Christmas and New Year are celebrated in various ways globally, but some of the most unique and fascinating customs can be discovered in Asia. Here, the festive season embraces a kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and customs as diverse as the cultures that have ingeniously woven this joyous season into their local customs. 

In this article, we will explore some of the surprising and delightful ways that Christmas and New Year are celebrated in various Asian countries, and how they showcase the holiday spirit of joy, peace, and goodwill.

From age-old customs rooted in history to modern festivities that intertwine ancient traditions with contemporary flair, we venture into the heart of the holiday spirit, discovering the surprising and heartwarming traditions that define the season in a continent where unity in diversity is celebrated like nowhere else on Earth.

Related: How does Asia celebrate Christmas?

Japan: The KFC tradition

Although Christmas in Japan is not a national holiday, it holds a special place in the hearts of many as a time for romantic dates and family gatherings. Not only that, it also takes a whimsical twist, with a unique tradition that may be surprising to many: enjoying a Christmas feast of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC). This offbeat practice traces its roots to a successful marketing campaign in 1974 named Kurisumasu ni wa Kentakkii (Kentucky for Christmas), which perfectly resonated with Japanese customers who were seeking a novel and festive dining experience. Since then, KFC has established itself as an integral part of Christmas in Japan, with countless people pre-ordering their chicken buckets weeks in advance or patiently waiting in long lines to relish the crispy, juicy treat.

China: Gifting wrapped apples

In China, only about one percent of people are Christians, so most people only know a few things about holiday traditions. Even then, Christmas parties are becoming popular for people living in cities especially the younger generation who see it as a romantic holiday for couples to exchange gifts and date.

One tradition that's becoming popular on Christmas Eve, is giving/exchanging beautifully wrapped apples. The charm of this custom lies in linguistic quirkiness: the Mandarin word for apple, 苹果 (píngguǒ), bears a phonetic resemblance to the word for peace 平安 (píng’ān).

Christmas Eve is called 平安夜 (Píng'ān Yè) in Chinese, which means peaceful or quiet evening, which incidentally has been translated from the carol 'Silent Night'. The Christmas tradition in China is rooted in homophones, so giving an apple has the metaphorical meaning of wishing someone peace.

India: Diverse festive feasts

India has a sizable Christian minority that celebrates the yuletide season with fervor and excitement, despite the country's predominant Hindu population. Christmas celebrations are a lively blend of customs and traditions that showcase the nation's rich diversity: homes are decked out with mango and banana leaves, streets are aglow with colorful decorations, and the sound of carolers fills the air. Midnight masses in churches attract both followers and non-followers. 

But the true essence of Indian Christmas lies in the staggering array of holiday feasts. Every year, families prepare special dishes and dig out old family recipes. Christmas in India is a feast for the senses, from the spicy biryanis of Hyderabad to the luscious pork dishes of Goa and the exquisite sweets of Kerala. 

The Indian Catholic communities adopted the Portuguese tradition of consoada, or the making of sweets for Christmas to give to friends and neighbors, but made it their own by replacing it with the term "kuswar" over generations, changing the many goodies to reflect the native culinary traditions. Favorite sweets include nevryos (small fried pastries loaded with dry fruit and coconut) and dodol (similar to toffee but with coconut and cashews).

Korea: Santa gets a makeover

Christmas is a public holiday in South Korea and is celebrated on December 25th just like everywhere else. The Korean Christmas that people celebrate today is the result of merging Western traditions with ancient Buddhist, Confucianist, and Shamanist beliefs. 

In Korea, Santa is called 산타 클로스 (Santa Kullosu; Santa Claus with Koreanized phonics) or 산타 할아버지 (Santa Haraboji) or Grandfather Santa, a kindly figure popular with children handing out gifts and embodies the season's joy. 

