Looking for a way to bring more culture, curiosity, and excitement into your classroom this winter? You’re in the right place!

In this post, we’ll explore eight winter holidays to teach between October and January. Each celebration is rich in history, traditions, and meaning – and they’re perfect for helping students make global connections while learning about diverse cultures.

Prefer to watch? Check out the YouTube video episode on winter holidays!

Let’s dive into these festive winter holidays that will keep your students engaged all season long.

1. Diwali – October/November

What it is:
Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights. This holiday is celebrated in India and in other communities around the world. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

Traditions:
The five-day festival includes lighting oil lamps called diyas, decorating homes with colorful rangoli designs, sharing sweets, and watching fireworks.

Classroom Tip:
Try a simple rangoli art project either on paper or outside using chalk or colored sand. This hands-on activity helps students appreciate the beauty and creativity behind Diwali traditions.

2. Día de los Muertos – November 1–2

What it is:
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a joyful holiday celebrated in Mexico and parts of Central America to honor loved ones who have passed away.

Traditions:
Families create ofrendas (altars) with photos, candles, marigolds, and favorite foods. They decorate with colorful sugar skulls and gather to celebrate with music and food.

Classroom Tip:
Have students design paper sugar skulls that represent someone important in their lives or create a class ofrenda (display board) to celebrate positive memories.

3. Hanukkah – Late November/December

What it is:
Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights, lasting eight nights. It commemorates the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days when the Second Temple in Jerusalem was rededicated.

Traditions:
Families light the menorah, play the dreidel game, and eat foods fried in oil, such as latkes (potato pancakes) and sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts).

Classroom Tip:
Teach your students how to play the dreidel game! It’s easy to learn, fun for all ages, and a great way to introduce students to the traditions of Hanukkah.

4. Las Posadas – December 16–24

What it is:
Las Posadas is a nine-day celebration in Mexico and parts of Latin America that reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter before the birth of Jesus.

Traditions:
Families participate in processions, sing carols, break piñatas, and gather for community feasts.

Classroom Tip:
Read The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie DePaola and have students compare it to other traditions that focus on community and togetherness.

5. Christmas – December 25

What it is:
Christmas is a Christian holiday celebrating the birth of Jesus, but it’s also celebrated in many countries with unique cultural traditions.

Traditions:
Families exchange gifts, decorate trees, sing carols, and display nativity scenes. Around the world, there are special customs – like Christmas markets in Germany or placing shoes by the fireplace in the Netherlands.

Classroom Tip:
Explore how Christmas is celebrated across different countries. Students can research information using this source and create a “Christmas Around the World” display showing how traditions vary globally.

6. Kwanzaa – December 26–January 1

What it is:
Kwanzaa is a cultural holiday celebrated by many African American families. Created in 1966, it honors African heritage, unity, and community through seven guiding principles called Nguzo Saba.

Traditions:
Families light candles on a kinara (candleholder), share stories, and enjoy community feasts.

Classroom Tip:
Assign each of the seven principles to small groups and have them create posters showing what each value looks like in everyday life.

7. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day – December 31–January 1

What it is:
New Year’s celebrations mark the start of a new calendar year and are celebrated around the world.

Traditions:
From fireworks and countdowns to eating 12 grapes at midnight in Spain or ringing bells in Japan, every culture has its own way of welcoming the new year.

Classroom Tip:
Invite students to research New Year’s traditions from around the world and share what they discover during a “Global New Year” gallery walk.

8. Three Kings Day (Epiphany) – January 6

What it is:
Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, celebrates the visit of the Magi (Wise Men) to baby Jesus.

Traditions:
In many Latin American and European countries, the day is marked with parades, gift exchanges, and the baking of Rosca de Reyes or King Cake – a sweet bread with hidden figurines inside.

Classroom Tip:
Show a photo of Rosca de Reyes and discuss how holiday foods bring people together. Have students share favorite food traditions from their own families.

Why Teaching Winter Holidays Matters

Exploring winter holidays to teach helps students develop empathy, respect, and cultural awareness. When students see that winter holidays around the world share common themes such as light, love, family, and hope, they begin to understand how connected we all are.

Teaching these winter holidays doesn’t mean covering them all in one lesson. You can introduce one holiday per week, set up a cultural rotation station, or integrate them into reading and art activities. The goal is to help students appreciate the beauty of diversity while connecting to shared values that unite us all.

Want ready-to-use activities to teach these winter holidays? Check out my Winter Holidays Around the World unit to bring festive, meaningful learning to your classroom this season! And if you want to focus more on Christmas, check out the Christmas Around the World unit!