Holidays & Entertaining Christmas Christmas Decor 10 Christmas Decorating Ideas from Around the World This holiday season, decorate your home with inspiration from across the globe. By Claire Hoppe Claire Hoppe Claire Hoppe is an editorial apprentice for Better Homes and Gardens who has a passion for making others feel at home in their space. She is currently a senior at Iowa State University studying journalism with a minor in criminal justice. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on December 11, 2023 Traditional winter activities and snowy December days are often associated with Christmas in America. But while sipping hot cocoa and watching falling snow might be the norm in many areas of the country, the holiday season can look drastically different in other parts of the world. Julie Soefer As you decorate for the holidays this year, take inspiration from Christmas celebrations around the globe. Many countries have their own unique holiday traditions and decor. From Japan to Scotland, these Christmas decor ideas from around the world will give your home global appeal. 14 Winter Holiday Celebrations from Around the World 01 of 10 Germany: Christmas Tree Candles Courtesy of Getty Images//Frank Rothe Germany boasts many creative Christmas decor ideas, including Advent wreaths and Christmas pyramids. One of the country's most elegant decorations is candle ornaments. Try incorporating flameless candles with your regular set of ornaments. Battery-operated candles give your tree an extra layer of warmth while avoiding the fire hazard that comes with real flames. Our New Holiday Candles Are Here—And One Smells Like a Christmas Tree 02 of 10 Finland: Geometric Ornaments Courtesy of Getty Images// itchySan Geometric himmelis are a Christmas staple in Finnish homes. The ornaments that loosely resemble stars are traditionally made from straw and are hung over dining room tables or on Christmas trees. To recreate the look in your home, use geometric ornaments and contrasting colors. To make your own ornaments that resemble traditional himmelis, use wooden skewers or straw. Or purchase a pre-made kit for less hassle. 78 Homemade Christmas Ornaments to Give Your Tree Tons of Character 03 of 10 Italy: Glass Ornaments Courtesy of Getty Images// IrenaV When it comes to handmade Christmas ornaments, Italy's glass-blown ornaments are hard to beat. Murano, Italy, is known for its glass factories and laboratories that produce handmade blown-glass figurines and ornaments. If you can't get your hands on any Murano originals, try hanging brightly colored glass ornaments on your tree this year to recreate the Italian look. 7 Nostalgic Ways to Decorate with Vintage Christmas Ornaments 04 of 10 Columbia: Candle Decor Carson Downing Traditional and timeless, candles make for elegant decor any time of the year. In Columbia, candles are used as indoor Christmas decor, usually placed on tables and windowsills. Outside of the home, candles typically line streets and sidewalks. Incorporate candles into your decor by using them for centerpieces, an outdoor display, or to embellish your mantel. Our New Holiday Candles Are Here—And One Smells Like a Christmas Tree 05 of 10 Brazil: Nativity Scenes Courtesy of Getty Images// Emya Photography From small figurines to life-size displays, nativity scenes are one of the most popular Christmas decorations in Brazil. To create the display in your home, try a minimalist wooden set or opt for a more intricate colorful scene. There are so many nativity scene displays available, so it's easy to find one that matches your home's style. Place a figurine set on your mantel or buffet for a timeless holiday focal point, or create a large-scale display outdoors. 06 of 10 Japan: Paper Ornaments Courtesy of Getty Images// Sami Hurmerinta Traditional Japanese ornaments consist of origami swans and cranes. Made from hand and placed on a tree, the origami birds are said to symbolize honor, longevity, and good fortune. Take inspiration from these homemade ornaments by making your own paper ornaments this holiday season. Hang them on your tree or from the ceiling with fishing line to create a more whimsical effect. 07 of 10 Argentina: Cotton Snow Adam Albright White Christmases have to be made by hand for those celebrating the holiday in Argentina. Because the weather is warm during the Christmas months, people in Argentina have historically put fluffy cotton material on their trees to recreate the look of snow. Try adding cotton balls to your Christmas villages and trees to create a flocked and snowy look in your home. 08 of 10 Denmark: Advent Candles Courtesy of Getty Images// knape Danish Advent calendar candles are a way to decorate and celebrate Christmas for more than one day. Families in Denmark burn this numbered candle every night as a countdown to Christmas. Burn an Advent candle or decorate with other Advent calendars to keep the Christmas spirit alive all season long. The 27 Best Advent Calendars of 2023 09 of 10 Scotland: Tartan Fabric Julie Soefer Tartan bows and ribbons are a popular way to decorate for Christmas in Scotland. From tree toppers to stockings, tartan fabric can be used to channel Scotland's iconic Christmas decor. Plus, the red plaid pattern lends itself well to traditional red and green color schemes. 15 Classic Red and Green Christmas Decorating Ideas 10 of 10 China: Paper Lanterns Blaine Moats If you're visiting China during the holiday season, you're sure to see paper lanterns hung around homes and streets. Paper lanterns are a versatile way to draw inspiration from China when decorating your home this year. Make your own DIY paper ornaments for your tree, or make paper lanterns or snowflakes to hang from your ceiling. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit