There’s nothing like experiencing a national holiday when you’re visiting another country. From time-honored traditions to festive parties and solemn observances, holidays connect modern cultures to their past and invite everyone to celebrate as a community.
And that’s not even considering the incredible food you’ll encounter! Plan your next trip according to this list of major holidays around the world by month for an immersive experience you won’t soon forget.
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Christmas around the world (December 25th)
In countries where Christmas is a major holiday on December 25th, the celebrations can be epic. Some regions begin their celebration on Christmas Eve (December 24th), while others extend their Christmas celebration through the next day (December 26th) or even all the way through the 12 days of Christmas (January 6th).
From enormous lit Christmas trees in the center of town to winter marketplaces in snowy villages and candlelit vigils in ancient cathedrals, these international Christmas celebrations are not to be missed. Prepare by learning how to say “Merry Christmas” in different languages.
Christmas in the US
The American Christmas season often starts on December 1st, and continues all the way until Christmas Day on December 25th. Christmas in America includes buying gifts for loved ones, preparing roast turkey or roast beef dinners, listening to seasonal Christmas music, and taking several days or weeks off school and work.
Celebrants also visit shopping malls or Christmas parties to sit on Santa Claus’s lap and ask for what they’d like that year!
Navidad (Christmas) in Spain
Celebrating Christmas in Spain (known as Navidad) begins by preparing for a Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) feast before heading off to midnight mass (La Misa del Gallo). On Christmas, people in Spain celebrate with gift exchanges and a large, festive lunch.
Twelve days after Christmas comes Día de Reyes (Three Kings Day), also known as the Feast of Epiphany, when Spanish celebrants set out their shoes for the three kings to deliver gifts, and attend holiday parades in the street (Cabalgatas).
Noël (Christmas) in France
Spend Christmas in France for a combination of reverent Christian observances and festive Christmas celebrations. After a December 6th visit from St. Nicholas who leaves treats for the children, celebrants wish each other Joyeux Noël (Joyful Christmas) as they enjoy Le Réveillon, a French Christmas Eve dinner featuring oysters and foie gras.
Relatives and friends gather around decorated Christmas trees on Christmas Day and exchange gifts and treats. In eastern France, the next day is Saint Étienne (December 26th), or St. Stephen’s Day, which honors the Christian martyr and extends the French Christmas celebration.
Weihnachten (Christmas) in Germany
If you’re looking to spend Christmas in Germany (known as Erster Weihnachtstag) you’ll find festive marketplaces, cozy get-togethers, and delicious mulled wine (Glühwein). German Christmas is well-known for Weihnachtsmärkte, open-air Christmas markets in larger towns, and the delicious Heiligabend (Christmas Eve) feast of roast duck and other French fineries.
Enjoy the second day of the Christmas celebration (Zweiter Weihnachtstag) before Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas on January 6th (Heilige Drei Könige).
Natale (Christmas) in Italy
If you plan to spend Christmas in Rome, you’ll have an unforgettable holiday time in this beautiful part of the world. Popular Italian Christmas traditions include shopping and viewing presepi (handcrafted nativity scenes) at Christmas markets, baking Christmas dolci (desserts), and sharing a meatless, seafood-focused Christmas Eve feast on La Vigilia (The Vigil).
The next day is Il Giorno di Santo Stefano (St. Stephen’s Day), where communities gather to celebrate the second day of Christmas. Ten days later, on January 6th, comes L’Epifania (The Epiphany) on the Christian calendar.
Christmas in Japan
Known as “the snowiest place on Earth,” Japan is an unforgettable place to visit during winter. While most people don’t celebrate Christmas in Japan, you’ll still find many winter holidays to enjoy, especially New Year’s Day, Japan’s biggest holiday.
Traditional Western touches like Christmas trees and illuminated Christmas lights (iruminēshon) make their way to a Japanese Christmas celebration, as well as other American details, such as fried chicken (kentakkī) and even a sighting of Santa in Japan (Santa-san)!
