recipes include:

• Arabicis 'Eid milad majid'
• Hindi and Urdu is 'Krisamas kee badhaee'
• Malayalam is 'Krismas āśasaka'
• Farsi is 'Karismos mobark'

Mahashi

Panettone Bread

Kibbeh

Christmas Cakesickles

Margoogat

Eswatini (Swaziland)

25 Dec

Christmas in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) is celebrated by the Christian population through church services, special meals, and gift-giving, though the major annual national ceremony, the Incwala, occurs in late December and takes precedence for the monarchy and many Emaswati. For vulnerable children, the holiday is often a time for organized parties where they receive gifts, food, and entertainment through the help of aid organizations.

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader" or "uKhisimusi"

Eswatini Christmas recipes include:

Help them:

• 89.3% Christianity (40% Zionism)
• 7.40% No religion
• 2.80% Others
• 0.50% Traditional faiths

Mealie bread

Pumpkin pap

Ostrich in cream sauce

World Health Organization

Siphuphe semabhontjisi

Emahewu

UNICEF

Caritas Swaziland

Merry Christmas in Eswatini Languages

Oxfam International

• Swati is 'Krisimusi lenhle!'

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon

25 Dec

Christmas in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon blends French traditions with unique local flavors, featuring festive lights, Chanté Nwèl-style gatherings (French Caribbean caroling), midnight mass, big Réveillon feasts with seafood/meats (like French-Canadian staples), leaving shoes for Père Noël (Santa) with potential treats like cheese/wine, and enjoying Yule logs (Bûche de Noël), all set in a cozy, island atmosphere influenced by its French heritage and proximity to Canada.

Merry Christmas in Saint-Pierre and Miquelon Languages

• 99% Roman Catholic
• 1% Other

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon recipes include:

Roasted French Turkey

Foie gras

• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’

Gougères

Galette des Rois

Bûche de Noël

Tasmania

25 Dec

Christmas traditions and events in Tasmania include the City of Hobart Christmas Pageant, the lighting of the city's Christmas tree at The Big Switch On!, and various markets like the Salamanca Christmas Market. Other popular activities include attending community carols events, visiting scenic areas, and enjoying festive dining. Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: While not a specific Tasmanian event, the race culminates in Hobart on Boxing Day, making it a significant part of the Christmas and New Year period for many.

Santa Claus has no other names.

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

Australian Christmas recipes include:

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Shrimp on the Barbie

Sausage Rolls

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Avocado salad

Meat Pie

Pavlova

Libya

Celebration of Christmas and New Year's Eve is effectively banned in Libya, with authorities prohibiting public festivities, the sale of related goods, and punishing those who participate. Recent government decrees have reinforced this stance, citing that the celebrations go against Islamic beliefs. Authorities have threatened closure for businesses that violate the ban and have vowed to pursue and punish those who participate in public celebrations. Decrees have also forbidden the sale and importation of items associated with the celebrations, such as Christmas trees and Santa Claus figurines.

• 0.52% Christianity
• 0.26% Buddhism

• 94.2% Sunni Islam
• 4.78% non-Sunni Islam
• 0.52% Christianity

• 0.26% Buddhism
• 0.18% Other
• 0.05% No religion

Ukraine

25 Dec

Ukrainian Christmas traditions center on the 12-dish, meatless feast of Sviat Vechir (Holy Supper) on Christmas Eve, honoring the 12 apostles with dishes like kutia (a sweet grain dish) and borshch. Other key traditions include setting an extra place for deceased relatives, caroling (koliadky), and the Didukh (a decorative sheaf of wheat) is placed underneath the table to remember Christ's humble birth. The holiday is celebrated with singing, family visits, and greeting each other with "Christ is Born!".

Santa Claus is known as "Sviatyi Mykolai"

• Eastern Orthodoxy 72.0%
• No religion 12.0%
• Catholicism 9.00%
• Other Christian 4.00%
• Other religion 2.10%
• Islam 0.90%

Ukraine Christmas recipes include:

Help the vulnerable:

Kutia

Borscht

Doctors without borders

Holubtsi

Pampushky

Uzvar

UNHCR

Merry Christmas in Ukraine Languages

Red Cross

• Ukrainian is 'shchaslyvoho Rizdva'
• Tartar is 'Rashua kotly bulsyn'

Grenada

25 Dec

Grenada's Christmas blends unique local flavors with festive traditions, featuring vibrant parades (like the Junkanoo), special foods like Black Cake, festive church services (Midnight Mass), home decorations with natural elements, and the strong smell of spices (nutmeg, cinnamon) filling the air, all creating a lively, family-focused celebration in the "Spice Isle".

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

• 48.8% Protestantism
• 39.2% Catholicism
• 8.6% Other Christian
• 1.3% Hinduism
• 1.0% No religion
• 0.7% Rastafari
• 0.4% Other

Merry Christmas in Grenada Languages

Grenada Christmas recipes include:

Glazed Ham

Johnny Cake

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’

Rum Punch

Black Cake

Caribbean Fruit Salad

Germany

24 Dec

Christmas Eve is the main day for family gatherings and gift exchanges (Bescherung). On the night of December 5th, children polish their boots and leave them outside for St. Nicholas to fill with treats if they were good. Some regions also have a figure named Krampus who deals with naughty children. Krampus is a horned, half-demon figure from Alpine folklore who is a companion of St. Nicholas in parts of Germany, particularly Bavaria. On December 5th, known as Krampusnacht, he punishes naughty children, while St. Nicholas rewards good ones with presents on December 6th (see link on picture for a video).

Santa Claus is known as "der Weihnachtsmann"

• 1.00% Other Christians
• 0.40% Other religions
• 0.20% Buddhism
• 0.10% Judaism
• 0.10% Hinduism

• 46.8% No religion
• 23.7% Catholicism
• 21.5% Protestantism
• 4.70% Islam
• 1.50% Eastern Orthodoxy

Germany Christmas recipes include:

Sauerbraten

Käsespätzle

Stollen

Marzipan

Vanillekipferl

Merry Christmas in German Languages

• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'
• Danish is 'Glædelig jul!'

Hungary

24 Dec

Hungarian Christmas traditions center on a magical Christmas Eve (Szenteste) where families decorate the tree (often with szaloncukor sweets) and exchange gifts, believing Baby Jesus (Jézuska) brings them, followed by large meals on Dec 25th & 26th with extended family, featuring dishes like fish soup (Halászlé) and poppy seed rolls (Bejgli). St. Nicholas (Mikulás) visits on December 6th, leaving small treats in cleaned boots, while traditions also include caroling, Christmas mass, and festive foods like honeybread. Luca Chair is a complex chair carved by St. Lucy's Day (Dec 13th) to spot witches at midnight mass.

• 40.1% Not answered
• 27.5% Catholicism
• 16.1% Not religious
• 9.80% Calvinism

Merry Christmas in Hungary Languages

• 1.80% Lutheranism
• 1.70% Greek Catholicism
• 1.70% Other Christians
• 1.30% Other religions

Santa Claus is known as "Mikulás"

Hungary Christmas recipes include:

Töltött káposzta

Halászlé

• Hungarian is 'Boldog Karácsonyt'

Bejgli

Szalonkucor

Kürtőskalács

Martinique

25 Dec

Martinique's Christmas traditions blend French culture with unique Creole flair, centered around Chanté Nwel (Christmas singing) – lively gatherings with traditional carols (cantiques) and drumming throughout December. Key elements include communal house-to-house caroling (La Ribote), festive Creole foods like ham with pineapple and sorrel punch, vibrant decorations (pepper lights), strong church attendance (Midnight Mass), and unique desserts like "hidden love" cake, all celebrating community and heritage.

• 86% Roman Catholicism
• 5.6% Protestantism
• 2% Hinduism
• 0.6% Baháʼí
• 0.2% Islam
• 5.5% other

Merry Christmas in Martinique Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

• Creole is 'Jwaye Nwel'
• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’

Martinique recipes include:

Stuffing & Gravy

Black Cake

Roast Turkey

Rum Punch

Pigeon peas with rice

Norway

24 Dec

Norway's main Christmas celebration, called Jul, is on December 24th (Julaften), not the 25th. Key traditions include julegrøt (rice porridge), exchanging gifts after a large dinner, and decorating with wreaths, angels, and a Christmas tree. Many also attend church services or enjoy winter activities and markets. The traditional nisse, which Julenissen comes from, was a mythical farm guardian who would help with chores if treated well, often in exchange for a bowl of porridge. Legend says that witches and evil spirits emerge on Christmas Eve to search for brooms to use as flying vehicles. There is a tradition to hide all brooms in closets to protect their homes from mischief by ensuring there are no flying brooms available for malevolent forces on Christmas Eve.

• 1.85% Secular humanism
• 0.76% Pentecostal
• 0.53% Orthodox
• 0.40% Buddhism
• 0.21% Hinduism

• 69.06% Evangelical Lutheran
• 19.1% Unaffiliated/Other
• 3.41% Islam
• 3.08% Catholic
• 2.21% Other Christian

Santa Claus is known as "Julenissen"

Merry Christmas in Norwegian Languages

Norway Christmas recipes include:

• Norwegian is 'God jul'
• Sámi is 'Buorit juovllat!'

Ribbe

Pinnekjøtt

Lutefisk

Riskrem

Multekrem

Kuwait

Christmas is not a public holiday

Christian communities, composed mainly of immigrants, can celebrate in their churches, which are often decorated privately. Authorities may interfere with the public display of Christmas decorations in commercial spaces like shops. There can be political pressure from some groups to minimize public Christmas celebrations. Despite restrictions on public displays, Christians report that they are able to celebrate freely in their churches and have received well wishes from members of the wider community, including Muslims and public figures.

• 74.6% Islam
• 18.2% Christianity
• 7.20% Other

Santa Claus is known as "Baba Nawèl"

Merry Christmas in Kuwait Languages

Kuwait Christmas recipes include:

• Arabic is ‘Eid milad majid’
• Hindi is ‘Krisamas kee badhaee’
• Urdu is ‘Krismas Mubarak’

• Bengali is ‘Shubho Borodin’
• Tagalog is ‘Maligayang Pasko’
• Farsi is ‘Krismas Mobarak’

Machboos

Harees

Gaboot

Gers Ogaily

Balaleet

Queensland

25 Dec

Christmas traditions in Queensland include celebrating with beach picnics and seafood feasts, decorating pavlovas with local stone fruit, attending large community events like the Lord Mayor's Christmas Carols, and enjoying festive lights at places like Government House in Brisbane. Many regional areas also host their own carols by candlelight events and local markets.

Santa Claus has no other names.

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

Australian Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

Shrimp on the Barbie

Sausage Rolls

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Meat Pie

Avocado salad

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Pavlova

Guinea-Bissau

25 Dec

Christmas in Guinea-Bissau is celebrated as a family and community event, with key traditions including a special Christmas Eve meal and lively street parties on Christmas Day that include both Christians and Muslims. Families often exchange gifts, and many attend midnight mass, a significant part of the religious observance. The celebration blends traditional Portuguese influences with unique local customs, with the main events on both December 24th and 25th.

Santa Claus goes by "Papai Noel" or "Bom Velhinho"

Guinea-Bissau Christmas recipes include:

• 46.1% Islam
• 30.6% Indigenous beliefs
• 18.9% Christianity
• 4.40% Irreligious / Other

Bacalao

Caldo de Mancarra

Chicken Yassa

Moqueca de Peixe

Raivas Cookies

Merry Christmas in Guinea-Bissau Languages

• Portuguese is ‘Feliz natal’
• French is 'Joyeux noël'

Ethiopia

7 Jan

The 'Fast of the Prophets' (Tsome Nebiyat) starts on 25th November. During this time, traditionally only one vegan meal is eaten each day. The people walk around the church three times in a solemn procession, holding the candles. They then go to the second circle to stand during the service. It's also a tradition that one of the Wise Men who visited Jesus came from Ethiopia.Twelve days after Ganna, on 19th January, Ethiopians start the three day celebration of Timkat. It celebrates the baptism of Jesus.

Santa Claus is known as "Yágena Abãt"

Merry Christmas in Ethiopia Languages

• 94.7% Islam
• 1.40% Christianity
• 2.90% Traditional African religions
• 1.00% Others / None

Help the vulnerable:

Ethiopia Christmas recipes include:

• Amharic is 'Melikam Gena!'

• Oromo is 'ayyaana dhalootaa kiristoos gaarii hata'u'
• Somali is 'Kirismas Wacan'
• Tigrinya is 'Ruhus Beal Lidet'

UNHCR

Save the Children

Tella (Ethiopian Beer)

GlobalGiving

Doro Wat

Sega Wat

Injera

Kitfo

Misir Wot

Benin

25 Dec/ 10 Jan

Christmas in Benin is a public holiday on December 25th that combines religious observances, especially Midnight Mass, with secular celebrations, community events, and feasting. Key aspects include children receiving special gifts, community gatherings, carol singing, feasting, and in some urban areas, multi-day festivals with markets, parties, and photo events.

Santa Claus goes by "Father Theophilus" or "Baba Keresi"

Benin Christmas recipes include:

Adowè

Jollof rice

Waakye

• 52.2% Christianity
• 24.6% Islam
• 17.9% Traditional faiths (Vodun 17%)
• 5.30% Other / None

Gari and Shito

Kuli Kuli

Merry Christmas in Benin Languages

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Fon is ‘Xwèwùn’
• Yoruba is 'E ku odun, e ku iye'dun'

Gaza Strip

Not a public Holiday

For the third year in a row, Christmas arrived for the Christian community in the Gaza Strip without celebrations, as daily life remains a constant struggle. There hasn't been a Christmas tree in Gaza City's main square since Hamas pushed the Palestinian Authority out of Gaza in 2007 and Christmas is no longer a public holiday. Relentless conflict, the collapse of essential services and severe limitations on the delivery and distribution of humanitarian assistance have led to desperate conditions across the Gaza Strip.

• 99% Sunni Islam
• <1% Christianity

Help the vulnerable:

Unicef

Save the Children

World Food Program

Bhutan

Not a public Holiday - 24 Dec is Tshechu

Tshechu is Bhutan's most important religious festival, a celebration of religious and cultural heritage featuring masked dances and rituals held in honor of Guru Rinpoche. The term "Tshechu" translates to "tenth day," referring to the auspicious tenth day of the lunar month when these festivals are held annually at various locations like the Paro Dzong and Thimphu Dzong. The festival is a celebration in honor of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century.

Tshechu

• 74.7% Buddhism
• 22.6% Hinduism
• 1.9% Bon (folk religion)
• 0.5% Christianity
• 0.2% Islam
• 0.1% Others

Merry Christmas in Bhutan Languages

More Information:

Santa Claus is not a traditional figure in Bhutanese culture, and there is no widely known Bhutanese name for him.

• Dzongkha is 'Losar La Bkra Shis Bde Legs Zhu'
• Nepali is 'Shubha Krismas'

Bhutan Christmas recipes include:

Jasha Maroo

Phaksha Paa

Shakam Paa

Ema Datshi

Goen Hogay

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Tunisia

Not a public holiday (Christmas)

25 - 28 Dec (Sahara Festival)

Christmas is only really celebrated by tourists in Tunisia and is not a public holiday. Though in December, often just in time for the Christmas holidays, the famous international Sahara Festival takes place in the Tunisian city of Douz.

Santa Claus has no traditional, local name but instead Mama Tinga Tinga gives presents.

Mama Tinga Tinga (youtube)

More information:

Mama Tinga Tinga (article)

Tunisia Christmas recipes include:

Tunisian couscous

Brik

Consommé Nikitouche

• 99.0% Islam
• 1.00% Other

Kaak warka

Chakchouka

Bouchees a la reine

Merry Christmas in Tunisia Languages

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'
• French it's 'Joyeux noëli'

Nicaragua

25 Dec

Nicaraguan Christmas traditions blend Catholic faith and vibrant culture, centering on the Virgin Mary with the "Purísima" (Dec 7-8) featuring house-to-house singing, altars, and gifts of treats. The season builds to Midnight Mass (Nochebuena) on Christmas Eve, with fireworks, and gifts arrive for children on Epiphany (Jan 6) from the Three Wise Men, often concluding with fiery effigies symbolizing the old year's end.

Santa Claus is known as " Papá Noel"

• 38.3% Protestantism
• 33.3% Unaffiliated
• 28.3% Catholicism
• 0.10% Other

Nicaragua Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Nicaragua Languages

Nacatamales

Gallina Rellena

Relleno Navideño

Pio Quinto

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’

Tres Leches Cake

Bosnia and Herzegovina

25 Dec

Christmas traditions in Bosnia and Herzegovina involve both Catholic and Orthodox celebrations, featuring a festive meal, religious services, and cultural customs. Key traditions include the lighting of a Badnjak (a Christmas log), attending midnight mass for Catholics, and eating traditional dishes. Catholics celebrate on December 25th, while Orthodox Christians celebrate on January 7th, using a different calendar. On Christmas Eve, an oak branch or "log" is burned, with some regions holding large bonfires outside churches. The first person to enter a house on Christmas Day is called a "položajnik" and is believed to bring good luck. In some areas, girls traditionally collected "strong water" (water from a well or stream) to bring to their family, which was said to have special powers.

• 51.3% Islam
• 30.7% Eastern Orthodox
• 15.4% Catholicism
• 2.60% No religion / Others

Merry Christmas in Bosnia and Herzegovina Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Djed Mraz"

Bosnia and Herzegovina Christmas recipes include:

• Croatian, Serbian and Bosnian is 'Sretan Božić'

Baklava

Sarma

Moussaka

Hurmašica

Šape

Uganda

25 Dec

It’s common for Ugandans to decorate their homes with Christmas trees cut from their local neighbourhood. Beautiful coloured papers and natural flowers hang from the trees, giving them a unique festive feel. For Ugandans, it’s all about being together. Although buying gifts isn’t commonplace, buying new clothes is.

Santa Claus goes by "Father Christmas"

Help the vulnerable:

UNHCR

Uganda Christmas recipes include:

Save the Children

Luwombo

Matooke

GlobalGiving

• 3.30% Unknown
• 2.20% Other Christian
• 1.60% Other religions
• 0.20% No religion

• 36.2% Catholicism
• 29.0% Anglicanism
• 14.3% Pentecostalism
• 13.2% Islam

Peanut sauce

Rice Balls

Papaya and Fried Plantain Salad

Merry Christmas in Uganda Languages

• Swahili is ‘Heri ya Krismasi’
• Luganda is ‘Mbagaliza amazalibwa a'malungi’

Madagascar

25 Dec

Christmas in Madagascar, known as Noely, is celebrated in the summer and centers around religious services, family gatherings, and feasting. Key traditions include attending Christmas Eve church services with children's performances, exchanging gifts of new clothes or sweets, and enjoying a special Christmas dinner that often features chicken or pork with rice and a festive Yule log cake called bûche de Noël.

Santa Claus is known as "Dadabe Noely"

Madagascar Christmas recipes include:

Mofo Sakay

Romazava

Masikita

• 84.7% Christianity
• 7.30% No religion
• 4.70% Traditional faiths
• 3.10% Islam
• 0.30% Others

Hen'omby Ritra

Koba

Merry Christmas in Madagascar Languages

• Malagasy is 'Mirary Krismasy'

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

Victoria

25 Dec

Christmas events in Victoria include public events like the Queen Victoria Market Christmas Night Market and the Carols by Candlelight at Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Traditional celebrations include decorating Christmas trees, enjoying festive foods like turkey and plum pudding, and gathering with family. Modern traditions are evolving to include a wide range of festivities and light shows throughout the cities. Crown Christmas River Show: Watch this dazzling display on the Yarra River between late November and December 25.

Merry Christmas in Aboriginal Languages

• 43.9% Christianity
• 38.9% No religion
• 3.2% Islam
• 2.7% Hinduism
• 2.4% Buddhism

Santa Claus has no other names.

• Gamilaraay is 'gayaay gaangangindaay'
• Kriol is 'gudbinji Krismas'

Australian Christmas recipes include:

Shrimp on the Barbie

Sausage Rolls

Important note: There are hundreds of distinct Indigenous languages in Australia, so it is crucial to use the correct translation for a specific language and region

Avocado salad

Meat Pie

Pavlova

Republic of the Congo

25 Dec

Christmas in the Republic of the Congo is a religious and cultural celebration, primarily centered on a long, energetic midnight mass on Christmas Eve, followed by a family meal on Christmas Day. Key traditions include elaborate nativity plays, which often start with the creation story and end around midnight with the birth of Jesus, large musical events with choirs, and festive church services. Christmas is a public holiday, and families who can afford it will have a special meal

Santa Claus is known as "Papa Noël Nedule".

