Christmas is celebrated in many different ways around the world, and each country has its own special foods for the holiday.
From sweet treats to filling meals, these dishes help bring families together.
You should definitely check out these 22 traditional Christmas foods from different countries that make the holiday even more special.
1. Roast Turkey (USA & Canada)
- Roast turkey is the main dish at Christmas dinners.
- The turkey is cooked in the oven until golden and crispy.
- It’s often served with stuffing (bread and spices inside the turkey).
- Gravy, made from the turkey juices, is poured on top.
- Mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and vegetables are common side dishes.
- It’s a symbol of celebration in North America.
2. Christmas Pudding (UK)
- Christmas pudding is a traditional British dessert.
- It’s made with dried fruits, suet (animal fat), and spices.
- The mixture is steamed for several hours.
- It’s served hot with custard or brandy sauce.
- Sometimes, a coin is hidden inside for good luck.
- Christmas pudding is eaten on Christmas Day as a special treat.
- It is rich, dense, and full of flavor.
3. Panettone (Italy)
- Panettone is a sweet bread from Italy, eaten at Christmas.
- It is fluffy and tall, shaped like a dome.
- The bread is filled with dried fruits, like raisins and candied citrus.
- It has a soft, light texture and a sweet flavor.
- Panettone is often enjoyed with coffee or hot chocolate.
- It is a popular treat in Italy and shared with family during the holidays.
4. Bûche de Noël (France)
- Bûche de Noël is a Christmas dessert from France.
- It’s a cake shaped like a log, representing a Christmas tradition.
- The cake is made of sponge cake and filled with buttercream.
- It is decorated to look like a wooden log, often with powdered sugar or chocolate.
- The dessert is served during Christmas dinner.
- It’s a sweet, festive treat enjoyed by families in France.
5. Tamales (Mexico)
- Tamales are a traditional Mexican dish at Christmas.
- They are made from corn dough (masa) filled with meats, cheese, or vegetables.
- The filling is wrapped in corn husks and then steamed.
- Tamales can be sweet or savory, depending on the filling.
- They are often eaten with salsa or a spicy sauce.
- Making tamales is a fun family tradition in Mexico during Christmas time.
6. Swedish Meatballs (Sweden)
- Swedish meatballs are small, tasty meatballs from Sweden.
- They are made from beef or pork, mixed with spices.
- The meatballs are fried and served with a creamy sauce.
- They are often eaten with lingonberry sauce for extra flavor.
- Potatoes or mashed potatoes are common side dishes.
- Swedish meatballs are a traditional and popular dish at Christmas in Sweden.
7. Fish Head Curry (Singapore)
- Fish Head Curry is a spicy dish from Singapore, eaten at Christmas.
- It’s made with the head of a fish, usually red snapper.
- The fish is cooked in a tangy, rich curry with vegetables.
- The curry has a mix of spices, making it flavorful and spicy.
- It is often served with rice.
- Fish Head Curry is a special Christmas dish in Singapore.
8. Bacalao (Spain & Latin America)
- Bacalao is a dish made from dried and salted cod fish.
- It is prepared in many ways, such as stews or salads.
- The fish is often soaked in water to remove the salt before cooking.
- Bacalao is a traditional Christmas food in Spain and Latin American countries.
- It is usually served with olive oil, garlic, and vegetables.
- This dish is enjoyed by families during Christmas celebrations.
9. Gravadlax (Sweden)
- Gravadlax is a Swedish dish made with raw salmon.
- The salmon is cured with salt, sugar, and dill (herb).
- It is left to sit for a few days to absorb the flavors.
- Gravadlax is often served with mustard sauce.
- It is eaten with bread or crackers.
- This dish is a popular and traditional treat at Christmas in Sweden.
10. Klippfisk (Norway)
- Klippfisk is dried and salted cod fish, popular in Norway.
- The fish is preserved by drying and salting it.
- It is often soaked in water to remove the salt before cooking.
- Klippfisk is usually served with potatoes and a rich sauce.
- It is a traditional Christmas dish in Norway.
- This dish is a part of family meals during the holiday season.
11. Sufganiyah (Israel)
- Sufganiyah is a deep-fried doughnut from Israel.
- It is filled with sweet jam, usually strawberry or raspberry.
- The doughnut is dusted with powdered sugar.
- Sufganiyah is popular during Hanukkah but also eaten at Christmas.
