Europe Concludes Its Longest Festive Christmas Season
In Europe, the word "Christmas" refers not only to a single day but to an entire festive season stretching over a month, and in some countries, even two. This period is not just an extension of the shopping season but an opportunity to observe numerous traditional holidays that fill the winter calendar.
It begins with Advent, which starts four weeks before Christmas Eve. This is when most local Christmas markets, trees, and carnivals open. Next comes St Nicholas' Day, celebrated on 6 December, mainly in Catholic countries. On this day, children receive gifts from St Nicholas.
For many Europeans, Christmas Eve is the highlight of the festive season. It is marked by an evening church service and a grand feast. Less religious Europeans focus on Christmas Day itself, exchanging gifts and then celebrating the New Year on the night of 1 January.
The traditional "Twelve Days of Christmas" last from 25 December until 6 January, the Feast of the Epiphany, when the Three Wise Men presented their gifts. After this, the season winds down until the following year.
However, France’s festive season is longer than in most other countries. It runs from early December through New Year’s Day on 1 January, Epiphany on 6 January marked with traditional galettes des rois — and continues into February with Chandeleur, known as Candlemas or the French Pancake Day, celebrated forty days after Christmas. Christmas in France is never complete without champagne, oysters, and the bûche de Noël.
In Spain, the Christmas season is also regarded as one of the longest and most joyous festive periods of the year, spanning from early December to early January. The French and Italians are often credited with making Christmas more about culinary delights than incense.
For the second consecutive year, Ukraine has celebrated Christmas on 25 December, aligning with most European countries. This follows the Orthodox Church of Ukraine’s adoption of the Revised Julian calendar. The main elements of the celebration include attending a solemn night service and enjoying a family dinner featuring twelve special dishes, accompanied by traditional carols.
One reason Europeans celebrate Christmas on 25 December is its proximity to the winter solstice, which falls on 21–22 December. To some extent, the Christian holiday counterbalanced the pagan festival honouring the "unconquered sun." During the winter solstice, European pagans would bring a fir tree into their homes, as tree worship was widespread at the time. They also adorned outdoor trees with candles and decorations symbolising the sun, moon, and stars on the tree of life.
It remains unclear when Christians began using fir trees as Christmas decorations, but the cities of Tallinn in Estonia and Riga in Latvia both claim to have recorded the earliest documented use of a Christmas tree for festive celebrations.
Christmas is celebrated by people around the world, regardless of religious affiliation. It is a family holiday symbolising prosperity, light, and warmth. Across all countries, people wish each other goodwill, harmony, and love at Christmas.
Source: doinghistoryinpublic.org
Ancient Christmas Traditions Still Alive Across Europe
Despite the pressures of American-style commercialisation, England continues to celebrate Christmas, with many traditions dating back to the Elizabethan and Victorian eras. Children remain at the heart of the celebrations. They help choose and decorate the Christmas tree, often with handmade ornaments, sing enthusiastically at church concerts, and play the roles of "perfect angels" in nativity plays. Some write letters to Santa, telling him what they wish for at Christmas. While some send emails, most follow the traditional method—throwing handwritten letters into the fireplace. The draft carries them up the chimney to Santa.
English children also love Christmas crackers, but these are not edible. Instead, they resemble festive party poppers with surprises inside. In 1846, an Englishman took a strip of paper treated with chemicals that created a loud snap when rubbed together. He wrapped it in colourful paper and filled it with sweets, small toys, and love notes. His "Christmas cracker" became an instant sensation. Today, just as in Victorian times, children pull apart paper-wrapped tubes that crack open, spilling out toys, sweets, and surprises.
In France, even in the depths of winter, exquisite food remains at the heart of the celebrations. The most anticipated culinary event of the year is Le Réveillon de Noël, Christmas Eve. Réveillon literally means "awakening"—a spiritual and culinary call to consciousness. Like most French meals, it is a multi-course dinner lasting for hours. Each region of France serves its own special dishes, reflecting local ingredients and traditions.
