Explore the heartwarming customs, delicious foods and spirited festivities that make Christmas special in every corner of the world.
From candlelit Nordic homes and sparkling Filipino lanterns to Australian beaches and German markets, every culture brings its own colour and warmth to Christmas.
Stories adapted from the station’s current Christmas Around the World collection.
In Denmark, hygge—the feeling of warmth, comfort and togetherness—lies at the heart of Christmas. Families gather for roast pork, sweet red cabbage and risalamande, a creamy rice pudding containing one lucky whole almond.
On Christmas Eve, children wait for Julemanden and the playful Nisse. Some families leave the little elves a bowl of porridge, keeping alive a season of folklore, food and fireside comfort.
The Philippines is famous for one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons. Simbang Gabi brings communities together for nine masses, while bibingka and puto bumbong offer a delicious reward afterwards.
Star-shaped parols and the Giant Lantern Festival fill the season with colour, hope and the guiding light of Bethlehem.
Australian Christmas arrives in high summer. Families head for the coast, barbecues sizzle with prawns and seafood, and pavlova is served with cream and berries.
Swimming, backyard cricket, Carols by Candlelight and neighbourhood displays prove that Christmas magic does not depend on snow.
Thirteen mischievous Yule Lads visit Icelandic children during the nights before Christmas. Shoes are left on windowsills for small gifts—or a raw potato for anyone who has misbehaved.
With names such as Spoon-Licker, Door-Slammer and Candle-Stealer, they turn the season into a living fairy tale.
Las Posadas begins on 16 December, reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter through candlelit processions, songs and community hospitality.
Tamales, buñuelos, warm fruit punch and the star-shaped piñata make each evening a celebration of faith, food and togetherness.
Germany’s Weihnachtsmärkte transform old town squares into storybook scenes of wooden huts, golden lights and winter fragrance.
GlĂĽhwein, chestnuts, Lebkuchen, Stollen, nutcrackers and handmade decorations make the market an essential Advent gathering place.
A beloved legend tells of a poor family whose undecorated tree was covered overnight by spiders’ webs. Morning sunlight transformed them into shimmering silver and gold.
Spider and web ornaments remain symbols of blessing, good fortune and the hope that humble moments can become beautiful.
Continue your Christmas journey with live cameras from Lapland, New York, alpine villages and town squares around the world.