12 days of Christmas around the world

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, all over the world. Hot or cold, raucous or reserved, everyone has their own way of celebrating. Discover the beautiful and unique Christmas customs and traditions of 12 cities below.

1. Frankfurt

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 the metropolitan Zeil, and onwards. Jugs of richly spiced glühwein bring an extra dose of merriment, while children ride the vintage carousel and sentimental shoppers browse stalls at handicraft markets.  

The Christmas gift: a ceramic bembel, an apfelwein jug 

2. Sydney

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

The Christmas gift: Tim Tam biscuits for the office 

3. Paris

The world’s largest indoor ice rink opens in an unbelievable venue: the Grand Palais. Skaters glide in circles beneath its domed glass roof, which streams with sunlight by day and club-ready lighting come nightfall. Along the Champs Élysées, designer flagships offer thoughtful gifts under a sea of twinkling lights. Warm, sugary smells spill from the city’s best pâtisseries, all meticulously preparing the season’s non-negotiable dessert: the bûche de Noël, a Yule log cake. 

The Christmas gift: wardrobe upgrades from it-girl Parisian brands Polène and Sézane 

4. Manila

The scenic streets of Manila’s Intramuros neighbourhood fill with Catholics taking part in the Grand Marian Procession. Businesses embrace the holiday spirit with festive displays, with Jollibee’s drive-through Christmas decoration tunnels invariably becoming 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 Chirstmas gift: miniature star-shaped parol lanterns, made with cellophane or mother-of-pearl

5. London

Last-minute Christmas shoppers weave beneath Oxford Street’s hanging lights, filing past elaborate department-store window 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 boisterous office parties. Tongue-in-cheek festive jumpers obligatory. 

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

6. Zurich

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 head indoors in search of warming raclette, fondue and mulled wine, while determined skiers make the pilgrimage to the fairytale village of Andermatt.

The Christmas gift: chocolate truffles from Läderach 

7. Phuket

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 continuing on into the small hours across Patong’s nightlife district. While most Phuket locals don’t normally observe the holiday, everyone stops what they’re doing for the dazzling firework displays.  

The Christmas gift: relaxed elephant-print trousers 

8. Rome

As the sun sets over Rome, St Peter’s Square in Vatican City lights up beneath a towering Christmas tree, guiding the way to St Peter’s Basilica where congregants take a sought-after pew. In homes across the Italian 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 Christmas gift: celebrity-approved luxury pyjamas from Schostal

9. Shanghai

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

10. Madrid

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. Crowds hit Plaza Mayor’s bustling markets, and churches fill to the rafters with seasonal worshippers – some likely quietly praying that this year they’ll win big at El Gordo, a bumper annual Christmas lottery televised from Madrid’s Teatro Real opera house. 

The Christmas gift: nougat from Torrons Vicens 

11. Hong Kong

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 Victoria Harbour 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 Christmas gift: festive tram ornaments from Lion Rock Press  

12. New York City 

A gigantic illuminated evergreen tree casts a riot of colour onto New York City’s Rockefeller Centre’s outdoor skating rink, where the soft scrape of blades slicing across ice echoes and joyful tourists snap selfies. Next door at Radio City Music Hall, The Rockettes, a 100-year-old dance company, dazzle as performers in sparkling costumes form a show-stopping kickline.

The Christmas gift: something bright from Brooklyn jeweller Catbird 

This article was originally published December 2024 and updated in October 2026.