December is hands-down one of the most magical months to see how different parts of the world celebrate. It’s a time when streets feel festive and every celebration adds a cozy, joyful touch to local life. Cities and towns come alive with music, traditions, and food that bring warmth to even the coldest nights. In this blog, we’ve rounded up the top 20 festivals around the world in December, each chosen for its unique atmosphere and cultural charm. These festivals go beyond just celebration and are ideal for travelers who love stepping into something festive and full of stories, so you can plan your next trip around one of these and truly feel the world’s festive spirit this season.
Christmas- Worldwide
Christmas is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, celebrated with joy and warmth in many countries. You will see streets, homes, and churches lit up with fairy lights, decorated pine trees, bells, wreaths, and stars. In cities like New York, London, Prague, and Vienna, Christmas markets are very popular. You can walk around wooden stalls selling handmade ornaments, candles, souvenirs, and warm treats like gingerbread, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate. You’ll hear carolers singing in choirs, see children dressed as angels or shepherds, and find nativity scenes in many public squares and churches. Moreover, families exchange gifts on December 25, and children hang stockings for Santa Claus. In most places, people also enjoy a special dinner with dishes like roast turkey, mashed potatoes, pies, or regional specialties. The vibe is cozy and joyful, perfect for families, couples, and even solo travelers who enjoy festive lights, food, and cultural experiences. You can additionally expect shops, cafes, and public squares to be decorated in red, green, and gold with snow adding to the charm in colder countries.
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When Celebrated: December 25
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Where: Celebrated globally (notably USA, UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Czech Republic)
Hogmanay- Scotland
Hogmanay is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, known for being Scotland’s grand New Year celebration. You can experience it best in Edinburgh, where the festivities last for three days and attract thousands of visitors. The main highlight is the massive street party on Princes Street with live bands, DJs, food stalls, and fireworks over Edinburgh Castle. You’ll also see the Torchlight Procession, where people walk through the city holding torches in a beautiful and dramatic display. On New Year’s Eve, there are concerts and ceilidh dances (traditional Scottish folk dancing) where you can join locals and tourists. Additionally, the tradition of ‘first-footing’ is followed, where the first person to enter a home after midnight brings good luck for the year ahead. Locals often offer shortbread, whisky, and black bun (a spiced fruit cake) to guests. The vibe here is lively, welcoming, and full of Scottish pride, with kilts, bagpipes, and fire shows adding to the cultural atmosphere. This festival is best for young adults, music lovers, and travelers who enjoy cultural traditions.
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When Celebrated: December 31-January 1
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Where: Edinburgh and across Scotland
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, celebrated by Jewish communities in Israel, the USA, and many other countries. This festival lasts for eight nights and honors the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Each night, you can see a candle lit on the menorah, a special nine-branched candle holder, until all eight candles glow brightly by the final evening. Homes are decorated with menorahs placed in windows, and you can also expect to see symbols like the Star of David and blue-and-white decorations. Families gather to say prayers, sing songs, and enjoy traditional foods like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts). Children play with the dreidel, a four-sided spinning top, and often receive small gifts or chocolate coins called ‘gelt.’ Additionally, public menorah lighting ceremonies happen in major cities like New York and Jerusalem, where people come together in celebration. The vibe is warm, family-focused, and spiritual during this festival.
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When Celebrated: Varies; in 2025: December 23-30
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Where: Israel, USA, and Jewish communities worldwide
Krampusnacht- Austria and Central Europe
Krampusnacht is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, especially popular in Austria, Germany, and parts of Central Europe. This festival takes place on the evening of December 5, right before St. Nicholas Day. You can expect to see people dressed as Krampus, a horned creature from Alpine folklore, roaming the streets in detailed costumes with masks, fur, and bells. They often chase and scare people in playful ways, especially children who have misbehaved. It’s common to attend parades called ‘Krampuslauf,’ where large groups of costumed participants walk through towns with fire torches, chains, and dramatic music. Decorations are darker and spookier compared to Christmas, and many locals take pride in handcrafting their Krampus masks for the parade. Additionally, traditional snacks like roasted chestnuts, sausages, and warm mulled wine are sold at roadside stalls. You can also visit Christmas markets happening alongside these events. The atmosphere is thrilling, eerie, and exciting, making it great for adventurous travelers, groups of friends, or those who enjoy folklore and unique traditions.
