Christmas Worldwide Infographic

Christmas is celebrated nearly everywhere in the world. But… different countries means different traditions! The following countries celebrate Christmas in their own very special way. We have chosen a few countries for you where Christmas is celebrated in different ways. Curious? Read our new infographic for more information!

Would you like to celebrate Christmas in a quite different way, too? Auto Europe offers rental cars at over 24,000 locations in 150 countries. Visit the country of your choice and make your Christmas experience spectacular!

Only a few weeks are left until Christmas! People celebrate it nearly everywhere in the world, but not everyone does it the way we do or know it. A variety of traditions have developed over the years. People are partying, smashing Pinatas, sharing wafers and performing special dances.

God Jul from Sweden

In Skandinavian countries you should be aware of flying gifts! It can happen that a wrapped gift is thrown into the room by someone who wants to give you a little treat (=Julklapp). Another tradition in Sweden is putting a bowl of porridge on the window sill. This is intended to ensure that goblin Tomte is not playing pranks on you.

Gleðileg jól from Iceland

In Iceland Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve until Epiphany. Years ago, due to the lack of firs, they were built out of wood and painted green. In Iceland gifts are brought by the 13 Christmas gnomes from the mountains. Every day, starting 12 days before Christmas Eve, one of the gnomes appears. Starting from Christmas Day until Epiphany, the gnomes disappear one per day.

Wesołych Świąt from Poland

Christmas Eve (Wigilia) begins as soon as the first star appears in the sky. Traditionally, one extra plate is set on the table at dinner. In memory of the 12 Apostles there are 12 courses served. In Poland it is a very important tradition to share a wafer on Christmas Eve. Everyone takes a piece, and wishes good luck to the others.

Nollaig Shona from Ireland

In Ireland houses are decorated with holly, garlands and misteltoe. A lot of people also have a Christmas wreath with five candles. Three are purple, one is pink and one is white, which will be lit only on Christmas Eve. Gifts are brought by Father Christmas during the night.

Svetlogo Rogdestva from Russia

In Russia Christmas is celebrated on the 7th of January, but here it is only the religious aspect that counts. Gift-giving takes place on New Year's Eve.

Gleðilig jól from the Faroe Islands

Here Christmas lasts for 21 days until the 13th of January. People perform a special dance on this day to celebrate the end of Christmastime.

Feliz Navidad from Mexico

Christmastime in Mexico starts on the 15th of December. Every day during this time is celebrated like a real Fiesta,including loud music and dancing (this party is named Posada). Traditionally people drink Ponche (punch) and smash Pinatas filled with nuts and fruits.

Merry Christmas from Australia

You want to celebrate Christmas in a very special, different way? Well, then you should spend your Christmastime on a beautiful sandy beach in Australia! Enjoy the sun on your face while savouring a tasty turkey barbecue!