He’s usually depicted wearing the usual red and white; it’s also a Korean Christmas tradition to see him dressed in either blue or green and wearing a gat (a Korean traditional hat worn by men). Recently, you can also see or hear about Grandmother Santa or 산타 할머니(Santa Halmeoni) wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean dress). The Korean Santa may also carry a gourd or a bamboo basket instead of a sack of gifts. This transition is more than just a change in attire; it symbolizes a tale of cultural adaptation that is specific to Korea's holiday celebrations.

With family a central part of the holiday celebrations, Koreans usually serve a big potluck dinner which consists of traditional bulgogi (barbecued beef) and japchae (sweet potato noodles) while topping it off with an array of Korean sweets.

Vietnam: French-influenced dinner

As a result of Vietnam's 67-year history as a French colony, the country's Christmas celebrations bear a noticeable French influence. The Vietnamese have embraced several delightful French traditions, which add a unique touch to their Christmas festivities.

Christmas Eve is the much-anticipated event in the festive season. For many, this is reminiscent of the reveillon a traditional French dinner held on Christmas Eve. The evening begins with Christians attending Midnight Mass and returning home to a spectacular Christmas dinner, which may include a spread of dishes like pâté, cheese, wine, and, in some cases, turkey. 

But the true highlight of the festive feast is the bûche de Noël (or Yule log-shaped cake), a meticulously crafted cake made to resemble a rustic log, complete with textured bark and edible decorations like marzipan mushrooms or holly leaves. 

It is referred to in Vietnam as bánh khúc cây giáng sinh (Christmas stick cake), a true testament to how global culinary traditions have influenced Christmas celebrations in Vietnam

Singapore: Orchard Road lights

Singapore's bustling Orchard Road undergoes a stunning transformation during the Christmas season. The shopping district is adorned with an enchanting array of lights, encompassing everything from sparkling Christmas trees to intricate light sculptures, becoming one of the most celebrated attractions during the festive season. 

The lights come to life every night from mid-November to early January, firmly establishing the Orchard Road Lights as an integral part of the city's cherished festive traditions. Each year unveils a unique theme, ensuring that every season offers a fresh and magical experience.

More than just a visual feast, the lights create an atmosphere of warmth and joy, drawing people from all walks of life to celebrate the season. With the lights twinkling overhead, the streets would come alive with street performances, carnival rides, and pop-up markets, making Orchard Road a place where the spirit of Christmas comes alive in Singapore.

Singapore's Orchard Road is paved with numerous luxury hotels and resorts, each offering festive feasts from brunch to lunch and dinner buffets, offering Singaporean treats and international cuisine.

Learn more: Singapore retains its crown as Southeast Asia's food capital | Unveiling the culinary treasures of Singapore's neighborhoods

Thailand: Festive beach parties

Thailand, known for its pristine tropical beaches and vibrant nightlife, offers a delightful twist on traditional holiday celebrations. Visitors from Europe and the West flock to the country seeking winter sun, making spending Christmas in Thailand – particularly by the beach – a global attraction. December's ideal weather beckons families and travelers for a warm, festive season and trade in their sweaters and coats for a pair of shorts or a swimsuit. 

From lively Phuket to laid-back Koh Samui, the beaches come alive with colorful decorations, live music, street performances, and beach stalls offering delectable Thai dishes and cocktails. These beach parties blend cultures, bringing people from around the world together to embrace the holiday spirit, fostering a spirit of unity and celebration.

Learn more: Bangkok's culinary heritage and its influence on Thailand's tourism industry

The Philippines: Nine night masses

Christmas is more than just a day in the Philippines; it's a season, and it's celebrated with great zeal. Christmas is a very important and meaningful occasion for Filipinos because they are Asia's only predominantly Christian country. Simbang Gabi or Misa de Gallo, a series of nine-night masses held from December 16 to 24, is one of the most beloved traditions. 

These masses begin as early as 4 a.m. and have a special place in Filipino hearts as they foster a sense of community that is much more than a religious observance. Following mass, it is customary to eat a delectable breakfast of traditional Filipino delicacies such as bibingka (rice cake), puto bumbong (purple rice cake), and tsokolate (hot chocolate).