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When Celebrated: December 5
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Where: Austria, Germany, Hungary, and surrounding Alpine regions
Sinterklaas- Netherlands
Sinterklaas is another one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, widely celebrated across the Netherlands, especially on December 5. The festival is based on Saint Nicholas, who is believed to arrive from Spain by boat with his helpers, known as ‘Pieten.’ You can see large welcoming parades in cities like Amsterdam and Utrecht, where Sinterklaas rides a white horse through the streets while children cheer and receive candy. Schools and families organize poems, riddles, and games during this time, and small gifts are exchanged in a fun and personal way. Houses, shops, and town centers are also decorated with red, white, and gold colors along with traditional Sinterklaas symbols like his mitre, staff, and big red book. You can also try seasonal treats such as ‘pepernoten’, chocolate letters, and marzipan figures. Additionally, many Dutch families create surprise gift boxes with hidden jokes or themes. The vibe is cheerful and cozy, and this festival is great for families with young kids.
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When Celebrated: December 5
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Where: All over the Netherlands
Saint Lucia’s Day- Sweden
Next, Saint Lucia’s Day is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, celebrated across Sweden on December 13. The festival honors Saint Lucia, a symbol of light and hope during the dark winter. In homes, schools, and churches, you can see processions of girls dressed in white gowns with red sashes, led by one chosen ‘Lucia’ who wears a crown of candles on her head. Boys often dress as star boys or gingerbread men and join the procession. They sing traditional Swedish songs and hand out saffron buns called ‘lussekatter’ along with ginger snaps. Decorations are kept minimal and elegant, using lots of candles, pine leaves, and paper stars to brighten up the indoors. Additionally, many cities host public performances and community gatherings that bring locals and visitors together in a peaceful atmosphere. This festival is truly perfect for those who enjoy quiet cultural experiences or traveling with family during the winter festive season.
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When Celebrated: December 13
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Where: Sweden (and parts of Finland and Norway)
Night of the Radishes- Mexico
Night of the Radishes is also one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, celebrated only in Oaxaca, Mexico, on December 23. This event features large radishes carved into detailed figures that represent nativity scenes, animals, folklore characters, and even political satire. You can walk through the main square, Plaza de la Constitución, and see dozens of these artistic radish displays, some taking months of planning. You will see artists compete for prizes, and the entire town gets involved with music, food, and local crafts. Additionally, you’ll find stalls selling tamales, atole, and other Oaxacan street foods. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with traditional music playing in the background and families gathering to admire the creativity. You can also explore local museums and nearby markets during the day before the event begins in the evening.
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When Celebrated: December 23
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Where: Oaxaca City, Mexico
Las Posadas- Mexico and Central America
Next up, Las Posadas is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, observed mainly in Mexico and parts of Central America from December 16 to 24. The festival reenacts the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph looking for shelter before Jesus was born. Each night, you can join a neighborhood procession where people walk with candles and sing traditional songs, stopping at houses to ask for ‘posada’ or lodging. The final home welcomes everyone in with music, food, and celebrations. You will witness homes and streets decorated with paper lanterns, nativity scenes, poinsettias, and string lights. And children look forward to breaking star-shaped piñatas filled with candy and fruit. You’ll also get to enjoy traditional foods like tamales, ponche, buñuelos, and champurrado. Additionally, local churches hold special masses and community dinners. The vibe is warm, religious, and deeply rooted in family and hospitality.
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When Celebrated: December 16-24
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Where: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador
New Year’s Eve Fireworks- Sydney, Australia
New Year’s Eve in Sydney is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, famous for its stunning fireworks display over the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Each year on December 31, you can join thousands of people gathered along the waterfront, in parks, on boats, or at rooftop bars to watch the show. There are two fireworks displays, one at 9 PM for families and the main one at midnight. The entire harbor area is lit up with colors, lights, and coordinated effects that reflect on the water. Additionally, you can enjoy live music, food trucks, open-air dining, and entertainment zones around Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, and Barangaroo. The event is family-friendly but also great for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers looking for a safe and exciting place to celebrate. Public transport runs all night, and areas are secured with clear viewing spots and event staff. Sydney's NYE celebration is ideal for those wanting to be among the first to ring in the New Year globally.
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When Celebrated: December 31
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Where: Sydney, Australia
Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival- Turkey
Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, held in the city of Konya to honor the life and teachings of the poet and mystic Rumi. From December 10 to 17, you can attend daily Sema ceremonies performed by the Whirling Dervishes, who spin in long white robes and tall hats to express spiritual connection and surrender to divine love. The ceremony is slow, symbolic, and deeply meaningful. It takes place in the Mevlana Cultural Center, which gets filled with people from Turkey and abroad, all sitting in silence as the dancers perform. Additionally, you can visit the Mevlana Museum, attend poetry readings, and explore Islamic art exhibitions. The atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual, with soft lighting, quiet music, and respectful silence from the crowd. Decorations are minimal but elegant, focusing on Rumi’s teachings and Sufi traditions. This festival is ideal for spiritual travelers and anyone interested in Sufism, Islamic philosophy, or traditional music and dance. You can also enjoy local Turkish dishes and sweets in Konya’s traditional eateries nearby.
