Holidays Around the World Videos for Teachers

Learning about the customs and traditions of Christmas holidays around the world is always a December highlight in my classroom. In this post I’ll share Holidays Around the World videos for teachers that feature unique customs and traditions in 15 countries around the world. Use these amazing videos for teachers to excite your students and make the learning come alive as you teach about holidays around the world.

Holidays Around the World Videos for Teachers

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Holiday Traditions in Italy

Best Italian Christmas Traditions (5:00)

This is a festive look at some very unique traditions in Italy. Serving panettone bread at the holidays and the legend of Old Befana are beloved traditions in Italy. My very favorite author, Tomie dePaola has written books about both.

Favorite Read Alouds: The Legend of Old Befana and Tony’s Bread both by Tomie dePaola.

Holiday Traditions in England

The History of Christmas Crackers BBC (2:14)

Learn the history of Christmas crackers and crowns which date back to the Victorian age in this BBC produced video. (2:05)

Favorite Read Aloud: Christmas in England

Holiday Traditions in France

I’ve never been able to find a good video that depicts the traditions of France so read aloud the book linked below and we watch Madeline’s Christmas as we learn about French customs.

Madeline’s Christmas WildBrain Kids Videos (23:42)

Favorite Nonfiction Read Aloud: Christmas in France

Holiday Traditions in Germany

Christmas markets are wildly popular across Europe during the holidays. This video features some of the fun food, crafts, and musicians seen at the markets during the holidays in Germany.

German for Kids: Christmas Episode (4:15)

Holiday Traditions in Mexico

This video features colorful dancers and describes beloved traditions in Mexico at Christmastime.

Mexico Storyteller-Epcot (22:34)

Favorite Read Alouds by Tomie dePaola: The Legend of the Poinsettia and The Night of Las Posadas

Holiday Traditions in Israel

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights-National Geographic (2:40)

Favorite Read Alouds: Celebrate Hanukkah: National Geographic Kids (nonfiction) and The Story of Hanukkah (fiction)

I try to pair fiction and nonfiction for each country we visit but not all have a picture book or fictional story available.

Holiday traditions in Sweden

I have to confess this country is my favorite because …IKEA! You can find all sorts of delightful holiday foods, treats, ornaments, and trinkets at IKEA (and at Trader Joe’s) during the holidays. I adore the straw ornaments and the Swedish gift-giver Tomten who is actually a gnome! Here’s a quick peek at a Christmas market in Sweden.

Christmas Market in Sweden (2:26)

Favorite Read Alouds: The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren

Traditions of Kwanzaa

This video explains the traditions and symbols of Kwanzaa and how to celebrate at home.

7 Ways to Celebrate Kwanzaa (1:38)

Celebrating Kwanzaa: PBS Kids (1:12) This short, upbeat video for kids is a fun one to learn about the meaning of Kwanzaa.

Favorite Read Alouds: Celebrate Kwanza-National Geographic Kids and Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story

Holiday Traditions in India

Diwali: Festival of Lights -National Geographic Kids (3:04)

Diwali is the traditional holiday celebration in India.

Favorite Read Alouds: Diwali (nonfition) and Lighting a Lamp: A Diwali Story (picture book).

Holiday Traditions in Australia

Since Christmas falls in the middle of the summer months in Australia you will often see surfing Santas and people celebrating the holiday with a picnic on the beach!

Christmas in Australia: 12 Things to know (5:31)

Holiday Traditions in Canada

Learning about the holiday traditions in Canada is another of my favorites. the Winterlude festival is a loved holiday tradition and just wait until you see how they make maple taffy! If I didn’t live in the Arizona desert I’d be tempted to try it at home!

Making Maple Taffy at Winterlude (1:35)

Favorite Read Aloud: The Twelve Days of Christmas in Canada (nonfiction).

Holiday Traditions in Indonesia

Ketupat is a rice filled pocket made enclosed in woven palm leaves. It is a special holiday tradition in Indonesia where they celebrate Eid. Learn how it’s done by watching this video.

Making Ketupat (3:43)

Make planning easy with this time-saving guide

I’ve put together a digital guide with clickable links to all of these videos and more. Pop your email in below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! (Be sure to check your spam folder if you don’t see it.)

Ready to use lesson plans

CLICK HERE for a beautifully designed Holidays Around the World teaching unit with ready to use lesson plans.

This high-engagement unit includes detailed lessons for 14 different countries, a teaching Power Point, 14 reading passages with questions, printables and crafts, plus a suitcase and passport so you and your students are all set to travel. I teach this unit the entire month of December!

And that’s a wrap! I hope you’ve enjoyed this comprehensive list of videos for teaching your students about Christmas holidays around the world. Get the freebies and 10 Ideas That Make Holidays Around the World MAGICAL! after you read this post. You will delight your students and send your engagement factor soaring! Be sure to pin this for later so you have it when you plan!

Find more holiday ideas in these posts. Click on the pictures to read each post. Make the learning magical and grab the FREE Flight Script and Destination posters while you’re there!