Republic of the Congo Christmas recipes include:

Fufu

Fried Plantains

Moambe Chicken

Caakiri

Dongo Dongo

• 89.3% Christianity
• 5.50% Traditional faiths
• 3.10% None
• 1.20% Islam
• 0.90% Other

Merry Christmas in Republic of the Congo Languages

• French is ‘Joyeux Noël’
• Kituba is ‘Masi ya Mesi ya Boué’
• Lingala is ‘Noel malamu’

• Swahili is ‘Heri ya Krismasi’
• Tshiluba is ‘Mweya Misha’

Armenia

6 Jan

The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6th. On this day it also celebrates the Epiphany (which means the revelation that Jesus was God's son). Epiphany is now mainly the time Churches remember the Visit of the of Wise Men to Jesus; but some Churches, like the Armenian Apostolic Church, also celebrate the Baptism of Jesus (when he started his adult ministry) on Epiphany. Some Armenians fast (don't eat certain foods) in the week before Christmas. The Christmas Eve meal is called khetum.

Santa Claus is known as "Gaghant Baba / Kaghand Papa"

Armenia Christmas recipes include:

• 95.2% Armenian Apostolic Church
• 2.20% None or refused to answer
• 0.60% Catholicism
• 0.60% Other

• 0.50% Evangelicalism
• 0.50% Yazidism
• 0.20% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 0.20% Jehovah's Witnesses

Kafta

Nevik

Rice pilaf

Date-stuffed cookies

Anoushabour

Gata

Merry Christmas in Armenia Languages

• Armenian is 'Shnorhavor Amanor yev Surb Tznund'
• Russian is 'Schastlivogo Rozhdestva'

Cuba

25 Dec

Cuban Christmas traditions center on a huge Christmas Eve dinner (Nochebuena) featuring roast pork, black beans and rice, yuca with mojo, and desserts like buñuelos, followed by midnight mass (if attending) and often a big fiesta like the spectacular Las Parrandas de Remedios, filled with fireworks and parades, with family gatherings, dominoes, and sharing drinks like Crema de Vie defining the festive, communal spirit. Christmas was not a public holiday for decades under the Communist regime but was reinstated as one in 1998 following a visit from Pope John Paul II, boosting its celebration.

Merry Christmas in Cuba Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Santa Cló" or " El Gordo de Navidad"

• 58.9% Christianity
• 23.2% No religion
• 17.6% Folk religions
• 0.30% Others

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Haitian Creole is 'Jwaye Nwèl'
• Lucumí (Yoruba) is 'Fiesta(re) (de) Cristo'

Cuba Christmas recipes include:

Lechón Asado

Moros y Cristianos

Yuca con Mojo

Buñuelos

Pastel de Ron

USA

25 Dec

American Christmas traditions blend secular and religious customs, focusing heavily on family, gift-giving, and festive decorations like lights, trees, and stockings, with popular activities including watching holiday movies, baking cookies (like gingerbread), leaving treats for Santa, hosting "ugly sweater" parties, and enjoying seasonal treats like eggnog, all leading up to Christmas morning gift exchanges and festive meals. In New England (the American States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine), there are shops called 'Christmas Shops' that only sell Christmas decorations and toys all the year round!

• 44.8% Protestant
• 21.8% Catholic
• 21.4% Irreligion
• 5.60% Unknown
• 4.10% Other religions
• 2.40% Other Christian

Merry Christmas in American Languages

Santa Claus is not traditionally known by other names

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Chinese is 'Shèngdàn kuàilè'

American Christmas recipes include:

Maple Glazed Ham

Feast of the Seven Fishes

Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Fruitcake

Eggnog

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Creators sources

• Dates - GoogleSearch
• Pictures - Google Images (free/Opensource)
• Christmas Information - Google search and Christmas Around the world (https://www.whychristmas.com/cultures/) and various vacation posts.
• Santa known as - Google search
• Christmas Foods recipes - Various
• Languages and translations - Google transator and other sites
• Religion - Wikepidia for Country Religion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_%)

Denmark

25 Dec

Santa Lucia arrives, dressed in white, in Denmark on December 13 to bring light to what is becoming a very dark land. She leads a procession of girls, also dressed in white, and has a crown of candles in her hair. Instead of a nativity play in schools up and down the country, children look forward to taking part in the parade through their school or in their local area. In Danish houses to dance around the Christmas tree, holding hands as a family while you sing Christmas songs, before you start opening presents. Some families might do this before dinner instead. Presents are brought by the "Julemanden" (Christmas Man) with the help of mischievous "nisser" (elves). To keep them happy, people sometimes leave out a bowl of rice pudding for them.

Merry Christmas in Denmark Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Julemanden "

• 76.61% to 81.3% Christianity
• 5.20% Islam
• 17.26% Irreligious
• < 1% Other religions

Denmark Christmas recipes include:

• Danish is 'God Jul'
• Faroese is 'Gleðilig jól'
• Greenlandic is 'Juullimi pilluarit'

Karrysild

Roast Duck

Gløgg

Æbleskiver

Risalamande

Colombia

25 Dec

Día de las Velitas (Candle Day - Dec 7) is the official start! Families light candles and lanterns, decorating windowsills and streets, with fireworks and music often filling the night as people celebrate the Immaculate Conception. Then La Novena de Aguinaldos (Dec 16-24) the Nine nights of prayer, caroling (villancicos), and community gatherings, rotating hosts to share prayers, traditional foods (like buñuelos, natilla), and music. Elaborate nativity scenes are central, often including local elements and serving as the focus for the Novenas. Gift exchanges happen, often under the Christmas tree, with children awaiting gifts from "El Niño Dios" (Baby Jesus) on Christmas Eve.

• 78.2% Catholicism
• 10.3% Other Christian
• 7.90% No religion
• 3.60% Other religions

Merry Christmas in Colombia Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel"

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’

Colombia Christmas recipes include:

Tamales

Lechona

Pandebonos

Brevas con Arequipe

Torta Negra Colombiana

Suriname

25 Dec

Christmas in Suriname blends Dutch influences with unique local flair, featuring big Christmas trees, lively street decorations (especially in Paramaribo), church services, family feasts with roast chicken/pork, gift exchanges (often after Sinterklaas), and a special New Year's Eve tradition of burning "Oudejaars" (firecrackers/effigies) for a fresh start, creating a festive, multicultural Caribbean-European holiday feel.