Christmas in Latin America
When you experience Christmas in Latin America, you may not want to go anywhere else for the holidays. Kick off your holiday season by celebrating Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles)—a candlelit vigil for the Virgin Mary held in Colombia on December 7th.
Christmas traditions in Mexico include breaking a holiday piñata, singing villancicos (Christmas songs), and eating delicious tamales y ensalada de Nochebuena (tamales and Christmas Eve salad). In Puerto Rico, you may have a late-night visit from a Parranda, a singing tradition similar to Christmas caroling in the US and Britain.
Global Hanukkah (December) celebrations
Hanukkah is celebrated by members of the Jewish global diaspora, making it a notable holiday all across the world. Israel and the US have the largest Jewish populations in the world, though Hungary, England, and Colombia also have large Hanukkah gatherings.
Hanukkah begins on Kislev 25 on the Hebrew lunisolar calendar (usually in December on the Gregorian calendar). Those who celebrate Hanukkah spend eight days in religious observance as they light candles for each night, exchange gifts, and serve traditional Jewish cuisine like latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly-filled doughnuts).
New Year’s around the world (December 31st – January 1st)
Countries that follow the Gregorian global holiday calendar celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1st. In some parts of the world, New Year’s Day is a cold, wintry time, while it may be a summer vacation for countries in the southern hemisphere. New Year’s Eve (December 31st) is also a popular day for big parties and countdowns to midnight!
No matter the weather, New Year’s Day is a special occasion and a chance for visitors to experience a festive celebration. Prepare by learning how to say “Happy New Year!” in different languages.
New Year’s in the US
Americans celebrate New Year’s Day by attending big parties the night before (on December 31st, New Year’s Eve) and watching a live countdown to midnight broadcast from New York City, where the iconic New Year’s ball drops in Times Square.
They toast with Champagne and make resolutions for the next on what they’d like to start (or Stop doing). On January 1st, Americans take the day off work and watch parades on television or in their communities.
Año Nuevo (New Year’s) in Spain
Known as Nochevieja in Spain, New Year’s Eve is all about making the next year as lucky as possible. At midnight, Spanish celebrants eat 12 grapes (las doce uvas de la suerte) with each chime of the clock to ensure their year is lucky.
They may also wear lucky underwear on New Year’s Day (red for love, yellow for wealth) as they drink cava (sparkling wine) and head to Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia for large parties and celebrations.
Nouvel An (New Year’s) in France
New Year’s Eve in France is known as Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre (St. Sylvester’s Day), as French celebrants mark both the feast of St. Sylvester and the end of the previous year.
They indulge in a fabulous French feast with huîtres (oysters) and saumon fumé (smoked salmon), before serving the bûche de Noël (Yule log) for dessert. Head over to the Eiffel tower or Champs Elysees for fireworks, and even a cold New Year’s Day swim on the French coast.
Capodanno (New Year’s) in Italy
Wish Italian New Year’s celebrants Buon anno when you celebrate Capodanno (New Year’s Day). Like many European countries, this holiday is an opportunity for a lavish feast, which could include Italian cotechino (sausage) and lentils for good luck. Red is a common color to wear on New Year’s Day for good luck, especially as you tour various landmarks and marketplaces to celebrate the holiday in Italy.
New Year’s in Japan
The Japanese New Year (Ganjitsu) is one of the biggest holidays in Japan, and an incredible travel opportunity if you have the chance. The entire New Year’s season (Shōgatsu) lasts from January 1st through the first few days of the year, and includes family feasts of toshikoshi soba (year-crossing noodles), viewing the first sunrise of the year (hatsuhinode) from a beautiful vantage point, and the Emperor’s New Year Greeting from the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on January 2nd.
