Light Up the Night
This eight-day Jewish Festival of Lights, occurring in December, features the nightly lighting of a branched candelabra.
What is Hanukkah?
This crispy, fried potato pancake is a traditional holiday staple eaten during Hanukkah.
What is a latke?
This jolly man in a red suit travels by sleigh to visit homes on December 24th in many parts of the world.
Who is Santa Claus (or St. Nick / Father Christmas)?
In New York's Times Square, millions watch this massive glowing object drop down a pole at midnight on December 31st.
What is the ball?
This type of evergreen tree is traditionally brought inside homes and decorated with lights and ornaments throughout December.
What is a Christmas tree?
Celebrated in early November, this major Hindu festival of lights features clay lamps called diyas and stunning fireworks displays.
What is Diwali?
In Italy, this tall, dome-shaped sweet bread studded with candied citrus and raisins is a staple of December holiday feasts.
What is Panettone?
Instead of December 25th, children in Spain and many Latin American countries wait for these three royal figures to deliver gifts on January 6th.
Who are the Three Kings (or Three Wise Men / Magi)?
In Spain, it is tradition to eat exactly 12 of these fruits at midnight on New Year's Eve to bring luck for each month of the coming year.
What are grapes?
Starting on November 1st, Mexico honors deceased loved ones with sugar skulls, marigolds, and private altars during this holiday.
What is the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos)?
On December 13th, eldest daughters in Sweden wear wreaths of glowing candles on their heads to honor this saint, whose name means "light."
Who is St. Lucia (or St. Lucy)?
In Japan, families eat "Toshikoshi Soba," which translates to "year-crossing" this type of food, on December 31st for longevity and good luck.
What are noodles?
In Italy, children are visited on Epiphany Eve in early January by this old woman who delivers presents while riding a broomstick.
Who is La Befana?
On December 31st, people in Scotland celebrate this "first-footing" holiday, which popularized the singing of "Auld Lang Syne."
What is Hogmanay?
Celebrated on December 26th in the UK and Commonwealth nations, this holiday originated as a day for employers to give small, wrapped gifts or money to tradesmen and servants.
What is Boxing Day?
Originating from African harvest festival traditions, this seven-day December celebration includes lighting black, red, and green candles on a kinara.
What is Kwanzaa?
Hidden inside the French "Galette des Rois" (King Cake) served in early January is a small porcelain trinket or bean known by this four-letter French word.
What is a fève?
In Austria and parts of Germany, this horned, half-demon folklore figure accompanies St. Nicholas to punish naughty children during the first week of December.
Who is Krampus?
In Brazil, millions of people flock to the beaches on New Year's Eve traditionally wearing this color of clothing to bring peace.
What is white?
In late December, many cultures celebrate this astronomical event, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is the Winter Solstice?
Every November, Thailand celebrates this "Festival of Lights" by releasing floating plant-based baskets into the rivers to wash away bad luck.
What is Loy Krathong?
In the Netherlands and Belgium, these heavily spiced, shortcrust biscuit cookies are often stamped in the shape of St. Nicholas and eaten on December 5th and 6th.
What are speculaas (or speculoos)?
In Iceland, children leave their shoes on windowsills for 13 of these mischievous trolls who visit one by one in the days leading up to Christmas.
Who are the Yule Lads?
In the Bahamas, this vibrant street parade featuring elaborate cardboard costumes and rhythmic cowbells takes place on both Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
What is Junkanoo?
Celebrated between December 16th and 24th, this Latin American tradition features neighborhood processions that re-enact Mary and Joseph's search for lodging.
What is Las Posadas?