Traditional Christmas Dishes from Around the World
Europe
Finland (and other Nordic countries)
On Christmas morning, Finns enjoy a rice pudding topped with cinnamon and butter. One serving hides an almond; whoever finds it wins a small gift.
Russia
Many Russians observe Christmas on January 7. On Christmas Eve they fast until nightfall, then eat kutia (a wheat or rice porridge with honey, poppy seeds and berries), followed by beetroot soup or solyanka, vegetable pies and various porridges. The main feast features roast pork or goose and pirogi (stuffed dumplings). For dessert they serve fruit-filled pies, honey cookies (pryaniki) and lamb-shaped biscuits called Kozulya.
UK & Ireland
The classic Christmas dinner is roast turkey with potatoes and cranberry sauce. In Ireland they also prepare pressed, marinated beef. Desserts include the famous Christmas pudding made over two days: the night before, dried fruits, breadcrumbs, fat, almonds and spices are mixed with stout, lemon and eggs, then steamed 6–8 hours and reheated at the table.
France
Christmas markets abound. On festive tables you’ll find cheese fondue or raclette, duck terrine, roast goose glazed with orange and wine, beef stew slow-cooked in red wine, and cheese gratins. Many regions serve thirteen desserts, from macarons to buche de Noël.
Italy
Seafood dominates the Italian Christmas Eve feast: seven fish dishes like fried calamari, grilled sardines, baccalà in umido. Panettone and panforte finish the meal.
Central & Eastern Europe
Countries such as Poland, Hungary and Romania serve cabbage rolls (sarmale), homemade bread, cozonac (sweet loaf) and nut-filled pastries, as well as gingerbread cookies.
Asia
Philippines
With the largest Christian population in Asia, Filipinos celebrate with spectacular light displays and festive dishes like lechon (whole roasted pig), house-made ham, rice, fruit salads, and rice cakes (bibingka, puto bumbong).
South Korea
Roast beef bulgogi (marinated strips grilled) is served with kimchi and sweet potato glass noodles.
Vietnam
French colonial influence remains: chicken soup, roast goose or duck, sticky rice and rice pancakes (banh xeo), plus steamed pork buns (cha siu bao).
India
In states like Goa and Kerala, Christians bake coconut-and-dry-fruit pastries (neureos) and sweet toffees (dodol). Roasted chicken or turkey appears on tables, too.
Africa
South Africa
Family gatherings feature grilled meats, sausages and the rich Malva pudding—a spongy apricot jam cake served warm with a buttery sauce and often vanilla ice cream.
Ghana
As a major cocoa producer, chocolate desserts abound. Main dishes include okra soup, meat stews and yam mash (fufu).
Ethiopia
Christmas on January 7 brings guests together over fiery meat stews called wat, simmered with spices, vegetables and hard-boiled eggs.
Latin America
Mexico & Central America
Families break colorful piñatas filled with sweets, then feast on pozole (hominy and pork soup), tamales, roast turkey and ham. For dessert, fried bunuelos are dusted with sugar and cinnamon.
Peru
“Chocolatadas” reunions center on hot chocolate and panettone, while Christmas dinner often includes roast poultry or pork with rice and tamales.
Brazil & Argentina
Summer holidays mean barbecues (the asado) with salads, rice and fresh fruit. Panettone, fruit salads and ice cream complete the meal. Argentines also enjoy vitel toné—chilled veal in tuna-anchovy sauce.
Wishing You a Joyful, Flavorful Holiday!
From every corner of the globe, Christmas brings people together over special dishes and traditions. Whether you stick to your family’s classics or try something new, may your holiday table be filled with warmth, joy and delicious flavors!