How the world gathers around the TV for the holidays
Television and the holidays are a match made in festive heaven, as inseparable as turkey and stuffing, Santa and his sack of presents, or Times Square and its dazzling Christmas tree. For many of us, the holidays wouldn’t feel complete without the glow of a screen bringing us cherished classics, heartwarming specials, and the latest binge-worthy hits.
What’s even more fascinating is how TV traditions vary across the globe. From quirky customs to can’t-miss programs, every country has its own way of celebrating the season through the small screen. At Agile Content, we’ve rounded up some of the most delightful holiday TV habits from around the world to spread a little festive cheer.
So grab your favorite blanket, pour yourself a mug of something warm, and let’s kick things off with traditions closer to home, shall we?
Spain
In Spain, Christmas is a season full of unique traditions, with celebrations stretching well into January. While Santa Claus makes the occasional appearance, the real stars of the holiday season are the Reyes Magos, the Three Wise Kings.
On the evening of January 5th, the Cabalgatas de Reyes (Wise Kings’ parades) light up cities and villages across the country. Floats carrying the Three Kings – Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar – wind through the streets, showering crowds with candy and festive cheer. For Spanish children, this is the highlight of the season. They leave their shoes out before going to bed, hoping to wake up to gifts left by the Kings.
In the Basque Country, the festive figurehead isn’t Santa or the Kings, but Olentzero. This coal-dusted character is a traditional gift-bringer with roots in Basque folklore. Representing a kind-hearted charcoal maker, Olentzero descends from the mountains on Christmas Eve to deliver presents to children, embodying the region’s rich cultural heritage.
In Catalonia, the spotlight falls on Caga Tió, a whimsical Christmas log with a painted face and a little red hat. From December 8th (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception), children “feed” Tió by leaving him food scraps at night. On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, they gather around to sing songs and “make him poop” gifts by hitting him with sticks. A quirky, much-loved Catalan tradition that’s as amusing as it is unique.
And of course, the festive season wouldn’t be complete without Spain’s TV rituals. On December 22nd, Spaniards tune in to watch the draw for El Gordo, the “world’s biggest lottery”. The hours-long broadcast features children singing out the winning numbers, turning it into an oddly captivating national spectacle.
New Year’s Eve is all about the Nochevieja countdown, best enjoyed with 12 grapes, one for each stroke of the clock at midnight. Eating them in sync with the chimes is said to bring good luck for the coming year. This tradition is a TV event too, with millions watching the clocktower in Madrid’s Puerta del Sol strike midnight. Whether at home or out celebrating, Spaniards dress to impress, often with a splash of red for good luck, and toast with cava to welcome the new year.
Sweden
In Sweden, Christmas Eve is the main day of celebration, and at exactly 3:00 PM, everything grinds to a halt across the country. Cooking is paused, the washing up is done, and you certainly don’t call anyone to wish them happy holidays. Why? Because at that time, the nation gathers around their TVs to watch Kalle Anka och hans vänner önskar God Jul – Donald Duck and His Friends Wish You a Merry Christmas.
This annual tradition features the 1958 Walt Disney special From All of Us to All of You. It dates back to 1959, when Disney cartoons aired on Sweden’s sole TV channel, offering a rare opportunity to watch beloved animated classics. Over the years, the tradition evolved, with a host introducing the cartoons and a sneak peek of Disney’s latest film added to the end.
The tradition isn’t unique to Sweden. Across the Nordics, countries like Denmark, Norway, and Finland also tune in to Disney cartoons during the holidays, though their programming differs slightly.
Kalle Anka, as it’s fondly called by Swedes, is so entrenched in Swedish holiday culture that it continues to command an audience of 40–50% of the entire nation’s TV viewers every year.
Portugal
In Portugal, Christmas is a time for family, food and cherished traditions passed down through generations. While modern touches have crept in, the heart of the season remains deeply rooted in community and togetherness.
No Portuguese Christmas Eve is complete without a feast centered around bacalhau (salted cod). Typically served with boiled potatoes, cabbage and plenty of olive oil, this dish is a must-have for the Consoada (Christmas Eve dinner). In some regions, particularly in the north, octopus (polvo) takes the place of cod, adding a coastal twist to the festive table. The meal ends on a sweet note with an array of desserts, including rabanadas (Portuguese-style French toast), filhós (fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon) and bolo-rei (King’s Cake). This traditional fruit-filled pastry used to hide a fava bean and a small toy inside, with the person who found the fava expected to pay for the next cake. While this tradition isn’t as common today, the bolo-rei remains a festive favorite.
After dinner, many families attend Missa do Galo (Rooster’s Mass), a midnight service in villages and small towns that marks the birth of Christ. For those who don’t attend, the evening is often spent drinking, chatting or watching Christmas movies. One of the most beloved holiday staples is Sozinho em Casa (Home Alone), a classic that has been airing on Portuguese TV for decades and continues to bring laughter to families across the country.
