Interactive Map Showcases Holiday Music From Around the World

Towards the end of December, hearing the same dozen-odd holiday songs wherever you go can begin to wear on your nerves. If you’re looking to mix up your music intake without losing the holiday spirit, consider what people around the world are listening to this time of year. This interactive map from Smithsonian Folkways features 56 holiday song clips from 24 different countries.

Each recording was taken from the vast collection of music at the Smithsonian Institution’s nonprofit record label. The global playlist highlights a diverse array of holiday tunes, including Kwanzaa music from Chicago, Hanukkah music from Israel, and Christmas music from the Philippines. In addition to the selections you likely won’t hear on your local radio station, they fit in a couple classics as well. Ella Jenkins’s modern cover of “Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel” makes an appearance, as does a 1956 recording of “O Tannenbaum” from Germany. After exploring the musical map to your heart’s content, check out this map from General Mills for some holiday recipe inspiration.