Christmas, although celebrated almost everywhere in the world, takes on different forms and traditions depending on the local culture. Traveling around the globe, you can find well-known Christmas customs, such as a visit to Santa’s workshop in Lapland, as well as more eccentric ones, like the Giant Lantern Festival in the Philippines.
Each country brings its unique touch to the celebrations, enjoying the holidays through various customs, rituals, and traditions that make Christmas a distinct experience in each destination.
Enjoying Christmas traditions in other countries offers a journey to discover diverse ways of celebrating, as well as an opportunity to embrace new traditions and perspectives.
However, exploring Christmas traditions in foreign countries requires careful planning for both accommodation and transportation. A well-structured Christmas itinerary that balances the discovery of different traditions with moments of relaxation is vital for maximizing your visit. In this regard, thoughtful travel planning, such as that provided by a private transportation service, is key for enjoying this enriching cultural experience without worries.
A look into different Christmas celebrations around the world
Christmas is a season that adapts to various climates and cultures. In colder regions during December, such as Europe and North America, Christmas is often associated with snow, crackling fireplaces, and Christmas trees adorned with lights and garlands. Here, traditions like Christmas markets, Santa Claus arriving by sleigh, and caroling create a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Conversely, in warmer climates where Christmas falls during summer, such as Latin America, Australia, and Southeast Asia, the festivities take on a vibrant and sunny flair. For example, many people celebrate with outdoor meals and beach activities, such as the traditional arrival of Santa Claus, which in some of these places takes place in a boat or on a surfboard, instead of a sleigh pulled by reindeer.
From colorful celebrations in the southern hemisphere to more wintry traditions in the north, it is a very diverse season that adapts to the environment and culture of each location. This contrast gives rise to different types of Christmas celebrations in the world, with unique traditions that enrich the holiday season. Each with its own style and essence that you can’t miss.
Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Philippines
The traditional Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando City, Philippines, will kick off this year on December 14.
Known locally as Ligligan Parul Sampernandu, this annual competition and exhibition showcases giant lanterns measuring about 20 feet in diameter, handmade over several months. The lanterns are adorned with thousands of colored lights that create intricate patterns synchronized to music, resulting in a mesmerizing light show.
This celebration draws thousands of visitors each year to this small province north of Manila. If you’re staying in the capital, the best way to reach San Fernando and avoid chaotic traffic is by helicopter or a private transportation service with a chauffeur who knows the route, drops you off at the festival, and picks you up for your return to the hotel.
Additionally, this area tends to be hot and humid during this time of year, so a well-prepared and air-conditioned vehicle will help you avoid the fatigue associated with such weather during your travels.
Christmas Tree decoration and gift exchange
One of the most extended Christmas traditions in the West is decorating the Christmas tree and exchanging gifts on December 25, both of which foster intimate family moments during the holiday season.
For many, the act of decorating the Christmas tree marks the beginning of the celebrations. Some choose to follow a specific theme or hire professional designers to create a custom ambiance with programmable lights and curated collections of handmade decorations or trendy glass ornaments. This option is perfect for Christmas enthusiasts with busy schedules during the final weeks of the year.
The gift exchange is one of the most eagerly anticipated moments, especially for the youngest family members. It’s a day when families gather to open presents and share special moments during the Christmas meal.
This occasion also provides an opportunity for those living in other cities or countries to travel home and celebrate with their loved ones. The holiday season can be fast-paced and full of travel commitments, so having a private transportation service ensures that your return for Christmas is as magical as you imagine. A chauffeur will pick you up at the airport and take you wherever you need to go, whether it’s straight to a Christmas dinner or last-minute shopping around the city without wasting a minute of your time.
Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, Finland
One of the most iconic Christmas destinations is Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, located within the Arctic Circle in Finland.
This magical place immerses you in the true spirit of Christmas, surrounded by snowy forests and the enchanting northern lights. In addition to visiting Santa’s workshop and meeting him in person, you can book a private sleigh ride pulled by reindeer or dogs, and even stay in an igloo under the stars with all the amenities offered by the Glass Resort.
Rovaniemi is approximately 800 km from the capital, making travel on the snowy Finnish roads a potential challenge. It’s best to have a prepared vehicle and an experienced driver familiar with these roads to ensure your safety and comfort. With temperatures in the Arctic Circle dropping to -20 ºC in December, having a heated vehicle with snow traction at your disposal for any kind of trip will make your visit to Santa’s village more comfortable, safe, and relaxed.
