Hanukkah is a Jewish Holiday commemorating the rededication during the second century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, where according to legend Jews had risen up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in the Maccabean Revolt. The holiday revolves around the story of the menorah in the Second Temple of Jerusalem that burned for eight days in spite of only having a single day’s supply of oil. During each of Hanukkah’s eight nights, one candle on the menorah is lit by the Shamash candle – the ninth candle used to ignite all of the others. Often called the Festival of Lights, people celebrate with special prayers, lights, food, and presents.

One of the oldest celebrated holidays in the world, the pagan holiday of Yule lies on the darkest day of the year. It celebrates the coming of longer days and sunlight. Bonfires, decorating with holly, mistletoe, and the boughs of evergreen trees, ritual sacrifices, feasts, and gift-giving are all traditions of Yule. Historically, the Yule log was a whole tree meant to be burned for 12 days in a hearth. The Celts believed the sun stood still during the winter solstice, and by keeping the Yule log burning for these 12 days the sun would move, making the days longer.

A winter solstice celebration of the Zuni and Hopi Native American tribes in the southern U.S. Soyal is celebrated to lure back the sun god, who has traveled away from the tribes during the winter. It also marks a new cycle of the Wheel of the Year. A 16 days festival consisting of purification, prayers, supplications, stories from elders, and a grand feast.

St. Lucia's day celebrates light during Scandanavia's harsh winters. Countries like Sweden, Norway, and parts of Finland celebrate this holiday, although in slightly different variations. St. Lucia is said to have freed persecuted Christians, with hands full of food and supplies, she wore candles on her head to light the path to freedom. In another version of the tale, St. Lucia avoids an unwanted marriage by poking out her eyes and sacrificing her beauty. During the celebration of St. Lucia's Day, young girls across Scandanavia wear white dresses, and candlelit crowns, passing out baked goods to friends and family.

New Year's celebrations have been celebrated around the world for at least four millennia. Typical New Year's traditions include parties, making resolutions, and a countdown from ten until the clock strikes twelve. However, some countries have very unique traditions. In Spain, at 11:59, you must eat twelve grapes and consequently make twelve wishes before midnight. People in Cuba, Austria, Hungary, and Portugal eat pork on New Year's Eve as it symbolizes progress and prosperity. In Sweden and Norway rice pudding with a hidden almond inside is served on New Year’s Eve-- whoever finds the nut can expect a year of good fortune!

Celebrated most in Europe, Spain, and Latin America, ‘El Dia de Los Reyes’ honors Jesus's baptism and the contributions of the Three Wise Men. These men brought baby Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Celebrations of this holiday usually include Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake). Inside the cake, there is a hidden figurine of Jesus, whoever finds it is obligated to host Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day) on February 2. Additionally, there are usually parandas (parades) across countries that celebrate this holiday. Groups of friends and family goes door to door singing, dancing, eating and drinking. There is more information about the holiday in the Spanish Page

This Hindu festival is a celebration of the winter solstice and the transition to springtime, as well as the harvest. It is when the sun travels from the South to the North, and is, therefore, a day dedicated to Lord Surya (the sun). In Gujarat, where it's called Uttarayan, people fly kites during the day and eat refreshing food - like undhiyu - made from winter vegetables. In Punjab, where it's known as Lohri, bonfires are lit and locals dance bhangra and eat kheer. In Tamil Nadu, where it's known as Pongal, Makar Sankranti is a four-day festival, one of the largest occasions of the year. Throughout India, it's known by different names and celebrated in different ways, all to welcome spring.