Easter around the world (March/April)
If you find yourself in a country where the Christian holiday of Easter is popular, you’ll find many opportunities to wish others “Happy Easter!” in different languages. Easter typically falls on the first Sunday after the full moon after March 22st, so it can be anytime between March 21st and April 25th.
Depending on the country, Easter is celebrated mainly on Easter Sunday, but it could span from Good Friday before Easter to Easter Monday, or it may take place over the entire week before Easter Sunday.
Easter in the US
Celebrating Easter in the United States is a combination of community events, including Easter egg hunts and candy giveaways, along with religious observances on Easter Sunday.
A traditional “Easter Egg Roll” at the White House dates back to 1878 and invites children to push eggs across the lawn with spoons. Easter isn’t typically a day off work for Americans, but many schools put their Spring Break holidays around Easter Sunday to allow families to celebrate or take trips.
Pascua (Easter) in Spain
If you’re spending Easter in Spain, you’ll see some of the country’s most vibrant and festive celebrations of the year. It begins with Semana Santa (Holy Week), a week-long celebration with street processions, church visits and Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) enactments, and world-class Spanish feasts.
Potaje de Vigilia (Lenten Stew) and bacalao (salted cod) are popular choices during Semana Santa, as celebrants usually avoid meat during the 40-day Lenten season between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
Pâques (Easter) in France
Spend Easter in France for delicious French chocolate treats, extensive Easter meals, and regional celebrations throughout the country. Easter begins on Vendredi Saint (Good Friday) and extends through Pâques (Easter Sunday) and Lundi de Pâques (Easter Monday), which is a national holiday in France.
Children and adults alike indulge in chocolate desserts on Easter Sunday after avoiding them during the Lenten period, and all eagerly await the return of the mythical Flying Bells (les cloches volantes) from their trip to be blessed in Rome.
Ostern (Easter) in Germany
Easter in Germany is a huge, country-wide celebration, making spring a nice time to visit for those looking for an authentic German experience. The most significant days of German Easter include Karfreitag (Good Friday), Ostersamstag (Easter Saturday), Ostersonntag (Easter Sunday), and Ostermontag (Easter Sunday), which are all public holidays.
The Osterhase (Easter Bunny) hides eggs for children before families celebrate with an Easter meal, which often include lamb and Hefezopf (braided bread).
Pasqua (Easter) in Italy
Similar to Spain, the week before Easter in Italy is a large community celebration. Settimana Santa (Holy Week) takes celebrants through street parades and Scoppio del Carro (Cart Explosion), a fireworks event outside the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.
Catholic observers spent time in Vatican City and Rome during this period before preparing an Italian Easter feast of abbacchio al forno con patate (roasted lamb with potatoes)
Easter in Mexico
When you celebrate Easter in Mexico, you’ll experience many of the same traditions in Spain, including Semana Santa, Via Crucis enactments, and an observant Lenten season. But Mexican Easter celebrations also include American traditions like Easter eggs (cascarones), which they fill with confetti and crack over each other’s heads. Mexican Easter is also a major beach holiday for coastal areas of the country.
Valentine’s Day (February 14th) celebrations around the world
Based on the historical figure of St. Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman saint known for allowing couples to marry in secret, Valentine’s Day (February 14th) is a popular love-focused holiday celebrated throughout the world. Popular Valentine’s Day traditions include giving out heart-shaped notes, bringing flowers and boxed chocolates to loved ones, and extravagant dinners out at elegant restaurants.
Valentine’s Day is especially popular throughout the US, Europe, and South America (where it’s known in Brazil as Dia dos Namorados, or “Day of Lovers” on June 12th, or in Colombia as Día del Amor y la Amistad or “Day of Love and Friendship” in September). On White Day in Japan, which takes place on March 14th, men give women gifts (often marshmallows or other treats) to thank them for their Valentine’s Day gifts.
Unique holidays around the world
If your travels take you to a country where these cultural holidays around the world are celebrated, you may find street festivals, snowy marketplaces, or reverent observances to mark significant moments in that country’s past. See if your travel dates coincide with these unique holidays around the world.
