12 Unique Christmas Traditions Celebrated Around the World

By: Andrea Romano | Pulished on 2023-12-07

Mari Lwyd, Wales

In Wales, horses and Christmas go perfectly well together. According to Wales.com, Mari Lwyd translates as “Gray Mare” and involves carting a horse — either a horse figure or someone dressed as one — door to door, accompanied by a group of townspeople. While its exact origin is unknown, the tradition dates back hundreds of years, kicking off with traditional Welsh songs and a petition to enter the home for more music and merriment. The ritual can also include a rhyming contest between the troupe and the home’s residents — a satirical back-and-forth not unlike a modern-day rap battle.

Beach Parties, Australia

12 Unique Christmas Traditions Celebrated Around the World-Trip Advise

Evergreen trees and white, snowy landscapes may be some people’s idea of a perfect Christmas, but that's not the case in Australia, where December 25 falls in the middle of summer. On the bright side, the warm weather does make it the perfect time to throw a yuletide beach party. Another popular tradition is Carols by Candlelight, where people light candles and sing holiday songs in parks and other outdoor venues. As Atlas Obscura reported, Santa sometimes even makes an appearance on the beach in Mooloolaba, Queensland, in a boat or via parasail, to hand out candy to all the kiddos.

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