Free Christmas Around the World Coloring Pages

We’ve used these Christmas Around the World coloring pages as part of our December homeschool routine for a few years now, and they’ve become one of my favorite ways to sneak in geography and cultural learning without it feeling like a lesson.

Each page introduces a different country’s holiday traditions through simple facts and a Santa-like figure to color, perfect for early elementary kids.

My son loved learning that in Japan, people clean their homes to welcome the new year, or that in Finland, you might have to sing for your gift!

If you’re looking for a low-prep, meaningful way to explore global customs this Christmas, these printables are a fun and flexible option for both home and classroom use.

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Santa Around the World Coloring Pages

One of the things I love most about teaching through holiday traditions is how kids quickly realize that Christmas doesn’t look the same everywhere.

These Christmas Around the World coloring sheets explore the many “Santas” (and Santa-like figures) that appear in different cultures, some familiar, some completely new to young learners.

From Russia’s Ded Moroz to Spain’s Reyes Magos, each page introduces a character and tradition in a way that’s easy for kids to connect with.

Below is a look at a few of the countries and the stories behind their festive figures:

Ireland – Daidi na Nollaig

In Ireland, Santa is known as Daidí na Nollaig. On Christmas Eve, families often light a candle in the window to symbolize welcome and hope.

Kids leave out mince pies, and sometimes a glass of Guinness, for Santa’s visit. December 26th is also celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day, a time for charity and community, with some children taking part in Wren Day parades.

Pair this with our Christmas in Ireland worksheets for more cultural details.

Russia – Ded Moroz

Russia’s winter gift-giver is Ded Moroz, or Father Frost. Unlike Santa Claus, he delivers gifts on New Year’s Eve and is always accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka.

Russian families celebrate with elaborate New Year’s feasts, decorated fir trees, and plenty of sparkle, making it one of the biggest holidays of the year.

Finland – Joulupukki

In Finland, Joulupukki (literally “Yule Goat”) is the Christmas visitor, often portrayed much like Santa Claus.

Kids sometimes recite poems or songs to receive their gifts, and many dream of visiting Joulupukki’s official home in Lapland.

One sweet tradition involves hiding an almond in rice pudding, whoever finds it gets good luck for the year ahead.

Sweden – Jultomten

Jultomten is the Swedish version of Santa, helped by small, mischievous gnome-like figures called “tomte” or “nisse.”

Families celebrate with festive meals on Christmas Eve, and Jultomten is known to deliver gifts in person.

This mix of old folklore and modern Santa traditions makes Sweden’s celebrations especially charming.

Want to go deeper? World of Cookies for Santa is a beautifully illustrated book that pairs perfectly with these coloring pages. It explores Christmas traditions and treats from around the globe, ideal for story time or a cultural snack activity!

Spain – Reyes Magos

Rather than Santa, children in Spain look forward to the arrival of the Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, on January 5th.

There are lively parades in most cities, and kids leave out shoes (and treats) in exchange for small presents.

This Epiphany celebration stretches the Christmas spirit well into the New Year.

France – Pere Noel

In France, Père Noël brings gifts on Christmas Eve and is often depicted in a long red robe.

After attending midnight Mass, families gather for le Réveillon, a rich meal that may include oysters, foie gras, and bûche de Noël.

The season is focused on generosity, family, and festive tradition.

USA & England – Santa Claus

The image most children know, Santa in his red suit with a sleigh and reindeer, is most common in the USA and England.

On Christmas Eve, kids leave out milk and cookies (or mince pies and sherry in England) and wake to stockings and gifts. The focus is on family traditions, decorations, and cozy celebrations at home.

Japan – Segatsu-San

While Christmas isn’t a traditional holiday in Japan, the New Year is deeply meaningful.

Instead of Santa, some children may hear stories of Segatsu-San, the “Year-End Man.”

Families clean their homes, send greeting cards, and focus on reflection rather than gift-giving. It’s a quiet, beautiful way to start the year.

Netherlands – Sinterklaas

Sinterklaas arrives in mid-November, often by boat, and rides a white horse through town.

He’s accompanied by helpers called Pieten and gives out treats on December 5th, St. Nicholas’ Eve.

Kids leave out shoes instead of stockings, and the celebration blends legend, humor, and plenty of sweets.

You might also enjoy our Christmas in Germany coloring pages for more traditions tied to St. Nicholas.

Christmas Around the World Books

If your kids are curious about how other cultures celebrate the holidays, these books are a great way to build on what they’ve learned through the coloring pages.

We’ve enjoyed reading a few of these alongside our Christmas Around the World unit, especially during morning time or quiet reading blocks.

• Joy to the World!: Christmas Around the Globe – This one focuses entirely on Christmas traditions worldwide. With beautiful illustrations and engaging storytelling, it’s ideal for helping kids understand how familiar traditions vary from place to place.
• Teach and Celebrate the Year: 118 Fun Days to Explore – Packed with seasonal activities and fun facts, this book offers creative ideas for exploring holidays all year long, including Christmas traditions from different countries.
• Let’s Celebrate!: Special Days Around the World – This picture book introduces kids to holidays and celebrations across cultures. It’s a great starting point for learning how families around the world mark special days, including Christmas.

These books can help spark meaningful conversations, and make your holiday learning even more memorable.

More Holiday Around the World Activities

If your kids are enjoying the coloring pages, here are a few more festive ways to explore global traditions this December:

• Christmas around the World worksheets – These printable activities focus on country flags with a holiday twist, great for geography practice with a festive feel.
• Christmas in the Philippines coloring pages – Explore parols, festive foods, and other unique Filipino holiday traditions through simple, engaging illustrations.
• Christmas in Italy worksheets – Learn about La Befana, the Feast of the Seven Fishes, and more with fun printables that bring Italian customs to life.
• Christmas in Mexico coloring sheets – Discover Las Posadas, piñatas, and the Three Kings with pages that mix cultural facts and creative fun.

Get Your Free Holidays Around the World Coloring Pages Here!

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Last Updated on 21 July 2025 by Clare Brown