On Christmas Eve, Simbang Gabi culminates in the grand celebration of a Noche Buena family dinner, with favorites like lechon (roast pig), ham, and quezo de bola (Gouda cheese) adorning the table. This festive spirit extends well into the New Year, where celebrations and merrymaking are often centered around the joy of food, the exchange of gifts, and the warmth of togetherness.

Learn more: 12 Christmas recipes from around the world by TableCheck

Malaysia: Open houses

Malaysia, as a multicultural nation, celebrates Christmas with a spirit of unity and harmony by hosting or attending open houses.

It is a tradition in which people of all faiths, including non-Christians, open their doors to friends and strangers alike, inviting them to festive meals and warm hospitality. Guests of all races, religions, and backgrounds are welcome to partake in the Christmas feast, spreading the joy of the season to all. The menu usually features an array of dishes, including rendang (a spicy meat stew), satay (grilled meat skewers), and fruit cake.

The country's open house tradition extends across Malaysia’s major cultural festivals not just on Christmas but also during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, and Deepavali.

The open house tradition demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to celebrating diversity and embracing the true meaning of Christmas as a time of unity, goodwill, and friendship. It exemplifies how shared celebrations can bridge divides between communities, fostering a harmonious celebration that truly captures the spirit of the season.

Indonesia: Bamboo canons and cultural harmony through food

In Indonesia, Christianity has deep historical roots dating back to the 16th century. Despite being a predominantly Muslim country, Indonesia celebrates Christmas with zeal and tradition, resulting in a wide range of Christmas traditions across the country.

The reverberating sound of meriam bambu, or bamboo cannons, heralds the arrival of the festive season in East Nusa Tenggara. These ecstatic homemade cannons or fireworks serve as a joyful expression of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas Eve becomes a much-anticipated event, especially for Indonesian children, because they are allowed to stay up late into the night and enjoy the fireworks with their friends.

In Bali, the equivalent of a Christmas tree takes the form of the penjor, a gracefully curved bamboo pole adorned with coconut leaves and rice plant branches, symbolizing a facet of Balinese culture and social harmony. There’s also the gracious tradition known as Ngejot, wherein Balinese Catholics share food with their Hindu and Muslim neighbors before Christmas. 

Interestingly, the sharing of food was originally a Hindu custom during Galungan but this gesture of goodwill has transcended religious boundaries. Muslims have adopted it during Eid al-Fitr, and Christians do so for Christmas. This tradition, passed down through generations, is a heartwarming testament to the spirit of tolerance and unity that exists among Bali's religious communities.

New Year traditions across Asia

Following the Christmas season, we bid farewell to the previous year and welcome the spirit of the New Year. While many countries use the Gregorian calendar, several Asian nations use the lunar or solar calendars, and they celebrate the change with deep-rooted traditions. 

Regardless of the date, the significance remains unchanged, with themes of renewal, family bonds, and cultural heritage. 

New Year's Eve celebrations differ around the world, with Asia standing out for its rich tapestry of unique traditions. Here's a look at how different Asian countries celebrate the New Year:

Japanese New Year: Oshogatsu (お正月)

In Japan, Shogatsu or Oshogatsu are two ways to say New Year. “Shogatsu” is the original word, while adding the prefix "o" to form “Oshogatsu” is the more respectful form.  Oshogatsu is celebrated from January 1st to 3rd and is the most important holiday in Japan.  For the Japanese, this marks the beginning of a new year but also brings the previous year and all its activities to a close. 

Therefore, it’s a time when projects must be completed. Businesses will often have a bonenkai party, or “year forgetting party,” as a celebratory marker to bid farewell to the previous year’s worries.

The Japanese welcome the arrival of the new year by meticulously cleaning their homes, adorning their entryways with kado matsu (門松) (decorations made from pine, bamboo, and plum branches) to bring in good luck, and eating a customary toshikoshi soba, a special dish made of buckwheat noodles that symbolize long life, strength, and resilience.

