Christmas Traditions Around the World: Songs, Crafts, and Family Learning Activities
- Nov 6, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Jul 9
Christmas can feel wonderfully familiar. The same songs, decorations, food, family routines, and little traditions often return year after year.
But Christmas is also celebrated in many different ways around the world.
Some families light candles. Some sing in processions. Some place shoes by the door. Some make star lanterns. Some celebrate Christmas on a different date. Some use the season to focus on faith, family, kindness, giving, music, and community.
For children, learning about Christmas traditions around the world can be a lovely way to explore culture, geography, songs, crafts, kindness, and family values in a simple, age-appropriate way.
I’m Janerine Watson, founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub, a mother of three, and a BSc Health and Social Care graduate. At Kids Songs Learning Hub, I love turning learning into something children can sing, move through, draw, point to, repeat, and remember.
This guide shares child-friendly Christmas traditions from different countries, with simple song ideas, craft activities, map learning, and family reflection prompts.
You do not need to do every country. Choose one tradition at a time, keep it gentle, and let your child learn through music, stories, pictures, and play.
A gentle note before you begin
Every family celebrates Christmas differently. Some families focus on Christian faith, some focus on cultural traditions, some focus on family time, and some use the season to teach kindness, gratitude, music, giving, and community.
Use the ideas in this article in a way that fits your home, your beliefs, your child’s age, and your family traditions.
The goal is not to copy every tradition perfectly. The goal is to help children learn that families around the world celebrate in different and meaningful ways.
Why Christmas Around the World Activities Are Helpful for Kids
Christmas Around the World activities can help children see beyond their own home and learn that the world is full of different families, languages, foods, songs, and traditions.
For young children, this kind of learning works best when it is simple and hands-on.
Children can:
Find a country on a map
Listen to a song
Make a craft
Learn one new word
Colour a flag or symbol
Draw what they remember
Talk about kindness, light, giving, family, or faith
Add a pretend stamp to a passport
This kind of activity can support language, listening, storytelling, cultural awareness, geography, fine motor skills, memory, and family connection.
How to Use This Article as a Learning Activity
Create a simple Christmas Around the World basket.
Add:
A printed world map
Crayons
Stickers
Blank paper
Glue stick
A small notebook or printed passport
Large country cards
Safe craft supplies
For each country, invite your child to do four simple things:
1. Find the country on a map
2. Learn one Christmas word or idea
3. Sing, listen, clap, or move to a simple song
4. Draw or colour one picture in their passport
For toddlers, choose one country and one activity. For preschoolers, you can explore one country each day or one country each week.
1. Sweden: St Lucia Day and Light in Winter
In Sweden, Lucia is celebrated in December with candlelit processions, songs, white gowns, and a Lucia figure wearing a crown of lights. Today, electric candles are commonly used for safety.
Child-friendly idea
Talk about light in winter. You can say:
“Some families in Sweden use songs and lights during Lucia celebrations.”
Simple craft
Make a paper candle crown using:
White paper band
Yellow paper flames
Glue stick
Crayons
Use paper candles only. Do not use real candles with children.
Song idea
Sing a simple original light song:
Little light, soft and bright,
Shining through the winter night,
Kind hands, warm hearts, here we go,
Sharing light where love can grow.
Learning moment
Children can talk about light, dark, kindness, winter, singing, and family traditions.
Map activity
Find Sweden on a map and colour a small pretend passport stamp.
Safety note
Do not use real candles, matches, flames, or loose candle decorations with toddlers or preschoolers.
2. Mexico: Las Posadas and Welcoming Others
Las Posadas is a Mexican Christmas tradition celebrated from December 16 to 24. It remembers Mary and Joseph looking for shelter, and often includes processions, songs, and community gatherings.
Child-friendly idea
Talk about welcome and kindness. You can say:
“This tradition helps families remember the journey to Bethlehem and the importance of welcoming others.”
Simple craft
Make a paper star.
You need:
Card or paper
Crayons
Large paper shapes
Glue stick
Children can colour the star and talk about kindness.
Song idea
Sing:
Knock, knock, open wide,
Kindness welcomes friends inside,
Step by step and hand in hand,
Love can travel through the land.
Learning moment
Children can practise words like journey, welcome, family, kindness, door, star, and shelter.
Map activity
Find Mexico on a map. Add a star stamp to the passport.
Safety note
Avoid real piñata sticks with toddlers. If you do a piñata-style activity, use paper, soft materials, and close adult supervision.
3. Germany: St Nicholas Boots and Simple Giving
In parts of Germany, children traditionally place shoes or boots out for St Nicholas, often on the evening before St Nicholas Day, and may find small treats or gifts in them.
Child-friendly idea
Talk about generosity and small acts of kindness.
You can say:
“Some children place a clean shoe or boot by the door as part of a St Nicholas tradition.”
Simple craft
Decorate a paper boot.
