7 Places to Go to Enjoy Christmas in the Sunshine
Here in the UK, we’re used to Christmas being cold – and usually wet!
Of course, Christmas isn’t like that everywhere. Half the globe experiences Christmas in the summer. So, for the people of the southern hemisphere, Christmas is about sunshine, long summer days and heat.
Celebrating Christmas in a hot country is a great way to change up the traditional holiday season and try something very different.
Christmas abroad doesn’t always mean less festivity, either. The seven countries we’ve listed below all love to celebrate Christmas. So, you’re guaranteed fun and holiday spirit if you travel to them during December.
Read on to find out our top picks for the destinations you might just want to think about if you fancy Christmas in the sun next year, as well as tips on how to wish locals a happy Christmas while you’re there.
In this article:
1. Madagascar
2. Bolivia
3. South Africa
4. Argentina
5. Ecuador
6. Brazil
7. Colombia
1. Madagascar
You may spot some familiar sights in Madagascar at Christmastime – holly, robins and snow have all been seen as part of Malagasy decorations, despite none of these things being found on the island!
Many people go to church on Christmas Eve, and services start at 5:00pm and run until well after midnight. Songs and plays are both performed, and you’ll hear some special Malagasy Christmas carols, including Sambasamba Zanahary and Avia Ry Mino, which is the Malagasy translation of ‘O Come all ye Faithful’.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Malagasy
Mirary Krismasy sambatra sy Taona vaovao tonga lafatra ho anao.
2. Bolivia
If you like to draw out your Christmas celebrations, Bolivia might be the place for you. The festivities last from Christmas Eve until Epiphany on 6th January.
Although Christmas isn’t very popular in rural Bolivia, you’ll find Christmas trees, nativity scenes and Christmas decorations in cities and big towns.
Many people go to Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve. When midnight hits, you’ll hear lots of noise as firecrackers are let off in celebration!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Spanish
Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo.
3. South Africa
Carol singing is ever-popular in South Africa on Christmas Eve. And, if you’re in South Africa for Christmas, you might even be able to catch a 'Carols by Candlelight' service.
Households put up Christmas trees just like ours and children hang stockings like we do.
Although many South Africans eat roast meat like in the UK, the Christmas meal can be shifted outside for a barbecue (or ‘braai’) if the weather is really hot.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Afrikaans
Geseënde Kersfees en 'n voorspoedige Nuwe jaar.
4. Argentina
Christmas is a long affair in Argentina.
Advent is popular, which means Christmas starts in early December. Argentines decorate their houses with lights, wreaths and garlands, and many families also put up Christmas trees that'll be decorated by December 8th – the feast of the Immaculate Conception.
The main focus of Argentine Christmas celebrations is actually on Christmas Eve, with many people going to Mass in the afternoon and the main Christmas meal being served in the evening, often as late as 10:00pm or 11:00pm.
At the stroke of midnight, many people let off fireworks and toast the start of Christmas Day, as well as letting off beautiful ‘globos’ – floating paper decorations lit up from within, a lot like Chinese lanterns.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Spanish
Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo.
5. Ecuador
If you’ve got your eye on Ecuador for your next Christmas, Cuenca is the place to be.
The celebrations culminate in the Pase del Niño Viajero, which is the largest and best Christmas pageant in the whole country.
Christmas festivities, like in Argentina, start earlier in December and are focused on Christmas Eve. Many people will attend Mass, and Novenas take place throughout the month. These are public gatherings of prayer, hymns and religious poetry accompanied by incense, hot chocolate and cookies.
One unusual aspect of Christmas celebrations in Ecuador is what happens when the festivities are over.
Ecuadorians create effigies stuffed with hay and fireworks to represent people they dislike (such as national or local officials, legendary characters or famous people) and save them to ignite on New Year’s Eve at the Fiesta de Año Viejo.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Spanish
Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo.
6. Brazil
If you’re spending Christmas in Brazil, you’re likely to come across the Christmas plays called ‘Os Pastores’ (The Shepherds).
These popular plays are based on the Nativity story, although you might notice some differences – such as a shepherdess, and a woman who tries to steal baby Jesus!
Many Christmas customs in Brazil are very similar to our own. Although, of course, with the sunshine – the actual day’s activities may differ.
For example, it’s quite common to head down to the beach before the big Christmas Eve dinner or perhaps on Christmas Day itself.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Portuguese
Feliz natal e próspero ano novo.
7. Colombia
Colombia, like Bolivia, sees a long Christmas season.
On 7th December, they celebrate the ‘Día de las Velitas’, (‘Day of the Little Candles’), where houses and streets are decorated with candles, lanterns and plenty of twinkling lights with fireworks let off.
Like many of the other countries on this list, the big Christmas meal is eaten on Christmas Eve.
Many households follow it up by heading to Midnight Mass. Some people will even stay up all night, so Christmas Day itself is a relaxed affair where people spend time with family and snack on leftovers.
What sets Colombia apart, though, is ‘Innocents’ Day’ on December 28th.
This is a lot like April Fools’ Day in the UK, where people play jokes and have lots of fun. TV stations often show funny mistakes and bloopers from throughout the year.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Spanish
Feliz Navidad y próspero año nuevo.
Experience a Christmas Holiday with Rainbow
Are you excited to spend Christmas in Africa or Latin America?
Speak with our Travel Specialists by sending an 'Enquiry' or 'Call Us' to discuss your festive ideas. We can tailor-make your entire trip, including all the experiences you wish to do while there.
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