- The doughnut is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- It is a special treat enjoyed by families during the holiday season in Israel.
12. Kiviak (Greenland)
- Kiviak is a traditional dish from Greenland.
- It is made by stuffing small birds (auks) into a seal skin.
- The birds are fermented for several months.
- After fermentation, the birds are eaten, usually during Christmas celebrations.
- Kiviak has a strong, unique flavor.
- This dish is considered a delicacy in Greenland and is part of their holiday traditions.
13. Roast Pork (Germany)
- Roast pork is a traditional Christmas dish in Germany.
- The pork is cooked in the oven until it’s crispy on the outside.
- It’s often served with sauerkraut (fermented cabbage) and potatoes.
- Red cabbage is also a common side dish.
- The pork is usually flavored with herbs and spices.
- This hearty dish is enjoyed by families during Christmas celebrations in Germany.
14. Turrón (Spain)
- Turrón is a sweet treat from Spain, especially at Christmas.
- It is made with almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites.
- The texture can be soft or hard, depending on the recipe.
- Turrón is often served in small pieces and eaten as a snack.
- It’s a popular dessert in Spain during the Christmas season.
- Families enjoy it with drinks or after Christmas meals.
15. Pavlova (New Zealand & Australia)
- Pavlova is a dessert from New Zealand and Australia, especially for Christmas.
- It is made with a meringue base, which is crispy on the outside and soft inside.
- The meringue is topped with fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwi, and passion fruit.
- Pavlova is sweet and light, perfect for the holiday season.
- It’s a popular treat for Christmas dinners in both countries.
16. Christmas Stollen (Germany)
- Christmas Stollen is a fruit bread from Germany.
- It is made with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and sometimes marzipan (sweet almond paste).
- The bread is dusted with powdered sugar.
- Stollen is enjoyed during the Christmas season and shared with family.
- It has a rich, sweet flavor and a dense texture.
- This bread is a traditional Christmas treat in Germany.
17. Faworki (Poland)
- Faworki are thin, crispy pastries from Poland.
- The dough is rolled out, twisted into shapes, and fried until golden.
- After frying, they are dusted with powdered sugar.
- Faworki are light, crunchy, and sweet.
- These pastries are often eaten during the Christmas season in Poland.
- They are enjoyed as a snack or dessert with family and friends during holiday celebrations.
18. Feijoada (Brazil)
- Feijoada is a traditional stew from Brazil, eaten at Christmas.
- It’s made with black beans, pork, sausages, and beef.
- The stew is cooked slowly to make it rich and flavorful.
- Feijoada is usually served with rice, collard greens, and orange slices.
- It’s a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for big holiday meals.
- This dish is a popular Christmas celebration food in Brazil.
19. Hot Chocolate (Various Countries)
- Hot chocolate is a warm, sweet drink made from chocolate and milk.
- It is a favorite Christmas drink in many countries.
- Sometimes, whipped cream or marshmallows are added on top.
- In some places, hot chocolate is made richer with spices like cinnamon.
- It’s enjoyed as a cozy drink during cold weather.
- Hot chocolate is a popular choice for families celebrating Christmas around the world.
20. Eggnog (USA & Canada)
- Eggnog is a creamy drink made from eggs, milk, sugar, and spices.
- It is a traditional Christmas drink in the USA and Canada.
- Sometimes, it is flavored with vanilla or cinnamon.
- Eggnog is often served cold and can be spiked with rum or bourbon.
- It has a rich, sweet taste.
- People enjoy eggnog during Christmas celebrations with family and friends.
21. Christmas Ham (Various Countries)
- Christmas ham is a popular dish in many countries.
- The ham is usually glazed with honey, brown sugar, or mustard.
- It is roasted or baked until it’s crispy on the outside.
- Ham is often served with side dishes like potatoes, vegetables, or salad.
- It’s a hearty and festive meal for Christmas dinner.
- Christmas ham is enjoyed by families in many parts of the world.
22. Chiles en Nogada (Mexico)
- Chiles en Nogada is a traditional Mexican dish served at Christmas.
- It consists of poblano chilies stuffed with a mixture of meat, fruits, and spices.
- The stuffed chilies are topped with a creamy walnut sauce (nogada).
- The dish is garnished with pomegranate seeds.
- It has a sweet and savory taste.
- Chiles en Nogada is a festive and flavorful dish enjoyed during the holiday season in Mexico.