9 wonderful and weird Christmas traditions from around the world to put you in the festive spirit

 Christmas, It’s the most wonderful time of the year. For a couple of weeks around the world take in a magic glow, people seem merrier and even winter somehow feels cosy. 

Our favourite Christmas traditions around the season is so special. Our favourite Christmas traditions around the world are loud, proud, and guaranteed oodles of festive fun.

Giant lantern festival- Philippines 

The giant lantern festival( Ligligan Paul Sampernandu) is held each year on the Saturday before Christmas Eve in the city of San Fernando- the Christmas capital of the Philippines. The festival attracts spectators from all over the country and across the globe.  Eleven Barangays( villages) take part in the festival and competition is fierce as everyone pitches in trying to build the most elaborate lantern. Originally the lanterns were simple creations around half a meter in diameter, made from papel de hapon ( Japanese origami paper) and lit by candle. Today, the lanterns are made from a variety of materials and have grown to around six meters in size. They are illuminated by electric bulbs that sparkle in a Kaleidoscope Of patterns.

Gavle Goat, Sweden

Since 1966, a 13 - metre tall Yule Goat has been built in the centre of Gavle’s castle square for the Advent, but this Swedish Christmas Tradition is unwittingly led to another tradition of sports- people are trying to burn it down. Since 1966 the goat had been successfully burned down 29 times- the most recent destruction was in 2016.

Krampus, Austria

A beast like demon creature that roams city streets frightening kids and punishing the bad ones- nope, this isn’t Halloween, but St. Nicholas’ evil accomplice, Krampus. In Austria tradition, St. Nicholas rewards nice little boys and girls, while Krampus is said to capture the naughtiest children and whisk them away in his sack. In the first week of December, young men dress up as the Krampus( especially on the eve of St. Nicholas day) frightening children with clattering chains and bells.

Kentucky Fried Christmas Dinner - Japan 

Christmas has never been a big deal in Japan. Aside from a few small, secular traditions such as lovely gift giving and light displays, Christmas remains largely a novelty in the country. However, a new, quirky tradition has emerged in recent years - a Christmas Day feast of the colonels very own Kentucky Fried Chicken. 

The Yule Lads, - Iceland 

In the 13 days leading up to play in Iceland. The Yule lads visit the children across the country over the 13 nights leading up to Christmas. For each night of Yuletide, children place their best shoes by the window and a different Yule Lad visits leaving gifts got nice girls and boys and rotting potatoes for the naughty ones. Clad in tradition Icelandic costume, these fellas are pretty mischievous, and their names hint at the type of trouble they like to cause. 

Norway 

Perhaps one of the most unorthodox Christmas Eve traditions can be found in Norway. Where people hide their brooms. It’s a tradition that dates back centuries to when people believed that witches and evil spirits came out on Christmas Eve looking for brooms to ride on. To this day many people still hide their brooms in the safest place in the house to stop them from being stolen.

Venezuela 

Love Christmas, but think it could be improved by a spot of roller blading? If the answer is yes, visit Caracas, Venezuela this year. Every Christmas Eve, the city’s residents head to church in the early morning - so far, so normal - but, for reasons known only to them, they do so on roller skates. This unique tradition is so popular that roads across the city are closed to cars so that people can skate to church in safety, before heading home for the less than traditional Christmas dinner of tamales ( a wrap made out of cornmeal dough and stuffed with meat) 

Day of the little candles, Colombia

Little Candles day (  Dia de las velitas) marks the start of the Christmas season across Colombia. In honour of the Virgin Mary and the immaculate conception, people place candles and paper lanterns in their windows, balconies and front yards.

The tradition of candles has grown, and now entire towns and cities across the country are lit up with elaborate displays. 

Some of the best are found in Quimbaya, where neighbourhoods compete to see who can create the most impressive arrangement.

Cavalcade of Lights, Tornoto 

In wintry, wonderful Toronto the annual Cavalcade Of Lights marks the official start of the holiday season. The first cavalcade took place in 1967 to show off Toronto’s newly constructed city hall and Nathan phillips square. The square and Christmas tree are illuminated by more than 30,000 energy efficient LED lights that shine from dusk until 11 pm until the New year. On top of that, you’ll get to witness spectacular fireworks shows and engage in some outdoor ice skating.