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The holiday season is full of rituals, whether it’s decorating the tree, cooking elaborate feasts, or exchanging gifts. But while we all know about the classic traditions, there’s a world of quirky, offbeat customs that families and communities have created to bring a unique twist to the season. Some of these might seem strange, but they’re guaranteed to spark joy, laughter, and a little extra holiday cheer. Here are some fun and unexpected holiday traditions from around the globe and beyond that aren’t your typical Christmas or Hanukkah fare—but perhaps they should be!
1. The Yule Lads (Iceland)
Forget about the jolly old man in red—meet the Yule Lads! These 13 mischievous figures are part of Icelandic folklore and serve as an alternative to Santa Claus. Instead of arriving on Christmas Eve, the Yule Lads make their way to homes throughout December, one by one, each arriving on a different night. However, they aren’t exactly bringing presents like Santa. The Yule Lads are known for their quirky and often naughty behaviors. For example, there’s “Spoon-Licker,” who steals wooden spoons, and “Door-Slammer,” who makes a racket by slamming doors at night. It’s a quirky way to keep kids on their toes during the holiday season—and one that could add a bit of chaos (and fun) to your own holiday traditions.
2. The Great Canadian “Polar Bear Club” Dive
If you’re in Canada (or certain parts of the U.S.), you might find a group of brave souls who take part in a chilly tradition: the Polar Bear Plunge. Held on New Year’s Day, this tradition involves jumping into freezing cold waters, often in a lake or the ocean, to ring in the new year. While it’s not for the faint of heart (or anyone who values warmth), it’s a tradition that has spread in popularity, with people in snowy cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver gathering to take part. The crazier, the better! After the plunge, participants warm up with hot cocoa, creating a festive, adrenaline-fueled, and entirely unique holiday experience.
3. La Befana (Italy)
In Italy, Santa Claus has a little competition from La Befana, a kindly old witch who visits children on Epiphany Eve (January 5). Legend says that La Befana was invited by the Three Wise Men to follow them to Bethlehem to see the baby Jesus. However, she was too busy cleaning her house to go along, and when she later decided to catch up, she couldn’t find the way. Ever since, she’s been flying on her broomstick, delivering gifts to children on the eve of January 6. Unlike Santa, La Befana doesn’t rely on reindeer—she’s all about the broomstick. Children leave out stockings or shoes for her, and she fills them with treats. But beware: if you’ve been naughty, you might find a lump of coal instead of candy.
4. The “KFC Christmas Dinner” (Japan)
In Japan, Christmas isn’t widely celebrated in the same way it is in Western countries. However, one quirky tradition that has taken off in recent years is the consumption of KFC for Christmas dinner. This custom began in the 1970s when KFC launched a successful marketing campaign promoting fried chicken as a festive Christmas meal. Now, many Japanese families order KFC for Christmas Day, often making it a special part of the holiday meal. It’s such a big deal that people will book their orders weeks in advance to ensure they get their crispy, golden chicken fix. For anyone who loves both holidays and fast food, this is a tradition worth adopting.
5. The Festival of Unusual Trees (Germany)
In some parts of Germany, the holiday season isn’t just about the usual pine trees or Christmas trees. The Festival of Unusual Trees in the town of Oberursel showcases some of the most peculiar and creative tree decorations ever imagined. From upside-down trees to trees made entirely of recycled materials, this quirky tradition encourages families to experiment with their holiday decor in unconventional ways. Imagine a tree made entirely out of books, or one shaped like a snowman. It’s a fun way to challenge tradition and let your imagination run wild.
6. The “Giant Lantern Festival” (Philippines)
The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines, is a dazzling display of lights that happens every December. But what makes it quirky? The competition! Local villages craft enormous, intricate lanterns that can be as large as 20 feet in diameter, and they’re often made of colorful materials like paper, bamboo, and even recycled plastic. These lanterns are then paraded through the streets in a vibrant contest to see who can create the most beautiful, intricate design. It’s like a blend of a light show, a competition, and a celebration of Filipino artistry—one of the most spectacular and quirky light festivals in the world.
7. The “Tió de Nadal” (Catalonia, Spain)
In Catalonia, Spain, there’s a truly bizarre holiday tradition that involves a wooden log. Tió de Nadal, or the “Caga Tió” (literally, “pooping log”), is a wooden figure of a log with a painted face and a red hat. On Christmas Eve, children “feed” the log over several days and then, on Christmas day, they hit it with sticks while singing a special song to “encourage” it to “poop” out small gifts and sweets. The tradition stems from an old pagan custom of bringing in the log to ensure a good harvest, but today it’s just an odd and amusing way to engage children in the holiday fun.
8. St. Lucia’s Day (Sweden)
In Sweden, **St. Lucia’s Day**, celebrated on December 13, has become a key part of the Christmas season. But it’s not just about lighting candles—it’s about transforming into an angelic procession of young girls dressed in white robes with red sashes, wearing crown-like headpieces adorned with candles. The leading girl is known as “Lucia,” and she brings warmth, light, and music to dark winter nights. The tradition is quirky in its symbolism of light overcoming darkness, and it adds an ethereal, almost magical feeling to the holiday season. Some families in Sweden also serve saffransbullar (saffron buns), adding a sweet touch to the day.
9. The Krampus Run (Austria)
In Austria and parts of Germany, the **Krampus Run** is a chilling and fun tradition. Krampus is a horned, half-goat, half-demon figure who is said to punish bad children during the Christmas season, alongside Saint Nicholas. On December 5th, towns hold a Krampuslauf, or Krampus Run, where people dress up as Krampus in terrifying costumes and parade through the streets, frightening onlookers with their growls and clanging cowbells. The tradition is a bizarre, thrilling counterpoint to the cozy and sweet holiday norms of gift-giving. It’s a great way to embrace the spooky side of the season.
10. Fesitval of the Three Kings (Mexico)
In Mexico, the tradition of El Día de Reyes, or Three Kings Day, on January 6, celebrates the arrival of the Wise Men bearing gifts for baby Jesus. Families celebrate with a special bread called Rosca de Reyes, a round sweet bread decorated with candied fruits. Hidden inside the bread are small figurines of the baby Jesus. Whoever finds one must host a party on February 2nd for Candlemas. It’s a quirky way to keep the holiday spirit alive even after the Christmas tree comes down, and it gives families one last chance to gather and share a meal together.
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Embrace the Unconventional!
The holiday season is about making memories, so why not break from the typical traditions and try something a little more unexpected? Whether it’s sharing a festive meal of fried chicken or participating in a run with a scary mythical creature, these quirky traditions add a touch of fun and excitement to the season. So this year, why not mix it up and start your own unconventional holiday tradition? You might just create something your family will cherish for years to come!