The arrival of the new year is marked by the grand Hatsumode pilgrimage to shrines and temples, where people pray for good fortune and make their first visit of the year. On New Year's Eve, temple bells ring 108 times in a ritual called joya no kane symbolizing the cleansing of 108 worldly sins in Buddhist belief. It is traditional to eat osechi ryori which typically consists of colorful and seasonal ingredients and are served in lacquer boxes.

These customs are a testament to the Japanese spirit of welcoming the new year with purity, reflection, and a sense of renewal, all while cherishing the rich cultural traditions that make Oshogatsu a time of great significance and joy.

Korean New Year: Seollal (설날)

Seollal, also known as the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the most important holidays in South Korea. It is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls on the second new moon following the winter solstice. 

The holiday lasts for three consecutive days and is a time for families to rest after a year's work, while also preparing themselves for the year to come. 

During Seollal, Koreans perform many interesting rituals and customs, such as hiding their shoes to avoid bad luck and performing the Charye, an ancestral worship ceremony. Seollal is also a time for gift-giving, with popular gift ideas including cash, gift baskets containing traditional sweets and cookies, dried or fresh seafood, and toiletry gift sets.

Chinese New Year: A spring festival

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is China's most important celebration, occurring on the first day of the lunar calendar, typically between January 21 and February 20. This festivity lasts about 23 days, concluding on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar.

The Chinese celebrate the Spring Festival with great enthusiasm. Spring Festival shopping, akin to Western Christmas shopping, sees families gather New Year specialty goods, known as niánhuò (年货), including decorations, fireworks, and an array of gift items. This period also calls for a thorough house cleaning, symbolizing a fresh start by discarding the old.

It's a time for family reunions, and sumptuous feasts, with dumpling-making being a cherished tradition. Homes are adorned with festive symbols such as red lanterns, red knot pendants, and decorations featuring the character 福, which means fortune. The exchange of hongbao (lucky red envelopes) typically containing money, is observed and given as gifts to convey good wishes and blessings to usher in good fortune.

Vietnamese New Year: Tết

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, traditionally unfolds over three main days in February – the day preceding New Year's Eve (known as tất niên), New Year's Eve itself (giao thừa), and New Year's Day (tân niên). However, the excitement and preparations leading up to this event can stretch over a week, making it a joyous and extended celebration.

A standout feature of Tết is the central role of food in every aspect of the holiday, earning it the colloquial name ăn Tết or "eat Tet." These delicious dishes symbolize not only the desire for a prosperous new year but also serve as offerings to honor ancestors and sustain the large family gatherings that are a hallmark of this time.

What makes the first day of the new year particularly significant is the belief that how it's spent sets the tone for the rest of the year. Vietnamese people enter the day with great enthusiasm, and vibrant festivities take place. The streets come alive with traditional foods, lively music, and captivating dragon dances, creating an atmosphere filled with cultural richness and joy.

Thai New Year: Songkran  (สงกราน)

April in Thailand marks the advent of Songkran, the festival heralding the Thai New Year, celebrated for three days from April 13 to 15 (extending up to 10 days in some regions). The term "Songkran" originates from the Sanskrit, Mesha Sankrati, representing the sun's transition into the Aries constellation, symbolizing the inception of a new solar cycle. This joyful festival, often dubbed the "water festival," revolves around the tradition of water splashing, signifying purification and rejuvenation.

Songkran isn't just about spirited street water fights; it's also a time for cherished family reunions and paying respects to elders and Buddha. In the run-up to Songkran, households are thoroughly clean, while Buddha statues are ceremonially bathed with fragrant flower water. The festival brings families together to visit temples, make offerings, and honor their ancestors. Younger Thais engage in the heartfelt practice of washing their elders' hands and feet, a symbol of respect and a gesture to receive blessings.

The water splashing tradition carries profound symbolism, believed to wash away misfortunes and sins while ushering in good luck and blessings, setting the stage for a fresh start in the New Year.

