Christmas Food Traditions from Around the World

The food traditions people experience at Christmas time depend largely on where they live or their cultural heritage. People often only know the Christmas culinary traditions specific to their location or heritage. However, Christmas food traditions differ significantly around the world. Here is a look at the traditions in the UK and a comparison of them to worldwide Christmas food traditions.

Christmas Food Traditions in the UK

As I am from the UK, the Christmas food traditions I am most familiar with are those of England and other areas of Great Britain. The food I serve to my friends or family is a traditional British Christmas spread, although I add a few twists.

Christmas is a major holiday in the UK, associated with many delicious and traditional foods. One of the most iconic British foods during Christmas is the Christmas pudding, a fruitcake made with raisins, currants, and spices. The British typically serve it with brandy butter or custard. Another popular dessert is mince pies, small pies filled with dried fruits, spices, and sometimes beef suet.

Roast turkey is the centrepiece of many Christmas dinners in the UK, and people usually serve it with stuffing, gravy, roast potatoes, and vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and carrots. Some families also enjoy roast beef or ham instead of turkey.

In addition to these main dishes, many other festive treats are associated with Christmas in the UK, including mulled wine, cheese and crackers, and chocolate coins. Overall, the food traditions surrounding Christmas in the UK are a delicious and important part of the holiday season.

What Does My British Family Eat at Christmas?

So, what do I serve at Christmas? We have hot beef barms, new potatoes, and salad on Christmas Eve. I also serve some tasty treats, including crisps, dips, breadsticks, a cheese board, and sweet nibbles.

On Christmas Day, I offer a selection of starters from which my guests can choose. These include chicken liver and brandy pate with toast and salad, cheese & tomato tartlets with salad, or melon boats with fruit.

Turkey is the meal’s centrepiece, just like many other families in the UK. I also make beef, pork, and smoked gammon. The vegetables we eat on Christmas Day include baby potatoes, mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, roast parsnips, julienne carrots, carrot and swede mash, broccoli, cauliflower cheese, boiled brussels sprouts, shredded brussels sprouts with bacon, braised cabbage, green beans, and garden peas.

There are plenty of other accompaniments to our traditional British Christmas dinners. These include gravy, cranberry sauce, sage & onion stuffing, apple sauce, Yorkshire puddings, and pigs in blankets. Of course, a Christmas dinner is not complete without wine to wash down the turkey.

For dessert, there are several options for diners. These include sticky toffee puddings (pictured), traditional Christmas pudding, apricot and ginger cheesecake, or banoffee cheesecake. There is also a cheese board option for those who do not have a sweet tooth.

What Do People Eat at Christmas Elsewhere in the World?

The Christmas culinary traditions in other countries differ significantly from the food we eat in the UK over the festive period. Here is a look at some worldwide Christmas food traditions.

Australia: What Do People Eat at Christmas in Australia?

In Australia, Christmas is in the summer months, so the holiday meal often includes lighter dishes more suitable for warm weather. Some popular options include seafood such as prawns, lobster, or oysters. Meats include ham, turkey, or roast beef. Salads, such as potato salad or coleslaw, are also common, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables such as cherries, mangoes, and asparagus.

For dessert, many families enjoy a traditional Christmas pudding, a dense, fruit-filled cake often served with custard or brandy butter. Other popular desserts include pavlova, a meringue-based dessert with whipped cream and fresh fruit topping, or trifle, a layered dessert made with sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream. Some families may also serve eggnog or mulled wine during the holiday season.

Brazil: Some Brazilian Christmas Food Traditions

The Christmas food traditions in Brazil are unique. As it falls during the summer months, the holiday meal often includes lighter dishes that are more suitable for the weather. One staple in Brazilian Christmas cuisine is the famous “rabanada”,, ” a type of French toast made with bread, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Another popular dish is the “pernil,” which is a roast pork leg marinated in garlic, olive oil, and spices. 

In addition to these dishes, many other festive treats are associated with Christmas in Brazil. For instance, “panettone” is a sweet bread that is filled with raisins, candied fruit, and nuts. It is typically served with a cup of coffee or tea. Another popular dessert is “pavê,” which is a layered dessert made with cookies, chocolate, and fruits. 

Moreover, various other traditional dishes are consumed during Christmas in Brazil. For instance, “farofa” is a side dish that is made with cassava flour, bacon, and onions. It is commonly served with roasted meats. Rice with raisins, “salpicão” (a type of chicken salad), and “tender” (a type of ham) are also common Christmas dishes in Brazil.

