7 Bizarre Christmas laws from around the world
BY Top Rated Law
19th Dec 2023 Lifestyle
4 min read
Christmas is for letting loose and celebrating—but don't get caught out by one of these Christmas laws, or you could suffer worse than Santa's naughty list
Most countries have their own Christmas traditions, but many also have specific Christmas laws in place and some can be a bit strange.
Whether you’re planning a trip to one of these countries or you're a resident, to ensure you don’t break any of these laws by mistake, experts at Top Rated Law have provided useful insights into some of the most surprising Christmas laws around the world.
Wearing a Christmas party outfit while driving can get you a fine in the UK
Brits get fined for wearing the wrong Christmas costume at the wheel
Depending on the Christmas outfit you’re wearing, it’s possible you could receive a fine of up to £5,000 in the UK.
Specific attention is paid to items you wear on your face and feet, as if an outfit is deemed to be interfering with the person’s ability to drive responsibly, then that driver can actually be fined.
“The UK’s rule 97 of the Highway Code aims to ensure that drivers are not wearing any clothing items or footwear that could interfere with their driving," says Craig Anderson, a legal expert from Top Rated Law.
“Wearing an elf or a Santa costume, for example, could make driving challenging. Aspects such as the costume’s shoes could make it difficult to feel the pedals, while any hats could affect vision, so drivers should be mindful of their outfit choice.”
No debt payments on Christmas day in the USA
Back in 1838, the state of Arkansas made it illegal to pay debts on Christmas day—and it seems this law hasn’t changed since. According to the law, anyone with a debt due to be paid then has to pay it a day earlier on Christmas Eve.
“Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year, however this law interestingly gives those in debt a day off from having to settle it and deprives those who are owed a debt of one day’s interest,” says Anderson.
Children under the age of 12 cannot buy Christmas crackers in the UK
Christmas crackers are considered a pyrotechnic under UK law
In 2013, the UK government made it illegal to sell Christmas crackers to children under 12 years old. Interestingly, when the law was first introduced the age restriction was 16, but was amended in the government’s attempt to remove any unnecessary laws.
The regulation says that economic operators are prohibited from making “a pyrotechnic article available on the market” to anyone under the age of 12.
“The law which prohibits the sale of Christmas crackers to children under 12 is called the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015," Anderson adds.
"Whilst it may not seem obvious, Christmas crackers are included in the regulation, because the popping sounds they make is considered to be a result of a small amount of pyrotechnics.”
Receiving a Christmas bonus is the law in Mexico
If you live in Mexico, your employer is required by law to give you an annual Christmas bonus—lucky you!
The bonus amount is calculated based on the employee’s salary and has to be paid by December 20.
"Mexico’s Christmas bonus law is referred to as 'aguinaldo'"
Employers who are late with the bonus payment, don’t pay it or decide to pay it in instalments are subject to a fine that amounts to a whopping 5,000 times the minimum wage.
“Mexico’s Christmas bonus law is referred to as 'aguinaldo' and was introduced in 1970," says Anderson. "According to the law, an employee’s Christmas bonus needs to amount to at least 15 days worth of wages. Costa Rica also requires the payment of such bonuses.”
Christmas lights should be taken down by a certain date in the USA
It is actually illegal to leave the Christmas lights put outside your home past a certain date in San Diego.
The city gives its citizens a fair amount of time to take down their Christmas lighting, which is well into the New Year on February 2.
If they’re still found to be up and in use past that day, residents can be subject to a $250 fine.
“Keeping your Christmas lights on inside your home for however long you want is naturally no issue at all," Anderson adds, "but leaving them on outside your home for a long period of time might cause conflicts with neighbours, as well as landing you with a pretty hefty fine.”
You’re not allowed to make or use a snow slide in London in the UK
An 1839 law prohibits Londoners from turning the streets into a snow slide
On the off-chance that London experiences a white Christmas, those caught in the UK capital are banned from making or using a slide on the city’s streets. If you’re found sliding on snow or ice, you risk getting a £500 fine. This law was first introduced back in 1839.
"If you’re found sliding on snow or ice, you risk getting a £500 fine"
“This winter law is part of the Metropolitan police act of 1989," says Anderson. "It states that Londoners aren’t allowed to slide 'upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare.' The reason for that is that you could potentially put other people in danger by doing so.”
No natural Christmas trees allowed in the USA
Using natural Christmas trees in retail stores in New York is strictly prohibited by law. While in Philadelphia, if you’re living in a high-rise building (or a multi unit building), you’re also not permitted to have a natural Christmas tree.
According to the law, if you want a natural Christmas tree at home, you need to be living in a place that houses only one or two families.
“Philadelphia’s Official fire code from 1982 prohibits natural Christmas trees in some buildings," says Anderson. "The law was enforced as those trees are considered to be a fire hazard. A $300 fine awaits you if you’re found to have such a tree when you shouldn’t.”
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