Across the world, Christmas is celebrated in ways that reflect each place’s history, landscape, and spirit. Yet beneath the differences, there’s a shared thread that ties every tradition together: the desire to gather, to savour moments of joy, and to honour the light that carries us through the darkest days of the year.
This season, travel with us on a global journey, from snow-dusted European squares to the vibrant rhythms of South America, and onward to the surprising celebrations of Asia and South Pacific. Each tradition reveals something unique, something beautiful, and something deeply human.
Austria - Where Christmas Feels Timeless
Austria’s Christmas spirit is elegant, musical, and wonderfully alive with traditions. In cities like Vienna and Salzburg, the season begins with their legendary Christkindlmarkts, wooden stalls glowing with candlelight, mulled wine warming the air, and handcrafted ornaments glistening in the snow.
Austrians still honour the Christkind, the angelic gift-bringer, and many families celebrate with quiet, candlelit gatherings on Christmas Eve. It feels like stepping into the pages of a classic Christmas story.
Keep an eye on our website as we’re finalizing an European Christmas Markets itinerary where Austria is a highlight!
Germany - The Heart of the Christmas Market Tradition
Germany is the birthplace of many Christmas symbols we’ve come to cherish: Advent wreaths, nutcrackers, gingerbread, and of course… the Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas Markets).
One of Germany’s more surprising traditions is the Weihnachtsgurke, the “Christmas pickle” hidden on a tree, the first child to find it receives an extra present.
Germany’s markets will be another stop of Target Tours’ upcoming European Christmas Markets itinerary!
Norway - A Nordic Christmas by Candlelight
In Norway, homes glow with Advent candles, and the tradition of “Julebord”, festive gatherings with family and friends, fills December with cheerful meals and celebration.
One of Norway’s most unique customs is the myth of the Nisse, a gnome-like spirit believed to protect the home. Families still place a bowl of porridge outside on Christmas Eve to keep the Nisse happy, a tradition that blends folklore with heartwarming charm.
Brazil - Christmas with Music, Joy, and Midnight Magic
In Brazil, the season is celebrated during summer, so streets are filled with music, open-air festivals, and fireworks.
One of Brazil’s most cherished traditions is the Missa do Galo, or “Rooster’s Mass,” held at midnight on Christmas Eve. Afterward, families gather for Ceia de Natal, a feast featuring tropical fruits, roasted meats, panettone, and farofa. The holiday is deeply social, neighbours gather outdoors, children play late into the night, and cities sparkle with elaborate nativity displays called Presépios.
Peru - A Meaningful Andean Celebration
In Cusco and other highland regions, families participate in “Chocolatadas”, community gatherings where hot chocolate and panettone are shared with children and neighbours.
Another highlight is Santuranticuy, one of Peru’s largest artisan fairs, held on December 24th in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Here, local artists sell handcrafted nativity figures, often blending traditional Christian imagery with Andean symbols, a beautiful expression of cultural harmony.
Japan - Lights, Love, and a Touch of Whimsy
Cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kobe light up with some of the most elaborate winter light displays in the world, transforming entire districts into glowing streets of colour.
One of Japan’s most surprising traditions is the Christmas Eve KFC feast. Thanks to a wildly successful 1970s marketing campaign, fried chicken has become a beloved part of the holiday season, with families reserving their meals weeks in advance.
Australia - A Sunny Celebration by the Sea
In Australia, Christmas falls at the height of summer, creating a holiday season filled with sunshine, surf, and outdoor gatherings. Families enjoy barbecues on the beach, festive picnics, and backyard celebrations under bright blue skies.
One of the most iconic traditions is Carols by Candlelight, where crowds gather outdoors, often in parks or near the coast, holding glowing candles as they sing together.
From candlelit Vienna streets to sun-kissed Australian shores, each country celebrates Christmas in ways shaped by its culture, climate, and history. Yet every tradition, whether it features gnomes, markets, lanterns, fireworks, or feasts, carries the same spirit: connection, generosity, and the desire to gather with the people we love.
As we look toward the year ahead, these global celebrations remind us that there are countless ways to honour the season and endless wonders waiting to be discovered in the world. Whether in a snowy market square or beneath a summer sky, the joy of Christmas is found in the moments we share and the traditions we carry forward.
From all of us at Target Tours, we wish you a beautiful season of light, meaning, and inspiration, wherever your travels may take you next.