Ask your child:
“What kind thing could we do for someone?”
They could draw:
A smile
A card
A helping hand
A small heart
Song idea
Little boot by the door,
Kindness grows a little more,
One kind word and one kind way,
Makes a brighter Christmas day.
Learning moment
Children can practise generosity, gratitude, and helping language.
Map activity
Find Germany on a map and add a boot stamp.
Safety note
Keep small sweets, nuts, coins, and tiny toys away from young children because they may be choking hazards.
4. Philippines: Parol Lanterns and Christmas Stars
In the Philippines, the parol is a well-known Christmas lantern shaped like a star, and San Fernando in Pampanga is known for its Giant Lantern Festival.
Child-friendly idea
Talk about stars and light.
You can say:
“Some families in the Philippines decorate with star lanterns called parols.”
Simple craft
Make a paper star lantern picture.
Use:
Paper star shape
Tissue paper
Crayons
Glue stick
For toddlers, use a flat paper craft instead of a hanging lantern.
Song idea
Star so bright, star so high,
Shining softly in the sky,
Christmas lights and songs we sing,
Joyful hearts are what we bring.
Learning moment
Children can practise star, light, bright, colour, shape, and decorate.
Map activity
Find the Philippines on a map and add a star stamp.
Safety note
Avoid small craft pieces, long strings, staples, sharp wire, or real lights for young children.
5. Iceland: The Yule Lads and Storytelling
Iceland has a playful Christmas tradition involving the Yule Lads, characters from folklore who visit in the days before Christmas. For children, this can be used carefully as a storytelling activity rather than a behaviour threat.
Child-friendly idea
Focus on imagination, not fear.
You can say:
“Some Christmas stories around the world include funny characters and surprises.”
Simple activity
Invite your child to invent a silly Christmas character.
Ask:
“What is their name?”
“What do they like?”
“What kind surprise would they bring?”
“What song would they sing?”
Song idea
Silly steps across the floor,
Knock, knock, knock at Christmas door,
Funny story, sing along,
Every character needs a song.
Learning moment
Children practise storytelling, imagination, descriptive words, and character language.
Map activity
Find Iceland on a map and add a silly character stamp.
Safety note
Avoid using Christmas characters to frighten children or threaten punishment. Keep the activity playful and gentle.
6. Japan: A Modern Christmas Food Tradition
Christmas is not a traditional religious holiday for most people in Japan, but it has become a popular seasonal celebration for some families, with modern customs such as Christmas cakes, lights, and a well-known fried chicken Christmas campaign that began in Japan in the 1970s.
Child-friendly idea
Talk about how some traditions are old and some are modern.
You can say:
“Some families in Japan celebrate Christmas as a fun seasonal event with food, lights, and family time.”
Simple activity
Let your child draw their own family celebration meal.
Ask:
“What food would you put on your Christmas table?”
“Who would sit with you?”
“What song would you sing?”
Song idea
Family table, warm and bright,
Songs and food and Christmas light,
Every home may choose its way,
To share a joyful holiday.
Learning moment
Children learn that family traditions can look different across the world.
Map activity
Find Japan on a map and add a food plate stamp.
Safety note
This activity is for cultural learning, not a food recommendation. Adapt meals for allergies, age, and family needs.
7. Ethiopia: Ganna and Christmas on January 7
In Ethiopia, many Christians celebrate Christmas, often called Genna or Ganna, on January 7 according to the Ethiopian Orthodox calendar. Some celebrations include church services, white clothing, shared meals, and traditional community activities.
Child-friendly idea
Talk about how not everyone celebrates Christmas on the same day.
You can say:
“Some families celebrate Christmas in January. Christmas traditions can happen at different times around the world.”
Simple activity
Let your child draw children around the world celebrating together.
Song idea
Near and far, we sing today,
Christmas joy in every way,
Different homes and dates we see,
Still a time for family.
Learning moment
Children practise calendar language, family language, and cultural awareness.
Map activity
Find Ethiopia on a map and add a calendar stamp.
Safety note
Keep cultural learning respectful. Avoid costumes or imitation that could make a tradition feel like a joke.
Christmas Around the World at a Glance
Country | Tradition | Child activity | Learning focus |
Sweden | Lucia and light | Paper candle crown | Light, kindness, winter |
Mexico | Las Posadas | Paper star craft | Welcome, journey, family |
Germany | St Nicholas boots | Paper boot craft | Giving, gratitude |
Philippines | Parol lanterns | Paper star lantern | Stars, light, shapes |
Iceland | Yule Lad stories | Invent a character | Storytelling, imagination |
Japan | Modern Christmas food traditions | Draw a meal | Family customs |
Ethiopia | Ganna in January | Draw global Christmas | Dates, culture, faith |
Original Song: Christmas Around the World
Use this simple original song with clapping, pointing to the map, or passport stamping.
