Christmas 2024

Christmas
is a holiday that is celebrated annually on December 25th by Christians around the world to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. In Europe, Christmas has been a longstanding tradition that has evolved over the centuries to incorporate a wide range of cultural and religious practices.

When it's Christmas 2024?

Western
24 Dec 2024
Tuesday
Eastern
06 Jan 2025
Monday
Another popular tradition during the Christmas season in Europe is the exchange of gifts. In many European countries, it is customary for families to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, often in the presence of a decorated tree. Children in particular look forward to this tradition, as they believe that gifts are brought by Santa Claus or the "Three Wise Men."
Food and drink also play a crucial role in the celebration of Christmas in Europe. In many countries, it is traditional to serve a special meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. This meal often includes dishes such as roast beef or turkey, roast potatoes, and mince pies. In addition to these main dishes, many European families also prepare a variety of other festive treats, such as gingerbread cookies, fruitcake, and mulled wine.
Christmas in Europe is also marked by several religious ceremonies and events. Many churches hold special services on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, which often feature singing, prayer, and readings from the Bible. In some countries, it is also common for carolers to go door-to-door singing Christmas songs.
In addition to these traditional practices, there are also several unique Christmas traditions that can be found in distinct parts of Europe. For example, in Finland, it is customary for families to visit cemeteries on Christmas Eve to pay their respects to loved ones who have passed away. In Norway, people often celebrate Christmas Eve by lighting candles in the windows of their homes to guide the way for Mary and Joseph as they search for a place to stay.
Despite the many differences in the way that Christmas is celebrated across Europe, one thing remains constant: the holiday is a time for families and loved ones to come together and share in the joy and spirit of the season. Whether it's through gift-giving, feasting, or participating in religious ceremonies,
Christmas
is a time for people of all ages to come together and celebrate the values of love, kindness, and generosity that are at the heart of the holiday.

Christmas Customs throughout Europe

Tradition in:
Belgium
"Sinterklaas" (Saint Nicholas) brings gifts to children on December 6th
Tradition in:
Czech Republic
"Mikuláš" (Saint Nicholas) brings gifts to children on December 5th, Christmas Eve dinner featuring fish dishes.
Tradition in:
Denmark
"Juleaften" (Christmas Eve) feast featuring roast pork and "ris a la mande" (rice pudding) with a whole almond hidden inside, the person who finds the almond wins a prize
Tradition in:
France
"Réveillon" (Christmas Eve) feast featuring dishes such as roast turkey and "bûche de Noël" (yule log cake).
Tradition in:
Austria
Germany
Christmas markets selling traditional crafts and foods, "Weihnachtsmann" (Santa Claus) brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.
Tradition in:
Iceland
"Yule Lads" (mischievous creatures) bring small gifts to children in the 13 days leading up to Christmas.
Tradition in:
Italy
"La Befana" (an old woman) brings gifts to children on January 6th (Epiphany), "Natale" (Christmas Day) feast featuring dishes such as "cotechino" (sausage) and "panettone" (sweet bread).
Tradition in:
Poland
Poland: "Wigilia" (Christmas Eve) feast featuring 12 traditional dishes, "Dzwonki" (carolers) go door-to-door singing on Christmas Eve.
Tradition in:
Portugal
"Presépio" (nativity scene) displayed in homes and churches, "Consoada" (Christmas Eve) feast featuring dishes such as "bacalhau" (cod) and "turrón" (nougat).
Tradition in:
Switzerland
"Weihnachtsmann" (Santa Claus) brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve, "Räbeliechtli" (carved turnip lanterns) placed in windows on December 21st.
Tradition in:
Austria
Christmas markets selling traditional crafts and foods, "Christkindl" (baby Jesus) brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve.