Traditional Christmas Foods From Around the Globe

The holiday season is a beautiful time of year, and it’s an especially wonderful time to learn more about how other countries and cultures celebrate Christmas. Food is a massive part of Christmas no matter where you are, and the variety is incredible worldwide.

Its significance is no surprise, considering it’s an opportunity to bring everyone together and literally break bread. Not only can the choice of traditional foods vary between countries, but even between regions and from one family to the next.

In no particular order, let’s explore what popular foods residents of several countries will enjoy with their favorite people this holiday season. 

United States

Although Thanksgiving is a little less than a month before Christmas, people in the United States often repeat some of the foods between the two holidays.

Turkey is a popular food on many Christmas tables in America, making it an exciting option for those who didn’t get their fill on Thanksgiving. On the side will also be – of course – potatoes. They’re usually roasted or mashed, but you’ll find both in some homes so that each guest can choose their favorite.

Italy

What Italians eat can significantly vary between regions in the country. Some people may think that residents participate in the Feast of the Seven Fishes, but it’s actually a celebration done by Italian-Americans.

As the name indicates, it’s a meal (served on Christmas Eve) that features seven types of seafood or seven types of fish.

However, residents of Italy will eat a lot of seafood for the holidays, including fish and octopus. Panettone, a type of bread, is also popular, and if you’re not making it at home, you’re likely buying it from a local bakery. Raisins and candied fruits are only two of the delicious ingredients in the recipe.

Poland

Poles often eat herring during the holiday season, especially on Christmas Eve. Many recipes are available, but they usually feature the herring in a cream sauce or oil.

Pierogies, the delicious dumplings, are also a major part of Christmas dinner. They include different fillings depending on preference, some of which are cheese, potatoes, or sauerkraut. Some households make one type, while others feature one or more for a little variety. 

England

Turkey also sits on the tables of many people in England during Christmas dinner. More specifically, millions of turkeys are eaten during the holiday season, so if you’re in the country and thinking of getting a turkey of your own, you might want to buy it as far in advance as possible.

Many people also make (or at least buy) a traditional mincemeat pie, which typically contains ingredients such as beef, dried fruit, spices, and citrus. 

Mexico

Onto Mexico, where two foods served at many Christmas meals have a way of warming the soul. Pozole is a spicy soup with its two main ingredients being pork and hominy, with chiles for that kick of course. Mexicans also make tamales, a comfort food usually made with chicken or pork. Don’t forget the corn husks!

Nigeria

Jollof rice is a delicious part of the Christmas meal in Nigeria, and it’s worth experiencing. This spicy rice dish includes a variety of ingredients ranging from red bell peppers to tomato sauce. It’s often served with goat for the occasion, with the goat meat chopped into small chunks.

Australia

Christmas is a bit different in Australia than in many other parts of the world, considering summer starts in the country in December, and it’s not uncommon to experience temperatures in the 80s (Fahrenheit).

Barbecues are popular during the holiday season, including on Christmas. There’s also a lot of seafood, such as prawns and fish, often cooked right on the barbecue.

Japan

Eating KFC is a massively popular Christmas tradition in Japan. The tradition has been around for decades, with many sharing buckets of chicken with their loved ones for the holidays. It’s so popular that people make reservations in advance to ensure they have their KFC meal.

Christmas cake, a light sponge cake, is also a must. It usually features a beautiful whipped cream exterior with strawberries inside the cake and used as decoration on the top of it.

France

If there’s one food you can count on being at Christmas dinner in France, it’s foie gras, the fattened liver of a duck or a goose. Seafood is also popular this time of year. The French love their oysters, a favorite item to eat during the holiday season. 

Germany

Having a goose on the table is one of the most widespread German Christmas food traditions. However, those who prefer not to have it will forgo it for other options, such as duck or chicken. Braised red cabbage is a typical side dish thanks to its delicious, delicate balance between tart and sweet.

Greece

Pork is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods you’ll see on the plates of Greeks during Christmas. Christopsomo, also known as Greek Christmas bread and “Christ’s Bread,” is another traditional favorite.

Walnuts are typically a standard ingredient in the bread, but many people also add raisins. Greeks usually make the bread on Christmas Eve and wait to eat it until Christmas Day. 

Try Global Flavors This Season

With so many delicious food options, it’s easy to be tempted to add at least some of them to your own feast this Christmas. Keep in mind that many recipe variations are available, so consider making a few in advance to see which one you love the most before cooking on the big day.

Would you prefer to have the authentic food made for you? Contact local restaurants in your area to see if any are making the recipes you desire for Christmas pickup.