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Feast Your Eyes: 10 Christmas Traditions Around the World & The Stock Photos to Match

  • Writer: Info @ 123RF
    Info @ 123RF
  • Nov 20, 2025
  • 6 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2025


Gold-wrapped gifts with red bows sit under a decorated Christmas tree with gold ornaments. A festive carpet sets a cozy holiday mood.

Let’s be honest—if we see one more generic stock photo of a perfectly manicured hand holding a red mug against a white background, we might scream.


Don’t get us wrong, the classics are classic for a reason. But as creators, marketers, and designers, we know that 2025 is all about authenticity and visual storytelling. Your audience is global, and they are craving content that feels real, diverse, and culturally rich.


At 123RF.com, we believe in the Real Freedom to Create. That means giving you access to a library of over 200 million assets that capture how the whole world celebrates, not just one corner of it. Whether you’re building a moodboard (like we did) for a global brand or just looking for a unique aesthetic to disrupt your Instagram grid or to just create some Christmas cards, we’ve got the goods.


We dug deep into our collections to bring you 10 fascinating Christmas traditions from our top regions and the specific search terms you need to find these hidden gems


  1. United States: The Cinematic Classic


Family exchanging gifts by a Christmas tree. Parents and two children in festive sweaters opening presents, smiling warmly. Cozy holiday scene.

The Vibe: Nostalgia, Warmth, Maximalist Decor.


In the US, Christmas is basically a competitive sport. We’re talking about houses decked out in enough lights to be seen from space, the "Elf on the Shelf" causing chaos, and the iconic morning unboxing frenzy. Visually, this is your go-to for that "Hallmark Movie" aesthetic. It’s all about high-contrast reds and greens, cozy knit textures, and the emotional warmth of family gatherings.


Creator Tip: Look for "lifestyle" shots that feel candid, not staged. You want the messy wrapping paper on the floor, not just the perfect bow.



  1. Germany: The Atmospheric Markets


European Christmas market with people browsing stalls, a carousel, festive lights, and traditional buildings. Jovial atmosphere with winter coats.

The Vibe: Moody, Romantic, Bokeh-Heavy.


Germany didn't just join the chat; they built the chat. The Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) is the heartbeat of the holiday season here. Imagine cobblestone streets lined with wooden stalls, steam rising from mugs of Glühwein (mulled wine), and the golden glow of fairy lights against the winter night. For photographers and designers, this is a goldmine for low-light photography and bokeh backgrounds. It screams community and warmth in the bitter cold.


Creator Tip: Use these images for backgrounds where you need to overlay white text—the dark, moody contrast is perfect for typography.



  1. Philippines: The Neon Festival Lights


Abstract red bokeh background with shimmering circles and glittery surface, creating a festive and vibrant atmosphere. No text present.

The Vibe: Electric, Vibrant, Never-Ending.


If you think you love Christmas, you haven't met the Philippines. The "Ber" months (September-December) signal the start of the world's longest Christmas season. But visually, the star of the show is the Parol—a bamboo lantern representing the Star of Bethlehem. In San Fernando (the Christmas Capital), the Giant Lantern Festival turns the night sky into a kaleidoscope of neon patterns. It’s loud, it’s colorful, and it’s visually spectacular.


Creator Tip: This is perfect for motion graphics inspiration or brands that use a bold, neon color palette instead of traditional muted tones.



  1. Japan: The Crispy & Romantic Holiday


Street at night with trees adorned in blue lights. Vehicles drive by, leaving light trails. Urban setting with a festive, calm mood.

The Vibe: Urban Chic, City Lights, Fried Chicken.


This is one of our favorite marketing case studies. Thanks to a brilliant "Kentucky for Christmas" campaign in the 70s, eating KFC is now a nationwide tradition in Japan. But beyond the bucket, Christmas Eve is treated like the ultimate date night—think Valentine's Day vibes. The cities are illuminated with sophisticated, icy-blue and white light displays. It’s a fascinating mix of fast-food comfort and high-end urban romance.


Creator Tip: Great for campaigns targeting couples or urban youth culture. The contrast between a bucket of chicken and a luxury city skyline is a visual hook that stops the scroll.



  1. France: The Gastronomic Arty


Two people clink wine glasses over a plate of oysters with lemon wedges and sauce. The scene is dimly lit, creating an intimate mood.

The Vibe: Elegant, Luxurious, Culinary.


Forget the turkey; the French are doing Le Réveillon. This is a late-night feast that is basically a masterclass in food styling. We are talking oysters, foie gras, lobster, and the visually stunning Bûche de Noël (Yule Log cake). If your brand voice is sophisticated, premium, or foodie-focused, look to France. The table settings are art forms in themselves, often featuring crystal glass, fine china, and minimalist decor.


