Christmas Traditions in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

Written by S.Castlemilk
Date : 03/12/2025

All You Want for Christmas: European Folklore and Festive Traditions!

To celebrate this magical time of the year, the AXA team has decided to take you on a tour of your most frequent questions about Christmas traditions in Europe and the UK.
Grab your scarf and mittens and hop on our sleigh!

1. When is Christmas celebrated across Europe?
2. What Christmas decorations are traditionally used in European countries?
3. What unique and local Christmas traditions can you find across Europe?
4. What special foods are eaten during Christmas across Europe?
5. Who brings the presents on the most joyful day of the year?
6. What are the European origins of classic Christmas traditions?
7. What other special holiday events are celebrated in Europe?
8. What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?
9. How do people greet each other at Christmas in different European languages?

On what day is Christmas mostly celebrated in Europe?

Christmas is originally a Christian tradition celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
In 336, Emperor Constantine set the date as December 25th, a decision that shaped the festive calendar for centuries.
Today, the holiday has grown beyond religious beliefs, bringing together billions of people around shared values such as love, family, tolerance, peace, hope and joy.

24th or 25th of December? A European divide

Depending on the country, the highpoint of Christmas celebrations can either be on the 24^th of December (Christmas Eve) or the 25^th of December(Christmas Day).

• In Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Christmas Eve is the most important moment of the Holiday.
  Families have a meal together and presents are unwrapped.
• In Germany, on Heiligabend (Christmas Eve), families decorate the tree and receive their gifts after enjoying a rather simple meal. The bigger celebratory feast is left for the 25^th.
• On the 24^th, Austrian farmers carve the first letter of the Three Wise Men’s names on their stable door to protect their herds for the year to come.
  The Christmas tree, the gifts and the festive meal all happen that same night after a bell is rung.
• In Lithuania, the Czech Republic and other countries with a strong Orthodox Christian background, fasting on the 24^th is still a widespread practice.
• In Czech tradition, children are promised a golden pig – usually chocolate, not a real one! – if they manage to hold off eating until the evening meal. However, some pastries are allowed such as vánočka or Christmas cookies.
• In other European countries, a celebratory feast is enjoyed on the 24^th.
  As for the unwrapping of the presents, it depends mostly on family traditions.
  In more religious households, the unwrapping of the gifts must wait until after mass whether it be Midnight Mass or Christmas morning mass.

What are the traditional Christmas decorations used in Europe during the Holiday season?

Most end of the year decorations have liturgical origins. Religious or not, the symbolic behind them is universal and commonly used by most people celebrating Christmas around the World.

• The circular shape of the Christmas wreath also called the Advent wreath, symbolises never-ending love.
• Advent Candles are lit to bring forth Hope, Joy, Peace and Love.
• In European countries with a strong Christian background, Nativity scenes or creches are set up in churches as well as on city squares and sometimes even in shopping centres.
  This tradition dates back to 1223. Christian families also install small versions in their homes.
  The baby Jesus must wait until Christmas day to be comfortably settled in his crib.
• And of course, the Christmas tree!

European Nativity scenes and Christmas trees: traditions across France, Italy, Poland and more

• There are four main European creche figurine traditions:
  - the Putz in central Europe
  - the Santons de Provence in France
  - the Presepi in Italy
  - the Szopka in Poland.

They can be bought in local stores, on Christmas markets or you can even make your own!

• If you want to see the biggest hand-carved Nativity scene, head to Italy, and more specifically to the Val Gardena valley.
  The largest mechanical nativity scenes with moving figures can be seen in Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
• Since 1995, the Irish Farmers' Association has presented a life-size Nativity scene in the center of Dublin, featuring real animals.
  Animal welfare organizations ensure the animals' well-being is always maintained.
• The Christmas tree : originally decorated in Central Europe with apples, wafers and candles, it symbolised Adam and Eve’s lost paradise tree.
  Over time, its evolution unfolded in key stages. By the 16^th century, it had merged with another traditional decoration, the Christmas pyramid, eventually becoming the Christmas tree as we know it.
  Baubles, tinsels, twinkle lights, a star or angel at the top… Countless ornaments now brighten up your Evergreen conifer to make it the shiniest, trendiest and fanciest!

Unusual and local Christmas traditions across Europe

From quiet family rituals to delightfully quirky customs, Europe has a way of making the festive season feel even more magical.
Ready to peek at the surprising traditions that make each country celebrate Christmas in its own unmistakable style?

Unique Ukrainian Christmas tradition you should know

Inspired by the tale of a poor family who received unexpected help from eight-legged creatures on Christmas night, Ukrainian families decorate their trees and homes with gold and silver spider webs.

A beloved German Christmas tradition: St Nikolaus and the shoes

In Germany, children leave out their shoes on the night of December 5^th, hoping that St Nikolaus will fill them with sweets. Only the ones who have behaved during the year will find treats, the others will receive a twig or a piece of coal!

Iceland’s Yule Lads: a quirky Christmas tradition to discover

Talking about being naughty or nice, in Iceland, 13 Yule Lads – Stekkjastaur, Stúfur, and Gáttaþefur, to name a few – bring gifts to good children on each of the 13 nights leading up to Christmas.
But beware! If you’ve misbehaved, you’ll get an old potato or a rotten carrot instead. It’s a clever way to keep children quiet until Christmas Day.

Greek Christmas traditions: celebrating the Holiday with boats and lights

To celebrate their seafaring culture, boats and harbors in Greece are beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. Model ships are displayed in homes, large replicas stand proudly in village squares, and children craft small wooden or paper boats to honor St. Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors.

British Christmas traditions that bring families together

Described as a chaotic musical comedy production based on famous fairy or folk tales, pantomimes are a British favourite enjoyed by the whole family (well, maybe not your 16-year-old teenager…) during the holidays.
Mummers’ plays also fall in the category of fun performances with amateur actors re-enacting the legend of St George and the Seven Champions of Christendom.

Czech Christmas traditions full of charm and surprises

In the Czech Republic, Christmas Eve is traditionally a time for family gatherings with fairy tales told or shown on TV. Another charming custom involves placing a candle inside a nutshell and letting it float on water. If it doesn’t sink, it is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.
Same goes when cutting an apple crosswise, finding a star-shaped core is considered a sign of happiness and health in the year ahead.

Spain's magical Christmas log tradition

And last but not least: the tió de nadal, the Christmas gift pooping log in Spain!
Children care for the log by painting its face, decorating it, and placing a traditional red barretina hat on its “head.”
On Christmas Eve, kids gently hit the log while singing traditional songs, encouraging it to “poop” small sweets and toys from under its blanket.

What special Christmas foods are enjoyed in Europe?

Pack your stretchy trousers, because Christmas in Europe is a true feast for the senses! From savory delights like roast turkey, smoked salmon or festive vegetarian dishes to sweet indulgences that will thrill any sweet tooth, every country offers its own special flavors to discover during this magical season.

French Christmas food: from festive feasts to 13 Christmas desserts

While roast turkey, chestnuts, potatoes are the usual staples of a Christmas dinner, in France you will also be served smoked salmon, oysters and foie gras in all shapes and sizes.
No festive table would be complete without the iconic bûche de Noël, a rolled sponge cake covered in chocolate or cream icing that evokes the ancient tradition of burning a log in the fireplace.

In the French region of Provence, 13 sweet treats are served, in reference to the number of guests at the Christian Last Supper.
These "13 desserts de Noël" include the four mendiants (nuts, raisins, almonds, and figs), marzipan-stuffed dates, white or black nougat, candied seasonal fruits, orange blossom cakes, or delicious Calissons d'Aix…

Did you know?

• Each year, France's top pastry chefs and renowned chefs compete with incredible creativity to offer their unique interpretations of the bûche de Noël.
• The Yule log cake is also enjoyed in neighboring countries: Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Traditional Christmas dinners and sweet treats in Germany and Czech Republic

Germans and Czechs often enjoy carp with potato salad on Christmas Eve, a tradition rooted in centuries-old customs.
The Christmas Day meal, however, becomes even more elaborate with dishes such as roast duck or goose. In Germany, the Christmas Stollen – a rich fruit bread – is a seasonal classic often accompanied by Lebkuchen gingerbread and marzipan, offering a taste of holiday joy and heritage.

