As the temperature drops, the heat picks up- to have some fun, and what better way than to do it with some winter festivals! That’s why December is one of the most festive months of the year. As temperatures drop across the northern hemisphere and summer rolls into the south, cultures around the world welcome the season with celebrations that highlight light, warmth, tradition and community. For travelers, this is the perfect moment to explore winter festivals and experience how different regions mark the final chapter of the year.
Whether you prefer a quiet cultural immersion or a high-energy winter carnival, festivals in December offer something for every type of explorer. This guide takes you through some of the most interesting global celebrations happening this month and why they are worth adding to your travel plans.
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Winter Festivals this December Around the World
1. Yalda Night – Iran and Central Asia
Yalda Night, observed around December 20 or 21, is one of the oldest winter festivals in the world. Rooted in ancient Persian traditions, it marks the winter solstice, the longest and darkest night of the year. Families gather to eat, read poetry and stay awake past midnight. The mood is calm and intimate rather than loud or commercial. Pomegranates, watermelons and nuts dominate the table, symbolizing warmth and the promise of longer days ahead.
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2. Hanukkah – Global Jewish Communities
Hanukkah usually falls in December and runs for eight days. Known as the Festival of Lights, it commemorates a historic miracle where a single day’s worth of oil burned for eight days. This is one of the most widely recognized festivals in December because of its universal symbols: glowing menorahs, dreidel games and traditional foods like latkes.
If you’re traveling to cities with large Jewish communities—New York, Jerusalem, London, Buenos Aires or Paris—you’ll find public menorah lightings, cultural nights and citywide celebrations, as it is one of the most popular winter festivals.
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3. Sapporo White Illumination – Japan
For anyone seeking a visually stunning winter fest, the Sapporo White Illumination in Odori Park, Ekimae Dori, and Minami-ichijo Dori belong at the top of the list. Throughout December, Sapporo transforms into a glowing cityscape with artistic light installations, illuminated streets, themed sculptures and photo-worthy corners in every district. The combination of lights and fresh snow makes it one of the most atmospheric festivals in December.
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4. Losoong Festival – Sikkim, India
December is the time when the Himalayan state of Sikkim celebrates Losoong, a harvest festival observed by the Bhutia and Lepcha communities. It marks the end of the agricultural year and is filled with prayers, dances and family gatherings. This winter festival is especially unique because it blends spirituality with cheerful, community-led festivities.
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5. Junkanoo Parade – The Bahamas
If your idea of winter festivals includes energetic costumes, music and dance, head to The Bahamas for the Junkanoo Parade. Held every year on December 26 (Boxing Day) and again on New Year’s Day, Junkanoo is one of the Caribbean’s signature celebrations. Groups compete with elaborate costumes, rhythmic drumming, brass bands and choreographed performances that take over the streets of Nassau.
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Celebrated on December 13, St. Lucia Day is one of Scandinavia’s most atmospheric winter festivals. Marking the return of light during the darkest part of the year, it blends ancient Nordic solstice traditions with Christian influences. The festival is known for its serene, candlelit processions led by a girl dressed as Saint Lucia in a white gown and a crown of candles. Schools, towns and homes across Sweden come alive with choral singing, saffron buns known as lussekatter, and warm glögg.
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7. Hogmanay – Scotland
Although Hogmanay runs into January, the celebrations begin in late December. Scotland’s New Year tradition is one of the most spirited winter festivals in Europe. Expect torchlight parades, live music, fireworks and massive street gatherings in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The highlight in Edinburgh is the torchlit procession that winds through the city’s historic streets, creating a dramatic and unforgettable sight.
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8. Las Posadas – México
From December 16 to 24, Mexico celebrates Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus. Processions, candlelit marches, songs and community feasts fill towns across the country. While Christmas in Mexico is widely known, Las Posadas is one of the most important winter festivals that highlight cultural storytelling.
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Why should you travel for Winter Festivals?
December is a natural magnet for winter festivals because the world is moving through a cycle of endings and beginnings. Whether it’s the winter solstice, harvest completion or New Year transitions, cultures everywhere find reasons to gather. The appeal for travelers is clear: you get to experience places at their most expressive, colorful and community-driven moments.
There are people out there travelling for every reason, and you can find that community on Explurger, which allows you to connect with like-minded travelers and encourages you to explore more and more. So head over to your App/Play Store and download ASAP!
FAQs About Winter Festivals
2. What is the most famous winter festival?
Globally, Christmas and New Year celebrations are the most famous.
3. Which festival is celebrated in December?
December includes festivals like Hanukkah, Yalda Night, Losoong, Junkanoo, Las Posadas, Christmas celebrations, and many regional winter carnivals around the world.
4. What special days are in December?
December includes Christmas, Hanukkah (sometimes), Winter Solstice, Boxing Day, New Year's Eve, and various cultural observances depending on the region.