Santa Claus is known as "Goedoe Pa"

• 25.6% Protestantism
• 22.3% Hinduism
• 21.6% Catholic Church
• 13.9% Islam
• 7.50% None

• 3.20% Not stated
• 2.10% Other religion
• 1.80% Winti
• 1.20% Other Christian
• 0.80% Kejawen

Suriname Christmas recipes include:

Pom

Roti & Chicken Masala

Merry Christmas in Suriname Languages

Ponche de Creme

Pastei

• Dutch is ‘Vrolijk Kerstfeest’
• Sranan Tongo is 'Swit' Kresneti'

Bojo Cake

Belize

25 Dec

Christmas in Belize is a vibrant mix of festive feasting, music, and unique traditions like Posadas, Deer Dances, and cooking special dishes like tamales, black fruit cake, and Rum Popo, all culminating in large family gatherings, Midnight Mass, and lively Boxing Day celebrations with parades and continued feasting, reflecting its Creole, Maya, and Caribbean influences. Please see link for video on the maya tradition of the deer dance:

Santa Claus has no other traditional names.

Belize Christmas recipes include:

• 31.8% Catholic
• 31.0% No religion
• 9.20% Pentecostal
• 7.40% Other religions
• 5.60% Baptist

• 4.70% Seventh-day Adventist
• 4.00% Anglican
• 3.90% Mennonite
• 1.70% Methodist
• 1.60% Nazarene

Merry Christmas in Belize Languages

Tamales

Escabeche

• Mopan is 'Ki'imak a k'iinil Kristo'
• Yucatec is 'Ki'imak Navidad'
• Kekchí is 'Kʼan Aj Na'aj'
• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’

Pibil

Relleno

Black Cake

Gabon

25 Dec

On Christmas Day, families come together to share a special meal. Like in many other countries, Christmas traditions include gift-giving, seasonal music, and festive decorations. In urban areas like Libreville, public celebrations can include fireworks and public concerts. While it's a time for celebration, it’s also an opportunity for reflection and community gatherings that strengthen familial bonds.

Santa Claus goes by "Papa Noël"

Gabon Christmas recipes include:

• 80.2% Christianity
• 10.8% Islam
• 7.00% No religion
• 1.10% Traditional faiths
• 0.90% Other religions

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Mustard Chicken

Jollof rice

Poissons en Sauce aux Arachides

Merry Christmas in Gabon Languages

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Fang is ‘Afenhyia pa’

Portugal

24 Dec

Portuguese Christmas traditions center on Christmas Eve (Consoada), with a large family dinner featuring dishes like cod, followed by midnight mass (Missa do Galo) and gift exchanges after midnight. Other traditions include elaborate nativity scenes (presépios), leaving portraits of baby Jesus out, the Christmas tree, and various desserts like Bolo Rei (King's Cake). Gifts are traditionally opened at midnight, following dinner. In some regions, especially the North and center, large bonfires are lit after midnight mass as part of a very old tradition.

• 80.2% Catholicism
• 14.1% No religion
• 2.13% Protestantism
• 1.04% Other Christian
• 0.72% Jehovah's Witnesses
• 0.72% Other religion
• 0.69% Orthodoxy
• 0.42% Islam

Santa Claus is known as "Pai Natal"

Merry Christmas in Portugal Languages

Portugal Christmas recipes include:

• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'
• Mirandese is '"Boas Festas'

Bacalhau

Peru Assado

Salada de Polvo

Aletria

Bolo Rei

Belgium

24 Dec

In Belgium they celebrate a separate and earlier gift-giving celebration where children leave their shoes out for "Sinterklaas" or "Saint-Nicolas" and may find presents, tangerines, speculoos cookies, and marzipan in the morning. A large family meal is typically held on Christmas Eve, often featuring multiple courses like seafood or game, followed by dessert and gift-opening. New Year's Eve and New Year are also very big holidays in Belgium. Many families eat another large meal together and sometimes have even more presents. On New Year's Day, people often visit friends and family. Children (up to about the age of 12) also read their 'New Years letters' for their Mother/Godmother. The letters are written at school and are done in your best handwriting and put in beautiful envelopes. On the 6th of January, people celebrate Epiphany and the three wise men. Children dress up as the three wise men and go from door to door to sing songs and people give them money or sweets, kind of like Trick or Treating on Halloween.

• 59.0% No religion
• 31.0% Roman Catholic
• 6.00% Islam
• 1.00% Protestant
• 1.00% Eastern Orthodox
• 1.00% Other Christian
• 1.00% Other

Merry Christmas in Belgium Languages

• Dutch is 'Prettige Kerst'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'

Santa Claus is known as "Père Noël"

Belgium Christmas recipes include:

Aardappel Kroketjes

Waffles

Holiday Goose

Speculoos

Hot chocolate

China

Not a public holiday

Christmas is celebrated in China primarily as a secular, festive occasion, not a religious holiday, and is most popular in major cities. Celebrations focus on shopping, dining, and romantic dates, with traditions like exchanging gifts, especially elaborately wrapped apples, and decorating with lights and trees. In mainland China, December 25th is a normal working day, while it is a public holiday in places like Hong Kong and Macau.

Santa Claus is known as "Shèngdàn Lǎorén"

China Christmas recipes include:

• 52.1% Unaffiliated
• 21.9% Chinese Folk Religion
• 18.2% Buddhism
• 5.1% Christianity
• 1.8% Islam
• 0.7% Other religions

Jiaozi

Changshoumian

Moon Cakes

Peking Duck

Spring Rolls

Merry Christmas in Chinese Languages

• Mandarin is 'Shèngdàn jié kuàilè'
• Wu is 'sen te jiqi'

Ecuador

25 Dec

Ecuadorian Christmas traditions blend Catholic faith with vibrant culture, centering on the Novena (nine nights of prayer, carols, and community) and elaborate Nativity scenes (Pesebres) where baby Jesus is placed on Christmas Eve. Key events include the festive Pase del Niño parades with costumed participants, traditional foods like Hornado de Chancho (roasted pork) and Pristiños (honey-glazed pastries), and the solemn Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass). Families gather for large dinners, children write letters to Baby Jesus, and festive decorations featuring poinsettias and cypress trees adorn homes.

Santa Claus is known as " Papá Noel"

Merry Christmas in Ecuador Languages

• 80.4% Catholicism
• 11.3% Protestantism
• 7.00% None / Other
• 1.29% Other Christian

Ecuador Christmas recipes include:

Pavo Horneado

Tamales Navideños

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’
• Quechua is 'Sumaq Q'asampay'

Arroz Navideño

Ensalada Rusa

Bunuelos

Andorra

24 Dec

Andorra's Christmas traditions include the unique "Caga tió" (or "beating log"). A log is brought into the home, covered with a blanket, and placed by the fireplace. Gifts and candy are placed under the blanket. Children hit the log with a stick while singing traditional songs, with a final, harder hit on the words "Caga tió!" (Poop, log!). After the log is "beaten," the blanket is lifted to reveal the gifts. The country also has festive markets, holiday lights, and special Christmas dishes, alongside other shared traditions like visiting Santa Claus and singing carols.