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When Celebrated: December 10-17
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Where: Konya, Turkey
Réveillon- Brazil
Réveillon is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, and it marks New Year’s Eve in a way that blends celebration and also spiritual rituals. The biggest and most famous celebration takes place on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, where over two million people gather to welcome the new year. You can expect a massive party with live music, samba performances, dance shows, and a grand midnight fireworks display that lasts for about 15-20 minutes. People wear white clothing as a symbol of peace and renewal, plus you can also see many locals offering flowers, candles, and gifts to the sea goddess by setting them afloat on the ocean. In addition to music stages, there are food stalls, beach bars, and party zones where families, couples, and tourists enjoy together. Traditional foods like lentils, grapes, and farofa are eaten for good luck and the beach is also decorated with lights, altars, and floral arrangements. The vibe is high-energy, and spiritual at the same time and locals dance barefoot in the sand, hug strangers, and celebrate with pure enthusiasm. Réveillon is perfect for friend groups and party lovers who crave an unforgettable New Year experience in a tropical beach setting.
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When Celebrated: December 31
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Where: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Winter Solstice Celebrations- Various Cultures
Winter Solstice is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, observed in many countries as the shortest day and longest night of the year. You can experience different traditions depending on where you are. In the UK, people gather at Stonehenge before sunrise to witness the sun aligning with the stones, accompanied by some rituals and songs. In China, families celebrate Dongzhi Festival by preparing and eating tangyuan (sweet rice balls). In Japan, locals take relaxing yuzu baths and eat pumpkin to promote health and good luck during the colder months. Additionally, some communities organize lantern parades, storytelling events, and community dinners. Decorations are typically simple and nature-inspired and evergreens, candles, and seasonal fruits are common. The celebrations are family-friendly and attract travelers looking for a quieter experience away from busy commercial holidays. Depending on the country, you can also explore nearby temples, markets, or sacred natural spaces connected to the festival.
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When Celebrated: December 21
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Where: UK, China, Japan, and various other countries
Kwanzaa- USA and Africa
Kwanzaa is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, celebrated from December 26 to January 1 by African-American communities and some groups in Africa. The festival honors African heritage, culture, and values through seven guiding principles like unity, self-determination, and creativity. Each evening, you can see a candle being lit on the kinara, a special candle holder with seven candles: three red, three green, and one black. Families here gather for discussions, music, dance, and storytelling sessions that teach cultural history. You can also attend community events with African drumming, performances, and traditional African food like jollof rice, collard greens, and okra stew. It’s ideal for those wanting to explore African roots and values through celebration and reflection.
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When Celebrated: December 26 - January 1
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Where: United States, some African nations
Christmas Markets- Europe
Christmas Markets are among the top 20 festivals around the world in December, taking place across cities in Germany, Austria, France, the Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe. These markets usually run from late November until December 24 and turn city squares into magical winter villages. You can walk through rows of wooden stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, candles, and winter wear. Each market is beautifully decorated with fairy lights, Christmas trees, garlands, and sometimes even themed installations or carousels. Additionally, you can enjoy seasonal food like pretzels, roasted nuts, sausages, gingerbread, stollen, and hot mulled wine served in collectible mugs. In cities like Vienna, Strasbourg, and Prague, live choirs and classical performances fill the air with festive music. The overall vibe is fun and family-friendly, attracting visitors of all ages. These markets are great for holiday shoppers looking for the full christmas vibe, unique gifts, and christmas decorations.
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When Celebrated: Late November to December 24
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Where: Germany, Austria, France, Czech Republic, and other parts of Europe
La Tamborrada (December Mini Events)- Spain
La Tamborrada is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, although its main celebration takes place in January, smaller local events and preparations begin in December in the Basque city of San Sebastián. You can see community groups and local drumming societies starting rehearsals and parades with participants dressed as chefs and soldiers, symbolizing the city’s history. The rhythm of drums fills the narrow streets, creating a unifying sound that echoes across neighborhoods. In December, you can also attend cultural exhibitions, local music shows, and food events tied and lead-up to the main festival. Traditional Basque foods like bacalao al pil-pil (salted cod), pintxos, and cider are enjoyed during meals and gatherings. The decorations here are subtle, with flags, banners, and some festive lights.
