Holiday Traditions around the World

We easily connect people with trusted photographers for fun photo shoots and have captured over three million memories worldwide. The magic of Flytographer is both the experience and the photos. 📸 Explore the city with a fun, talented photographer and get wall-worthy photos to relive your trip forever. Our photographers all around the world have very different ways of celebrating the holidays. Through the lens of our photographers, we can experience an array of beautiful holiday traditions around the world to ring in the winter solstice. From carolling to bonfires, this list is sure to put you in the spirit this holiday season. ❤️

Whether you’re planning a European holiday trip this year or are planning to stay home with your loved ones, take some inspiration from our photographers’ favourite heartwarming holiday traditions to see how people celebrate the season around the world. Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Diwali, Kwanzaa or Christmas traditions, we wish you good luck and good fortune into the new year.

TLDR

1. Munich, Germany: Holiday markets, snowy mountains and Christmas spirit 🗻
2. Florence, Italy: The Epiphany holiday, Christmas trees and hot chocolate 🎄
3. Budapest, Hungary: Gift exchanges, sunrises and ice skating ⛸️
4. Cape Town, South Africa: Beach days, enjoying a sundowner and traditional recipes 🏝️
5. Banff, Canada: Hot Springs, Campfires and Holiday Lights 🔥
6. Vienna, Austria: An idyllic trip to the snowy Alps is a must-do 🎿
7. Seville, Spain: Experience a traditional flamenco Christmas choir 💃🏽
8. Stockholm, Sweden: Gingerbread cookies and a Narnia winter wonderland ❄️
9. Cairo, Egypt: Enjoying a breakfast after Ramadan and felucca ride on the Nile river 🌊
10. Tokyo, Japan: Vibrant fall leaves, temples, and KFC on Christmas. 🍂
11. Hong Kong, China: Chinese Lunar New Year and turkey stuffed with sticky rice 🍚

Photo: Hector in London for Flytographer. Sasha and partner capture memories in London with a couples photoshoot at Covent Garden & Piccadilly.

1. Munich, Germany 🇩🇪

Flytographer: Gloria in Munich

What is your favourite holiday tradition and why?

“Soaking up all the Christmas spirit at the Christmas markets! During December, all the meetups with family and friends happen at the festive markets!”

If you have friends or relatives visiting Germany over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time of year and why?

“Drive to the Alps to see all the snowy mountains! Neuschwanstein Castle covered in snow is an absolute must!”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“The Christmas market at the Residenz in Munich! It’s inside the court of the old castle!”

Photo: Gloria in Munich for Flytographer. Rachel and family capture memories in Munich with a family photoshoot at Marienplatz & Old Town.

2. Florence, Italy 🇮🇹

Flytographer: Emma in Florence

What is your favourite Italian holiday tradition and why?

“On January 6th, we celebrate a holiday in Italy called the Epiphany, when children are visited during the night by an ugly old lady called La Befana, who is dressed in rags and rides on a flying broomstick. La Befana comes through the chimney and fills children’s stockings with all sorts of sweets if they have been good during the year, and with coal if they have been naughty. It is a very old tradition — much older than Santa Claus — and I love it because it is a much more intimate celebration and reminds me of the joy it brought to my grandparents when they told me about receiving dried fruits, clementines, oranges, and sometimes even a bit of chocolate!”

If you have friends or relatives visiting over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time of year and why?

“The centre of Florence is beautiful during the holidays. I would recommend going to Dome Square to see the huge Christmas tree and to visit the many Christmas markets scattered around town. Be sure to stop for a hot cup of vin brulé (mulled wine) and bruciate (roasted chestnuts).”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“The town centre between Ponte Vecchio, the Dome, and Piazza Santa Croce is lit with beautiful decorations and completely closed to cars. It’s a pleasure to walk through slowly soaking in the Christmas atmosphere and enjoying the shops’ decorated windows. A hot chocolate at Rivoire in Piazza della Signoria is a must, as is sipping a glass of chianti in one of the many wineries like Enoteca Coquinarius in Via delle Oche.”

Photo: Emma in Florence for Flytographer. Jorge and partner capture memories in Florence with a honeymoon photoshoot at Duomo & Ponte Vecchio.

3. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺

Flytographer: Roky in Budapest

What is your favourite holiday tradition in Europe and why?

“I have a pretty big family so we do a holiday gift exchange/Secret Santa at both of my grandmothers’ houses. We then draw next year’s names on Christmas Day, so we have one full year to figure out what thoughtful, inexpensive gift to buy/make/get. Why inexpensive? This way, whatever we get each other is a meaningful gift, as opposed to shopping last minute for something with a high price tag.”

If you have friends or relatives visiting over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time of year and why?