Lastly, it is worth noting that the Christmas dinner in Brazil often starts late in the evening and goes on until the early hours of the morning. The meal is typically enjoyed with family and friends and accompanied by plenty of music and festivities.

Canada: What Do Canadians Eat at Christmas?

In Canada, Christmas food traditions vary by region and family. Some common dishes include roast turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and vegetables such as green beans or carrots. Many families also enjoy tourtière, a savoury meat pie originating in Quebec, or seafood dishes such as lobster or crab.

Popular dessert options include fruitcake, Christmas pudding, and butter tarts. Some families may also serve eggnog, hot chocolate, or mulled wine during the holiday season. Additionally, many families have their own unique dishes or customs that they incorporate into their Christmas meals.

China: Food Traditions in China at Christmas

Christmas is not a traditional holiday in China, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result, some Chinese people have adopted certain Christmas food traditions from around the world, particularly in urban areas.

For example, some Chinese families have started to enjoy roast turkey or ham on Christmas Day, typically accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, and cranberry sauce. On the other hand, some families choose to eat Chinese food.

Additionally, a popular dish to eat during Christmas in China is apple pie, a symbol of peace and harmony. Another popular dessert during the holiday season is Christmas pudding, which the Chinese serve with custard or brandy butter.

Overall, while the Christmas food traditions in China may not be as well-established as the Christmas food traditions in other countries, they are certainly evolving and expanding as more people embrace the holiday.

France: Christmas Food Traditions in France

In France, Christmas is a time for feasting with family and friends. In many regions, the Christmas Eve meal, known as “le réveillon”, is the most important meal of the year. The meal typically consists of several courses and can last for several hours. Some common French Christmas dishes include foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, and escargots (snails). A roasted turkey or roast beef may also be served as the main course, along with side dishes such as gratin dauphinois (potatoes baked with cheese and cream), green beans, or roasted root vegetables.

For dessert, a bûche de Noël, or Yule log cake, is a traditional choice. This dessert is a sponge cake that is rolled with buttercream, shaped to look like a log, and decorated with chocolate and meringue mushrooms. Other popular Christmas desserts include fruit tarts, macarons, and galette des rois, a pastry made with puff pastry and almond cream that is typically eaten on January 6th, which is Epiphany. Additionally, many families may also serve champagne or wine during the holiday season.

Germany: Food Traditions in Germany at Christmas

In Germany, Christmas is a time for cosy get-togethers with family and friends and, of course, delicious food. Traditional German Christmas dishes vary from region to region, but some of the most popular include:

• Lebkuchen: A spicy, gingerbread-like cookie that is often shaped into hearts or stars and decorated with icing and sprinkles.Stollen: A sweet bread loaf filled with dried fruit, nuts, and marzipan. It’s typically dusted with powdered sugar and served with coffee or tea.
• Glühwein: A warm, spiced wine that is typically served at Christmas markets and holiday gatherings.
• Kartoffelsalat und Würstchen: A simple but beloved dish of boiled sausages and potato salad. It’s often served on Christmas Eve.
• Rinderrouladen: Tender beef rolls filled with bacon, onions, and pickles and served with rich gravy and boiled potatoes.

Greece: Food Traditions at Christmas in Greece

In Greece, Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends and enjoying a variety of traditional foods. One of the most iconic Christmas dishes in Greece is Christopsomo, which is a round loaf of bread that is decorated with a cross and sometimes the initials of the family members. Another popular Christmas dish is roasted pork or lamb, which people serve with lemon and oregano.

Other traditional Greek Christmas dishes include:

• Spanakopita: Spinach pie
• Tiropita: Cheese pie
• Stuffed grape leaves
• Moussaka (pictured): A layered dish with eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce

For dessert, families may enjoy a variety of sweets such as melomakarona (honey cookies), kourabiedes (butter cookies with powdered sugar), and baklava (a pastry made with phyllo dough, honey, and nuts).

India: Some Indian Christmas Food Traditions 

Christmas is a significant religious festival for Christians in India, celebrated enthusiastically across the country. While the food traditions associated with Christmas in India may vary depending on the region, some common dishes are enjoyed by many during the holiday season.

Christmas cake is a popular dessert. It is usually a rich fruitcake soaked in rum or brandy. Some families also enjoy traditional Indian sweets such as kaju katli (cashew fudge), gulab jamun (doughnut-like balls soaked in syrup), and barfi (fudge made from condensed milk). In some parts of India, a spiced rice pudding called kheer is also a favourite festive dish.

Roast chicken or turkey is a common main dish, and people often serve it with rice or Indian bread such as naan or roti. Other popular side dishes include vegetable curries, mashed potatoes, and salads. The food traditions at Christmas in India reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. If you choose to eat Indian dishes at Christmas, you might like to read our article about pairing wine with Indian food.

Italy: Christmas Food Traditions in Italy

In Italy, Christmas is a time for gathering with family and friends to enjoy delicious food and drink. Traditional Italian Christmas dishes vary from region to region, but some of the most popular include:

• Panettone: A sweet bread loaf filled with raisins and candied fruit, typically eaten for breakfast on Christmas morning.
• Pandoro: A sweet, buttery bread similar to panettone but without the fruit. It’s often dusted with powdered sugar and served with mascarpone cream.
• Cotechino con Lenticchie: A hearty dish made with pork sausage and lentils, said to bring good luck and prosperity in the new year.
• Struffoli: Tiny fried dough balls coated in honey and sprinkles. They’re a popular dessert in southern Italy.
• Brodo di Capone: A rich and flavourful soup made with capon (a type of chicken), vegetables, and pasta.

Mexico: Mexican Christmas Food Traditions

In Mexico, Christmas is a time for celebration and feasting with family and friends. One of the most popular traditional dishes is tamales made with masa (corn dough), and people fill them with various ingredients, such as pork, chicken, cheese, or vegetables.

Another common dish is bacalao, a salted cod stew typically served with potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and olives. Pozole, a hearty soup made with hominy and meat (usually pork), is also a popular Christmas dish in many regions of Mexico.

Other traditional foods include:

• Buñuelos: Fried dough sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon
• Ponche: A hot fruit punch made with tejocotes, cinnamon, and other fruits
• Romeritos: A savoury dish made with a type of wild greens and shrimp or dried shrimp

New Zealand: What Do People Eat at Christmas in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, Christmas falls during the summer season, so their festivities differ from many other Christmas food traditions from around the world. Many people prefer to celebrate with a barbecue or outdoor picnic. Overall, the Christmas food traditions in New Zealand reflect the country’s warm climate and love for outdoor gatherings.

Some of the traditional Christmas dishes in New Zealand include roast turkey or ham, roasted vegetables, and salads. Additionally, seafood such as crayfish, oysters, and prawns are often served as part of a festive feast. Pavlova, a meringue-based dessert topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, is also a popular sweet treat during the holiday season.

Polish Christmas Food Traditions

Polish Christmas traditions revolve around the family, and food plays a significant role in the celebrations. The festivities begin with the Christmas Eve supper, known as Wigilia, which features a 12-course meal of fish and vegetarian dishes.

The meal typically starts with a soup, such as the traditional beetroot soup called borscht, followed by dishes like pierogi (dumplings filled with potato and cheese), fried carp, and sauerkraut with mushrooms. Wigilia is also known for the sharing of the opłatek, a thin wafer that is blessed and then broken and shared among family members as a sign of forgiveness and unity.

Other traditional Polish Christmas dishes include:

• Krokiety (pancakes filled with meat and mushrooms)
• Bigos (a hearty stew made with cabbage, meat, and sausage)
• Makowiec (a sweet poppy seed cake)

Portugal: Food Traditions at Christmas in Portugal

In Portugal, Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy various traditional Christmas foods. One of the most iconic Portuguese Christmas dishes is Bacalhau, a salted codfish that people typically eat with roasted, boiled, or fried with potatoes or vegetables. Another popular dish is Bolo Rei, a sweet bread filled with dried fruit and nuts and topped with sugar and candied fruit.

Other traditional dishes the Portuguese serve during Christmas include cozido, a hearty stew made with meat and vegetables, and leitão assado, which is a roasted suckling pig. For dessert, families may enjoy a variety of sweets such as rabanadas (a type of French toast with cinnamon and sugar), filhós (fried dough balls), and arroz doce (rice pudding).

In addition to these traditional dishes, Christmas in Portugal is also a time for sharing and giving, and it is common for families to exchange food and gifts with their loved ones. Overall, the food traditions at Christmas in Portugal are a delicious and important part of the holiday season.

