Some Christmas traditions mirror pre-Christian festivities, but some pagan influences may have been overstated.

Venture into Somerset’s cider country to mark the turning of apple season at a traditional wassailing ceremony.

Credit: Anna Efetova via Getty Images It's often claimed that many of today's Christmas traditions derive from the pre-Christian observances of pagan cults suppressed by Roman authorities.

Pagans have many different beliefs. Rider believes in Norse traditions with an emphasis on gods like Odin and Thor. Others ...

Kutia, a ceremonial dish at the heart of Ukrainian Christmas celebrations, is more than just a festive pudding. Steeped in ...

It's often claimed that many of today's Christmas traditions derive from the pre-Christian observances of pagan cults suppressed by Roman authorities. The story goes that, after Christianity ...

In Solvang, a town known for its Christmas spirit, a pagan tree-burning ritual serves as the season's biggest highlight.

But other Christmas traditions go back further ... As in other parts of the world, the pagan Vikings celebrated the midwinter period with feasting which they called “Yuletide.” ...