20 Christmas Countdown Traditions From Around the World
Updated 2026-11-03
Advent wreath (Germany and many churches): light one more candle on each of the four Sundays before Christmas. Our Advent wreath guide has the 2026 dates.
St Nicholas Day, 6 December (Germany, Netherlands, Belgium and others): children leave shoes out for small gifts. See our St. Nicholas Day 2026 guide for the dates and 40 shoe-filler ideas.
St Lucia Day, 13 December (Sweden): saffron buns and candlelit processions.
The Yule Lads (Iceland): 13 mischievous characters visit on the 13 nights before Christmas, leaving gifts in shoes on the windowsill.
Las Posadas, 16-24 December (Mexico): nightly processions re-enacting Mary and Joseph's search for shelter.
Simbang Gabi (Philippines): nine dawn masses from 16 December.
Jólabókaflóð (Iceland): giving books on Christmas Eve and reading all night. Stretch it across December with a book advent calendar.
Stir-up Sunday (UK): the whole family stirs the Christmas pudding and makes a wish.
Pickle ornament (US): the first to find a hidden glass pickle on the tree wins.