In Paris, the meal begins with raw oysters. Another popular starter across France, particularly in Alsace, is foie gras. In Brittany, locals enjoy buckwheat pancakes with cream. In Provence, people share a special Christmas bread, giving half to the poor while eating the rest themselves. A traditional dessert for Réveillon is the Bûche de Noël (Yule log)—a rolled sponge cake covered with "bark" (chocolate buttercream), "mushrooms" (cocoa meringues), and "holly leaves" (almond paste), all dusted with sugar "snow".
Spain also begins its festive season in December. Christmas in Spain is not just a one-night event. Celebrations start on 22 December with the national lottery, where millions eagerly await the results, hoping for a lucky ticket that could make them rich. The grand prize is €4 million.
On 24 December, Spain celebrates Nochebuena (Christmas Eve), the most important night of the year. Families feast on seafood, lamb, and turrón (nougat). Then comes 31 December, Nochevieja (New Year's Eve), when Spaniards follow the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight—one for each chime of the clock. "It brings good luck!" they say.
The celebrations continue with Cabalgata de Reyes (Parade of the Three Kings) on 5 January. Cities come alive with dazzling street decorations as people throw sweets and other treats into the crowds. The next day, 6 January, Spaniards celebrate Día de Reyes (Epiphany). Children open presents brought not by Santa, but by the Three Kings—marking the grand finale of Spain’s festive season.
In Norway and Sweden, Christmas is celebrated as a festival of light and a promise of longer days to come, as darkness falls as early as 4 pm in winter. During these twilight weeks, Norwegians and Swedes seek comfort in the season’s most luminous celebration: Saint Lucia’s Day on 13 December.
This tradition originated in Sweden. Lucia was a 4th-century Sicilian saint who, according to legend, helped persecuted Christians hiding in tunnels. To guide them through the darkness, she wore a wreath of candles on her head.
Today, Saint Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Norway and Sweden at family gatherings, churches, schools, kindergartens, care homes, and hospitals. The festivities begin with a procession led by a girl dressed as Lussibrud ("Lucia Bride"), wearing a long white robe and a crown of lights. The girls in the procession carry baskets of saffron buns called Lussekattor, which they distribute to those around them.
Epiphany: The Final Celebration of the Christmas Season Across Europe
As the Christmas season draws to a close, Christians across Europe mark Epiphany with special traditions. Orthodox Christians take part in water blessing ceremonies, while Catholics in the Vatican attend Mass at St Peter’s Basilica.
In Orthodox Christian communities, Epiphany is celebrated with the ritual of water sanctification. Swimmers compete to retrieve a cross thrown into the water by a priest—a tradition still observed in Bulgaria and Greece.
Thousands of Orthodox believers in Bulgaria, despite the freezing winter temperatures, immerse themselves in icy waters, honouring an age-old tradition symbolising the baptism of Jesus Christ. It is believed that the person who retrieves the wooden cross will be freed from evil spirits and enjoy good health throughout the year. Once the cross is recovered, the priest sprinkles the faithful with basil-tied holy water. The celebration culminates in the slow-paced men’s dance mazhko horo, performed by men wearing traditional white embroidered shirts. Standing in the river, they sing folk songs and wave national flags.
In Greece, a large crowd gathers at the port of Piraeus, just outside Athens, to witness the ritual. Hundreds watch as participants dive into the water, racing to be the first to catch the cross in an event dedicated to the baptism of Jesus Christ.
Romania’s version of Epiphany also includes annual horse races. Hundreds of Romanian villagers gather on the outskirts of Pietrosani, a southern village. On the eve of the event, a priest blesses the animals for their health, as they are vital to rural life—used for ploughing fields, transporting firewood, and carrying crops. As the horses race across the icy fields, villagers celebrate by drinking plum brandy and mulled wine and feasting on grilled spicy sausages.
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The Day of the Three Kings: Epiphany Celebrations Across Europe
In some Western Christian churches, Epiphany is also celebrated as the Day of the Three Kings, commemorating the Magi who visited the infant Jesus at the end of the Christmas season and brought him gifts.
In the Czech Republic, brave swimmers in Prague plunged into the icy waters of the Vltava River to mark Epiphany with a freezing dip. The Three Kings Swim has become an annual tradition, and this year’s immersion was the 15th organised event.
In Poland, the Three Kings Procession made its way through Warsaw to Castle Square in the Old Town, where participants paid tribute to Mary and Jesus. The event attracted Warsaw residents, people from across the country, and foreign tourists. Similar processions took place in over 900 cities, towns, and villages throughout Poland.
