Christmas is a time of deep-rooted traditions, and many destinations around the world offer unique ways to celebrate the holiday season. While some places are known for their Christmas markets or festive decorations, others have local celebrations that are a little more unexpected.

From Oaxaca’s Night of the Radishes to Kraków’s elaborate nativity scenes, these four destinations may not be the first places that come to mind for a Christmas vacation, but their distinctive traditions make them well worth considering for a December trip.

Oaxaca, Mexico

Every December 23, Oaxaca City celebrates Noche de Rábanos, or Night of the Radishes, an annual competition where local artisans carve and arrange oversized radishes into elaborate sculptures and scenes. Up to two feet long, the radishes can depict everything from Nativity scenes and religious figures to traditional dances and snapshots of everyday life. 

The tradition dates back to 1897, when radish growers would decorate their market stalls to attract customers during the Christmas season. Today, the event continues to draw big crowds to the city’s central Zócalo to enjoy the elaborate displays of veggies.

Beyond the Night of the Radishes, Oaxaca is frequently cited as the best gastronomic destination in Mexico and has many local artisan markets brimming with handicrafts, like black pottery and wooden sculptures, distinct to the region. 

Medellín, Colombia

For Christmas light lovers, there are few destinations more spectacular than Medellín. Each year, El Alumbrado EPM transforms the city’s parks, hillsides, and plazas into elaborate holiday light displays, with installations that change themes each year. The lights typically turn on at the end of November and stay lit through early to mid-January.

If you plan your trip over December 7th, you’ll be there to witness Día de las Velitas, or Day of the Little Candles. On this day, Colombian families light candles and lanterns outside their homes and in public spaces to mark the start of the Christmas season. The result is a mesmerizing sight after dark, with neighborhoods across the city bathed in candlelight.

December is a great time to explore Medellín beyond the festivities, too. The city’s “Eternal Spring” climate makes it a pleasant winter escape, whether you’re riding the Metrocable for views across the valley or exploring the colorful murals of Comuna 13.

Copenhagen, Denmark

While Copenhagen has the traditional Christmas charm you’d expect from a Scandinavian capital, the city also celebrates Saint Lucia Day in a uniquely Danish way every December 13. The Saint Lucia Kayak Parade sees more than 500 kayaks, adorned with lights and carrying singing paddlers, take to the canals.

The illuminated kayaks glide merrily against the backdrop of Copenhagen’s historic waterfront as onlookers watch with fresh gingerbread and gløgg (Danish mulled wine). Scandinavian countries have long celebrated Saint Lucia Day, but Copenhagen’s kayak parade is a newer tradition that began in 2006.

There’s plenty more to enjoy during a December visit here, including the Christmas season at Tivoli Gardens, where festive decorations, rides, and seasonal food make the amusement park a holiday attraction in its own right. Copenhagen’s cafés are also a good place to warm up with traditional treats like æbleskiver, small round pancake-like pastries.

Kraków, Poland

One of Kraków’s most distinctive Christmas traditions is the Szopki. These handmade, elaborate sculptures range in size from mere inches to a few feet tall, and are inspired by the city’s historic architecture. Colorful and intricately crafted, they incorporate miniature versions of Kraków’s churches, towers and other landmarks into traditional Nativity scenes.

The tradition dates back to the 19th century and celebrates the craftsmanship of local residents, with both kids and older, professional sculptors participating in the competition. Every year, creators gather in the Main Market Square to present their work. The entries then move to the Kraków Museum, where visitors can see the intricate designs on display throughout the winter. The tradition was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2018.

Kraków is a lovely place to experience Christmas in general, with its historic Old Town, festive markets, and cozy cafés serving Polish comfort food like pierogi. Time your visit for the first Thursday in December to catch the competition, or come later in the season to see the winning creations at the museum.

From vegetable sculptures in Mexico to illuminated boats in Denmark, these destinations offer alternative, exciting ways to experience the holiday season.