“I used to take my family to the Castle district and the Fisherman’s Bastion area. I really, really love early morning lights over the city and most people who live in Budapest go years or decades without seeing how spectacular the city, the river and the skyline look from that vantage point. Even when just visiting for a few days, I highly recommend getting up a bit early and experiencing this magical city in a different way.”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“Since I spend most holidays with my family in the countryside, I always want to take them to see the illuminated city of Budapest with its many Christmas markets all over town. If I had to pick one, I’d take them to the market right in front of St. Stephen’s Basilica — it’s just magical with a tiny ice rink in the centre for the younger members of the family.”

Photo: Roky in Budapest for Flytographer. Dennen and partner capture memories in Budapest with a couples photoshoot.

4. Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

Flytographer: Nadine in Cape Town

What was your favourite thing to do as a kid to celebrate the holidays?

“Since it’s summer in the southern hemisphere my favourite thing about our Christmas holiday as a kid was going to the beach! We went to Hermanus every December, rode bikes, made friends with the kids at the campgrounds, endless swimming, sun, and ice cream. Our family is also big on celebrating Christmas Eve.”

What is one tradition you and your family still do to this day?

“As an adult, we’ll watch the sunset with wine and a cheese platter (better known as enjoying a sundowner) while my dad starts the braai (it’s like barbecue but we use wood, not gas or charcoal). We’ll also exchange gifts on Christmas Eve before dinner. It’ll just be our direct family, sometimes there might be other friends or family, but the extended family usually come together on Christmas Day.”

What are some local food recipes that you and your family make over the holidays?

“Usually, we follow some traditional recipes for Christmas dinner/lunch (leg of mutton, mutton chops, potato salad, watermelon, trifle pudding, malva pudding) but recently we’ve been trying some new food/recipes on Christmas Eve which I’ve been enjoying! We’ll all gather in the kitchen, put on some music, pour a glass of wine, talk, and just have fun making the food together! All in all, quality time with loved ones is my favourite part of any holiday celebration.”

Photo: Nadine in Cape Town for Flytographer. Chinny and partner capture memories in Cape Town with a vacation photoshoot on Singal Hill.

5. Banff, Canada 🇨🇦

Flytographer: Darine in Banff

If you have friends or relatives visit over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time of year and why?

“When I have family and friends visit during the holidays I love to take them to Banff National Park, Hot Springs, Candy Store, The Spirit of Christmas Store and then to Athenas for my favourite pizza in Banff. One of my favourite holiday traditions is ice skating in the mountains, warming up around a campfire & enjoying hot chocolate with friends & family. 💖”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“I love to take in and soak up the holiday lights at the Calgary Zoo, and Spruce Meadows, or go for a drive around Banff. My favourite place to Photograph during the winter is Lake Minnewanka and Lake Louise.”

Photo: Darine in Banff for Flytographer. Sandip and partner capture memories in Banff with a proposal photoshoot at Lake Louise.

6. Vienna, Austria 🇦🇹

Flytographer: Florentina in Vienna

What is your favourite holiday tradition from Austria and why?

“I absolutely love baking and cooking with my family and closest friends – there‘s nothing like the smell of freshly baked goods during the festive season.”

If you have friends or relatives visit over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time and why?

“The Museum of Natural History would be top of my list – it‘s one of my favourites, due to its impressive collections and its cafe is just the cozy spot to warm up. Alternatively, a short (skiing) trip to the snowy Alps – if time allows.”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“It‘s very tough to choose because the whole city becomes so festive during the winter holidays. I particularly like the Ferstel-Passage and the Belvedere Christmas market.”

Photo: Florentina in Vienna for Flytographer. Laura and partner capture memories in Vienna with a couples photoshoot at St. Charles & Karlsplatz.

7. Seville, Spain 🇪🇸

Flytographer: Gabriel in Seville

What is your favourite Spanish holiday tradition and why?

“Favorite tradition is the night of the Three Kings. It’s a magical night for children because they wake up and find the gifts the Three Wise Men have brought them. In Spain, it is more traditional than Santa Claus.”

If you have friends or relatives visit over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time and why?

“I would take friends to see the traditional nativity scenes that are all over the city. And we would definitely go to a “Zambombá”. It is a flamenco Christmas choir from Jerez.”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“The best Christmas lights and celebrations are around the Cathedral of Seville. Every afternoon and evening there are Christmas celebrations in the streets.”

Photo: Gabriel in Seville for Flytographer. Lauren and partner capture memories in Seville with a honeymoon photoshoot at Plaza España.

8. Stockholm, Sweden 🇸🇪

Flytographers: Linda & Cecilia in Stockholm

What is your favourite holiday tradition in Sweden and why?

”A favourite tradition is to gather close friends and kids for an evening together where we can make gingerbread cookies and other treats, do some Christmas arts and crafts, listen to music and appreciate the company of loved ones.”

If you have friends or relatives visit over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time and why?

