The celebration of Christmas is one rich in history and culture. On Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 December, Market Square in Sunderland city centre will come to life with a colourful burst of music, dance and food as we celebrate Christmas from around the world. The three day festival will see several city centre locations joining
forces to offer a variety of multi-cultural activities and performances giving us a taste of how different countries celebrate Christmas.

Thursday 4 December 3pm - 9pm

Mexican Poinsettias craft activity - Starting in December many homes and businesses are decorate with poinsettias known as ’noche buenas’ which means ‘good night’ referring to Christmas eve.

Sweden Straw goat craft activity - Families have goats made of straw in the house to guard the Christmas tree. It’s made of straw to remind people that Jesus was born in a manger.

China Santa Saxophonist - Santa Clause is often shown playing the Saxophone in China.

Sweden St Lucia Bun give away - St Lucia day (13th Dec) Is celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash around her waist and a crown of candles on her head. She gives out Lussekatts – saffron buns, to people in their home or community.

Mexico Balloon give away - Dia de Los Tres reyes Magos (three kings day) is marked in some parts by sending a note on a helium balloon into the sky to explain why they have been good this year and deserve presents.

Friday 5 December 12pm - 4pm

Mexico Piñata craft activity - As is the case in many Mexican celebrations, the children break a piñata. It represents the devil, who has all the goods of the world, and is decorated to attract people. The stick represents the Christian faith which defeats the evil and releases the treasure for all.

India: Oil lamps craft activity - In some parts of India, small clay oil lamps are used as Christmas decorations and are placed on the edges of flat roof and the tops of walls.

China - Apples give away - Fancy, cellophane-wrapped ‘Christmas Apples’ are a common gift. This is because the word ‘apple’ sounds like ‘christmas eve’ in mandarin. The apples may have images of santa or holiday messages attached to them.

Sweden - St Lucia Bun give away

Saturday 6 December 10am - 4pm

Swedish Gnomes - A Tomte is a mythological creature from folk law associated with the winter solstice. In is generally no taller that 3ft and has a long white beard and wears colourful clothes. It lives under the floorboards and comes out to bring gifts. It's considered to be the Swedish version of Santa.

Mexio - luminaires - Traditional Christmas Eve luminarias are said to originate from Spaniard merchants. They were impressed with the Paper lanterns from the Chinese culture and decided to make their own version when they returned to New Spain; particularly during the Christmas season.

Scandinavian heart baskets craft - Crafting woven heart baskets for Christmas is a tradition in Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark. These are lovely baskets and are filled with sweets or greeting card - perfect for Christmas .

Brazilian Dancers

China - Santa Saxophonist

China - Apples give away

Mexico - Balloon give away

Sweden - St Lucia Bun give away