Christmas
Χριστούγεννα/Noël/Weihnachten
About Christmas
Christmas food traditions gather around December 25 and the surrounding Christmas Eve table, but the flavors shift widely by region, climate, and denomination. In British, Irish, and American homes, Roast turkey or goose and Christmas pudding are commonly served with winter vegetables, gravy, and spiced sweets. In Mexico and parts of Latin America, Tamales often anchor Nochebuena feasts that stretch late into the night, while French tables may finish with Buche de Noel. Filipino celebrations often center abundance and family through Lechon, bibingka, and festive midnight meals.
Signature Dishes
Roast turkey or goose
Christmas pudding
UK
Tamales
Latin America
Buche de Noel
France
Lechon
Philippines
Regional Variations
British / Irish
Roast turkey with stuffing, roast potatoes, brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets; Christmas pudding, mince pies, Christmas cake, mulled wine commonly served.
American
Roast turkey or ham with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, cranberry sauce; pecan/pumpkin/apple pie, eggnog, decorated cookies.
French
Le Réveillon Christmas Eve feast: oysters, foie gras, smoked salmon, capon with chestnut stuffing, cheese course; Bûche de Noël; Treize desserts in Provence.
Italian
Feast of the Seven Fishes (Festa dei Sette Pesci) on Christmas Eve; Christmas Day lasagna, capon or roast pork; panettone, pandoro, torrone, struffoli.
German / Austrian
Weihnachtsmarkt fare: Glühwein, Lebkuchen, Stollen, Bratwurst; Christmas Day roast goose with red cabbage and dumplings; Spekulatius, Plätzchen cookies.
Polish / Eastern European
Wigilia 12-dish Christmas Eve supper: borscht with uszka, herring, pierogi, sauerkraut with mushrooms, fried carp, makowiec, pierniki; opłatek wafer-sharing.
Latin American / Mexican
Nochebuena tamales central; pozole, bacalao a la vizcaína, romeritos, ensalada navideña, buñuelos, ponche navideño commonly served.
Scandinavian (Swedish/Norwegian/Danish/Finnish)
Julbord smorgasbord: ham, lutefisk, gravlax, herring, meatballs, prinskorv; risgrynsgröt with hidden almond, glögg, pepparkakor, lussekatter.
Filipino
Noche Buena feast: lechon, bibingka, puto bumbong, queso de bola, hamonado, fruit salad with condensed milk commonly shared after Misa de Gallo.
Australian / New Zealand
Summer-season Christmas; barbecue alongside glazed ham, prawns and seafood; pavlova and trifle traditionally associated with Christmas lunch.
Eastern Orthodox (Julian calendar communities)
Observed January 7 Gregorian in Russia, Serbia, Georgia, parts of Ukraine and Greece; often preceded by Nativity Fast with lenten dishes.
Observance Practices
Midnight Mass or Christmas morning church service
Gift exchange associated with Santa Claus / Father Christmas / Saint Nicholas
Decorating evergreen Christmas tree
Hanging stockings
Anglo-American traditions
Displaying nativity scenes (crèche / presepio / belén)
Caroling and singing Christmas hymns
Advent calendar countdown in December
Western Christian, esp. German-influenced
Sending Christmas cards
Family gathering for shared meal (Christmas Eve or Christmas Day)
Charitable giving and almsgiving
Opłatek wafer-sharing before Wigilia supper
Poland / Polish diaspora
Misa de Gallo / Simbang Gabi novena of dawn Masses preceding Christmas
Philippines and Hispanic Catholic communities
Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkt) in Advent season
German-speaking Europe
Posadas processions reenacting Mary and Joseph seeking lodging
Mexico and parts of Latin America
Regions
Cuisines
Related Recipes
Diples (Δίπλες) — Crispy Honey-Walnut Ribbon Pastries
commonly served·Greece and Greek diaspora
Baklava (Μπακλαβάς) — Greek Walnut and Honey Phyllo Pastry
commonly served·Greek and Eastern Mediterranean Christian communities
Hashweh (حشوة) — Lebanese Spiced Lamb and Rice Stuffing with Pine Nuts
regional variant·Levantine Christian communities
Estek Booghalamoon (استیک بوغلامون) — Pan-Seared Lemon Garlic Turkey Steaks
regional variant·Turkey-centered Christmas menus with Persian-style adaptation