Creator Tip: Use macro shots of these textures (oyster shells, chocolate ganache, champagne bubbles) for luxurious background textures.




  1. Italy: The Authentic Family Feast


Festive table with cooked fish garnished with lemon slices and parsley. Surrounded by pine branches, red ornaments, and pinecones.

The Vibe: Loud, Crowded, Deliciously Messy.


While France is about refined elegance, Italy is about abundance and family chaos (in the best way). The Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve is a seafood marathon. Visually, you want to capture the "pass the pasta" moments—hands reaching across the table, laughter, wine being poured, and the towering Panettone cake waiting for dessert. It feels lived-in and real, which is exactly what modern audiences crave.


Creator Tip: Authentic stock photography thrives here. Look for images with "imperfect" compositions that feel like a snapshot from a family album.



  1. Spain: The Vibrant Lottery Fiesta


Three people in gold costumes and crowns, with one holding papers, appear joyful in a parade with palm trees and onlookers in the background.

The Vibe: Community, Excitement, Golden.


In Spain, the holiday season kicks off with a bang on December 22nd with El Gordo ("The Fat One"), the world's biggest lottery. It’s a massive street party where entire towns celebrate winning together. Visually, it’s distinct from the "silent night" vibe—it’s daytime celebrations, confetti, toasts with Cava, and the golden hues of Turrón (almond nougat). It’s pure joy and community spirit.


Creator Tip: Perfect for business-focused campaigns about "winning," "success," or "teamwork" during the holidays.


Search 123RF for: Turron spanish nougat, Spanish christmas lottery celebration, Three Kings Parade


  1. Austria: The Dark Folklore


Child in a furry costume with horns and painted face looks thoughtful. Crowded background with people in winter clothing. Cozy, festive mood.

The Vibe: Edgy, Gothic, Mythical.


Ready to get weird? While St. Nicholas rewards the good kids, Austria (and parts of Germany) has Krampus—a horned, hairy, half-goat demon who punishes the naughty ones. The Krampuslauf (Krampus Run) features intricate, terrifying hand-carved wooden masks and heavy fur costumes parading through the streets with fire and bells. It is visually stunning and totally disrupts the "cute" holiday aesthetic.


Creator Tip: Use these gritty, textural images for brands that have an edge—think streetwear, energy drinks, or alternative music events.



  1. Australia: The Sun-Soaked Summer


Santa Claus surfs a wave in a red suit under a clear blue sky. The ocean splashes around him, creating a festive, adventurous mood.

The Vibe: Bright, Sandy, Relaxed.


Flip the color palette upside down. In Australia, December is peak summer. Santa swaps the sleigh for a surfboard, and the roast dinner is swapped for "shrimp on the barbie" (okay, usually prawns) at the beach. Visually, this means trading forest greens and heavy reds for ocean blues, sandy beiges, and bright sunlight. It represents a totally different kind of freedom.


Creator Tip: This is crucial for global campaigns. If you are marketing to the Southern Hemisphere, snow photos won't land. Use sunny, outdoor lifestyle shots.



  1. Poland: The Intimate Tradition


Two women smiling, one in a red sweater, sharing a sweet moment by a decorated Christmas tree with warm lights in the background.

The Vibe: Spiritual, Quiet, Texture-Rich.


We love this tradition for its emotional depth. Before the Christmas Eve meal (Wigilia), families share the Oplatek (a thin, unleavened wafer). Each person breaks a piece off and exchanges good wishes with relatives. It’s a moment of forgiveness and connection. Visually, the texture of the embossed wafer and the close-up shots of hands sharing it tell a powerful story of unity.


Creator Tip: Great for non-profits or community-focused brands looking to convey messages of peace, reconciliation, and togetherness.



Can’t Find Your Perfect Holiday Mashup? AI It.

The world is huge, and sometimes your creative vision is even bigger. What if you need a "Cyberpunk Santa eating Sushi in space"?


If the perfect stock photo doesn't exist yet, make it. With 123RF’s AI Image Generator, you can blend these global traditions into something entirely new. Mix the lighting of a German market with the neon of the Philippines. Combine the Australian beach vibe with the elegance of a French dinner.

Real Freedom to Create means the only limit is your imagination (and maybe your deadline).


Like these Christmas-inspired photographs you see on this blog? Check out 123RF.com where you can find plenty more like these that you can even download for free! Just search for keywords such as “Christmas, holiday" and select the ones most suitable for you.



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