Verse 1
Christmas songs around the world,
Every boy and every girl,
Different homes and different ways,
Celebrate with joyful days.
Verse 2
Stars may shine and candles glow,
Some sing softly in the snow,
Some make cards and some share food,
Some show kindness, warm and good.
Chorus
Round the world, near and far,
Christmas shines like one bright star,
Clap your hands and sing with me,
Love and joy for all to see.
Movement ideas
Point to the map
Clap the beat
Pretend to stamp a passport
Make a star with your hands
Wave hello to the world
How to Make a Christmas Around the World Passport
A passport makes the activity feel special and gives your child a way to remember each country.
You need
Small notebook or printable passport
Crayons
Stickers
Glue stick
Printed map
How to use it
Choose one country.
Find it on the map.
Read one short tradition.
Sing one song.
Make one simple craft.
Draw a picture in the passport.
Add a pretend stamp.
Keep each session short. For toddlers, 10 minutes may be enough. For preschoolers, 15 to 20 minutes may work better.
From Mexico's Posadas remembering the holy family's journey to Sweden's light-bearers pushing back the winter darkness, every custom echoes a piece of the same truth: the Light of the World entered our darkness to save us all.
(To the tune of "Jingle Bells")
Free Printable: Christmas Around the World Passport for Kids
To make this activity easier for families, add a free printable Christmas Around the World Passport. This printable gives children a simple way to record each country, draw what they learned, add a pretend stamp, and remember the song or tradition connected to that place.
Inside the printable, include:
✓ Country stamp pages
✓ “What did we learn?” drawing space
✓ Christmas song tracker
✓ Map colouring activity
✓ Global kindness challenge
✓ Family prayer or reflection page
Click Here to get your Free👉 Christmas Around the World Passport for Kids
Helpful Related Resources
For festive songs, read Christmas Songs for Toddlers and Preschoolers.
For Christmas counting, read Christmas Counting Song for Kids.
For kindness activities, read Christmas Kindness Activities for Kids.
For Christmas colouring pages, read Christmas Colouring Pages and Printable Activities for Kids.
For more free learning pages, visit the Free Preschool Printables Library.
 Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I teach young children about Christmas traditions around the world? Keep it simple. Choose one country, show it on a map, share one tradition, sing one short song, and do one small craft or drawing activity. Is this only for Christian families? No. Some parts of the article include Christian family reflection because Christmas is a Christian holiday for many families, but the activities can also be adapted for cultural learning, kindness, geography, music, and family traditions. How many countries should I teach at once? One country at a time is best for toddlers and preschoolers. Too many countries in one day can feel overwhelming. Can I use this for homeschool or preschool? Yes. It can work as a simple seasonal unit. Use maps, songs, crafts, colouring pages, and a passport activity. Should I include food tasting? You can, but keep it optional and safe. Check allergies, prepare foods safely, and avoid choking hazards for young children. How can I keep cultural learning respectful? Use simple, respectful language. Teach children that traditions are meaningful to real families. Avoid mocking accents, costumes, foods, or religious practices. Can faith-based reflection be included? Yes, if it fits your family or setting. Keep it gentle and age-appropriate. You might talk about light, kindness, generosity, welcome, family, hope, and the Christmas story. |
Final Thoughts
 Christmas traditions around the world can help children see that the season is bigger than one home, one table, or one way of celebrating. A paper star, a song, a map, a craft, a passport stamp, or a short family reflection can open a child’s eyes to culture, kindness, faith, geography, and global community. Start with one country. Sing one song. Make one simple craft. Add one passport stamp. Small activities can help children understand a big idea: families around the world celebrate with meaning, music, love, and joy. |
About the Author
Janerine Watson is the founder of Kids Songs Learning Hub, a mother of three, and a BSc Health and Social Care graduate. She creates music-based learning resources, children’s songs, printable activities, and parent-friendly guides that help toddlers and preschoolers learn through rhythm, repetition, movement, routines, and play.
Through parenting and her background in health and social care, Janerine shares practical ways families can make seasonal activities, music, cultural learning, and early learning moments more playful, realistic, and easier to repeat.
Educational, Cultural and Faith-Based Disclaimer
This article is for general family learning, music, cultural awareness, faith-friendly reflection, and activity purposes only. It is not professional religious instruction, cultural studies instruction, childcare advice, travel advice, or educational assessment.
Christmas traditions vary between families, regions, churches, communities, and countries. The descriptions in this article are simplified for young children and should not be treated as complete explanations of each culture or tradition.
Families are encouraged to adapt the activities to their own beliefs, traditions, culture, and comfort level.
Always supervise children during crafts, cooking, singing, movement, map activities, and any activity involving small parts, food, scissors, glue, candles, lights, strings, or decorations.
Keep small objects, batteries, magnets, candles, flames, sharp tools, hot food, choking hazards, and unsafe craft materials away from young children.
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