Christmas celebrations around the world

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, all over the world – here’s how the holiday season is celebrated at 12 must-visit global cities and escapes.

Frankfurt, Germany

Thousands of sausages sizzle on circular grills inside charming wooden stalls at the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Bright-eyed crowds stretch from Römerberg square’s half-timbered houses through metropolitan Zeil, and onwards. Jugs of richly spiced glühwein bring an extra dose of merriment, while children ride the vintage carousel and sentimental shoppers peruse handicraft markets.

The gift: ceramic bembel apfelwein jugs

Sydney, Australia

The click of a grill igniting is the season’s favourite carol Down Under, where winter brings summer heat and everyone fires up the barbecue. Turkey takes a back seat to grilled seafood, topped off with a fruit-laden pavlova. Not a single Christmas jumper is in sight as locals hit the sand for holiday parties – though if you squint, you might spot Santa surfing at Bondi Beach.

The gift: Tim Tam chocolates for the office

New York City, USA

A gigantic illuminated evergreen casts a riot of colour onto New York City’s Rockefeller Center’s outdoor skating rink, where the soft shick of blades slicing across ice echoes out, while joyful tourists snap selfies. Next door at Radio City Music Hall, The Rockettes, a 99-year-old dance company, dazzle as performers in sparkling costumes form a show-stopping kickline.

The gift: Something bright from Brooklyn jeweller Catbird

Manila, Philippines

The Intramuros walled neighbourhood’s scenic streets stream with Catholics making the Grand Marian Procession. Businesses join the holiday spirit with festive displays – Jollibee’s drive-through Christmas tunnels invariably emerging as a social media favourite. Family homes light up with laughter on noche buena, when roast suckling pig, scarlet queso de bola and charcoal-grilled bibingka rice cakes dominate Christmas Eve tables.

The gift: miniature star-shaped parol lanterns, made with cellophane or mother-of-pearl

London, UK

Last-minute Christmas shoppers weave beneath Oxford Street’s hanging lights, filing past department stores’ elaborate festive displays and buskers singing carols. Down the road at Marble Arch, crowds flock to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, London’s ultimate Christmas fair. Across the city, pubs cram to the rafters with rowdy office parties. Tongue-in-cheek festive jumpers obligatory.

The gift: a paisley scarf or pocket square from luxury department store Liberty

Tokyo, Japan

Christmas is all about romance in Japan, especially in Tokyo, where couples traipse arm-in-arm under lavish decorations. Omotesando’s boulevard boasts the best of them, with light-wrapped trees lining designer stores and fancy restaurants. Tokyoites fight to get their quintessential Christmas food order in for the season: a hearty bucket of KFC chicken.

The gift: whitesville plain white tees from Hinoya, made famous by American TV show The Bear

Zurich, Switzerland

Bells ring throughout downtown Zurich as the Märlitram sets off. This crimson festive tram for children is driven by none other than Father Christmas himself. Those seeking respite from the cold dip indoors in search of warming raclette, fondue and mulled wine, while determined skiers make the pilgrimage to the fairytale village of Andermatt.

The gift: truffles from chocolatier Läderach

Phuket, Thailand

Sunseekers rise early to snag the best spots on Nai Harn or Banana Beach, working on their winter tans before the real festive fun begins at the island’s booming resorts, with parties bumping into the small hours across nightlife district Patong. While most locals don’t normally observe Christmas, everyone stops what they’re doing for the festive firework displays.

The gift: comfy elephant trousers

Rome, Italy

As the sun sets, St Peter’s Square lights up with a gigantic tree helping guide the way to Vatican City, where congregants take a sought-after pew at St Peter’s Basilica. In homes across the capital, families sweat over a multi-course dinner: frying artichokes to a crisp, grilling fish and putting the final touches to their pangiallo, a traditional fruit cake.

The gift: celebrity-approved luxury pyjamas from Schostal

Shanghai, The Chinese mainland 

The house of mouse pulls out all the stops at Shanghai Disneyland, where a cast of beloved characters don special seasonal outfits – including glee-inducing appearances from the Frozen gang. Elsewhere, Shanghai is a melting pot of traditions, with German christkindlmarkts dotted along The Bund. 

The gift: Shanghai Disneyland-exclusive toys for the little ones in your life 

Madrid, Spain 

Gigantic and meticulous nativity scenes sprawl across Plaza de la Villa and the History Museum of Madrid. Serpentine queues stretch outside the century-old Casa Mira cake shop, eagerly awaiting freshly made turrón nougat bars as crowds hit Plaza Mayor’s bustling markets. Churches fill to the rafters with seasonal worshippers – some likely praying to the heavens that this year they’ll win big at El Gordo, a bumper annual Christmas lottery televised from Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house. 

The gift: nougat from Torrons Vicens 

Hong Kong SAR 

Jumpers and jackets long banished to the back of the wardrobe re-emerge as the first chill of winter hits the city. Skyscraper façades light up, with glimmering lights and LED projections across the iconic skyline. Children rush to Central Harbourfront’s festive AIA Carnival, while across the water, families gather for the Hong Kong Ballet’s annual production of The Nutcracker. 

The gift: tram Christmas tree ornaments from Lion Rock Press