Christmas looks completely different depending on where you land. And honestly, that’s what makes it so fun to explore. Every country takes the same holiday and gives it its own twist, from wild street parties to cozy rituals that only make sense once you’re there. It’s the kind of stuff that makes you think, okay, we definitely don’t do this at home… but it’s kinda cool!?
You’ll find places where the season starts with massive lantern parades, others where people run after mythical creatures, and some where the “gift-giver” isn’t Santa at all but a witch, a camel, or a whole crew of cheeky trolls. The creativity is unreal.
So if you’re like me and love digging into the weird, heartwarming, and sometimes downright chaotic traditions that pop up around the world this time of year, you’re in for a treat. Let’s take a little trip through the most unexpected Christmas customs out there.
Page Contents
1. El Caganer & Tió de Nadal (Catalonia, Spain)
Catalonia has a talent for turning Christmas into something completely unexpected, and we kind of love it. Picture this: you’re looking at a traditional nativity scene… and suddenly spot El Caganer, a tiny figurine hiding in the corner, pants down, doing exactly what the name suggests. It’s supposed to bring good luck and fertile land, but let’s be honest — half the fun is just trying to find him.
And then there’s Tió de Nadal, the famous “pooping log.” Kids feed it, tuck it in, and when the big night arrives, they grab sticks and sing songs until the poor thing “poops” small presents. It’s strange, hilarious, and somehow incredibly sweet when you see it in action.
They’re totally separate traditions, but both have that same playful Catalan humor — and yes, both revolve around… well, poop. Only in Catalonia could Christmas be this cheeky and this charming at the same time.
2. KFC for Christmas (Japan)
Japan has this Christmas tradition that always makes us smile. Instead of cooking a big meal at home, people go straight to KFC. Not as a joke, not as a quirky one-off, it is genuinely the go-to Christmas dinner. It all started with a 1970s marketing campaign that somehow became a national habit, and now families pre-order their chicken weeks ahead.
On Christmas Eve, the queues are enormous, and everyone walks out with the famous “party barrel” with chicken, sides, dessert, and the whole package. It feels a bit like picking up a festive roast, just with extra crunch.
It is one of those traditions that sounds completely random until you see it in Japan, and suddenly it fits perfectly.
3. Krampus (Austria, Germany & Beyond)
Forget Santa being the only one doling out punishments. In parts of Austria and Germany, Krampus is the real Christmas enforcer. This half-goat, half-demon creature roams the streets at night, scaring kids who have been naughty and sometimes even carrying them off in his sack.
It sounds terrifying, but it’s also a massive part of the festive fun. Towns hold Krampus parades where people dress up in crazy masks and furs, clanging bells and rattling chains. The bigger and scarier the costume, the better.
It’s definitely not your typical cozy Christmas tradition, but that’s exactly why we love it. Seeing Krampus in action makes the season feel wild, unpredictable, and completely unforgettable.
4. Night of the Radishes (Mexico)
In Oaxaca, Christmas kicks off with one of the most unexpected traditions you’ll ever see. Every December 23rd, the city comes alive for the Night of the Radishes, a festival where giant radishes are carved into incredible scenes. Some show nativity setups, others feature animals, historical figures, or completely wild creations.
The market square transforms into a mini art gallery filled with color, detail, and a sense of playful competition. Locals and visitors wander through, snapping photos and marveling at how something as simple as a radish can become so impressive.
It’s completely different from anything you’d expect at Christmas, but that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable. Mexico once again proves that the holiday season can be creative, fun, and totally unique.
5. Julenissen or Christmas Witches (Norway)
In Norway, Christmas has a mischievous side thanks to the Julenissen, or Christmas witches. These aren’t scary like Krampus, but they love a good prank. Traditionally, kids would hide shoes or leave out food to keep the little spirits of the house happy and avoid their tricks.
The stories say these tiny figures roam around at night, playing harmless pranks or leaving small treats for good children. It’s a mix of mischief and magic that keeps the holiday season lively and full of surprises.
It’s a tradition that makes Christmas feel playful and unpredictable, showing that the festive spirit doesn’t always have to be cozy and calm.
6. Giant Lantern Festival (Philippines)
In San Fernando, the Christmas season comes alive with the Giant Lantern Festival. Every year, neighborhoods compete to create the most elaborate, dazzling lanterns, some stretching over six meters wide. The streets fill with glowing patterns, twinkling lights, and a festive buzz that’s impossible to ignore.
It’s less about gifts and more about spectacle. Families and visitors wander through the illuminated streets, marveling at the creativity and skill behind each lantern. The competition adds an extra layer of excitement, with every neighborhood trying to outshine the others.
It’s a Christmas celebration that feels like a full-on festival, proving that the holiday spirit can be bright, bold, and completely unforgettable.
7. Yule Lads (Iceland)
Iceland takes Christmas mischief to a whole new level with the Yule Lads. These 13 quirky characters appear one by one over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas, each with their own weird and hilarious habit. Some steal food, others play tricks, and a few leave small gifts for kids who’ve been good.
The Yule Lads aren’t scary, but they’re definitely mischievous. Kids leave shoes on the windowsill, hoping for treats and trying to avoid the pranks. Each Lad has a unique personality and prank, making every night a little surprise.
It’s a tradition that mixes humor, mischief, and festive charm, proving that Iceland knows how to keep Christmas playful, unpredictable, and totally memorable.
8. Mari Lwyd (Wales)
In Wales, Christmas comes with a tradition that’s equal parts spooky and hilarious. The Mari Lwyd is a horse’s skull mounted on a pole, carried around by a group of people hidden under a sheet. They go door to door, challenging homeowners to a rhyme-off before being allowed inside.
It sounds creepy, but it’s all in good fun. Families try to outwit the Mari Lwyd crew with clever verses, singing, and jokes, creating a chaotic, playful showdown in the middle of the festive season.
The tradition has even traveled across the ocean to parts of South America, where communities have adapted the Mari Lwyd with colorful masks and skeleton figures, keeping the same mix of mischief and performance alive.
9. La Quema del Diablo (Guatemala)
In Guatemala, the Christmas season starts with literal flames. On December 7th, neighborhoods gather for La Quema del Diablo, a tradition where people burn devil effigies to symbolically clear out bad energy before the festivities begin. Picture bonfires, fireworks, and entire streets glowing orange as everyone sends the “diablo” packing for the year.
It’s loud, chaotic, and strangely uplifting. Families treat it as a fresh start — burn the old, welcome the new. Kids love it, adults get nostalgic, and the whole thing feels like a massive communal reset button.
It’s one of those traditions that looks intense from the outside but makes perfect sense once you’re there. Guatemala kicks off Christmas with fire, noise, and a whole lot of attitude… and honestly, it works.
10. Decorated Brooms & Toilet-Paper Rolls (Venezuela)
In parts of Caracas and nearby regions, Christmas comes with a quirky DIY twist. Families decorate brooms and toilet-paper rolls with ribbons, lights, tiny nativity figures, glitter — whatever they have on hand — and display them around the house as part of their festive setup. It’s crafty, colorful, and proudly homemade.
What started as a low-cost way to bring Christmas spirit into the home turned into a full tradition. Kids get especially into it, turning everyday objects into little works of art, and every family seems to have their own style — some go minimalist, others go full tinsel explosion.
It’s one of those charming, unexpected customs that shows how creativity thrives when resources are tight. In Venezuela, Christmas isn’t about the fanciest décor… it’s about imagination, family, and making magic out of whatever’s around.