Festival of Lights in Medellin, Colombia
The Medellín Festival of Lights is one of Colombia’s most beloved Christmas celebrations, running this year from December 1 to January 12, 2025.
Each December, the city transforms as millions of lights and large-scale decorations illuminate its streets, parks, and rivers. Every year the festival has a specific theme, with lights depicting Christmas scenes, figures inspired by local culture, and even classic tales. Alongside the dazzling lights, Medellín hosts cultural events, concerts, and outdoor activities throughout the festival weeks.
Medellín is especially vibrant and bustling during the Festival of Lights, drawing large crowds. To navigate the city safely and efficiently, you can rely on a private chauffeur familiar with local routes, who can help you access the different points of the festival avoiding waiting times and traffic congestion.
Thanks to their local expertise, your driver can guide you to lesser-known areas of the festival, away from the crowds. They can also make stops at points of interest, including restaurants with open-air rooftops or private terraces, offering privileged views and a unique perspective of the city’s breathtaking illumination.
Advent calendar
Many families in Europe and America embrace the tradition of using an advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas.
The origin of advent calendars dates back to 19th-century Germany, but over the years, it has evolved, adapting to new customs and spreading to more countries.
Today, advent calendars come in countless varieties: chocolates, toys, teas, or even wines. Some calendars are tailored to local Christmas customs and traditions, such as the Sinterklaas celebration in the Netherlands on December 5 or the use of piñatas in Mexico.
Many families choose to personalize this tradition by planning special activities for each day, such as weekend getaways, excursions, or dinners at exclusive restaurants to surprise their families and make this countdown much more special.
Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights in Ontario, Canada
The Winter Festival of Lights at Niagara Falls is Canada’s largest lights festival, running this year from November 16 to January 5, 2025.
Stretching over an 8 km route, the festival has become an iconic way to welcome winter in Ontario. A particularly stunning vantage point is the famous Rainbow Bridge, offering direct views of the illuminated waterfalls. In addition to the light displays, the festival features activities, visits from Santa Claus, and fireworks during these weeks.
Given the festival’s expansive route and the low temperatures, organizers recommend exploring the illuminated structures and parks by car. For visitors from other cities, booking a private driver is an excellent choice. Your chauffeur will accompany you through the illuminated streets of Ontario, making stops for photos and warming up with a hot chocolate topped with marshmallows at various stalls along the way.
Living Nativity scenes, Spain
One of the Spanish traditions celebrated during this season is the staging of Living Nativity scenes, which bring religious and Christmas settings to life with people, animals, and live decorations.
These performances usually take place outdoors, in carefully crafted settings like town squares or parks that authentically recreate the depicted scenes. Often, locations with historical or spiritual significance are chosen to add deeper meaning to the experience.
In Spain, there are many towns in which communities come together to organize these Nativity scenes. Organizing a tour of the different Spanish Living Nativity scenes is a way to connect with history and explore the customs in the different regions of the country.
These Living Nativity scenes can be found across Spain, from Andalusia in the south to the Basque Country in the north. To visit these diverse locations, coordinating dates, accommodations, travel, and access is vital. By booking a private transportation service by the day, you can create a tailored itinerary to explore the Nativity scenes that interest you most, without the worry of managing travel logistics.
Live the magic of Christmas with the safety and comfort of a private chauffeur
The diversity of Christmas traditions around the world reflects the history and culture of each community. From vibrant festivals of lights in the Philippines, Colombia, and Canada to classic celebrations like visiting Santa’s village in Finland or experiencing live Nativity scenes in Spain, every destination offers a unique holiday experience in which having a private chauffeur is an advantage.
Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle, ideal for travel in hot and cold climates, such as San Fernando or Rovaniemi. Benefit from the peace of mind and security of having a high-end vehicle and a driver prepared to operate in extreme conditions and to act in case of any setback or change of plans.
Make the most of your stay by optimizing the routes with an expert driver in the area who will plan the itinerary efficiently, avoiding traffic, accessing exclusive spots away from the crowds, and saving you time. In addition to taking you to places of exclusive access away from the masses and recommending places of interest. Enjoy a tailored experience with Drivania Chauffeurs, adapting the routes to your schedule and preferences. Avoid the stress of transportation logistics and focus on enjoying the Christmas traditions across the world and the cultural events of each destination.