More Unique European Christmas Traditions
Merry Christmas! We had so many responses to our last EuropeanChristmas traditions post, that we had to do a second one to include all the new traditions. So, here are eight more unique ways that European countries celebrate their Christmas traditions.
The Netherlands Christmas Tradition: Sinterklaas & Zwarte Piet
Many of you called us out for leaving this one off the last list.It’s similar to Nickolaus day in Germany, which happens on December 6th. But in the Netherlands, it’s Sinterklaas who comes and leaves treats. The assistant of Sinterklaas is Black Peter, a rather controversial figure who was originally a slave from Spain. The inclusion of black-face characters has evolved over the years, so you’ll just have to go see for yourself how they are including this character in their traditions.
Iceland Christmas Tradition: Many!
There are several unique Christmas traditions in Iceland. They will drink Malt, a malty sweet soda, or Appelsin, an orange soda. It’s also tradition to eat a bowl of rice porridge with one almond mixed in. Whoever gets the almond in their dish gets an extra present. There’s also the tradition of Yule Boys, where they dress up like Santa Claus and leave gifts for children for 13 nights leading up to Christmas. The coolest Iceland Christmas tradition is the Yule Cat. If you haven’t been good enough to get new clothes by Christmas Eve, the Yule Cat will come and eat you!
Lithuania Christmas Tradition: 12 Dishes
In Lithuania, there is a fast leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, no meat is consumed, but there are 12 dishes served on Christmas Eve, leading up to midnight. Then, at midnight, the fast ends and the celebration begins.
Scandinavia Christmas Tradition: Straw Yule Goats
In the Nordic countries such as Sweden and Finland, you’ll often see goats made out of straw. Sometimes, they are small ornaments or decorations. In some cities, they make huge yule goats to display.
Norway Christmas Tradition: Broom Hiding
In Norway, the women will hide their brooms on Christmas Eve so that witches can’t take the brooms and use them for mischief.
Orthodox Countries Christmas Tradition: Different Day of Celebration
In Russian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox and Eastern Orthodox countries, the birth of Jesus is not celebrated as the 25th of December. It’s actually the 7th of January. So in some of these countries, gifts aren’t shared on Christmas day, but on New Year’s day.
Spain Christmas Tradition: Day of the Three Kings
In Spain, they celebrate the day of the three kings, which is on the 6th of January. This is the day when children in Spain get their presents.They also have lots of parades and processions on the 5th of January, and they eat the “king’s cake,” or Roscon de Reyes. Similar to a King Cake for Mardi Gras, a toy is hidden inside the cake for someone to find.
Germany Christmas Tradition: Watching “Dinner for One”
I’ve spent many Christmases & New Year’s Eves in Germany and the German families have all watched this TV show around New Year’s Eve. It’s a “British” program about an old woman who holds a dinner party, but all of the guests have passed away, so the butler has to play the role of each guest, getting exceedingly drunk with each toast. For whatever reason, it’s become a German (as well as other countries) New Year’s or Christmas tradition, so you’re likely to see it on the television.
For more tips about traveling in Europe at Christmas, check out these blog posts and videos: