Frankfurt's Christmas markets take over the historic centre of the city. Picture / 123RF
On Christmas Eve, all thoughts are on the big day tomorrow. But not everyone will be celebrating with a glazed ham and barbecue on the beach. Jane Jurgens checks out some international seasonal festivities.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Frankfurt, Germany
Germany is known for its Christmas markets and Frankfurt boasts one of the
largest, most spectacular in the country. Held in the historic quarter of the city around Romerburg and Paulsplatz, the market stretches down to the Main River. Opening at the end of November, it runs to the day before Christmas Eve, with an estimated 3 million visitors every year. Its history goes back to the end of the 14th century and over the years the city has developed its own Christmas specialties — like Quetschemannchen, strange baked figures made of prunes and nuts.
frankfurt-tourismus.de/en
WINTER WONDERLAND
London
A festive extravaganza takes place every year at London's Hyde Park. Starting in mid-November, the Winter Wonderland is a celebration of all things Christmas, with winter markets, fairground rides, ice skating and plenty of mulled wine to keep you warm. This year's festival includes the Magical Ice Kingdom Deep Sea Adventure, an ice sculpture showcase that takes you to the depths of the ocean, as well as a Bavarian Oktoberfest village, karaoke cabins and Cinderella on Ice. Winter Wonderland is open from 10am to 10pm, but it's best to visit at night to admire the lights.
hydeparkwinterwonderland.com
CHRISTMAS IN ICE
North Pole, Alaska
There's no place more Christmassy than the North Pole, and the Alaskan city of that name puts on a spectacular celebration every year to prove it. About 1 million kilograms of ice are trucked in to be carved by sculptors into incredible works of frozen art. Tourists are also encouraged to take part in the carving and a contest is held to choose the best. Once the carving is done, the sculptures are decked out with colourful lights to make them even more magical.
christmasinice.org
YULE GOAT
Sweden
Every year at the start of Advent, the city of Gavle erects a giant version of the traditional Swedish Yule Goat, made of straw. The giant goat made its first appearance at Slottstorget (Castle Square) in 1966 but since then has become famous for being destroyed in arson attacks. Despite security measures and a nearby fire station, the goat has been destroyed by fire 37 times — just about every year. Although last year's goat was destroyed on its first day, the current edition has survived thus far — you can check its progress on its Twitter account or through a live webcam.
visitgavle.se/sv/gavlebocken
SIMBANG GABI
Naga City, Philippines
The Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, so faith is an intrinsic part of
Christmas celebrations. One traditional event, Simbang Gabi, is a series of masses held over nine nights, ending with midnight mass on Christmas Eve. It's believed that once you complete the nine masses, you can make a wish and it will come true. Another important tradition are lantern festivals, where large colourful "parols" are hung throughout towns and villages. These beautiful lights were originally created by artisan Francisco Estanislao in 1928 and were often used to light the way to midnight mass in rural areas without electricity.
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Portland, Oregon
Portland's annual light festival attracts nearly 25,000 people to see the beautiful displays. Taking place at The Grotto, a Catholic shrine dedicated to Mary, the gardens are lit up with more than half a million bulbs across 500,000 light displays. The event features 160 indoor concerts, living history displays, the world's largest nutcracker, wagon rides and outdoor carollers, with a life-sized nativity scene at the centre of it all.
thegrotto.org/christmas-festival-of-lights
KFC CHRISTMAS
Japan
In Japan, Colonel Sanders becomes Sanders Claus every year, when Japanese families line up on Christmas Eve for a special meal. The tradition started in the 1970s when a group of foreigners were unable to get turkey — impossible to find in Japan — so opted for fried chicken instead. KFC jumped on the opportunity and started a "Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!" (Kentucky for Christmas) campaign to sell a Christmas box, including chicken, wine and a chocolate cake. These days, people book as early as October in order to avoid lines on the day.
SANTA CLAUS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION
Santa Claus, Indiana
This small town in Indiana is known as "America's Christmas Hometown" — no surprise, when it's named after Santa himself. A statue of the big man stands outside the town hall and every year the local post office receives thousands of letters to Santa from around the world — and they all get a reply. The town really comes alive in December, with a huge array of events for young and old. There's chestnut roasting, Christmas plays, a drive-through light display at the local campground and even more lights to admire in each neighbourhood.
santaclausind.org
GRAMADO NATAL LUZ
Gramado, Brazil
In Gramado, a mountain town in southern Brazil, Christmas celebrations begin as early as October. Natal Luz — which means Christmas of Lights — began in 1986 as a small concert conducted by Eleazar de Carvalho, one of the country's most celebrated orchestral conductors. Since then, it's grown to be the largest Christmas event in Brazil — and also one of the biggest in the world. Performances are still the centre of the event, with four lavishly produced shows throughout the week. Throughout the season there are 81 lighting ceremonies, as well as parades and two scripted Christmas productions — one on a floating stage.
natalluzdegramado.com.br