Brace yourselves—December isn’t just about ugly sweaters and stressful gift shopping. From Europe’s Christmas markets to Guatemala’s wild Fiesta de Santo Tomás, the world’s throwing parties you won’t forget. Think of it as your ultimate cultural buffet: lights, food, and traditions that will either blow your mind or make you want to run for cover. Discover more about December 2024’s Global Festivals by reading on …
December 2024’s Global Festivals
Christmas Markets in Europe (All December)
Mulled wine, lights, and more mulled wine. Who needs sleep? Europe’s cities become a candy-cane-coated maze of holiday madness. Strasbourg, Manchester (yes, it is still part of Europe), Vienna? Yup, you’re gonna find your wallet lighter and your stomach fuller after indulging in overpriced trinkets and enough mulled wine to fill an ocean. But who’s judging? From German glühwein to Swiss cheese fondue, this is where your holiday spirit (and credit card bill) really gets tested.
Fiesta de Santo Tomás, Chichicastenango, Guatemala (December 13-21)
Spinning poles, dancing, and chaos. Bring a helmet. Guatemala’s Fiesta de Santo Tomás combines Catholic and Mayan traditions, with all the bells and whistles—including pole dancers who literally spin their way into your nightmares. Throw in the drum beats and costumes, and you’ve got a non-stop fiesta where the only thing more chaotic than the dancing is the cultural clash. But hey, who said tradition couldn’t be fun.
Las Posadas, Mexico (December 16-24)
Because who doesn’t love pretending to be Mary and Joseph? The streets of Mexico transform into a living nativity scene, where you can reenact Mary and Joseph’s quest for shelter while munching on piñatas and ponche. It’s a celebration of tradition, faith, and the joy of running around in a procession with people you just met. Honestly, it’s a holiday ritual that somehow feels more fun than it should.
Winter Solstice at Stonehenge, UK (December 21)
Get mystical, or just show up for the selfies. Stonehenge during the winter solstice is the place to be for anyone into ancient rituals or just really into the idea of standing around in a circle while the sun does something “magical.” Druidic ceremonies? Check. Instagram-worthy sunrise? Double-check. If you’re into history and questionable fashion choices, this is your moment to shine.
Kwanzaa Celebrations in the USA (December 26-January 1)
Seven days of culture, food, and community. Pass the soul food, please. Kwanzaa is the perfect excuse to party for an entire week. Whether you’re in Washington D.C. or Chicago, expect community celebrations featuring music, storytelling, and the kind of food that will make you rethink your diet. It’s a celebration of African heritage that’s as educational as it is delicious.
New Year’s Eve in Sydney, Australia (December 31)
Welcome 2025 with fireworks and Aussie summer vibes. Forget those cold New Year’s Eve parties with bad champagne. Sydney’s fireworks show over the Harbour Bridge is basically the world’s New Year’s Eve centrepiece. Whether you snag a prime viewing spot or just hang out on the beach, you’ll be toasting to the new year while everyone else is still stuck in 2024.
Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland (December 31 – January 2)
Three days of straight-up Scottish madness. Hogmanay in Edinburgh is like a New Year’s Eve marathon that never stops. With torch-lit processions, ceilidh dancing, and midnight fireworks, it’s the kind of party where you’ll need to pack energy drinks and a good pair of dancing shoes. Scotland does New Year’s like no one else, and you’ll want to be there for every chaotic second.
From wild celebrations to deeply spiritual moments, December offers a whirlwind of events that will leave you buzzing (or at least with a killer hangover). So pack your bags, mark your calendars, and get ready for a global party you’ll never forget—or, frankly, maybe wish you could.
