Did You Know?

Holiday Customs Around the World

The winter holidays are upon us! Everything that reminds us of our near and dear traditions (and the ones that make us wonder, “wait…why do we do this every year again?”) is in the air. From delicious delicacies to family festivities to cultural celebrations, unique traditions are waiting to be discovered in all our study-abroad locations.

Check out these worldwide holiday customs and get your students excited about what they can experience during their next adventure abroad with us.

Japan— Ōmisoka

Looking for a new way to celebrate the New Year? In Japan, families gather to ring in the New Year by eating long noodles (either Toshikoshi soba or Toshikoshi udon) to symbolize the crossing over from one year to the next. We invite your students to take on the Japanese tradition of cleaning their homes, cleaning themselves, and eating noodles together to get the New Year off to a fresh start.

Spain—Grapes

New Year’s Eve in Spain is known as Noche Vieja (Old Night). It is custom to stay at home until midnight, and at midnight, people eat doce uvas (twelve grapes), one at each stroke of the clock. This is supposed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness in el Año Nuevo (the New Year).

South Korea—Kimchi

If you’ve had enough of your grandma’s green bean casserole during the holidays, kimchi may be your new favorite seasonal go-to! To mark the start of winter in South Korea, people gather to celebrate Kimjang. During this festival, they make and share large amounts of kimchi with extended families, friends, and their communities. Give it a try and see what all the fermented fuss is all about.

Costa Rica—Holy Innocents

Whether you’re a huge fan of Halloween or you’re more of a Christmas enthusiast, you’ll love this tradition! During Día de Los Inocentes, or the Day of the Holy Innocents, Costa Ricans go from house to house collecting candy or cookies (just like trick-or-treating). It’s a Catholic holiday on December 28th, celebrating the winter season with a feast and traditional songs. Try it out and get the best of both worlds.

Italy—La Befana

This Italian custom may sound familiar, but with a twist. There is a legend of an old witch named La Befana who brings gifts (Santa, anyone?) on January 5th. She even carries a sack filled with presents and is said to slide down the chimneys. But instead of a sleigh, she rides a broomstick.

We all love to cozy up by the fire during the winter months, but Italians take it to a whole other level as they burn special Christmas wood—the Yule log—which must stay alight through the “twelve days of Christmas” until New Year’s Day. Even if you don’t have a fireplace, try this tradition with a Yule candle.

Need a new game to play with the family?

Try out Tombola (known as “Italian bingo”), a fun game played during this festive time of year across southern Italy. Being a form of raffle where you can win prizes and money, it’s a game everyone will want to join.

Peru—Fighting Festival

We can all agree that sometimes holiday gatherings can bring up some…strong feelings. In Peru, they have a dedicated event to dealing with those family and neighborly conflicts that were bottled up all year! With Takanakuy, their annual fistfight, they take care of their disagreements the old-fashioned way as they feast, drink, and dance.

The holidays and sweet treats go together, like hot chocolate and marshmallows. Imagine a whole festival dedicated to hot chocolate, plus a reason to gather for social good and charitable giving. You have what the Peruvians call Chocolatadas!

Australia— Australia Beach Day

Many of us look forward to vacation this time of year. If you’re dreaming of a beach day instead of sugar plums and snow angels, consider celebrating winter like the Australians. Now a national festival on the beach, Australian Day (January 26th) honors existing citizens and welcomes new ones. This time of the year is warm and summery in Australia, allowing them to enjoy fireworks, family barbecues, and other beach cleaning festivities. Our bags are already packed!

South Africa— Boxing Day

We know we aren’t alone when we say the best holiday gift would be taking a whole month off! South Africa celebrates the winter holiday season with the month-long closing of schools and many businesses in December. As if that wasn’t cause enough for celebration, they also celebrate Boxing Day—a tradition that happens the day after Christmas as a time devoted to relaxation. Sign us up!

Prague and Germany—Holiday Markets

Even though there’s a chill in the air, it may not feel like a winter wonderland without going to a winter market. There’s nothing quite like experiencing Weihnachtsmarkt to celebrate Christmas in Germany or visiting the Old Town Square in Prague on New Year’s Day. Did you know that many structures for the markets are rebuilt from the ground up each year? Epic. Soak up the season with carols, sweets, and warm festive fare as you browse the stalls of these epic winter markets.

Thailand—Festival of Lights

As we think about what the New Year will bring, we’re always looking for ways to let go of the old and invite in the new. Thailand’s “festival of lights” is the perfect way to do just that with the Loi Krathong national celebration. Thai people gather to celebrate this day by placing items such as banana leaves, incense, and candles into small baskets and releasing them to float away in the river.

These global winter traditions have in common that they honor the past, welcome the future, and enjoy the present by bringing people together. Whether they embrace their longstanding traditions this winter or discover new ways to experience the holidays, we hope these special occasions and seasonal celebrations inspire your students!