Winter Traditions Around the World
In Sweden, this December 13 celebration honors a saint of light with candles and saffron buns
St. Lucia Day (Luciadagen)
The Jewish “festival of lights” celebrated with candles and a menorah is…
Hanukkah
Spiced cookies often shaped as people or houses, popular in winter time.
Gingerbread
This ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s music is a December staple
The Nutcracker
In the Gregorian calendar, New Year’s Day falls on…
January 1
In Mexico, nine nights of processions from Dec 16–24 reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter
Las Posadas
The Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with diyas and rangoli, is…
Diwali
Crispy fried potato pancakes commonly enjoyed during Hanukkah
Latkes
In a 1990 comedy, Kevin McCallister defends his home from two bumbling burglars
Home Alone
Many people watch a ball drop at midnight at this NYC location
Times Square
In Japan, the year-end tradition of thorough house cleaning to welcome a fresh start is called…
Ōsōji
Starting Dec 26, this celebration honors seven principles (Nguzo Saba) and uses a kinara
Kwanzaa
A dome-shaped Italian holiday bread with dried fruit and citrus
Panettone
The traditional song sung at New Year’s Eve, title meaning “times gone by”
Auld Lang Syne
Red envelopes with money (hongbao) are customary during…
Lunar New Year
In China and across East Asia, this festival marks the lunar new year with family gatherings and red decorations
Spring Festival (Lunar New Year)
In December, many Buddhists mark the Buddha’s enlightenment on this day
Bodhi Day (Rōhatsu)
The nine-branch candelabrum used for Hanukkah is called a…
Hanukkiah (Hanukkah menorah)
A 2003 film features Buddy who travels from the North Pole to New York City
Elf
The day with the shortest period of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere is the…
Winter Solstice
In the UK and Commonwealth countries, the day after Christmas is known as…
Boxing Day
The midwinter festival marking the shortest day of the year is called
The Winter Solstice (Yule)
Traditional Japanese New Year soup featuring mochi rice cakes
Ozōni
In a 1966 animated special, a character’s heart “grows three sizes”
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Scotland’s traditional New Year celebration is called…
Hogmanay