- International Women’s Day (March 8th): A day to celebrate the contributions of women throughout history in many different countries.
- St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th): An Irish holiday celebrated in the US and Britain focused on Irish culture, cuisine, and traditions.
- Ascension Day (40 days after Easter Sunday): A day marking the Christian holiday of Ascension, known as Christi Himmelfahrt in Germany or L’Ascension in France.
- Whit Monday (50 days after Easter Sunday): Also known as Pentecost Monday (the day after Christian observance of Pentecost), or as Pfingstmontag in Germany or Lundi de Pentecôte in France.
- Mother’s Day (Second Monday in May): An American and British holiday honoring mothers.
- Father’s Day (Second Monday in June): An American and British holiday honoring fathers.
- Assumption Day (August 15th): Celebration of the Christian holiday of Assumption or Mary’s ascension, known as Asunción de la Virgen in Spain, Maria Himmelfahrt in Germany, L’Assomption in France and Ferragosto in Italy).
- World Children’s Day (September 20th): A public holiday focused on children’s rights throughout the world.
Unique American holidays
Distinctive American holidays include everything from Thanksgiving celebrations and Halloween traditions in the fall to Independence Day and Juneteenth in the summer. See how US holidays reflect American history and values.
- Kwanzaa (December 26th – January 1st): A week-long celebration of the seven principles of African-American culture.
- Presidents’ Day (February): Commemorating the birthdays and contributions of the first American president, George Washington, and the 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, who oversaw the end of the American Civil War.
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May): An American public holiday honoring soldiers lost in battle throughout American history.
- Juneteenth National Independence Day (June 19th): A public day in the US commemorating the last day of slavery in America.
- Independence Day (July 4th): Celebrates America’s independence from Britain, also known as the Fourth of July.
- Halloween (October 31st): A holiday with Celtic and Pagan roots, celebrated throughout the US and parts of Britain with trick-or-treating, costumes, and parties.
- Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday in November): An American holiday featuring a large harvest feast and focused on gratitude.
Unique British holidays
If you’re visiting Britain during one of these dates, you’ll see people throughout the British Isles celebrating their history and traditions. From street parades to bonfires, these unique British holidays mark important moments on the British calendar.
- May Day (First Monday in May): A British bank holiday celebrating the spring season.
- British Sovereign’s Birthday Parade (June 20th): Also known as Trooping the Colour, this royal tradition celebrates the birth of the monarch with an impressive military parade.
- Remembrance Day (November 11th): A British holiday commemorating the end of World War I, marked by poppy symbolism.
- Guy Fawkes Night/Bonfire Night (November 5th): Commemorates the failure of the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
Unique Spanish holidays
Spanish holidays commemorate religious and historical moments in the calendar year, ranging from the signing of the Spanish Constitution to a celebration of the church’s saints. Find the holidays in Spain that fall during your upcoming trip to Spain.
- Día de la Constitución (December 6th): Spanish Constitution Day in Spain.
- Día de la Inmaculada Concepción (December 8th): Feast of the Immaculate Conception in Spanish-speaking countries.
- Día de la Hispanidad (October 12th): National Day—a day to celebrate Spain’s culture and achievements.
- Día de Todos los Santos (November 1st): Celebrates all the saints in the Catholic church.
Unique German holidays
Come to Germany for Oktoberfest, but stay for Reformationstag! Holidays in Germany give visitors a chance to sample premium meals (like Zwiebelkuchen, an onion tart), world-famous beer, and German hospitality. Sommerferien (summer holidays) are an ideal time to visit Germany’s open-air beer gardens and warm beaches.
- Tag der Deutschen Einheit (October 3rd): German Unity Day—commemorates the 1990 reunification of East and West Germany.
- Reformationstag (October 31st): Reformation Day—Christian holiday celebrating the beginning of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.
