Christmas Songs
This modern classic has become a global phenomenon and one of the most popular holiday songs since its 1994 release, eventually topping the charts decades later.
All I Want for Christmas Is You
A modern classic starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, an oversized elf who travels to New York City to find his human father, it is consistently ranked among the top holiday movies.
Elf
This practice originated in Germany and has become a central part of holiday decor worldwide. The evergreen tree symbolizes everlasting life.
Decorating the Christmas Tree
This warm winter drink is made with cocoa and is often topped with marshmallows or whipped cream.
Hot Chocolate
This 8-day Jewish holiday includes lighting candles on a menorah.
Hanukkah
Written in 1934, this tune is a ubiquitous part of the Christmas season and a top-performed song.
Santa Clause is Comin' to Town
Known for its memorable quotes like "You'll shoot your eye out, kid!" and the leg lamp, this movie has become a perennial holiday favorite.
A Christmas Story
A popular tradition in the United States, children leave out snacks for Santa Claus and his reindeer on Christmas Eve, a practice which became widely popular in the 1930s.
Leaving out Cookies for Santa
This sweet bread house decorated with candy is a classic holiday activity and treat.
Gingerbread House
This African American holiday celebrates community, creativity, and cultural heritage from December 26 to January 1.
Kwanzaa
Originally a winter song about a sleigh ride, it is one of the most widely known and performed secular holiday songs.
Jingle Bells
The highest-grossing Christmas film for many years, this comedy about Kevin McCallister's misadventures defending his home from burglars is an undeniable crowd-pleaser.
Home Alone
This popular tool helps children count down the days until Christmas, typically starting on December 1st, by opening a small door each day to reveal a picture or treat.
Advent Calender
This creamy holiday drink is made with milk, sugar, spices, and sometimes egg.
Eggnog
During this Mexican holiday, families reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before Jesus’ birth.
Las Posadas
Known for its warm and cozy imagery, this song has become a definitive holiday standard since its 1946 recording.
The Christmas Song
This comedy about the Griswold family's chaotic Christmas celebrations features many iconic and highly quotable scenes.
National Lampoons Christmas Vacation
It is a well-known custom that people should kiss when standing under this plant, a tradition with origins in ancient Norse mythology and later Roman festivals.
Kissing under the Mistletoe
These cookies, shaped like people, are flavored with ginger and cinnamon.
Gingerbread Cookies
In China and many Asian countries, this major winter celebration includes red envelopes, fireworks, and symbolic foods.
Lunar New Year
One of the best-selling singles of all time, this classic was featured in the 1942 film Holiday Inn.
White Christmas
This film, starring James Stewart as George Bailey, is widely considered one of the best Christmas movies of all time and a classic piece of American cinema.
White Christmas
linked to the Christian story of Saint Nicholas, who is said to have secretly put gold coins into the stockings of three poor daughters. Gift-giving is a widespread tradition associated with the gifts the Magi brought to baby Jesus.
Hanging Stockings
This traditional Mexican Christmas drink is a warm fruit punch made with guava, apples, hibiscus, and cinnamon.
Ponche Navideño
In Japan, people eat a bowl of soba noodles on New Year’s Eve for good luck and a long life.
Toshikoshi Soba