From dawn masses in the Philippines to summer barbies in Australia, Christmas transforms across regions. In Asia and Oceania, the season blends faith, food, and festive traditions in ways that reflect each culture’s unique spirit.
Asia’s Christmas season is a vibrant blend of devotion, culture, and creativity, with each country celebrating in a way that reflects its history and heart.
In the Philippines—home to the world’s longest Christmas season—the festivities begin as early as September. By December, traditions come alive through Simbang Gabi, a cherished nine-day series of dawn masses that build anticipation for Christmas. Many Filipinos believe that completing all nine masses grants a wish, adding an element of hope to each early morning gathering.
In Pampanga, the Giant Lantern Festival transforms the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” into a dazzling display of craftsmanship, while Noche Buena brings families together over festive dishes long after midnight.
Japan celebrates Christmas in a completely different way—less as a religious event and more as a season of joy, romance, and elaborate displays.
The iconic Japanese Christmas cake, a light sponge topped with whipped cream and strawberries, fills bakery windows across the country, while the famous KFC Christmas meal continues to be a beloved holiday staple.
Cities glow with extravagant winter illuminations from Tokyo to Osaka, and European-style Christmas markets add warmth to chilly December nights. The season eventually melts into the spiritual quiet of Joya no Kane, when Buddhist temple bells ring 108 times to welcome the new year.
South Korea embraces Christmas with a modern, romantic twist. December 25 is often considered a date night for many couples, who exchange gifts and enjoy the glowing winter displays throughout Seoul.
Families share festive meals and the traditional Christmas cake, while children eagerly await Santa Harabeoji—sometimes dressed in blue or green robes depending on the region.
Indonesia brings its own rich touch to the holidays, blending Christian practices with deep cultural traditions. Midnight services fill churches across the country, accompanied by carols sung in multiple local languages.
In Bali, Christmas is celebrated alongside Balinese customs, with penjor—bamboo poles decorated with offerings—lining streets and homes. In North Sulawesi, lively “Kunci Taon” parades feature colorful costumes, dancing, and music as communities celebrate the season. Families gather over festive dishes like nastar cookies and opor ayam, making Christmas Day a warm, comforting feast.
Thailand, meanwhile, treats Christmas as a festive cultural celebration, even though it isn’t a national holiday. Bangkok transforms into a glowing playground of giant trees, light tunnels, and holiday installations, especially around major shopping districts like CentralWorld and ICONSIAM.
Gift-giving among friends and coworkers is common, and cafés roll out holiday-themed treats throughout December. In Christian communities—especially in the north—midnight masses, small Nativity plays, and family gatherings offer a more traditional way of marking the season.
In India, Christmas highlights both spiritual depth and regional diversity. Midnight Mass is central to the celebration, followed by gatherings filled with homemade sweets like kulkuls and rose cookies. Homes and churches shine with bright star lanterns, while cities like Goa and Kerala celebrate with street parades, markets, and lively public events.
Across East and Southeast Asia, other countries bring their own flavor to the season. Hong Kong blends Western traditions with Cantonese flair, offering waterfront light shows and festive urban displays.
Singapore turns Orchard Road into a dazzling boulevard of themed Christmas décor, while churches and multicultural communities host concerts and open houses. Taiwan celebrates with city-wide light festivals and public events that make the holiday feel fun and modern.
Christmas in Oceania is a warm, sun-soaked celebration shaped by summer weather, outdoor gatherings, and a blend of Western traditions reimagined for the tropics. From beach barbecues to island feasts and quirky local customs, the region brings a relaxed, festive charm to the holidays.
In Australia, Christmas is all about sunshine and the outdoors. Families often swap the traditional winter roast for beach barbecues, known locally as “barbies,” where fresh seafood, grilled meats, and summer fruits take center stage. One of the country’s most beloved holiday traditions is Carols by Candlelight, where entire communities gather in parks—candles in hand—to sing classic Christmas songs under the warm December night sky.
Many Aussies also celebrate “Christmas in July,” a playful, second celebration that lets people enjoy hearty winter dishes during the cooler season. Decorations take on an unmistakably Australian twist, incorporating native Christmas bush with bright red flowers, surfboards, and Santas dressed in board shorts and sunglasses. Sand sculptures and driftwood Christmas trees often dot coastal towns.
Boxing Day is another major highlight, marked by iconic events like the Sydney to Hobart yacht race, the Boxing Day Test cricket match, and citywide sales. Christmas lights, big breakfasts featuring panettone and summer fruits, and evening strolls to see neighborhood displays round out the festive mood.
New Zealand celebrates Christmas with the same summery spirit, blending traditional customs with a laid-back Kiwi twist. Santa parades, which date back to the early 1900s, kick off the season with colorful floats, marching bands, and performers filling city streets from November onward. The warm weather brings families outdoors—to beaches, scenic walks, and backyard gatherings—while large events like Christmas in the Park draw thousands for music and fireworks.
Kiwi Christmas feasts feature a mix of classics like turkey and ham served cold with salads, as well as fresh seafood, lamb, and treats like whitebait fritters. For dessert, nothing is more iconic than a light, airy Pavlova, topped with fresh summer berries. Christmas crackers, lively light displays, and evenings by the water complete the joyful atmosphere.
In Papua New Guinea, Christmas blends Christian traditions with vibrant local customs. Services are held in beautifully decorated churches, often filled with handwoven ornaments and tropical flowers. Communities celebrate with sing-sing gatherings, where groups dress in traditional attire, paint their faces, and perform cultural dances and music. The season is warm, communal, and rooted in local identity. Many villages also prepare large shared meals, including roasted pork and traditional dishes cooked in earth ovens.
Fiji’s Christmas is a festive mix of church activities, tropical feasts, and strong community spirit. The day begins with lively church services featuring harmonious singing, followed by lovo, a traditional feast cooked in an underground oven. Families and villages gather for hours of eating, storytelling, and visiting neighbors. Children often receive simple, heartfelt gifts, and homes are decorated with bright flowers, palm leaves, and handmade ornaments rather than the typical pine tree.
In Samoa, Christmas is deeply rooted in family and faith. Church performances—including choirs, dances, and dramatizations of the Nativity—are a cherished tradition. After the service, families enjoy lavish feasts featuring palusami (taro leaves cooked in coconut cream), roast pork, and fresh seafood. Many villages also hold lawn games, dance competitions, and communal gatherings, making the holiday feel festive and joyful. The entire season is marked by hospitality, as families welcome neighbors and visitors to share food and celebration.
Tonga celebrates Christmas with strong communal ties and island warmth. Church plays and choir performances are central to the season, and many people participate in “kava parades,” where groups travel from house to house singing and sharing kava, a traditional drink. Feasts are grand and plentiful, often featuring roasted pig, seafood, lu pulu, and tropical fruits. In some villages, children perform a traditional fan dance or gift handmade crafts as part of the celebration.
Different as they are, these traditions highlight one thing: Christmas always finds a way to bring people together. Whether it’s through food, faith, music, or community, the season shines brightest when shared.