cars
7 Surprising Traditions to Celebrate the New Year
Welcome 2024 with a (lemon) pig or a polar bear (plunge).
This December, amid the chaos and cheer of the season, we at Atlas Obscura explore the delightful and often confusing origins behind the world's holiday obsessions.
cars
Welcome 2024 with a (lemon) pig or a polar bear (plunge).
holidays
Today, she's commonly called the Christmas Witch or even "the female Krampus"—but she is so much more.
mythology
But don’t worry—polar plunges and putting children in ovens helps banish them.
science
To make it through the long, cold Arctic winters, reindeer can get their beauty sleep while they stock up on calories.
vikings
But if you’re wearing new clothes, you have nothing to fear from Jólakötturinn.
film
The 1945 Barbara Stanwyck film is a classic for its charming portrayal of a food writer who can’t cook. It had its basis in real life.
trees
And other strange evergreen decor evolutions, from retro-kitsch to glow-in-the-dark.
holidays
For two decades, fans have been waking up on Christmas morning to custom, obsession-feeding gifts from strangers.
ancient
The ancient tradition of Turoń bestowing blessings has faded but, like the creature itself, it may be resurrected.
ships
Marine archaeologists are beginning to understand what really happened to Captain Santa's ill-fated ship.
astronomy
The answer is the Moon.
cannibals
How a whip-wielding butcher became St. Nick's sidekick.
art
Featuring devils, yurts, and Yule Lads, traditional crèche sets can tell unique stories about their communities.
victorian
It’s never too late to inspire fascination about the world.
science
May your holidays dazzle and bewilder.
holiday
Our favorite food gifts your loved ones don’t already have.
astronomy
From telescopes to fun and functional hats, we've got ideas for every astro-enthusiast in your life this giving season.
games
A giving guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
mystery
A giving guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
insects
A gift guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
maps
A giving guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
christmas
Two historians are trying to track down pavlova's origins once and for all.
food
Historically, gingerbread didn't always include ginger.
snakes
In Umbria, the holidays mean a piece of sweet, almondy serpentone.
food
Have some fun with fusion.
collections
Porcelain or plastic, Harry Potter or copulating couple, fèves come in all shapes and sizes.
trees
Cooking with evergreens has a long history.
holidays
Puto bumbong is a sweet, post-mass breakfast during Simbang Gabi.
holiday
Despite health warnings, the region's cannibal sandwiches remain popular.
holidays
The Tom and Jerry is a Christmas staple.
Pulsnitz, Germany
An aromatic exploration of the rich history and flavors of this German town's famous gingerbread.
Seattle, Washington
Old 'Nutcracker' sculptures from 'Where the Wild Things Are' author found new life as a seasonal attraction.
Columbus, Texas
An entire home filled with over 3,000 pieces of Santa memorabilia in glass cases, walls, on Christmas trees, and even in the bathroom.
Medford, Massachusetts
The classic Christmas carol was written at this Massachusetts tavern in 1850.
Tecopa, California
Peek inside this sandy mailbox and you'll spot kids' letters to Santa.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque found the perfect use for tumbleweeds at Christmastime.
Chandler, Arizona
Every Christmas, one Arizona city makes the most of its dry climate by creating an arid desert tannenbaum.
Lutcher, Louisiana
A Cajun-style Christmas on the river also involves sky-high pyres and explosives.
Christmas Island, Australia
The red crab exhibits one of the most spectacular migrations on earth, despite manmade obstacles.
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