Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years may be celebrated around the world, but how they look and feel can be completely different. From snow and darkness to sunshine and summer evenings, culture and landscape shape the season in powerful ways.

This year, I’m chatting about holiday traditions with our partners in Chile and Iceland, Mauricio Vergara and Erling Aspelund. Two countries often described as lands of fire and ice, in opposite hemispheres, celebrating the same holidays in very different ways.

We talk about family traditions, food, lights, Santas, bonfires, and New Years rituals, plus what it’s really like to experience Christmas and New Years as a traveler in each destination.

So grab a festive drink, settle in, and enjoy this global holiday celebration on Luxury Travel Insider.

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Listen to hear:

• 02:00 – What holiday celebrations look like in Chile and Iceland
• 04:36 – Why these countries are known as lands of fire and ice
• 07:16 – Who Santa Claus was before Western influence
• 08:30 – What their family’s most heartwarming tradition is
• 12:14 – Which traditions define Álfangadagar
• 16:14 – How the 13 norms are followed
• 18:35 – What lights are displayed in December and January
• 22:02 – Which traditions are uniquely Chilean
• 24:13 – How the bonfire tradition works in Iceland
• 27:57 – What recommendations they have for travelers
• 29:56 – Why Christmas can be a great time to visit these countries
• 32:45 – How to attend local services during the holidays
• 34:24 – Which bakery or shop is their favorite to visit
• 35:58 – What hotel décor best captures a festive vibe
• 37:55 – Which past guest memory stands out most
• 40:02 – About their favorite choices on Christmas and New Years Eve
• 44:35 – Why travel matters and how it can help make the world a better place