Winter usually means the advent (get it?) of so many Christmas-related traditions: decorated trees, jolly carolers, wreaths of holly, and more. Of course, those all bring us comfort and joy (get it?), and, as such, we happily embrace them every year.

But there are many more winter holidays than just Christmas. And we’re not talking about those important but Christmas-adjacent celebrations like St. Nicholas Day, Las Posadas, and Three Kings Day. Nor are we talking about the wonderful but relatively well known winter observances like Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. All are joyous, all are beloved, and we’ll be covering those in separate posts.

Here are some winter holidays that you may never even have heard of, but that are nonetheless cherished traditions for millions of people around the world.

12/8 – Bodhi Day, Asia

Buddhists in Japan, China, and beyond commemorate Bodhi Day as the day the religion’s founder, Siddhartha Gautama, achieved enlightenment and became Buddha. It is for this reason that Bodhi Day is often referred to as Enlightenment Day by the 400 million Buddhists around the world. In the Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha was born a prince but left his life of luxury to become a monk and walk the path of righteousness.

On the morning of December 8, Siddhartha attained enlightenment while, meditating under a Bodhi tree. Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day in a quiet and respectful manner by meditating and attending services at temples. Buddhists also observe the day by decorating Bodhi trees in their homes and eating meals of rice and milk, the meal Buddha ate shortly after achieving enlightenment.

12/13 – St. Lucia’s Day, Scandinavia

Particularly popular in Scandinavian countries, including Denmark and Sweden, St. Lucia’s Day commemorates the Christian martyr St. Lucia, a young woman who died for her faith in the 4th century. According to tradition, St. Lucia was executed for bringing food to Christians who were being held captive by the Romans. In the Julian calendar of centuries past, St. Lucia’s Day fell on the same night as the winter solstice, the darkest day of the year.

To invite the protection of the saint, believers adorn churches, homes, and public buildings with candles. At church services, a young woman is chosen to wear a crown of candles, one of the symbols of St. Lucia, and leads a procession into the building. Modern commemorations of St. Lucia’s Day follow these same traditions, with towns throughout Sweden, Finland, and Denmark bathed in candlelight in honor of the day. Food is also an important part of St. Lucia’s Day celebrations, most notably gingerbread biscuits and lussekatter, a saffron bun with raisins.

12/17 – Saturnalia, Ancient Rome

The citizens of ancient Rome held Saturnalia as a feast to honor the god Saturn, who presided over agriculture and other essential facets of everyday life. While the early Roman Empire celebrated Saturnalia on just one day, later feasts went on an entire week. During Saturnalia, Romans were permitted to do anything their hearts desired in a boisterous party atmosphere. Laws governing gambling were relaxed and masters and slaves sat together to enjoy thrilling chariot races. Gifts were also freely given, and candles lit to celebrate the Sun’s journey back to the Earth.

While Saturnalia is no longer widely celebrated in its original form, its influence and spirit live on in various ways. Historical reenactments of the festival occasionally take place in regions with strong Roman heritage, such as Italy, France, and the UK, where museums and societies host Saturnalia-themed events featuring feasts, games, and educational activities. In addition, some modern neopagan communities incorporate Saturnalia into their winter solstice celebrations, blending its traditions of feasting, gift-giving, and honoring deities with their seasonal observances. Even beyond these niche celebrations, echoes of Saturnalia can be seen in modern Christmas and New Year traditions, particularly in the shared focus on joy, generosity, and communal feasting.

12/21 – Yalda Night, Iran

Considered one of the most important celebrations of the year by its adherents, the Shabe Yalda (“Night of the Rebirth of the Sun”) is when families in Iran gather together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness. Ancient Persians believed that it was during the winter solstice that dark forces grew stronger, right before submitting that power to the Lord of Wisdom Ahura Mazda the next day. Today, people gather to read poetry and share drinks and food that symbolize the eternal cycle of rebirth, such as pomegranates, nuts, and watermelons. These festivities are also celebrated in many other countries that formed part of the Persian Empire, like Afghanistan or Armenia.

12/21 – Winter Solstice, Global

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, a turning point that has been celebrated by cultures around the world for millennia. In the Northern Hemisphere, this astronomical event typically falls on December 21 or 22, and it is a time to honor the return of the sun and the gradual lengthening of days.

For ancient civilizations, the solstice was a time of both reflection and renewal. In the UK, thousands gather at Stonehenge to witness the sunrise as it aligns with the iconic stones, a tradition believed to date back to Neolithic times. In China, the solstice coincides with Dongzhi, a festival celebrating the balance of yin and yang, where families gather to share warming foods like tangyuan, glutinous rice balls. In the United Kingdom, Stonehenge is a focal point for Winter Solstice gatherings, attracting thousands of visitors and modern druids who come to witness the sunrise align with the ancient stones.

