Why Do Japanese People Eat KFC on Christmas? (The Colonel’s Magic)

The Holiday Confusion
In the West, Christmas dinner usually means roast turkey or ham. In Japan, it means a “Party Barrel” from Kentucky Fried Chicken. It sounds like a joke, but it is dead serious. Every year, millions of Japanese families line up for hours or reserve their buckets weeks in advance just to eat fried chicken on December 25th.

Should You Try It?
If you are in Japan on Christmas, be warned: You cannot just walk in and buy chicken. It is often sold out. You need to reserve it online by early December. It might feel strange to eat fast food for a holy night, but joining the queue is the most authentic way to celebrate a Japanese Christmas!

More Chicken & Kids’ Celebrations! (Related Articles)
You now know the Colonel is King in December. But what if you forget to reserve a bucket? And what other days do Japanese parents spend big money on their kids?

1. The “Better” Chicken? If the KFC line is too long, don’t panic. The convenience store next door serves high-quality fried chicken that some locals say is “Better than KFC.”
👉 Which one should you buy? Check out: “Better Than KFC? Why You Must Try the ‘Hot Snacks’ Next to the Register”

Better Than KFC? Why You Must Try the “Hot Snacks” Next to the Register

2. The Cutest Parade Christmas is fun, but November is the most important month for 3, 5, and 7-year-olds. Instead of Santa suits, they wear Kimonos.
👉 Why these specific ages? Check out: “Why Are 3, 5, and 7-Year-Olds Wearing Kimonos in November? (Shichi-Go-San)”

Why Are 3, 5, and 7-Year-Olds Wearing Kimonos in November? (Shichi-Go-San)

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