Santa Claus is known as "Papa Noel"

Merry Christmas in Andorra Languages

• 85.5% Catholicism
• 6.90% None
• 5.30% Other Christian
• 2.30% Other

Andorra Christmas recipes include:

• Catalan is 'Bon Nadal'
• Spanish is '¡Feliz Navidad!'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Portuguese is 'Feliz Natal'

Escudella

Canelons de Sant Esteve

Turron

Neules

Crema Andorana

Ireland

24 Dec

Christmas in Ireland, or Lá Nollag, is celebrated on December 25th, but the season extends from December 8th to January 6th. Traditions include decorating Christmas trees, attending Midnight Mass, and placing a candle in the window is a sign of welcome to travelers, symbolizing hospitality for the Holy Family. The youngest member of the household traditionally lights it. It was believed that at midnight on Christmas Eve, animals like cows and donkeys could speak in human language to celebrate the birth of Jesus. A large log, similar to a Yule log, was traditionally kept burning to honor the role of animals in the Christmas story. In rural areas, stables and animal sheds were decorated to honor the animals' role in the Nativity story. The celebration concludes with Nollaig na mBan or "Little Christmas" on January 6th. In some traditions, this is a day for women to rest, with men taking over household duties. Modern customs are blended with traditional ones, such as the Christmas Day sea swim and the widespread popularity of the Late Late Toy Show.

• 69.1% Catholicism
• 14.8% No religion
• 7.10% Unspecified
• 4.20% Protestantism
• 2.10% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 1.60% Islam
• 0.70% Other Christians
• 0.70% Hinduism

Merry Christmas in Ireland Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Daidí na Nollag"

• Irish is 'Nollaig Shona dhuit' (to one person) or 'Nollaig shona dhaoibh' (to more than one person)

Ireland Christmas recipes include:

Full Irish Breakfast

Irish Boiled Ham

Colcannon

Christmas Cake

Sherry Trifle

Brazil

25 Dec

Brazilian Christmas traditions blend Portuguese heritage with unique tropical flair, centering on a late-night Christmas Eve (Noite Feliz) with big family dinners, midnight gift exchanges (often through Amigo Secreto), and midnight mass (Missa do Galo) under the warm summer sky, featuring Papai Noel (Santa), elaborate Presépios (nativity scenes), and festive foods like panettone, culminating in a relaxed Christmas Day with leftovers.

Santa Claus is known as "Bom Velhinho"

• 56.8% Catholicism
• 26.9% Protestantism
• 9.28% No religion
• 4.07% Other religions
• 1.84% Spiritism
• 1.05% Afro-Brazilian religions
• 0.17% Not stated

Merry Christmas in Brazil Languages

Brazil Christmas recipes include:

• Portuguese is ‘Feliz Natal’

French toast

Brazilian potato salad

Panettone

Brazilian Christmas rice

Bacalhau

Dominican Republic

6 Jan

Dominican Christmas traditions are vibrant, family-focused celebrations lasting months, featuring lively parrandas (street parties) with merengue music, unique charamicos (decorated branches) instead of typical trees, big feasts on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), fireworks, and gift-giving centered around the Three Kings on January 6th, not Christmas Day. Key customs include aguinaldos (serenades), Un Angelito (secret gift exchange), and special foods like roasted pork and pasteles en hoja.

Santa Claus is known as "Santacló"

Dominican Republic Christmas recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Dominican Republic Languages

• 59.2% Catholicism
• 19.0% Protestantism
• 16.6% Unaffiliated
• 3.50% Others
• 1.80% No Answer

Puerco Asado

Moro de Guandules

Pasteles en Hoja

Arroz con Leche

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Haitian Creole is 'Jwaye Nwèl'

Habichuelas con Dulce

Puerto Rico

25 Dec

Puerto Rican Christmas traditions are vibrant, extended celebrations centered on music, feasts, and family, highlighted by late-night Parrandas (caroling parties), festive meals featuring Arroz con Gandules, Pernil, & Pasteles, homemade coconut-rum Coquito, and a special focus on the Three Kings' Day (Epiphany) where kids leave grass for camels, receiving gifts in return, extending the holiday joy well past Christmas Day.

Santa Claus is known as 'Santa Clós'

• 90-96% Christianity
• 70% to 85% Roman Catholicism
• 15-25% Protestantism/Evangelical
• 2-3% Irreligious
• 0.7% Other Religions

Puerto Rico recipes include:

Merry Christmas in Puerto Rico Languages

Arroz con Gandules

Pernil Asado

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'

Coquito

Bacalaitos

Tembleque

Eritrea

7 Jan

Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, rather than December 25th. This is because the Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo Church uses the Geez Calendar that is somewhat similar to the Julian Calendar followed by Eastern Orthodox Church. If you're a Christian who belongs to a different type of church, it can actually be very dangerous, as the government controls which types of churches are allowed.

Santa Claus is not part of the traditional celebrations in Eritrea

Eritrea Christmas recipes include:

Zigini with Injera

Makleel

Tsebhi Sga

• 47% -63% Christians of the Orthodox Tewahedo Church, Eritrean Catholic Church and Evangelical Lutheran Church
• 37% - 52% Sunni Islam

Suwa (Eritrea beer)

Doro Wot

Merry Christmas in Eritrea Languages

• Tigrinya is 'Ruhus Beal Lidet'
• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

Switzerland

24 Dec

Swiss Christmas traditions blend German and French influences with unique local customs, such as advent windows, the arrival of Samichlaus on December 6th, and events like the Klausjagen procession in Küssnacht. Some villages have a "real" Advent calendar where different houses decorate an "Advent window" each evening, hosting a small party with food, mulled wine (Glühwein), and music. Children anticipate the arrival of Samichlaus (St. Nicholas) and his companion, Schmutzli, who bring small gifts, sweets, and nuts. In Küssnacht, a unique event on the eve of December 6th involves a procession with whip crackers, bell-ringers, and hundreds of large, candle-lit hats called iffelen.

• 35.6% Unaffiliated
• 30.7% Catholicism
• 19.5% Swiss Protestantism
• 6.00% Islam
• 5.80% Other Christian
• 1.50% Other religions
• 0.90% Unknown

Merry Christmas in Switzerland Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Samichlaus"

Switzerland Christmas recipes include:

• Romansh is 'Bellas festas da Nadal'
• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Italian is 'Buon Natale'

Fondue Chinoise

Filet im Teig

Baumkuchen

Orangenschnittli

Zimtsterne

Italy

24 Dec

Italian Christmas traditions include decorating trees on December 8th, a meatless Christmas Eve dinner of seafood, and a large meat-filled Christmas Day feast. A key element is the festive presepe (nativity scene) displayed in homes and churches, with live nativity scenes also being a popular part of the celebration. The holiday season culminates on the night of January 5th, the witch-like figure La Befana delivers gifts to children by filling their stockings. For well-behaved children, she leaves sweets and toys; for those who misbehave, she leaves a piece of "coal," which is often a piece of sugar or dark chocolate. See link on picture for more information on La Befana.

Merry Christmas in Italy Languages

• 71% to 79% Christianity
• 12% to 16% Unaffiliated
• 3% to 4% Islam
• 1% Other religions

Santa Claus is known as "Babbo Natale"

• Italian is 'Buon Natale'
• German is 'Frohe Weihnachteni'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'
• Slovene is 'Vesel Božič'

Italy Christmas recipes include:

Baccalà

Lasagna

Torrone

Panettone

Panforte

Haiti

25 Dec

Haitian Christmas traditions blend Catholic roots with unique local flair, featuring large nativity scenes, decorating with pine trees and bright ornaments, and children leaving straw-filled shoes for Tonton Nwèl (Santa) on Christmas Eve for gifts. Key elements include midnight mass, festive reveillon feasts with special foods, vibrant fanals (lanterns), and family gatherings, all celebrated with Creole greetings like "Jwaye Nowel". Haiti is predominantly Roman Catholic, but Vodou traditions also influence culture, with some Voudou practitioners incorporating Christmas celebrations. Music, drumming, and dance are central to Vodou ceremonies, breathing life into rituals and strengthening community bonds, often happening alongside Christmas festivities.

Merry Christmas in Haiti Languages

• 65.9% Catholicism
• 19.0% Protestantism
• 9.00% Other Christian
• 2.75% No religion
• 2.70% Spiritist
• 0.65% Other religion

Santa Claus is known as "Tonton Nwèl"

Help the vulnerable:

• Haitian Creole is 'Jwaye Nwèl'
• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

Haiti Christmas recipes include:

Hope for Haiti

Pikliz

Griot

World Food Programme

Macaroni Gratiné,

Diri Djon Djon

Save the Children

Pen Patat

Croatia

24 Dec

Christmas traditions in Croatia include the Advent wreath, planting wheat for St. Lucy's Day, and decorating with evergreen and straw. Christmas Eve features the symbolic burning of the badnjak (Christmas log) and a special meal, followed by attending Midnight Mass. Other customs include St. Nicholas' Day on December 6th, when children leave out shoes for gifts, and the use of Nativity scenes and special decorations like licitar hearts. A ceremonial log is brought into the house, blessed with wine or holy water, and placed in the fireplace to burn throughout the night and Christmas Day. It's a rural tradition now, though some urban dwellers keep a symbolic log.

• 83.0% Catholicism
• 6.39% No religion
• 3.86% Undeclared
• 3.35% Eastern Orthodoxy
• 2.34% Others
• 0.73% Other Christian
• 0.26% Protestantism

Merry Christmas in Croatia Languages

• Croatian is 'Sretan Božić'
• German is 'Frohe Weihnachten'
• Italian is 'Buon Natale'
• Hungarian is 'Boldog karácsonyt!'
• Slovak is 'Veselé Vianoce'

Santa Claus is known as "Djed Božićnjak"

Croatia Christmas recipes include:

Francuska salata

Fiš-paprikaš

Pasutice

Makovnjača

Orahnjača

USA

25 Dec

American Christmas traditions blend secular and religious customs, focusing heavily on family, gift-giving, and festive decorations like lights, trees, and stockings, with popular activities including watching holiday movies, baking cookies (like gingerbread), leaving treats for Santa, hosting "ugly sweater" parties, and enjoying seasonal treats like eggnog, all leading up to Christmas morning gift exchanges and festive meals. In New England (the American States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine), there are shops called 'Christmas Shops' that only sell Christmas decorations and toys all the year round!

• 44.8% Protestant
• 21.8% Catholic
• 21.4% Irreligion
• 5.60% Unknown
• 4.10% Other religions
• 2.40% Other Christian

Merry Christmas in American Languages

Santa Claus is not traditionally known by other names

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Chinese is 'Shèngdàn kuàilè'

American Christmas recipes include:

Maple Glazed Ham

Feast of the Seven Fishes

Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce

Fruitcake

Eggnog

Nauru

25 Dec

Nauru's Christmas traditions blend Christian customs with unique island flair, focusing on bright decorations (especially lights and decorated trees), church services, caroling, and large family feasts featuring local foods like coconut and banana cakes, roasted pork, with celebrations often involving visiting multiple family homes all day for food and community, emphasizing togetherness and inclusion.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Nauru Christmas recipes include:

• 35.7% Nauru Congregational Church
• 33.0% Catholicism
• 13.0% Assemblies of God
• 9.50% Nauru Independent Church
• 7.34% Other
• 1.48% Baptist

Coconut Crusted Fish

Fish Soup

Ika Talo/Ika Talo

Coconut Mousse

Chop Suey (Meat & Vegetable Stir-Fry)

Merry Christmas in Nauru Languages

• Nauruan is ‘Meri Kirihimete’

Western Sahara

Not a public holiday

Christmas traditions in the Western Sahara region are influenced by local culture and tourism, with celebrations often blending Bedouin and Berber practices with modern holiday festivities. Celebrations can include enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner, going on camel rides to watch the sunset, listening to nomadic music around a campfire, and stargazing in the desert, especially with the rise of tourism.

Santa Claus goes by "Baba Noel"

Western Sahara Christmas recipes include:

Malva pudding

Jollof rice

Chicken Peanut Stew

• 99.9% Sunni Islam
• 0.1% Other

Beef and Tomato Stew

Couscous

Merry Christmas in Western SaharaLanguages

• Arabic is 'Eid milad majid'

Côte d’Ivoire

25 Dec

Christmas in Côte d’Ivoire is a festive religious and cultural celebration, marked by all-night church services filled with singing, dancing, and prayer, followed by daytime visits and feasting. Streets and homes are decorated, the period is a time of communal joy and hope for the new year. Gift-giving isn't a focus as it's saved for New Years Eve. Gifts are exchanged in the new year to signify good fortune for the upcoming year.

Santa Claus goes by "Père Noël"

Côte d’Ivoire Christmas recipes include:

Kedjenou

Foutou

Sauce Graine

• 2.2% traditional faiths
• 2.2% unanswered
• 0.7% other religions

• 42.5% Islam
• 39.8% Christianity
• 12.6% no religion

Poulet/Poisson Braisé

Attieke

Merry Christmas in Côte d’Ivoire Languages

• French is 'Joyeux noël'
• Baoulé is ‘Mo ni ʃin’

Indonesia

25 Dec

Christmas in Indonesia, or Hari Raya Natal, is celebrated with a mix of Western and unique local traditions, including attending church services, decorating homes and malls, gift-giving, and feasting. Many Christians attend Christmas Eve midnight mass.

Meriam Bambu: In Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, this tradition involves firing bamboo cannons to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Kunci Taon: In Manado, North Sulawesi, this tradition includes a pilgrimage to graves with decorative lights, concluding with a parade in early January. Wayang Wahyu: In some parts of Central Java, the Wayang Wahyu shadow puppet shows are performed during Christmas, telling stories from the Bible.

• 87.1% Islam
• 10.4% Christianity
• 1.70% Hinduism
• 0.70% Buddhism
• 0.03% Folk/Other
• 0.02% Confucianism

Merry Christmas in Indonesia Languages

Santa Claus is known as 'Sinterklas'

• Bahasa is 'Selamat Hari Natal'
• Javanese is 'Sugeng Natal'
• Sundanese and Madurese is 'Selamat Natal'

Indonesia recipes include:

Sambal Goreng Ati

Sayur Labu Siam

Ketupat

Lapis Legit

Putri Salju

Uruguay

25 Dec

Uruguayan Christmas traditions blend family feasts, religious observance, and unique local flair, with major celebrations on Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) featuring large dinners (often lamb or asado), fireworks at midnight when gifts from Papa Noel (Santa) are opened, followed by dancing and singing, plus midnight Mass for the religious, all under a summer sky.

Santa Claus is known as "Papa Noel"

• 44.8% Roman Catholic
• 9.50% Other Christian
• 44.5% No religion
• 1.20% Other

Merry Christmas in Uruguay Languages

Uruguay Christmas recipes include:

Asado

Ensalada Rusa

• Spanish is ‘Feliz Navidad’

Pionono

Pan Dulce

Chajá

Guadeloupe

25 Dec

Guadeloupe's Christmas is a vibrant cultural season centered on Chanté Nwel (Creole Christmas caroling) with gwo-ka drums, unique traditions like Kakadò vigils, festive meals with pork, local cakes (pone, tcheks), and rum punch, plus church services and decorations like "pepper lights," blending French, African, and Creole heritage for joyous, musical celebrations throughout December.

• 80-85% Roman Catholic
• 7-7.1% Protestant
• 2-3% Agnostics/Atheists
• 0.5% Hinduism
• 0.3-0.4% Islam
• 0.36% Baha'is

Santa Claus is known as 'Père Noël'

Merry Christmas in Guadeloupe Languages

Guadeloupe recipes include:

Boudin Créole

Jambon Noël

• French is 'Joyeux Noël'

Pône

Riz aux Pois d'Angole

Flan Coco

Botswana

25 Dec

The churches in the villages have special services on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day, many people walk or drive out to their cattlepost. Each family's cattlepost is about six kilometres from the next family's cattlepost. The families go to visit other cattleposts and sing Christmas songs. The people of Botswana often dance as they sing.

Santa Claus is known as "Kersvader" or "Sinterklaas"

Botswana Christmas recipes include:

Serobe

Seswaa

Bogobe

• 86.5% Christianity
• 7.10% No religion
• 4.60% Traditional faiths
• 1.80% Others

Mopane worms

Magwinya

Merry Christmas in Botswana Languages

• Tswana/Setswana is 'Masego a Keresemose'

• Kalanga is 'Makhelwane azaliwe!'

Taiwan

25 Dec

Christmas was not traditionally celebrated in Taiwan. However, starting from 2025, December 25 will be a national holiday for another reason: Constitution Day. Even so, most children know about Santa Claus and might even know a Christmas song or two! Parents of children at popular English schools expect a full Christmas festival, complete with gift exchanges, singing, and of course, a visit to the school from Santa! Many schools will perform a kind of Christmas a pageant or play with sugar plum fairies, reindeer, snowflakes, elves and other Christmas characters singing on stage for parents

• 28.0% Buddhism
• 27.0% No religion
• 24.0% Taoism
• 12.0% Others
• 7.00% Christianity
• 2.00% Unknown

Merry Christmas in Taiwan Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Shèng Dàn Lâo Rén"

Taiwan Christmas recipes include:

• Mandarin is 'Shèngdàn kuàilè'
• Taiwanese Hokkien is 'Sèng-tàn-chat/chiat khòai-lo̍k'

Sesame oil chicken

Ba wan

Aiyu jelly

Pineapple cakes

Peanut ice cream rolls

Yemen

Not a public holiday

Christmas is not a public holiday in Yemen, and while there isn't a specific ban on private celebration, public displays are generally discouraged, and there are significant restrictions on religious expression due to the country's conservative Muslim majority and internal conflict. The official stance is that Christmas is not related to Islam, similar to some other Muslim-majority nations.

There are significant restrictions on religious expression, and activities like public proselytizing are illegal. The ongoing conflict in Yemen further complicates religious and social activities, particularly those seen as non-local.

• 65.0% Sunni Islam
• 34.0% Zaydi Islam
• 1.00% Other

Paraguay

25 Dec

Paraguayan Christmas is a warm, summer celebration focused on family, faith, and food, featuring traditional dishes like Sopa Paraguaya and Chipa Guasu, communal Asados, decorating with gold/green trees & nativity scenes (pesebre), singing Guaraní villancicos, drinking Clericó, and opening gifts on Christmas Eve, blending indigenous Guaraní culture with Catholic traditions under the hot sun.

Santa Claus is known as "Papá Noel"

• 88.3% Catholicism
• 6.80% Protestantism
• 2.60% No religion
• 0.90% Other Christian
• 0.80% Unanswered
• 0.60% Other

Merry Christmas in Paraguay Languages

Paraguay Christmas recipes include:

• Spanish is 'Feliz Navidad'
• Paraguayan Guaraní is 'Avyaitéte Ko Tupa Ray Ara'

Chipa Guasu

Sopa Paraguaya

Mbeju

Cebolla Ensalada

Ensalada de Poroto

Micronesia

25 Dec

Christmas in Micronesia blends Christian traditions with strong community focus, featuring church services, family feasts with local foods like taro, gift exchanges, and caroling in native languages, alongside unique events like the U.S. military's Operation Christmas Drop delivering aid to remote islands, highlighting togetherness and sharing.

Santa Claus has no other traditional names

Micronesia Christmas recipes include:

• 55.0% Catholic
• 42.0% Protestant
• 2.00% Other Christian
• 1.00% Other

Kosraean Soup

Chicken Kelaguen

Eneksa Agaga

Bakabana

Pihlohlo Mwehng

Merry Christmas in Micronesia Languages

• Chuukese is ‘Neekirissimas annim’
• Kosraean is 'Fuching Sraan'

Kyrgyzstan

25 Dec / 7 Jan

Christmas festive services are held in all churches of the republic. In the Bishkek Resurrection Cathedral, the Bishop of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan congratulates the faithful. On this day, Kyrgyzstan celebrates Defender of the Fatherland Day, which is a public holiday and an official day off. During the holiday season, Bishkek, the capital city, comes alive with festive lights and decorations. Ala-Too Square becomes the focal point of New Year's celebrations, featuring a large, beautifully decorated tree, known locally as the New Year Tree. Families and friends gather here for concerts and festivities on New Year's Eve. Traditional celebrations include toasting with champagne, fireworks at midnight, and sharing a festive meal.

• 90.0% Islam
• 7.00% Christianity
• 3.00% Other

Merry Christmas in Kyrgyzstan Languages

Santa Claus is known as "Ayaz Ata"

• Kyrgyz is ‘Rojdestvo mayramı menen’
• Russian is ‘Schastlivogo Rozhdestva’

Kyrgyzstan Christmas recipes include:

Boorsok

Besbarmak

Khan Palov

Samsa

Sumalak