Russia: Russian Christmas Food Traditions

Russian Christmas food traditions are deeply rooted in the country’s culture and history. One of the most important dishes is “sochivo,” a sweet porridge made from wheat, honey, and poppy seeds. Another popular dish is “kutya,” a sweet grain pudding made from wheat, barley, or rice and served with honey, nuts, and dried fruit. Other traditional Christmas foods in Russia include meat dishes like roasted pork or goose, pickled herring, and various salads made from beets, carrots, and cabbage.

South Africa: Christmas Food Traditions in South Africa

Christmas in South Africa is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy good food and drinks. A popular tradition is to have a braai, a South African barbecue. People also enjoy eating mince pies, fruit cake, and roasted turkey with all the trimmings. Another popular dish is the malva pudding, a sweet and sticky dessert made with apricot jam and served with custard. Some families even add a twist to their Christmas feast by incorporating traditional South African dishes such as bobotie, a spicy minced meat dish, or chakalaka, a vegetable relish.

Spain: What Do the Spanish Eat at Christmas? 

In Spain, Christmas is a time for celebration and feasting with family and friends. One of the most important traditions is the “Nochebuena” meal, which the Spanish eat on Christmas Eve. This meal typically consists of several courses and may last for several hours. Some common dishes include roast lamb or suckling pig, seafood such as prawns, lobster, or cod, and a variety of appetizers such as jamón ibérico (cured ham) and cheeses.

Side dishes may include roasted potatoes or vegetables, and for dessert, “turrón” (nougat), “polvorones” (shortbread cookies), and “mantecados” (soft almond cookies) are popular choices.

Another important Spanish Christmas food tradition is the “Roscon de Reyes,” a sweet bread typically eaten on January 6th, Epiphany. The bread is in the shape of a crown and some people fill it with whipped cream or other sweet fillings. Additionally, many families may also serve cava (a sparkling wine) or wine during the holiday season.

Ukraine: Ukrainian Food Traditions at Christmas

Ukrainian Christmas food traditions are important to the country’s rich cultural heritage. One of the most important dishes is “kutia,” a sweet grain pudding made from wheat, poppy seeds, and honey. Another popular dish is “varenyky,” dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut. “Borscht,” a beet soup served with sour cream, is also a staple of the Christmas table. Other traditional Ukrainian Christmas foods include “holubtsi,” cabbage rolls filled with rice and meat, and “pampushky,” small garlic rolls served with borscht. Finally, “khrustyky,” a sweet fried dough, is a popular dessert during the holiday season.

United States: What Do People Eat in the United States at Christmas

In the United States, Christmas food traditions vary by region and family. Still, some common dishes include roasted turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans, and pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. Some families also enjoy eggnog, fruitcake, or gingerbread cookies during the holiday season. Additionally, many families have their own unique dishes or customs that they incorporate into their Christmas meals.

Zambia: Traditional Zambian Christmas Food

95.5% of Zambia’s population is Christian, so Christmas is an important holiday. It is celebrated with a variety of foods and traditions. While the specific food traditions may vary depending on the region and family, some common Zambian Christmas dishes are enjoyed by many during the holiday season. 

One of the most popular dishes is roasted chicken or beef, which is often seasoned with various spices and served with a side of nshima, a type of thick porridge made from cornmeal. Other popular side dishes include sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkins, and cabbage. Some families also make a traditional Zambian dish called ifisashi, a stew made from groundnuts and vegetables such as pumpkin leaves or sweet potato leaves. For dessert, many people enjoy a fruitcake called Christmas pudding, which Zambians serve with custard or cream. 

In addition to the food, many Zambians celebrate Christmas with music, dance, and religious services. Overall, the food traditions surrounding Christmas in Zambia reflect the country’s rich cultural diversity. 

Zimbabwe: Traditional Christmas Food in Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe, Christmas is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy various delicious foods. Some traditional Christmas dishes in Zimbabwe include roasted or grilled beef, chicken, or goat, served with rice, sadza (a type of porridge made from maize meal), or potatoes. Other popular side dishes include collard greens, butternut squash, and sweet potatoes.

For dessert, families may enjoy a variety of sweets such as fruitcakes, cookies, and puddings. In addition to these traditional dishes, Christmas in Zimbabwe is also a time for sharing and giving, and it is common for families to exchange food and gifts with their loved ones.

Where are you from, and what are your Christmas food traditions in your location? Let us know in the comments below.