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Christmas

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Some years, the water is so choppy, Santa arrives on Mooloolaba beach in a soaking wet red suit.
santa claus

The Town Where Santa's Sleigh Is a Surf Boat

In Mooloolaba, Australia, Saint Nick wears sunglasses.
Tiare Tuuhia December 9, 2022
A baled Christmas tree is loaded at the Omni Farm in West Jefferson, North Carolina.
trees

What’s the Real Christmas Tree Capital of the World?

At least a half dozen communities in North America have claimed the title. 
Justin Franz December 7, 2022
All illustrations: John Mata for Atlas Obscura
holidays

Puzzle Monday: The Two Christmases

Alex Bellos December 5, 2022
Forget "naughty or nice?" The more important question this gift-giving season is "sweet or savory?"
food

Delicious Gifts for the Food-Obsessed

A gift guide from the Atlas Obscura team.
Atlas Obscura November 30, 2022
The Bronx, New York

Bronx Christmas House of the Garabedian Family

Because holiday cheer is at its finest when it includes eerie mannequins, right?
Cascade, Iowa

The Menster Christmas Cookie Gravestone

A mother’s sweet tradition lives on with this unique memorial.
Groningen, Netherlands

World's Largest Christmas Bauble

Every winter, this former planetarium is transformed into a massive, brightly-lit Christmas ornament.
So sweet and adorable, you almost forget it's based on an ancient bloodsucking sea creature.
food

Meet the Sweet Sea Monster of Portuguese Christmas

Lampreia de ovos comes loaded with sugar, eggs, and the long history of glorifying a most peculiar parasite.
Dania Rodrigues December 16, 2022
Columbus, Texas

Santa Claus Museum

An entire home filled with over 3,000 pieces of Santa memorabilia in glass cases, walls, on Christmas trees, and even in the bathroom.
The author's punch recipe is "a knockout."
charles dickens

Drink Like Dickens With the Author's Punch Recipe

With flair and fire, he turned mixology into a performance.
Sam O'Brien December 21, 2021
Don't let its appearance fool you: Eggnog can be badass.
military history

The Wild and Weird History of Eggnog

The cozy cocktail has fueled prison parties and West Point riots.
Sam O'Brien December 21, 2021
santa claus

Remembering When Mrs. Claus Cracked the North Pole's Glass Ceiling

In the 19th century, the character embodied debates about women’s rights—and occasionally got a sleigh ride of her own.
Maura Ives December 20, 2021
Detail of the Lhakhang
List

15 of the Most Unusual Gifts Ever Given

And you can visit these lasting expressions of gratitude.
Jonathan Carey December 17, 2021
Stack cakes are a classic Appalachian treat.
food

The Healing History of Appalachian Christmas Sweets

Cakes and cookies baked during the holiday were thought to have special powers.
Sara Mellas December 16, 2021
Have your Christmas tree and drink it too!
trees

How to Turn Your Christmas Tree Into Cocktails

Cooking with evergreens has a long history.
Julia Georgallis December 14, 2021
The punch is equal parts delicious drink and light show.
holidays

A Brief History of Germany’s Favorite Flaming Punch

How a fiery bowl of booze became a Christmas classic.
Sam O'Brien December 13, 2021
Unique holiday gifts are your best bet this year.
holidays

Our Favorite Gadgets, Cookbooks, and Snacks for the Holidays

A very Gastro Obscura gift guide.
Anne Ewbank November 29, 2021
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania

Corning Glass Bulb Flag

This unique creation was made by the largest manufacturer of Christmas bulbs in 1946 to honor those returning from World War II.