21 photos that show how Christmas is celebrated around the world

Sophia MitrokostasDec 17, 2020, 01:26 IST

London gets decked out for the holidays.Alexey Fedorenko/Shutterstock

People who celebrate Christmas don't have all of the same traditions around the world.
In Japan, a bucket of KFC fried chicken has become a holiday staple.
Christmas Eve in Finland can involve going to the sauna with your whole family.
Although people in many countries exchange gifts around the holiday, the day is different depending on where you are.

Christmas is a time of celebration and festivity around the world, and there are many vibrant and unique ways of observing the holiday.

Of course, every individual has their own holiday traditions, but customs also vary in different countries across the globe.

From rum-soaked desserts to dazzling Christmas markets, here are some of the ways that Christmas is celebrated around the world:

Some people in the Philippines celebrate Christmas for five months.

Santa figures in the Philippines. Dondi Tawatao/REUTERS

Many people in Japan like to eat fried chicken on Christmas.

A KFC in Japan was decked out in Christmas decor in 2016. Quality Stock Arts/Shutterstock

One Christmas tradition in Poland involves keeping a fish in your bathtub.

Holiday lights in Poland. AP Images

Many people in Finland celebrate Christmas with a trip to the sauna.

Santa Claus is also a big tradition for Finnish children. Lehtikuva/REUTERS

In the UK, stockings are hung from the end of beds and the queen gives an annual speech.

The queen gives an annual speech on Christmas Day. Pool/Reuters

Christmas in Croatia can involve cleaning your shoes and avoiding Krampus.

Santa is sometimes called Djed Mraz in Croatia. ANTONIO BRONIC/Reuters

People in Greece might keep a fire burning during Christmas to ward off holiday goblins.

The Night of Wishes festival is a common Greek Christmas tradition. ALEXANDROS AVRAMIDIS/Reuters

Christmas in Australia is often celebrated on the beach.

Christmas takes place during the summer in Australia. AP Images

In Argentina, some celebrate Christmas with fireworks.

Fireworks are part of both Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve festivities in Buenos Aires. Marcos Brindicci/REUTERS

For many in Ukraine, Christmas is celebrated on January 7.

Some people in Ukraine celebrate Christmas with caroling. VALENTYN OGIRENKO/Reuters

In the US, children leave cookies for Santa and hang their stockings on the fireplace.

Rockefeller Center in New York City puts up a huge Christmas tree every year. Chris Hondros/Getty Images

People in Spain often open presents on Epiphany.

The Feast of the Epiphany falls on January 6. Shutterstock

The main celebration in Brazil typically takes place on Christmas Eve.

Fireworks are also a part of Christmas festivities in Brazil. AP Images

Hanging giant paper lanterns is a common Christmas tradition in India.

Star-shaped paper lanterns are a popular Christmas decoration in India. AP Images

Father Frost visits Russian homes on New Year’s Eve.

Father Frost visits Russian homes. AP Images

In Latvia, you might have to read a poem before getting your presents.

Decorated Christmas trees may have originated in Latvia. AP Images

Christmas in Kenya is all about connecting with family.

It's common for Kenyans to attend a Christmas Eve vigil. THOMAS MUKOYA/Reuters

Christmas in Pakistan is a religious celebration filled with family activities.

Many Pakistani Christians attend a candlelight service ahead of Christmas. AP Images

Caroling is a big part of Christmas in many parts of Romania.

Children perform a holiday season ritual in Bucharest, Romania. AP Images

Decorations and festive markets are popular in Germany around Christmastime.

Christmas markets are also popular in Germany. irakite/Getty Images

In France, Christmas markets are a popular place to shop.

People stroll through a Christmas market in Paris. AP Images

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