Christmas / Around the World

How Different Countries Celebrate Christmas

Click any highlighted country on the map to see its unique Christmas traditions, local greetings, signature foods, decorations, and how gifts are given. Currently covering 41 countries across five continents, with more being added.

The interactive world map works best on a larger screen. On mobile, browse the country list below.

Browse by country

Every country, by region

Europe

North America

South America

Asia

Africa

Oceania

Why we built this

Christmas looks completely different from one country to the next. In Iceland, 13 mischievous trolls visit children one night at a time. In Japan, KFC is the traditional Christmas dinner. In Sweden, the country pauses to watch a Donald Duck cartoon every Christmas Eve. In Ethiopia, the holiday falls on January 7 and celebrations involve a hockey-like game played on horseback fields.

Most of us grew up with one version. This map is for everyone who's ever wondered what Christmas looks like somewhere else , whether you're researching family roots, planning a multicultural celebration, or just curious how the world handles the holiday.

Have a tradition we missed or got wrong? Tell us, accuracy matters, and we update the data as we hear from people who grew up celebrating in each country.