As part of Vatican traditions, Pope Francis used the occasion of Epiphany to once again call on people to pray for peace in conflicts around the world, bringing the busy Christmas season to a close.
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Chandeleur – France’s Pancake Day
France’s Chandeleur (Candlemas) marks the official end of the long Christmas season and is celebrated in February. The name Chandeleur literally means Festival of Candles. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I established 2 February as the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, while preserving elements of the earlier pagan candlelit processions. Pancakes were chosen as the symbolic dish for the day, representing light and the growing return of the sun. The round shape and golden colour of the crêpes mirrored the solar disc and the lengthening days, making them a tribute to the changing seasons and the arrival of spring.
As a result, many traditions around pancakes emerged in France. One custom involves holding a gold coin in one hand while flipping a pancake in the pan with the other—if the pancake lands perfectly, it is said to bring financial prosperity. Some of the more superstitious French even keep their first crêpe of the day in a cupboard for an entire year to bring good luck.
Your own Christmas season can last as long as you wish, filled with the rich and diverse traditions of Europe, both ancient and modern. And to make the festive period even more special, you can enjoy Christmas melodies from around the world.
Source: www.vam.ac.uk
10 Most Famous Christmas and New Year Songs
Ukraine: Carol of the Bells (Shchedryk)
Known worldwide as Carol of the Bells, Shchedryk is a Ukrainian New Year’s song composed by Mykola Leontovych. Originally based on a folk chant about a swallow bringing good fortune, the song gained international fame thanks to English lyrics about Christmas bells. Its enchanting melody has made it one of the most recognisable holiday songs globally.
United Kingdom: We Wish You a Merry Christmas
This cheerful carol originated in England, traditionally sung by wassailers—groups of carollers going door-to-door. The song’s playful demand for figgy pudding adds a lighthearted, mischievous touch, making it a staple of festive gatherings.
Germany: O Tannenbaum
One of the most beloved German Christmas carols, O Tannenbaum (Oh Christmas Tree), praises the evergreen’s beauty and resilience. Though its melody dates back to a 16th-century folk tune, the lyrics were adapted in the 19th century. Its simple yet heartfelt message has made it a favourite worldwide.
France: Petit Papa Noël
Every French child knows Petit Papa Noël, a song about a child eagerly awaiting Father Christmas (Papa Noël). This sentimental classic has been covered by The Smurfs and even Céline Dion & The Chipmunks, proving its timeless appeal.
Spain: Feliz Navidad
Written by Puerto Rican singer José Feliciano, Feliz Navidad has become a global Christmas anthem, not just in Spain but around the world. Its joyful melody and bilingual lyrics—Feliz Navidad, próspero año y felicidad—make it impossible not to sing along and feel the holiday spirit.
Italy: Tu scendi dalle stelle
This traditional Italian Christmas carol, meaning You Come Down from the Stars, was composed in the 18th century by Saint Alphonsus Liguori. It tells the story of baby Jesus leaving heaven to be born on Earth and remains a cherished part of Italy’s Christmas celebrations.
Sweden: Nu tändas tusen juleljus
This Swedish carol, meaning Now a Thousand Christmas Candles Are Lit, is a gentle and reflective hymn capturing the warmth and light of the season. Written in 1898, it continues to be a beloved part of Sweden’s Christmas traditions.
Poland: Bóg się rodzi
Often considered Poland’s national Christmas hymn, Bóg się rodzi (God is Born) is grand and solemn, celebrating the divine paradox of Christ’s birth. It is proudly sung across Poland in churches during festive services.
United States: Jingle Bells
No Christmas song list would be complete without Jingle Bells! Originally a winter tune about sleigh rides, it quickly became associated with Christmas. Its catchy melody and playful lyrics make it a holiday favourite for all ages.
Almost Every Country & Language: Silent Night
Silent Night (Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht) is, in many ways, the “birthday song” of Christmas carols—it is the most widely sung carol in the world, translated into over 100 languages. Composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in Austria in 1818, it was recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2011.
No matter where you are in the world, Christmas songs bring people together and add magic to the holiday season.