Who says Christmas has to be conventional? Pudding races, turkey parades, or encounters with Alpine devils chasing naughty children should be on your calendar this festive season. Read on to unwrap some of the world’s more unusual Christmas and New Year events.
Watch the Turkey Parade at Fête de la Dinde in France
If you need more inspiration for plucking, stuffing, and roasting than a classic cookbook can provide, make your way to the Fête de la Dinde (Turkey Festival) in Licques, a petit village in the Trois Pays region of France. Held over a weekend in mid-December, this festival promises all the trimmings – turkey dinners, markets, tastings, and much more.
On Sunday, locals gather to watch Christmas dinner gobble past in the turkey parade where the region’s finest birds shake a tail feather through the streets, accompanied by the jaunty melodies of brass bands. Licquoise liqueur served piping hot from a cauldron gets everyone into the festive groove.
Get Terrified at a Krampus Run in Austria
Horned and hairy, Krampus arrives at nightfall in towns throughout Austria during December. The Krampuslaufen, or Krampus parade, exemplifies Alpine folklore where Krampus serves as the antithesis of St. Nicholas. Traditionally, he punishes misbehaving children. However, there’s less of the whipping and drowning nowadays, but witnessing numerous Krampusse clad in shaggy goat skins and ghoulish masks on a cold winter’s eve remains thrilling. Most parades around Austria are held on December 5 or 6, with some cities like Salzburg hosting runs over several nights leading up to St. Nicholas Day.
Hit the Beach in a Santa Hat this Christmas at Bondi, Australia
Christmas is celebrated with skimpy bikinis and festive attire at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 25. This tradition invites revelers, surfers, and backpackers to share beach picnics and festive dips in the Pacific Ocean that are completely unique and joyous. Be prepared to lather on sunscreen and enjoy the sunny celebration.
Swim in Icy Waters at Nieuwjaarsduik in the Netherlands
What could be more… refreshing than a New Year’s Day dip in the North Sea? Every January 1, about 10,000 Dutch strip down to participate in Nieuwjaarsduik (New Year’s dive) at Scheveningen. Whether you consider them brave or bold, this invigorating event is a sight to behold. Don’t forget your orange bobble hat when you take the plunge!
Ring in the New Year in Style at Nochevieja in Spain
Wearing red underwear is a must for a lucky New Year, as claimed by 47 million Spanish nationals. In Madrid, the Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) boasts a festive atmosphere. Prepare 12 grapes to consume as the Real Casa de Correos clock strikes midnight, one for each chime. After the revelry, indulge in hot chocolate and churros to ease the next day’s hangover.
Be Mesmerised by the Singing Christmas Tree in Zürich
Think you’ve seen one tree, you’ve seen them all? Not like this one you haven’t. The Singing Christmas Tree in Zürich on Werdmühleplatz is a magnificent structure resembling a podium. What seem like giant red candles are actually choir singers clad in festive hats and scarves. Choirs perform carols and gospel classics daily from late November until December 23, captivating all attendees.
See a Lucky Pig Crowned at Klosters, Switzerland
The picturesque ski resort of Klosters in the Swiss Alps celebrates New Year’s Day with an entertaining pig race. Approximately 2000 people gather at the town’s Bahnhofstrasse to witness these trained pigs trot through obstacles, fully entertaining those in attendance. The first one to cross the finish line is crowned the Glückschwein (lucky pig) and serves as the town’s mascot for the year.
Get a Team Together for the Great Christmas Pudding Race in England
Imagine trying to balance a Christmas pudding on a paper plate while running. Picture yourself in an oversized Santa costume as you race with the pudding over inflatable obstacles and down bouncy slides, amidst whipped cream sprays. Teams of six compete for the coveted pudding trophy in the name of Cancer Research at the Great Christmas Pudding Race held in Covent Garden, London every early December.
Marvel at the Speed of the Reindeer Racers in Norway
The thrill of snow, the thunder of hooves, and skijoring at Tromsø’s Reindeer Racing Championships are exhilarating. Although Christmas is over by early February, the festive spirit remains in this Arctic environment. Dress warmly as you cheer on the specially trained reindeer that pull skiers at speeds exceeding 37 mph.
This article was first published on December 23, 2015, and updated on September 29, 2022.