”There are many beautiful places to go see this season and often, the Narnia winter wonderland just outside our homes will do the trick when we have that kind of snow. Cold and crispy air pinching our noses and then going inside for some tea or hot chocolate. A few other nice places for the Christmas tourist experience must be ice skating in Kungsträdgården or the Christmas markets at Skansen, Old Town and Drottningholm Castle. We love Christmas markets and there are many of them this season all over Stockholm.”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

”Old Town and Kungsträdgården are always beautifully decorated during Christmas. Another big thing is “Julskyltning” in the windows at the big store NK which holds a tradition of creating new and exciting decorations during the Christmas season. The unveiling that usually takes place a week before the first of Advent attracts many visitors and media coverage.”

Photo: Linda & Cecilia in Stockholm for Flytographer. Struthi and family capture memories in Stockholm with a family photoshoot at Kungsträdgården.

9. Cairo, Egypt 🇪🇬

Flytographer: Gihad in Cairo

What is your favourite African holiday tradition and why?

“Favorite holiday tradition is having breakfast (kahk & biscuits) and coffee in the morning of Eid el Fitr. Eid el Fitr is a 3 day holiday that follows the long fasting month of Ramadan so having coffee and breakfast first thing in the morning after a month of fasting (when we fast between sunrise and sunset) is always pretty cool.”

If you have friends or relatives visit over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time and why?

“Usually if it’s warm we go somewhere by the sea (we have amazing beaches in Egypt so that’s a plus) 😉 If not then we mainly visit family, eat biscuits and Eid cookies (Kahk).”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“A felucca ride on the Nile river at night is very festive. People play loud music and dance which is always fun.”

Photo: Gihad in Cairo for Flytographer. Danielle captures memories in Cairo with a photoshoot at Al Azhar Park.

10. Tokyo, Japan 🇯🇵

Flytographers: Coo & Yurika in Tokyo

Note: Traditional, western holidays are not a part of Japan’s culture so our photographers chose to tell us about their favourite holidays in other times of the year.

What is your favourite Japanese holiday tradition and why?

“We love “O-hanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing) ” in spring and “Momiji-gari (Autumn-leaf hunting)” in Autumn. We enjoy beautiful scenery in Japan.”

If you have friends or relatives visit over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do during this time and why?

“In Autumn, We will take them to temples and shrines. Because you can see beautiful autumn leaves.”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“We recommend visiting temples and shrines in Kyoto. Because you can feel the traditional culture and enjoy the beauty of Japan.”

Is it true that some people eat KFC in Japan for Christmas?

“Yes, it is. Chicken from KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) and Mos Burger are popular. In addition, there are well-known “Convenience Stores” in Japan such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson. They have Nanachiki, Famichiki, and L-chiki, so it would be interesting to compare them.”

Photo: Coo in Tokyo for Flytographer. City photos of Japan by Coo.

11. Hong Kong, China 🇭🇰

Flytographer: Keith in Hong Kong

What is your favourite holiday tradition and why?

“My favourite holiday tradition is Thanksgiving, a significant celebration in the United States. Coming from a Chinese background and growing up in Asia, I was familiar with various Western holidays, but Thanksgiving was not one of them. My first experience with Thanksgiving occurred when I went to the States to study in my first year, and I found it to be quite different. I quickly fell in love with this tradition. The preparation for the dinner starts early in the day, decorating, baking the turkey, and gathering with family and friends to enjoy a special meal featuring dishes like turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. It was a unique and delightful experience. As a Chinese family, we also incorporated some traditional Chinese dishes onto the table, especially in stuffing the turkey, where we put sticky rice instead.”

If you have friends or relatives visiting Hong Kong or China over the holidays, what would you take them to go see or do?

“Hong Kong celebrates a variety of holidays, with Lunar New Year being probably the most popular one. The Wong Tai Sin Temple is the most visited by locals, especially during one of the city’s biggest Chinese New Year traditions at Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple. It is believed that those who enter the temple first and make an offering to the gods by burning the inaugural incense sticks will receive the biggest blessings. However, be prepared for hours long in the queue, potential burns and consider wearing old clothing when visiting.”

Where is your favourite spot to soak up the celebrations and/or holiday lights in your destination and why?

“The Wong Tai Sin Temple can really immerse you in the Chinese New Year vibe, it is packed with people, loud, and filled with the smoky smell of incense.”

Photo: Keith in Hong Kong for Flytographer. Mac and partner capture memories in Hong Kong with a photoshoot at Hong Kong City Hall.

Creating Memories over the Holidays

As we wrap up this global journey through holiday traditions, it’s clear that the Christmas season isn’t just about festive decorations and merry gatherings—it’s a beautiful tapestry of traditions that reflect the diversity of our world. 🌎 Whichever day of the year you partake in cherished rituals passed down through generations or modern fusions of culture and celebration, these traditions remind us that joy knows no bounds! Cheers to the magic of holiday traditions around the world, connecting us in heartwarming ways from Mexico to Japan – no matter where we call home. ❤️