Spotlight on: By Georgie at Christmas
POSSUM SOCKS IN THE STOCKING
Ahipara, New Zealand
Christmas falls in the middle of New Zealand’s summer, and it’s a real treat for families to have so much time off in the warm weather. Christmas classics still feature: carols, tinsel, wooly hats (unbelievably!), stockings and holly, and presents will be found under a decorated pine tree, while our own native Christmas tree, the Pohutukawa, blooms red-on-green outside. The idyllic Kiwi Christmas features lots of sunshine, water sports, beaches, barbecues and chilled Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - all while listening to songs ‘dreaming of a white Christmas’!
THE GURUS OF CELEBRATION
Banyan, India
Across India, Christmas is a time of light, music and community, especially in regions with strong Christian traditions such as Goa, Kerala and the Northeast. In Goa, streets are strung with stars, churches glow with candles, and the sound of carols fills the air as families gather over traditional homemade fruit cake; in Kolkata, the famous Park Street comes alive with decorations and live music. Midnight masses draw crowds to historic churches across the country, while hotels and homes mark the season with festive meals and festive celebration. As always in India, no festival goes without a celebration.
WHAT DO YOU CALL AN EXPLODING MONKEY? AN ORANGU-BANG!
Sticky Rice Travel, Borneo
The Christmas season in Sabah, Borneo, unfolds beneath a canopy of stars and warm tropical air. Here, tradition is one of serene escape: trading the fireplace crackle for the gentle lapping of the South China Sea. Celebrations are intimate, marked by joyous family dinners featuring the freshest local catch. It’s a chance to slow down and reconnect with nature and loved ones, without the familiar winter rush.
ANY EXCUSE TO DANCE
Galavanta, Colombia
There’s a saying in Colombia: ‘¡Desde septiembre se siente que viene diciembre!’ - ‘From September, you can feel December coming!’ Celebrations begin with Little Candles Day on 7th December, when homes and streets are lit up with candles and lanterns. Then, from 16–24th, people gather for la novena, saying prayers, singing carols and sharing delicious treats such as buñuelos and natilla. On Christmas Eve, the celebration occurs at midnight, when families gather for dinner and to open gifts. As Colombians love to dance, don’t be surprised if any of these gatherings turn into a dance party that lasts into the night!
TRY A PONCHE DE HUEVO (PERUVIAN EGGNOG)
Enigma,Peru
Christmas traditions vary across Peru and in any given area there are distinct local celebrations. Take the Andean region, for example: a must-visit is the Santurantikuy Fair in Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where artisans sell handcrafted nativity figures, while in the Highlands, pastoreadas (shepherd plays) are performed, along with dances blending Catholic and indigenous traditions. In Puno, families parade hand-painted figures of Jesus through town, accompanied by panpipe music and dancing, for the Niño de Pucará.
DELIGHTS AROUND EVERY CORNER
PLAN-IT, Morocco
Christmas in Türkiye is a celebration of faith, joy and cultural harmony. Pilgrims flock to Demre, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of compassion, also known as Noel Baba or Father Christmas. Many families in the bigger cities decorate their homes with colourful displays and trees during the season, and the Christian minority joyfully celebrates Christmas alongside their Muslim neighbours. Turkish cologne is sprinkled to bless homes and businesses, while families break pomegranates at their gates for luck; festive tables overflow with baklava, kebap, risoli and sarma. In small Aegean towns, charming markets showcase local crafts, women’s handmade goods and regional delicacies.
THE NIGHT OWLS
Glove, Argentina & Chile
Christmas across Argentina, Chile and Uruguay unfolds under endless summer skies. A family celebration above all, Christmas Eve dinner start late, at 10pm, with long tables filled with the likes of vitel toné, asado, sweets, Cola de Mono and multiple generations all enjoying it together (in Uruguay Christmas is known as ‘Día de la Familia’ or Family Day), before opening presents at midnight. Beyond the celebrations, the season carries the spirit of giving further, with many families preparing Christmas boxes containing complete meals and small gifts to share with those in need, ensuring everyone has a chance to celebrate.
“WHACK ANOTHER SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE”
The Tailor, Australia
To Australians the festive season means sharing fresh seafood under the summer sun. Think crayfish, prawns, oysters, fresh fish and a glass or two of something cold (did you get a stubby cooler in your stocking?), enjoyed alfresco with family and friends. The tradition reflects the Australian way of life: relaxed, coastal and deeply connected to the ocean. It's a festive ritual that feels both laid-back and celebratory, and one that can be woven into unforgettable travel experiences.
STARS OF WONDER
Plan-It Morocco, Morocco
Like the Three Kings crossing golden dunes beneath a guiding star, Christmas in Morocco shimmers with wonder and discovery. The vast Sahara glows amber and gold, while snow dusts the Atlas peaks. Here, the season unfolds in warmth and grace — candlelit dinners beneath starlit skies, festive tables where Moroccan flavours meet European flair. The “fin d’année” is a celebration of soulful luxury, where desert stillness meets joyful spirit, each night illuminated by that ancient guiding star.