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When Celebrated: Mini events in December; main celebration on January 20
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Where: San Sebastián, Spain
Fête des Lumières- Lyon, France
Fête des Lumières is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, held annually in Lyon during the first or second weekend of December. This four-day festival transforms the entire city into an open-air gallery using light as the main medium. You can walk through Lyon’s streets, bridges, and buildings illuminated with colorful, moving light projections created by local and international artists. Iconic landmarks like the Basilica of Fourvière and Place des Terreaux become massive digital canvases. In addition to the light shows, you can enjoy open-air music performances, art installations, food stalls, and guided tours. Locals place candles in their windows, a tradition that honors the Virgin Mary. The city glows with lanterns, fairy lights, and themed designs in almost every neighborhood. The vibe is artistic, calm, and welcoming, perfect for photographers, families, couples, and solo travelers who enjoy visual storytelling and immersive experiences. Street food like crêpes, raclette, and mulled wine also adds to the festive vibe.
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When Celebrated: Usually around December 8 (dates vary yearly)
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Where: Lyon, France
Mount Popa Nat Festival- Myanmar
Mount Popa Nat Festival is celebrated on the sacred volcanic mountain of Mount Popa in central Myanmar. This festival honors the nats, or Burmese spirits, who are believed to protect and influence daily life. You will see thousands of pilgrims and locals climbing the mountain to visit the main nat shrines at the top. People offer flowers, fruits, coconuts, and incense, and many bring traditional music and dance as a form of worship. The atmosphere is intense and spiritual, with ritual dances, drumming, and trance-like ceremonies. Additionally, spirit mediums, often dressed in elaborate costumes, perform offerings and blessings for devotees. Vendors set up stalls along the footpath selling local snacks, prayer items, and handmade crafts and the path to the shrine is decorated with colorful flags and traditional umbrellas. You can also enjoy Burmese street food like mohinga (noodle soup) and sweet sticky rice.
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When Celebrated: Dates vary by Burmese lunar calendar, usually in December
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Where: Mount Popa, near Bagan, Myanmar
Chichibu Night Festival- Japan
Chichibu Night Festival is one of the top 20 festivals around the world in December, and it takes place in the small city of Chichibu, about 90 minutes from Tokyo. This two-day event is known for its grand winter parade featuring six massive floats decorated with lanterns and detailed tapestries. You can expect to see locals dressed in traditional festival clothing as they pull the floats through the streets while chanting and playing drums and flutes. The highlight is on the night of December 3rd, when the floats are pulled up a steep slope in a dramatic display of teamwork and energy. You’ll also see one of the best winter fireworks shows in Japan, lasting nearly two hours. Streets are filled with food stalls selling yakitori, takoyaki, warm sake, and regional sweets. Everything is beautifully lit, and the mountain backdrop adds to the festive vibe. This festival is perfect for travelers who want to experience authentic Japanese culture and local traditions during winters.
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When Celebrated: December 2-3
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Where: Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Mount Hagen Cultural Show- Papua New Guinea
Although the Mount Hagen Cultural Show usually takes place in August, a smaller December edition is sometimes held to showcase local traditions for tourists visiting during the holiday season, making it one of the top 20 cultural festivals to witness globally in December if timed right. It is set in Papua New Guinea and this festival gathers tribes from across the country to display their cultures through music, war dances, and traditional attire. What makes it truly special is the chance to see dozens of tribes, each with unique body paint, feathered headdresses, and traditional songs, come together peacefully in one arena. The event also helps preserve indigenous practices and promotes unity among the tribes. While it’s smaller in December, it’s no less intense or colorful. Also, travelers interested in anthropology, photography, or indigenous culture find this event unforgettable. Be prepared for remote travel, as Mount Hagen is tucked away in the highlands, but the festival is worth the effort.
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When Celebrated: Select dates in December (in tourist-friendly versions)
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Where: Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea
Junkanoo- The Bahamas
Last on our list of the top 20 festivals around the world in December is Junkanoo, especially celebrated across the Bahamas with its largest parade in Nassau on Boxing Day. This festival brings the streets to life with colorful costumes, music, and high-energy dancing from the early hours of December 26. You can expect a non-stop street parade filled with groups wearing handcrafted costumes made of cardboard, crepe paper, and feathers, each outfit taking months to create. The sound of cowbells, goatskin drums, whistles, and brass instruments fills the air as performers compete for top honors. You can watch from the stands or join the crowds along Bay Street to feel the rhythm up close. There are also food vendors lining the streets, offering Bahamian favorites like conch fritters, fried plantains, and guava duff. The vibe is vibrant and exciting, perfect for people who enjoy upbeat cultural celebrations and a warm tropical December experience.
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When Celebrated: December 26
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Where: Nassau, The Bahamas
Conclusion
These December festivals show how people across the world come together to celebrate in their own way. Each one has its own charm, colors, and stories. Choose one that excites you and take a trip to enjoy new tastes, sounds, and moments you’ll remember long after the season ends.