Bulgarian Christmas food: unique traditions and festive flavours

In Bulgaria, Christmas Eve dinner is always a vegetarian meal with an uneven number of dishes. Meat, especially pork, is saved for Christmas day.
In the traditional Christmas bread aka Koledna Pitka, a coin can be hidden, bringing good luck to those who find it.

Icelandic Christmas food: Ptarmigan, Hangikjöt and Laufabrauð traditions

Icelanders treat themselves to ptarmigan, smoked lamb (hangikjöt), or fermented skate, typically served with beautifully decorated leaf bread called Laufabrauð.
For dessert, Jólakaka (it tastes better than it sounds!) completes this unique holiday feast.

Traditional Christmas desserts and sweet specialties across Europe

Other sweet delights that light up European Christmas tables include the Spanish nougat treat, turrón, the Kerststol fruit loaf and Kerstkransjes cookies in the Netherlands, as well as the Bolo-Rei King cake in Portugal and the Cougnou, a brioche shaped like a swaddled baby Jesus, served in Belgium.

Candied fruits often star among the Christmas sweet treats, including the British pudding and Italian Panettone breads (not to be confused with the Pandoro cake).

Did you know?
In Sweden, lussekatter saffron buns and gingerbread biscuits are distributed to hospital patients and elderly care home residents during the magical St. Lucia processions on December 13th.

Who brings Christmas presents in different European Countries?

In several European countries, Saint Nicholas is still celebrated as the original gift-giving figure on December 6^th.
In the Netherlands, children receive most of their gifts on that day from Sinterklaas.

However, in most countries Santa Claus has long taken over the reins.
Père Noël in French speaking countries, Father Christmas in more traditional UK, Babbo Natale in Italy.

Santa must still face fierce (and weird) competition from Joulupukki, the Christmas billy-goat man from Finland, the Christkindl, a flying golden baby in Austria and Agios Vassilis (Saint Basil) in Greece.

The big winners of this sweet rivalry are the children of course who often receive presents several times!

Naughty or Nice? The dark side of European Christmas folklore

In some countries, Santa has his evil counterparts to punish children for bad behaviour or simply to eat them. So, beware, you better watch out, you better not cry:

• In some areas of Switzerland, Samichlaus (aka Santa) travels with Schmutzi who spanks kids with his broom.
• In Iceland the giant Yule cat (or Jólakötturinn), the pet of the 13 Yule lads and more specifically of their ogre mother Grylà, eats misbehaving children.
• In Norway, people hide brooms and brushes to avoid any mischief from witches and bad spirits who are said to reappear on Christmas Eve (Julaften).
• In Germany and Austria, Krampus is known as the Christmas devil, a half beast half devil creature who punishes naughty children.

What are the European origins of carolling and some of the classics of Christmas culture?

• Silent Night, aka Heilige Nacht, Stille Nacht, was originally written in 1816 by Joseph Möhr, a priest of Oberndorf, a small village near Salzburg, Austria. Two years later, an organ player Franz Xaver Gruber added music to the poem which became a Christmas choir favourite and was translated into 330 languages.
• Carolling started in Europe many years ago, during winter solstice celebrations.
  While the practice is not always widespread in European countries, in Bulgaria, the Koledari, traditional carol singers, still go from house to house to sing, dance and chase bad spirits away.
  In Austria, people come together in church towers and squares to sing the Holiday classics.
• Since Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, Scrooge, Marley and the three other ghosts have become Holiday household figures.
  From the Muppets to Disney, any rerun or new adaption of this classic British masterpiece brings families together worldwide. Thanks Charles!

Other special Holiday events across Europe: traditions from Advent to Epiphany

According to the Christian calendar, Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas, traditionally marking the major kick off for holiday fun and light.