- Buß und Bettag (Wednesday between November 16th and 22nd): Repentance Day—a day of reflection and observance for the Christian church.
- Fronleichnam (60 days after Easter Sunday): Corpus Christi Day in Catholic states of Germany.
- Allerheiligen (November 1st): Celebrates all saints of the Catholic church.
Unique French holidays
From the sun-drenched French Riviera to the vibrant streets of Paris, French holidays feature some of the country’s biggest celebrations as well as poignant religious moments. Celebrate this significant time of year amid mild weather, red-and-orange foliage, and enthusiastic crowds throughout the country of France.
- La Chandeleur (February 2nd): Crêpe Day—celebrates the French tradition of making and eating crêpes.
- Victoire 1945 (May 8th) Victory Day: A commemoration of the end of World War II in France.
- Fête du Travail (May 1st): May Day in France or Labour Day—combines a celebration of spring with Lily of the Valley Day as well as French workers with Labour Day.
- La Fête Nationale (July 14th): Celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution; known as Bastille Day in English-speaking countries.
- La Toussaint (November 1st): Celebrates all saints of the Catholic church.
- Jour d’Armistice (November 11th): Armistice Day—a national public holiday honoring the 1918 armistice ending World War I.
Unique Japanese holidays
Whether you’re there to see the famous sakura (cherry blossoms) or to celebrate Ōgon Shūkan, unforgettable holiday celebrations await in Japan. See if these unique Japanese holidays fall during your upcoming trip.
- Seijin no Hi (Second Monday of January): Coming of Age Day—honors young adults who will or have just turned 20.
- Shunbun no Hi (March 19th, 20th or 21st): Vernal Equinox—celebrates the first day of spring.
- Showa no Hi (April 29th): The start of Ōgon Shūkan, Golden Week in Japan, which includes Kenpō Kinenbi (Constitutional Memorial Day) on May 3rd, Midori no Hi on May 4th (Greenery Day), and Kodomo no Hi on May 5th (Children’s Day).
- Supōtsu no Hi (Second Monday of October): Sports Day—a public Japanese holiday that commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics).
- (Kinrō Kansha no Hi (November 23rd): Labor Thanksgiving Day—a public holiday that honors workers in Japan).
- Keirō no Hi (Third Monday of September): Respect for the Aged Day—a holiday to honor the elders of Japan.
- Shūbun no Hi (September 22nd or 23rd): Autumn Equinox Day—celebrates the beginning of autumn.
Unique Italian holidays
Whether you’re seeking an authentic Italian feast or a celebratory street parade, holidays in Italy reflect the country’s religious and civic history and values. These holidays offer visitors opportunities to celebrate with locals in style!
- Festa della Liberazione (April 25th): Liberation Day—a national holiday marking the liberation of Italy during World War II.
- Festa della Repubblica (June 2nd): A national holiday commemoration Italy’s abolition of the monarchy after World War II.
- Ognissanti (November 1st): Celebrates all saints of the Catholic church.
Unique Latin American holidays
Visitors in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, or any other country in Latin America can find fiestas all year long. From independence days to religious celebrations, these holidays are wonderful opportunities to learn more about the country where you’re traveling.
- Día de la Constitución (February 5th): Constitution Day in Mexico.
- Natalicio de Benito Juárez (March 21st): A public holiday celebrating the birthday of Benito Juárez, the first Indigenous president of Mexico.
- Cinco de Mayo (May 5th): Commemorates the victory of la Batalla de Puebla (the Battle of Puebla) in Mexico.
- Día de la Independencia (September 16th): Mexico Independence Day—celebrates Mexican independence from Spain.
- Día de la Raza (October 12th): Day of the People—celebrates the diversity and strength of all cultural communities within Latin American countries.
- Día de los Muertos (November 1st-2nd): A day to honor ancestors and deceased loved ones in Mexico and Latin American countries.
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