The holiday melting pot

In Japan, Kentucky Fried Chicken is a popular Christmas dish. In the Czech Republic, it’s the devil who gifts naughty kids a lump of coal. In Haiti, children fill their shoes with straw, praying that Tonton Nwèl (Haitain for “Santa Claus”) will drop off presents.

While some holiday traditions from around the world remain the same—the church masses, decorated trees and carols—every culture has its own twist. If you’re looking to experience some of them, here are a few in Sacramento:

Go to church: Simbáng Gabi

Midnight masses are common in Catholic churches. In the Filipino tradition, “Simb&#;aacute;ng Gabi” is a nine-day version. The rituals include singing the “Gloria,” a hymn retelling the birth of Christ. Back at home, elders give money to family or community members as a blessing, and houses are adorned with star-shaped lanterns. Dec. 16-24; Saint Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 8700 Bradshaw Road, Elk Grove; smgcc.net.

Run for cover: Serbian Christmas

The neighbors—and even local police—get a kick out of how visitors react. In the middle of the day, a dozen trucks and SUVs will parade down Main Street in Jackson, its passengers firing their guns at the sky. Some newcomers actually hide inside stores. The tradition is a merger between Serbia and the Old West: In Yugoslavia, a shot into the sky on midnight of Christmas Eve signals the birth of Christ. Like other Orthodox Christians, Serbians follow the Julian calendar, so Christmas falls in January.Tuesday, Jan. 7; Saint Sava Jackson, 724 Main St.; saintsavajackson.org.

Support artists: Native American arts and crafts

The Sacramento region is host to dozens of tribal communities, including the Jackson Rancheria Miwuk and Wilton Rancheria Miwok. A decades-long tradition hosted by the California State Indian Museum is its Native Arts and Crafts Holiday Fair that offers authentic artwork, soapstones, flutes, ornaments, books and more.Friday, Nov. 29; 10am-4:30pm; $3-$10 admission; California State Indian Museum; 2618 K St.

See a show: An Irish Christmas

The annual concert returns to the Harris Center in Folsom with step-dancing, Celtic songs—complete with fiddles, bagpipes and bodhran—and Christmas carols from the Kerry Traditional Orchestra. It’s a journey all the way to Ireland, but close to home. 2pm, 7pm Saturday Nov. 30; 2pm Sunday, Dec. 1; $25-$55 admission; Harris Center for the Arts, 10 College Pkwy, Folsom; harriscenter.net.