• On St Barbara’s Day (or Barborky), December 4^th, Czech people decorate their homes with cherry tree twigs.
• In the Netherlands, on December 5th, children sing Sinterklaas songs while filling their shoes with carrots and hay, hoping to find pepernoten biscuits the next morning.
• St. Nicholas Day is widely celebrated on December 6th in Austria, Belgium, parts of France, Germany, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, and other
  Eastern European countries with processions, impersonations, treats for children, and gift-giving.
• Italians celebrate San Nicolò in some areas, while others feast on December 8th to honor the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.
• St. Lucia's Day on December 13th holds special significance across Scandinavia.
  In Sweden, kindergartens, churches, and offices celebrate the winter solstice and return of light with singing processions led by participants in white gowns carrying candles (sometimes on their heads!).
• December 26th is St. Stephen's Day, a public holiday in most EU countries.
  In the United Kingdom, Boxing Day stems from a Victorian tradition of giving boxed gifts to the poor; if the 26th falls on a weekend, the holiday shifts to Monday or Tuesday.
• On January 6th, the Epiphany (or Twelfth Night) is celebrated across Europe's religious communities. In Spain, gifts are sometimes exchanged with family and friends, while others eat Three Kings’ cake or crown.

What are the best Christmas markets in Europe?

Usually starting at the end of November, Christmas fairs flourish all around Europe.
Here are three of the most beautiful and traditional markets you should visit:

Christmas market in Germany: Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg

With two million visitors every year, a history dating back to 1628, Nuremberg’s Christkindlesmarkt is considered the best Christmas market in Europe.
Located in the historic old town, tradition and craftsmanship are the master words here, sheltered by wooden stalls with a red and white cloth roof.

• What to eat and drink: mulled wine (Glühwein), grilled sausages (Rostbratwürste) and spiced gingerbread (Lebkuchen).
• What to buy: wooden toys and a few of the 350 Nürnberg plum figures (Zwetschgenmännle).

Christmas markets in Austria: best Vienna attractions and must-see spots

This is where you want to go if you want a comprehensive experience of Christmas fairs. Carousels, ice skating rinks, a tree of hearts, choirs, etc… Many city squares welcome a market in Vienna, the surrounding setting adding to the magical atmosphere.

• What to eat and drink: Weihnachtspunsch (Christmas punch), baked potatoes (Ofenerdäpfel), potato pancakes (Erdäpfelrösti), jam filled buns (germknodel)
• What to buy: handicrafts, glass decorations.

Christmas markets in France: enjoy the fairytale atmosphere of Strasbourg

Alsatian delicacies, treasure hunts, greeting cards and Christmas wreath workshops, storytelling, the festive atmosphere is everywhere in Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas.
Discover the eight markets of the historic centre by following the enchanting lights and decorations of the pedestrian streets.

• What to eat and drink: flammekueche,bretzels, sauerkraut, spaetzle and bredle.
• What to buy: wooden ornaments, gold-plated bookmarks, tabletop decorations.

How do people say “Merry Christmas” in different European languages?

Before letting you go to enjoy all the celebrations, make sure you know THE right thing to say on Christmas day in at least a few Schengen countries:

Austria: Frohe Weihnachten!

Bulgaria: Vesela Koleda!

Czech Republic: Ježíšku panáčku!

France: Joyeux Noël!

Germany: Frohe Weihnochtn!

Iceland: Gleðileg Jól!

Italy: Buon Natale!

The Netherlands: Gelukkig Kerstfeest!

Slovenia: Vesel božič!

Spain: Feliz Navidad!

Sweden: God Jul!

Merry Christmas!

Don’t leave without us!

While we want nothing more than for you to enjoy a happy and fun holiday season, make sure you and your loved ones are protected with comprehensive travel insurance.
It is always the safest choice – and mandatory for those who need a visa to enter any or all of the Schengen countries.
Make sure to understand your obligations and options before you travel to Europe:

• Who needs a Schengen visa?
• How to apply for a Schengen visa?
• How to choose the best travel insurance?
• What are the different AXA Travel Insurance plans for Europe?
• All you need to know about the new European travel requirements

You might find these articles interesting:

• Spending the holiday season in France
• Public and Bank holidays in Europe