When December rolls around, the air fills with the familiar sounds of sleigh bells, choirs, and festive cheer. But while “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells” may echo through malls and radios in the U.S., Christmas music takes on many different forms across the globe. From the rhythmic parrandas of Puerto Rico to the serene carols of Norway, each culture brings its own flavor to the holiday season. 

In this blog, we’ll take a musical sleigh ride around the world to explore how different countries celebrate Christmas through song!

U.S.A: All I Want for Christmas Is You

This classic is beloved globally, but comes from the United States!

Latin America: El Burrito de Belen (El Burrito Sabanero)

Detailing a donkey’s journey to the city of Bethlehem, this song is sung by children in Latin America!

Nigeria: Betelehemu

Betelhemu is sung in Yoruba and has origins in Nigeria! Here, Morehouse College covered the song.

New Zealand: A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree

This is a Māori rendition of “12 Days of Christmas”! The song brings in parts of New Zealand culture including animals and fauna.

Japan: 大きな愛の木の下で (Under the Big Love Tree)

This Japanese song is beloved in Japan and is beautiful sonically!