In Scandinavia countries, including Sweden, modern Yule celebrations often echo ancient Norse traditions with bonfires, feasts, and candles to symbolize the growing light. Across the globe, the Winter Solstice invites both quiet introspection and communal celebration, offering a reminder of nature’s cycles and the promise of brighter days ahead.

12/23 – Night of the Radishes, Mexico

Rábanos (Spanish for “radishes”) are a pretty big deal in the Mexican city of Oaxaca, where every December 23rd its inhabitants take part in a festival that completely revolves around this crafty vegetable. If you visit Mexico during the Night of Radishes celebration, you’ll find talented artisans carving all kinds of religious icons and Mexican folklore symbols entirely from oversized radishes. The accuracy and craftmanship behind these Nativity scenes and other edible masterpieces are absolutely stunning. The best ones receive prizes in an annual competition that has been celebrated since 1897, when the vegetable became popular at the city’s seasonal markets.

1/5 – Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti, India

Sikhs the world over celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti as the birth date of Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru and a famed warrior and philosopher. Born in 1666, Guru Gobind Singh dedicated his life to the fight against Mughal forces, oppressors of Sikhs. To protect his congregants, Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa, a special religious order whose members vowed to protect the most vulnerable adherents of the Sikh religion. Guru Gobind Singh was also instrumental in establishing the Guru Granth Sahib as the chief religious text in Sikh tradition.

Today, Sikhs in India and other countries celebrate Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti with a strong affirmation to live their life according to the example of the famed guru. Sikh temples are decorated with candles and flowers as the faithful sing devotionals and chants. Langars, food kitchens located in Sikh temples, are also opened and the poor and destitute encouraged to visit for a hearty meal.

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1/13 – Lohri, India

The festival of Lohri is celebrated around the winter solstice each year in the Punjab region of Northern India. Lohri is especially important to Punjabi farmers, who recognize it as the beginning of the New Year and a marker of the harvest. At the heart of all Lohri celebrations is the bonfire, which symbolizes Agni, the God of Fire. During festivities, adherents throw offerings of candies and foods like sesame seeds and jaggery into the fire, symbolically burning away the negativity in their lives and entreating the blessings of Agni.

Worshippers looking for an extra blessing also walk around the bonfire, which is another way of asking the God of Fire for prosperity in the coming year. In addition to bonfires, Lohri is celebrated with special meals of sarson da saag and makki di roti, a vegetarian dish of mustard leaves and unleavened bread. Children also visit their neighbors and sing the tales of Dulha Bhatti, a 16th century folk hero who, like Robin Hood in England, stole from the rich and gave to the poor.

FAQs: 

Q: Are there any specific decorations or symbols associated with Bodhi Day?
A: For Bodhi Day, Buddhists often decorate Bodhi trees, symbolizing the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. They also light candles and set up simple decorations at home or temples, reflecting the themes of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

Q: What is the protocol for attending a St. Lucia’s Day procession or church service?
A: If attending a St. Lucia’s Day procession or service, it’s respectful to dress modestly and arrive early. Observers are encouraged to enjoy the candlelit processions quietly. Participation in certain rituals, like the candlelit procession, is usually reserved for locals, but visitors are welcome to observe.

Q: Is Saturnalia still observed in any form today, and if so, where?
A: Saturnalia is not widely celebrated in its original form today. However, some historical societies and enthusiasts may hold Saturnalia-themed events or feasts, especially in regions with strong Roman historical ties. These events are often educational and aim to recreate the atmosphere of ancient Roman celebrations.

Q: What are the recommended attire and etiquette for participating in Yalda Night festivities?
A: For Yalda Night, there’s no specific dress code, but since it’s a family and community-oriented event, comfortable and modest attire is recommended. Participants should be prepared to engage in long conversations, poetry readings, and share in the communal meal, respecting the cultural significance of the night.

Q: How can visitors respectfully observe the Night of the Radishes in Oaxaca?
A: Visitors to the Night of the Radishes should respect the artistry and cultural significance of the event. It’s advisable to observe the radish carvings without touching them and to be considerate of the local traditions and customs. Photography is generally allowed, but it’s polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots of the artwork.

Q: What are the guidelines for non-Sikhs visiting a temple during Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti?
A: Non-Sikhs visiting a Sikh temple during Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti should cover their heads, remove their shoes, and wash their hands before entering. Inside, it’s important to sit on the floor, signifying equality among all people. Visitors should listen respectfully to prayers and hymns and can partake in the communal langar meal.

Q: During Lohri, are there specific activities or rituals that visitors can participate in?
A: Visitors can participate in Lohri by joining the bonfire gatherings, enjoying traditional foods, and observing the local customs. Participation in throwing offerings into the fire is generally open to all, symbolizing the release of negativity and seeking blessings. Engaging with locals and learning about the folklore associated with Lohri, like the tales of Dulha Bhatti, can enhance the experience.

What’s your favorite winter holiday? Tell us about it in the comments below!