India: Holi-day

New Year celebrations in India showcase the country's cultural diversity, with dates varying based on regional calendar systems, whether lunar, solar, or lunisolar. New Year is celebrated as Baisakhi in Punjab (annual spring festival), Ugadi in Andhra Pradesh, and Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra, typically between mid-April and the Hindu month of Kartik in the lunar calendar.

Universally, millions of Hindus all over the world celebrate the Hindi New Year or Vikram Samvat on March 22nd which marks the lunar calendar and is considered a time for renewal and new beginnings.

Holi, also known as the "Festival of Colors," precedes New Year celebrations, coinciding with the arrival of spring. Holi is celebrated on the day of the full moon during Phalguna, the 12th month of the Hindu lunar calendar (usually February or March), and spans two days:

• Commencing with Holika Dahan, a bonfire is lit to symbolize the defeat of the demoness Holika and the victory of good over evil. Holi festivities then follow, with spirited street celebrations, where people of all ages toss colored powder into the air and at each other.

• Each color carries a meaning. Red, for example, symbolizes love and fertility while green stands for new beginnings. Blue is for Krishna, to portray his blue skin. And yellow for auspicious occasions.

• Popular Holi snacks, healthy and filling enough to keep festival-goers full of energy for the celebrations, include papri chaat, dahi vada, gujiya, and barfi. Later in the day, families gather for festive meals. It is also common to distribute sweets among neighbors and friends.

Sri Lankan New Year: Aluth Avurudda (අලුත් අවුරුද්ද)

Aluth Avurudda is a major festival that marks the start of the new year for the Sinhalese and Tamil communities in Sri Lanka. The New Year is a special occasion, made even more festive by the fact that it is celebrated by both Sinhala Buddhists (as Aluth Avurudu) and Tamil Hindus (as Puthandu). It is traditionally observed in mid-April and begins with the sighting of the new moon. This shared timing represents Sri Lanka's ethnic groups' unity and mutual respect.

Sri Lankans prepare for Aluth Avurudda by cleaning and decorating their homes, lighting oil lamps, and boiling milk as a symbol of prosperity.

Punya Kalaya, also known as Nonagathe, represents the moment when the old year gracefully makes way for the new year. This time holds immense cultural and spiritual significance as it symbolizes rebirth and fresh beginnings. With the advent of the New Year, marked by the sighting of the new moon, people gather to partake in the inaugural meal of the year, signifying a collective journey into the future. This act allows them to shed the burdens of the past and embrace the opportunities and prosperity that lie ahead.

It underscores the spirit of Aluth Avurudda, emphasizing that, despite their diverse backgrounds, all Sri Lankans come together to celebrate this auspicious festival as a single community. 

During the New Year celebrations, people wear new clothes, exchange gifts, and visit temples to offer prayers and make offerings. Families gather to prepare traditional meals, including sweets like kiribath (milk rice), kayum, kokis, and various sweets.

A traveler's toolkit: Tips for exploring festive seasons

1. Optimal timing: The right moment to join the festive fun

Planning the visit during the festive season is essential for a memorable experience. With flights and hotels in high demand during this season, it's important to book ahead of peak periods to guarantee availability and to take advantage of seat sales and promos. Most importantly, don't forget to sample the local menu by booking the top restaurants in the city.

2. Smart spending: Enjoying festivals on a budget

Discover how to relish traditional festivities without financial worries. Research ahead about cheaper lodgings and more economical restaurants by using platforms like Tripadvisor or TableCheck. Plan out free or low-cost activities to get an enriching experience without breaking the bank.

3. Embrace local culture: Mastering customs and etiquette

Research the history and culture of the local festivity and enjoy the celebrations. Forge unforgettable connections, try local food, and go beyond mere sightseeing. Integrate seamlessly by learning a few of the local phrases, and speaking with the locals. Respect the local customs and etiquette and most importantly, have an open mind to try out new things!