WANDERLINGS · CHRISTMAS EXPLORERS
Christmas Traditions in Europe for Kids: A Little Festive Adventure
Published 14 October 2026 · Screen-free festive discovery
Ask a child what Christmas looks like and you might hear about stockings, a decorated tree or a favourite family meal. Ask a child in another country and the answer could include saffron buns, a January parade or a visitor arriving on a broomstick.
That is what makes Christmas traditions in Europe such a lovely subject to explore together. Familiar ideas sit beside surprising ones, and each discovery opens another question: who brings the presents, when does the celebration happen, and what is on the table?
You do not need to book a holiday to take this little journey. A map, a few pencils and a curious child are a good place to start.
Six European Christmas traditions to discover together
These are starting points for conversation, rather than rules for an entire country. Customs vary between regions, communities and households, and some families celebrate differently or do not celebrate Christmas.
Germany: the excitement begins with Advent
Christmas markets, biscuits and Advent calendars make the weeks before Christmas part of the celebration. An Advent wreath often has four candles, with another lit on each Sunday of Advent. For children, it is a lovely reminder that waiting can have its own little rituals.
Try this together: Make a paper countdown with one small family idea for each day: draw a decoration, sing a song or send someone a kind message. Use paper or battery lights for a child-friendly wreath.
A question for little explorers: What makes waiting for something special feel exciting?
Sweden: Lucia brings light to winter
On 13 December, Lucia celebrations bring songs and glowing lights to the darker part of the year. Processions often include people dressed in white, and saffron buns called lussekatter are a familiar treat. It is a Christmas-season tradition with a strong sense of warmth and togetherness.
Try this together: Draw a winter window filled with stars and warm light, or make a paper star to hang at home. Ask your child to choose a song for your own little celebration.
A question for little explorers: How can we make a dark winter afternoon feel cosy?
Czechia: a special Christmas Eve table
Christmas Eve is an important family celebration in Czechia. Carp with potato salad is a traditional festive meal, although families also choose other dishes. Christmas biscuits and decorated trees add to the occasion. It is a good example of how a special meal can carry memories from one generation to the next.
Try this together: Let your child design a festive menu for your family. They can draw the foods, invent a biscuit shape and explain which dish would have pride of place.
A question for little explorers: Which food reminds you of a celebration in our family?
Finland: a moment to slow down
For many Finnish families, a Christmas sauna is part of Christmas Eve. Alongside festive food and the anticipation of Santa’s visit, it offers a quiet pause. Christmas traditions do not always have to be loud or busy; sometimes they make room to relax together.
Try this together: Create your own cosy pause with a story, a blanket and a few minutes to talk. Ask everyone to name one small thing they have enjoyed that day.
A question for little explorers: What would your perfect quiet Christmas moment look like?
Italy: meet La Befana
The festive season stretches into January. In Italian folklore, La Befana is an old woman who travels on a broomstick and visits on the night of 5–6 January, filling stockings with treats. Her story is associated with Epiphany, celebrated on 6 January.
Try this together: Draw an imaginary gift-bringer and decide how they would travel. A bicycle with a basket? A tiny boat? Ask your child to tell you the story behind their picture.
A question for little explorers: If you could deliver a kind surprise to someone, what would it be?
Spain: the Three Kings keep the celebration going
In many Spanish families, the Three Kings are an important part of the festive season. Parades take place on 5 January, and children traditionally receive gifts on the morning of 6 January. Families also enjoy roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped festive cake.
Try this together: Draw a colourful parade float or design a paper crown. Then mark 5 and 6 January on a calendar and compare them with the dates your family celebrates.
A question for little explorers: Would you rather have one big celebration or several smaller ones?
Turn a rainy afternoon into a festive journey
Keep it simple. Pick a country on a map, read about one tradition and choose a small activity. Let your child decide which custom sounds most interesting, then compare it with something your family does.
- Find it: locate the country and talk about how you might travel there.
- Notice it: look for a familiar idea and something new.
- Make it: draw, write or create something inspired by your discovery.
- Share it: invite your child to tell another family member what they learned.
Try one country at a time during Advent, bring the idea into a home-learning afternoon, or use it to start a conversation with grandparents about the Christmases they remember. There is no need to turn it into a test.
The best discovery might be your own family tradition
After exploring somewhere new, come back to home. Who puts the star on your tree? Is there a recipe that appears every December? Do you visit someone, watch the same film or take a particular walk?
Invite your child to draw your family’s Christmas on one page. It does not have to look like anyone else’s. That is part of the story.
Start your Christmas traditions adventure
Our Wanderlings European Christmas traditions pack is a ready-made way to keep exploring. See the Etsy listing for the complete contents, artwork and download details, and choose a little festive discovery to enjoy together.
Explore the European Christmas traditions pack ↗
For more festive inspiration, explore our printable Christmas activity ideas and seasonal activity packs.