It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As the holiday season quickly approaches, many countries around the world are preparing to make it a memorable one. From decorating their cities with festive lights and decorations to hosting elaborate holiday parades, some nations truly know how to bring the holiday season to life. In this blog post, we will be exploring some of the most incredible nations that go all out for the holiday season. From the United States to Germany, you will be surprised at the lengths these countries go to in order to make their holiday season spectacular.
Germany
Germany is renowned for its festive Christmas spirit, especially in the south, where small towns are beautifully decorated with colorful lights and Christmas trees. Each winter, the Germans host traditional Christmas markets that feature wooden huts selling holiday goods such as decorations, gifts, and delicious food and drinks. Many of these markets also offer festive entertainment such as caroling, music, and ice skating.
German Christmas traditions have their roots in pre-Christian times. For example, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originated with an ancient Germanic tribe called the Celts, who believed that trees had magical powers.
Similarly, the tradition of sending greeting cards is linked to the medieval custom of “stolen,” which was a letter sent on December 6th to friends or family members.
Today, Germany celebrates the holiday season with a variety of customs and activities, including gift-giving on December 24th, church services on December 25th, and caroling on December 26th. It’s no wonder why Germany is known as one of the most incredible nations for bringing the holiday season to life!
Switzerland
When it comes to bringing the holiday season to life, Switzerland is one of the most incredible nations in the world. Every year, the country’s picturesque cities and towns are transformed into a festive wonderland with colorful decorations and snow-covered streets.
In Zurich, there is a traditional Christmas market held in the old town, featuring festive stalls selling handmade gifts, treats, and holiday decorations. As you stroll through the city, you’ll be met with the sights and sounds of carolers singing around the giant Christmas tree, as well as the aroma of traditional Swiss dishes being served in nearby restaurants.
On Christmas Eve, Swiss families gather around their dinner tables to enjoy fondue and rosti potatoes. There are also festive parades with elaborate floats that pass through the city center and local villages. Many churches also have special Christmas services and candlelit masses during this time of year.
The most iconic holiday event in Switzerland is the Chalandamarz celebration on March 1st in the canton of Grisons. This event dates back hundreds of years and celebrates the arrival of spring with cowbells and flutes. Locals dress up in traditional costumes and march through town, stopping at each house to play music.
No matter what part of Switzerland you visit during the holidays, you can be sure that it will be a magical experience!
Austria
Austria knows how to bring the holiday season to life! Christmas celebrations in Austria begin as early as late November, with the traditional Advent wreath, a special four-week period of religious observance culminating on Christmas Eve. For the Austrians, Christmas is not just about presents and decorations – it’s about tradition. Every town celebrates Christmas a little differently, but some things remain the same: markets, Nativity scenes, handcrafted gifts and treats, and carolers singing traditional Austrian songs.
Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt is a festive market that has been held for centuries. It is here where you’ll find all kinds of handmade crafts, ornaments, decorations, food and drinks. On the main square in Vienna, the Rathausplatz stands the largest Christmas tree in Austria. Every year, the mayor of Vienna lights up the tree in a ceremony that marks the beginning of the festive season.
Austria is also known for its remarkable winter traditions. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities during winter time, and there are many ski resorts available for visitors to enjoy. On the first day of Advent, many Austrians gather around the Christmas tree and sing Christmas carols before they open presents.
On Christmas Day itself, families gather around the traditional Christmas dinner table and enjoy a feast of roast pork and potato dumplings. After dinner, Austrians usually exchange presents and join in traditional games or simply sit around a fire sharing stories.
When Christmas is over, Austria transitions into a new year full of festivities, celebrations, and more chances to get together with friends and family. From Christmas markets to skiing trips to cozy evenings spent by a fire, Austria is a nation that knows how to bring the holiday season to life.
United States of America
The United States of America is one of the nations that really knows how to bring the holiday season to life. From coast to coast, it’s a special time of year that’s full of festive cheer and holiday spirit.
When it comes to celebrating Christmas, you can find decorations and celebrations in virtually every town. From giant Christmas trees in the center of towns to lavish displays in store windows and homes, the festive season is truly alive and well. But it doesn’t stop there – throughout December, towns and cities across the US come alive with carolers, performances and outdoor markets, transforming public spaces into winter wonderlands.
Thanksgiving is another key event in the US during the holiday season. Although the exact customs may differ from place to place, most families will gather around a large feast consisting of turkey and other traditional dishes. The popular Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade also takes place in New York City every year, adding an extra touch of magic to the festivities.
With so many people participating in the celebrations across the nation, it’s no surprise that the holiday season in the United States of America is such a memorable affair.
Mexico
The holiday season in Mexico is a time of joy, celebration and culture. From the bustling streets of Mexico City to the small towns of Oaxaca, the country is alive with decorations, lights, music and festivities that bring the holiday spirit to life.
Beginning in December, Mexicans celebrate Las Posadas, which is a nine-day celebration that marks the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. This holiday culminates with a large parade on Christmas Eve where the Christmas story is reenacted and there are plenty of fireworks and food.
Christmas Day in Mexico is usually spent with family and friends, with a traditional dinner of tamales, atole and ponche de frutas. Children receive presents from Santa Claus, or Papá Noel, as he is known in Mexico.
The celebrations continue into the New Year with a tradition known as Año Nuevo. People fill the streets with firecrackers, fireworks and confetti as they count down to midnight.
The holidays in Mexico are an exciting and unique way to experience the culture and celebrate the festive season!
