6 of Europe’s most fun Christmas traditions

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us again! Are you looking forward to a festive feast, plenty of Christmas cookies, and opening gifts on Christmas Eve? We are too!

Would you like to make it a bit more interesting this year with a few new traditions? We’re definitely up for that as well! Why not take a look at Europe for some inspiration? Numerous European countries have incredibly unique Christmas customs that are also a lot of fun. Wherever you spend Christmas this year, why not follow one or more of the following European traditions to make the holidays even more enjoyable?

1. If you want to start Christmas a little earlier, do as the Dutch do

Can’t wait to receive your presents? By celebrating like the Dutch, you can start the festivities much earlier.

In the Netherlands, the fun begins with Saint Nicholas Day on December 6th. Many Dutch people traditionally celebrate Sinterklaas on this day. The night before, children leave their shoes outside their bedroom doors. If they’ve been good, they’ll wake up to a treat inside. If they’ve been naughty? All they’ll get is a lump of coal!

On December 6th, the Dutch also give their main gifts. But it doesn’t stop there—their gifts aren’t wrapped in ordinary Christmas paper. Instead, they are disguised to look like something completely different! Why not confuse curious children by wrapping their toys in bizarre shapes?

2. For families who love to sing together, take inspiration from Denmark

Can’t get enough of Christmas carols in December? Add a touch of Scandinavian joy to the big day with a group sing-along!

In Denmark, a charming tradition many families follow is to gather around the Christmas tree after the main meal. Holding hands, they sing Christmas songs together (usually after a few glasses of mulled wine!). Think your kids might enjoy it? They might need a bit of persuasion, but who knows—it’s Christmas after all!

If singing in a circle isn’t your thing, another Danish tradition involves watching a different Christmas movie or show every evening. Who needs chocolate when you have cozy festive entertainment?

3. Want to make unwrapping gifts more exciting? Write a witty poem like they do in Sweden

Disguising your presents as other objects seems a bit too complicated? Fair enough! Swedish Christmas traditions might be more your style.

Why not do as the Swedes do and make unwrapping gifts a memorable moment? Simply write a short poem on the outside of each gift, giving the recipient a hint about what’s inside. Before the wrapping is torn off, let everyone guess what their gift might be.

4. Ever struggled to decide how many gifts to buy? This one’s for you

Legend has it that in Germany, an old Christmas tradition involved hanging a pickle on the Christmas tree. Yes, it sounds a bit odd, but we’re intrigued! After the tree was fully decorated, parents would hide a pickle among the branches for the children to find on Christmas morning.

The child with the best detective skills would receive an extra gift. Ready to add a pickle to your tree this year? If you browse online, you might even find special Christmas ornaments shaped like pickles—if you don’t fancy using a real one!

5. Want to mix up your Christmas decorations? Find inspiration in Catalonia

Christmas trees, fairy lights, and reindeer ornaments seem a bit conventional? Consider this quirky yet adorable idea from Catalonia.

This region of Spain has its own customs, including the Tió de Nadal (“pooping log”). This amusing decoration is essentially a hollowed-out log with a painted face. It’s usually brought into the house on December 8th, wrapped in a blanket to keep it warm, and “fed” treats.

On Christmas Eve, children sing a song to the Tió de Nadal to make it “poop” candy. In reality, parents fill the hollow log with sweets and chocolates for the kids to enjoy. Who says Christmas spirit isn’t alive and well?

6. For a unique advent calendar, Hungary has a delightful option

Trying to avoid extra chocolate this year? Or maybe a cheese advent calendar is a bit much for you? Hungary’s traditional option might be the perfect choice.

Hungarians create a Christmas wreath with four candles. Each Sunday in December, they light one candle. The final candle is traditionally lit on Christmas Eve, when the tree is also decorated with sweets. Fancy the idea of a candle advent calendar? Why not use your favorite scented candles for the occasion?

Looking for more ways to make this holiday season extra special? Check out our guide to fun Christmas games for your holiday journey and discover the most festive spots in Europe, along with inspiration for brilliant Christmas movies to get you in the holiday spirit.