Christmas is often associated with snow and winter, especially in countries located in the Northern Hemisphere. However, in some countries in the Southern Hemisphere, Christmas is celebrated in the middle of summer with warm weather and an atmosphere quite different from the usual.
Even without snow, Christmas celebrations in these countries remain festive with various unique traditions that create an equally special experience. Except for tropical countries, which countries celebrate Christmas in summer?
Australia
Christmas in Australia is celebrated during summer, which means the weather is warm and sunny. Many people hold barbecues on the beach or in their backyards, enjoying a relaxed atmosphere with family and friends.
Christmas traditions such as exchanging gifts, church celebrations, and special dinners still exist even without snow. One Christmas tradition in Australia is Carols by Candlelight, where people gather to sing Christmas carols together while holding candles.
In addition, what makes Christmas in Australia unique is the celebration of a second Christmas in July when the country experiences winter. This celebration is called Christmas in July or Christmas in Summer.
New Zealand
Similar to Australia, Christmas in New Zealand is generally celebrated with picnics or barbecues outdoors, or having fun at the beach. The most famous and lively Christmas tradition in New Zealand is the Christmas Parade held in various cities.
The Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring various floats, music, dances, and other performances. Santa Claus usually makes an appearance at this event, spreading holiday cheer to families and children watching.
Argentina
In Argentina, the weather is warm during Christmas. Preparations for Christmas begin in early December and even as early as November. Homes are decorated with Christmas ornaments, such as lights and floral arrangements in green, gold, red, and white colors.
On Christmas Eve, many Argentinians attend Christmas Mass in the evening. After Mass, people return home and gather with their families to enjoy dinner together.
One of the things that makes Christmas in Argentina special is the celebration with lots of fireworks. Another Christmas Eve tradition is Globos, paper decorations with candles inside that are released into the sky like lanterns.
Chile
Christmas in Chile is celebrated in summer with celebrations similar to those in many Latin American countries. The main tradition is a large dinner on Christmas Eve, with dishes such as grilled meat, salads, and tropical fruits.
After dinner, many families attend Christmas Mass, and children often receive gifts from Santa Claus, who in Chile is also known as Viejito Pascuero (Old Man Christmas). Due to the warm weather, celebrations often take place outdoors, in parks or on the beach, with festive fireworks displays.
Bolivia
In Bolivia, Christmas is celebrated from Christmas Eve (24 December) until Epiphany (6 January). Epiphany itself is a special day celebrated 12 days after Christmas. Most people in Bolivia are Catholic, and many attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, known as Misa de Gallo.
One unique tradition in Bolivia is La Noche Buena, where families gather to pray together and share food. After that, many celebrate with fireworks and music. Even though the weather is hot, the spirit of togetherness and warmth remains strong in these celebrations.
South Africa
Attending church services, exchanging gifts, enjoying a delicious traditional Christmas dinner or a barbecue known there as a braai, and playing games in the backyard are some of the enjoyable Christmas traditions in South Africa.
On Christmas Eve, South Africans gather to celebrate with various traditions; singing Christmas carols, candlelight services, and special events such as Carols by Candlelight, which successfully brings together people from all communities.
So, for those of you interested in celebrating Christmas abroad but who can’t handle the cold and snow, you might consider visiting one or several of the countries mentioned above.
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