On New Year’s Eve, the festive atmosphere shifts toward celebration and good fortune. At the stroke of midnight, millions follow the tradition of eating 12 raisins, one for each of the 12 months of the upcoming year, symbolizing good luck for each month. Whether they’re celebrating in the comfort of their homes or watching live broadcasts of fireworks from Madeira, Porto or Lisbon, the night always ends with joy, espumante, and cheers to the year to come.
Brazil
In Brazil, Christmas traditions are as vibrant and diverse as the country itself, blending Portuguese colonial roots with modern twists. Forget snowy backdrops. This is a tropical Christmas, where the warmth isn’t just in the weather but in the festive spirit, too.
One unmissable TV tradition during the holiday season is Roberto Carlos Especial. Since 1974, this annual music special has been a cornerstone of Christmas celebrations. Every December, families across the country settle down to watch Brazil’s “King of Music” serenade the nation with his timeless hits, often joined by special guests. It’s not just a concert; it’s a moment that spans generations, with grandparents and grandkids singing along together.
Another classic that finds its way onto screens every Christmas is the movie Esqueceram de Mim (Home Alone). The adventures of Kevin McCallister trying to outsmart two hapless burglars have become a holiday staple in Brazil, with many families making it a yearly tradition to watch together.
For the young (and young at heart), Turma da Mônica (Monica’s Gang) delivers its own dose of Christmas cheer. These animated episodes bring Brazil’s beloved comic book characters to the small screen with heartwarming stories about friendship, family and holiday magic.
And then there’s Chaves (El Chavo del Ocho), the Mexican series that’s practically a Brazilian national treasure. While it’s not Christmas-themed, reruns during the holidays feel like catching up with an old friend. Comforting, familiar and guaranteed to make you laugh.
New Year’s Eve in Brazil also gets the full TV treatment. The Réveillon broadcast from Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro is a national event, with millions tuning in to watch the dazzling fireworks light up the sky. Tradition runs deep, as people dress in white to greet the new year, a symbol of peace and renewal. Whether you’re on the beach or on the couch, it’s impossible not to feel the energy of the celebration.
USA
In the United States, the holiday season kicks off earlier than in many countries, starting with Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. Two major TV traditions dominate the day, defined by the three Fs: food, family, and football.
Thanksgiving football has been a staple since the NFL’s early days, with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys hosting games annually since 1934 and 1966, respectively. In 2006, a third game was added to the schedule, giving fans even more to enjoy while indulging in turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie.
When it comes to Christmas, one of the quirkiest TV traditions revolves around the classic 1983 film A Christmas Story. Since the late 1980s, this beloved movie has aired continuously on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, running on a 24-hour loop since 1997. Multiple Turner Broadcasting channels, such as TBS and TNT, now carry this festive marathon, making it a hallmark of American holiday viewing.
United Kingdom
It’s Christmas Day, you’ve just finished the biggest meal of the year, so what’s next? For many in the UK, the answer is simple: watching the King’s Christmas speech on TV.
This annual tradition dates back to 1932 when King George V delivered the first royal Christmas broadcast on radio. It transitioned to television in 1957 and has remained a Christmas Day staple ever since. Each year, the British monarch reflects on significant cultural and global events, offering a personal message to the nation and the Commonwealth. In the UK, the speech airs at 3 PM and is later broadcast in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.
December in the UK isn’t just about holiday cheer. It’s also one of the most exciting times of the year for football fans. The English football calendar is packed with matches throughout the festive season, culminating in the iconic Boxing Day fixtures on December 26th. While other European leagues take a winter break, the Premier League powers on, delivering thrilling games that draw massive TV audiences. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team from the stands or tuning in at home, football has become as synonymous with the season as mince pies and crackers.
In recent years, the tradition of the Alternative Christmas Message has also gained traction. Aired on Channel 4 at the same time as the royal broadcast, this modern twist features a different guest speaker each year, from cultural icons like Marge Simpson to whistleblowers such as Edward Snowden, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the season and the year gone by.
As the year draws to a close, it’s clear that TV plays a magical role in how we celebrate the holidays, whether it’s gathering around for cherished traditions, laughing along to classic comedies, or watching the drama unfold on the football pitch. These moments remind us of the power of television to bring people together, no matter where in the world they are.
What about you? What other TV traditions exist around the world? We’d love to hear how your family or community celebrates the season. Get in touch and share the shows, specials, or games you watch every single year. We’re always eager to discover more festive favorites.
From all of us at Agile Content, we wish you a warm, joyful, and TV-filled holiday season! 🎄📺✨
