Christmas is one of the most magical celebrations on Earth—a season filled with sparkling lights, heartwarming traditions, and stories that stretch across centuries. But behind the twinkling trees and gift-wrapped surprises lies a world of unusual, surprising, and downright interesting facts About Christmas that most people have never heard.
From Japan’s KFC craze to Brazil’s firework-filled festivities, get ready to explore the most mind-blowing Christmas facts that will make you say, “Wait… is that really true?”
5 Christmas Facts That Re-write Everything You Thought You Knew
1. The First Christmas Tree Ever Decorated Wasn’t in the USA or UK
Although today Christmas trees are everywhere—malls, homes, offices—the very first decorated Christmas tree appeared in Germany in the 1500s. Instead of lights or shiny ornaments, people decorated trees with apples, wafers, and nuts.
2. Santa Claus Is Inspired by a Real Historical Person
The modern Santa is based on St. Nicholas, a 4th-century gift-giving bishop. Over centuries, legends evolved, merging Dutch, British, and American influences to create the jolly Santa we know today.
3. The World’s Tallest Christmas Tree Reached Over 221 Feet
In 1950, Seattle displayed the tallest Christmas tree ever recorded—taller than many buildings! Imagine trying to add a star on top of that.
4. “Jingle Bells” Was Originally a Thanksgiving Song
Written in 1857, the iconic Christmas tune was created for Thanksgiving, not Christmas. It became so popular during December that it simply switched holidays!
5. Artificial Christmas Trees Were Originally Made of Animal Hair
Before modern plastic versions, artificial trees in Germany were made using dyed goose feathers. Festive… but feathery.
Interesting Facts About Christmas Around the World
Christmas isn’t celebrated the same way everywhere—different cultures bring their own flavors, food, and fun. Here are the most fascinating global Christmas traditions.
Interesting Facts About Christmas in Brazil
Brazil celebrates Christmas during summer, which means you’ll find beaches filled with Santas wearing sunglasses instead of snow boots.
6. Fireworks Light Up Brazilian Skies on Christmas Eve
In cities like Rio de Janeiro, massive fireworks displays mark the start of Christmas. It’s vibrant, loud, and breathtaking.
7. Brazilians Celebrate “Ceia de Natal” at Midnight
Instead of a morning feast, families gather at midnight for a huge Christmas meal with turkey, ham, rice, farofa, and rabanada (Brazilian French toast).
8. Brazil Has One of the World’s Largest Floating Christmas Trees
Rio’s Lagoa tree once reached 278 feet, glowing with millions of lights.
Interesting Facts About Christmas in Canada
Canada blends French, British, and Indigenous influences, creating wonderfully unique Christmas customs.
9. Canadians Celebrate Christmas With Giant Winter Festivals
From Toronto’s Christmas Market to Vancouver’s Festival of Lights, Canadian celebrations are incredibly vibrant and snowy.
10. The “Yule Log” Broadcast Started in Canada Before It Spread Worldwide
One of the world’s most iconic Christmas TV traditions—a cozy fireplace looping for hours—became popular thanks to Canadian TV networks.
11. In Newfoundland, People Go “Mummering”
This quirky tradition involves dressing up in odd disguises, visiting homes, and singing—while the host tries to guess who you are.
Interesting Facts About Christmas in the UK
Christmas as we know it—from trees to cards—owes a lot to British traditions.
12. The UK Popularized the Modern Christmas Tree
When Queen Victoria and Prince Albert displayed a decorated tree in 1848, the idea spread like wildfire across the English-speaking world.
13. Britain Invented Christmas Crackers
These festive table decorations that “pop” when pulled apart originated in London in 1847, thanks to a candy maker.
14. The Royal Christmas Message Has Been Broadcast Since 1932
First delivered by King George V on radio, it’s now a global TV tradition watched by millions.
Interesting Facts About Christmas in Japan
Christmas in Japan is completely unique—fun, romantic, and delicious.
15. Christmas Means… KFC!
Yes, you read that right. Millions of Japanese families order Kentucky Fried Chicken for Christmas dinner. A 1970s advertising campaign turned it into a national tradition.
16. Christmas Is More Like Valentine’s Day
Instead of a family holiday, Christmas Eve in Japan is considered a romantic night for couples to go on fancy dates.
17. Japan Has One of the World’s Most Dazzling Christmas Light Displays
Tokyo’s winter illuminations attract tourists worldwide, featuring millions of LED lights creating dreamlike scenes.
More Unique and Surprising Facts About Christmas
18. Rudolph Was Created for an Advertising Campaign
The famous red-nosed reindeer was invented by Montgomery Ward in 1939 to boost sales—and became a global icon.
19. Christmas Was Once Illegal in Some Places
In the 1600s, Christmas celebrations were banned in parts of England and New England because they were considered too rowdy.
20. The “12 Days of Christmas” Isn’t What Most People Think
Christmas but It doesn’t refer to the 12 days before Christmas but the period after Christmas—ending on January 6.
21. The Most Expensive Christmas Tree Ever Was Worth Over $11 Million
A luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi decorated a tree with gold, diamonds, and jewels… definitely not your average ornament setup.
22. The World Sends Over 1 Billion Christmas Cards Each Year
It’s the biggest card-sending holiday of all time.
23. Iceland Has 13 Santas
Known as the “Yule Lads,” these mischievous characters deliver gifts (or rotten potatoes!) depending on children’s behavior.
24. The Original St. Nicholas Was Known for Miracles
Stories include saving sailors, helping the poor, and leaving coins in people’s shoes—the inspiration for stockings.
25. Norway Donates a Giant Tree to the UK Every Year
It’s a thank-you gift to Britain for its support during World War II. The tree is displayed proudly in London’s Trafalgar Square.
26. Spiders on Christmas Trees Are Good Luck in Ukraine
Many Ukrainian trees feature tiny spider ornaments symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
27. Candy Canes Were Invented to Keep Kids Quiet in Church
A choirmaster in Germany allegedly used the sweet treats to occupy children during long Christmas services.
28. The World’s Oldest Christmas Market Dates Back to 1434
Dresden’s “Striezelmarkt” in Germany is nearly 600 years old—and still thriving.
29. Santa’s Red Suit Was Popularized by Coca-Cola (But They Didn’t Invent It)
Coca-Cola’s 1930s ads cemented the red-suited Santa image in pop culture, though earlier versions existed in various colors.
30. Some Parts of Mexico Celebrate Christmas for Over a Month
“Las Posadas”—a festive reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey—begins on December 16 and includes food, music, and piñatas.
Curious by nature, storyteller by choice. I run Interesting Facts to bring you mind-blowing stories, hidden truths, and fascinating insights from around the globe. If it makes you say “Wow, I never knew that!”—my job is done.
Laiba Hanif is a professional fact-finder and the writer behind “Interesting Facts.” Fueled by a degree in Anthropology and over five years of experience unearthing hidden truths, she specializes in digging up the most bizarre, fascinating, and mind-bending tidbits the world has to offer. She’s here to prove that reality is stranger—and more amazing—than fiction.
