Hockey Traditions Around the World During the Holidays

For hockey fans, the period between late December and early January is the most sacred time of the year. While many sports take a winter break, the hockey world accelerates, blending cultural festivities with high-stakes competition. From the frozen ponds of Canada to the packed arenas of Switzerland, hockey traditions are a global holiday language.

1. The World Junior Championship (Global)

Perhaps the most iconic holiday tradition for any hockey “purist” is the IIHF World Junior Championship. Starting on December 26 (Boxing Day), fans across the globe—especially in Canada, the US, and Scandinavia—glue themselves to their screens. It is a time when families gather to watch the next generation of NHL superstars battle for national pride while the rest of the world is opening gifts.

2. The Spengler Cup (Switzerland)

Held annually in Davos, Switzerland, the Spengler Cup is the oldest invitational hockey tournament in the world. Since 1923, it has taken place between Christmas and New Year’s Day. The atmosphere is legendary: a wooden arena nestled in the snowy Alps, fans singing in multiple languages, and a high level of international play. It is the ultimate “hockey vacation” destination.

3. Outdoor “Classic” Games (North America)

In the NHL, the holidays are synonymous with the Winter Classic. Typically held on New Year’s Day, this tradition takes the game back to its roots: outdoors. Playing in massive football or baseball stadiums, often in the snow, creates a nostalgic, postcard-perfect scene that celebrates the history of the sport.

4. Pond Hockey and “The Backyard Rink” (Canada & Northern US)

In colder climates, the holidays are the peak season for Pond Hockey. Families spend Christmas Eve or Boxing Day flooding their backyards to create a “home rink” or heading to the local lake. It’s a tradition of “no whistles, no coaches”—just pure, unadulterated joy under the winter sun.

5. The Boxing Day Test (Europe)

In leagues like the UK’s Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL), Boxing Day (December 26) features some of the biggest local derbies of the year. Arenas are often sold out as fans use the holiday as an excuse to gather and cheer for their local clubs in a high-intensity, festive atmosphere.

Ultimately, hockey during the holidays is about more than just the final score or the shimmer of a gold medal. It is about the shared memories created on a backyard rink, the roar of a crowd in a snow-dusted stadium, and the way a simple game can turn a cold winter night into a moment of warmth and connection. As long as there is ice, tape, and the spirit of the season, these traditions will continue to unite the global hockey family—one stride, one pass, and one goal at a time.

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By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer