10 Global Christmas Food Traditions You Need to Try This Holiday Season

With Christmas just around the corner, the festive spirit is in full swing—and what better way to celebrate than through the delicious food traditions that make this season so special? Around the world, people mark the holidays with an incredible array of dishes, each with its own story and warmth. From savory roasts to sweet treats, these traditional holiday foods are mouthwatering and bring families and friends together in the most comforting way.

If you're looking to add something new and exciting to your Christmas feast this year, you're in the right place. Let’s journey through the world's kitchens, where you might just find a new favorite recipe to share with your loved ones. Whether it's a hearty stew from Eastern Europe or a delectable dessert from the tropics, there’s a global holiday dish here for everyone to try and enjoy—making your Christmas dinner table a little more magical and memorable.

10 Holiday Dishes From Around the World You Need to Try

Ready to add some international flair to your holiday celebrations? Here are ten festive dishes from around the globe that are sure to bring joy and flavor to your Christmas table.

1. Roasted Turkey Dinner ( The Classic American Holiday Feast)

Of course, holiday meals in the U.S. vary from one region and family to another, but the classic turkey dinner often comes to mind first when thinking of the holidays. The tradition of serving turkey for Christmas actually dates back to the 16th century, when the English first encountered turkey in the Americas and brought it back to Europe. King Henry VIII was so taken with it that he made it the meat of choice for Christmas.

Today, a traditional holiday turkey is often served with all the fixings—like tangy cranberry sauce, creamy mashed potatoes, Grandma’s famous stuffing (always the best!), and a rich homemade gravy. It's a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone together and warms the heart during those cold winter days.

2. Kentucky Fried Chicken (A Japanese Christmas Tradition)

Believe it or not, KFC has become a beloved Christmas tradition in Japan, all thanks to a wildly successful marketing campaign in the 1970s. Back then, a local KFC franchise launched a special holiday promotion. Since there weren’t many established Christmas customs in Japan, the idea quickly became a nationwide tradition. Today, it’s almost impossible to imagine Christmas in Japan without a bucket of KFC in hand—many families even place their orders weeks in advance to make sure they get their festive fried chicken fix on December 24th or 25th!

3. Bûche de Noël (France's Festive Dessert)

Directly translated as "Christmas log," the Bûche de Noël is France's take on a Yule Log cake. Now loved across Europe and in French-speaking communities worldwide, this beautiful rolled sponge cake is decorated with buttercream frosting—usually chocolate or vanilla—to resemble tree bark, complete with small meringue or marzipan mushrooms to add a whimsical touch. 

While the exact origin is still a bit of a mystery, many believe the first bûche came from a pastry shop in either Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Lyon. Regardless of its beginnings, the tradition is rooted in the ancient Feast of Yule, when families would burn a large log from Christmas Eve until New Year's to bring good fortune for the coming harvest. Today, the Bûche de Noël carries the spirit of warmth and celebration, making it a cherished part of the holiday season.

4.  Mince Pie ( England's Sweet Holiday Tradition)

While pumpkin or pecan pie might be staples for the holidays in some places, in England, it’s the mince pie that genuinely takes center stage. This sweet treat has been around since as far back as the 1300s when knights returning from the Crusades brought back exotic spices. These spices—like nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon—were mixed with dried fruits, called "mincemeat," and baked into a delightful pie. Mince pies are a must-try for anyone looking to capture a bit of English holiday magic; they’re small, sweet, and filled with flavors that truly embody the warmth of the season.

5. Tamales ( Mexico's Holiday Tradition)

Tamales have been a cherished part of celebrations since the time of ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Made with masa dough and a savory or sweet filling wrapped in a corn husk, tamales are a true labor of love. Today, they hold a significant place for Mexican and Mexican-American families, who often gather for tamaladas—tamale-making parties—where everyone pitches in to make dozens of tamales together. It’s not just about the delicious food; it’s about the shared experience, laughter, and love that goes into making each tamale, making it a beautiful tradition that brings people closer during the holidays.

6. Longevity Noodles ( China’s Lunar New Year Tradition)

During China’s Lunar New Year, it’s all about starting the year with good luck—and nothing says luck like a bowl of long noodles, known as “longevity noodles.” These noodles symbolize a long and prosperous life, but there's a catch: they must be handled with care! The longer the noodles, the longer the life, so whoever is preparing them makes sure not to cut or break them, and the person eating them gets extra good fortune if they can slurp them up without biting through. It’s a fun and meaningful way to share a meal that represents health, happiness, and a bright future.

7.  Red Borscht ( Poland's Christmas Eve Feast) 

In Poland, Christmas Eve is celebrated with a beautiful tradition known as Wigilia, a feast that begins as soon as the first star appears in the evening sky. This particular meal includes 12 different dishes, each representing one of the 12 apostles. The spread often features barszcz (a beet soup also known as red borscht), herring, carp, poppy seed cakes, and other cherished dishes. Wigilia is all about gathering loved ones, sharing delicious food, and celebrating the spirit of togetherness that makes the holiday season so special.

8. Italy's Feast of the Seven Fishes

Originally a southern Italian tradition, the Feast of the Seven Fishes has become a cherished custom for many Italian-American families on Christmas Eve. This festive seafood feast typically features seven different dishes, symbolizing the seven days of creation, while some families prepare twelve dishes to honor the twelve apostles. It’s a flavorful and meaningful celebration that brings everyone together around a delicious seafood spread, creating lasting memories. Nothing fishy about this meal—count us in!

9. Barbecued Shrimp and Pavlova ( Australia's Summery Christmas Feast)

While winter and Christmas go hand-in-hand in the northern hemisphere, Australians celebrate the holiday a little differently. By late December, summer is in full swing, and instead of roasting ovens, Christmas dinners are all about the barbecue. Barbecued shrimp is a favorite on many tables, as is pavlova, which is a crispy meringue topped with fresh berries and cream. This fresh and light meal is perfect for enjoying the warm weather before heading to the beach. It’s a relaxed and joyful way to celebrate, making the most of the sunny season with loved ones.

10. Lechon ( The Philippines' Holiday Favorite)

Lechon, or roast suckling pig, may be enjoyed in many places around the world, but it holds a special significance in the Philippines. Often considered one of the country's national dishes, lechon takes center stage during Christmas, particularly for dinner on Christmas Eve. Despite various foreign influences on Filipino cuisine, the recipe for lechon remains delightfully simple—seasoned only with salt and pepper, with some regions adding a touch of lemongrass for extra flavor. It’s a dish that brings families together, celebrating tradition and the joy of sharing an incredible meal.

Conclusion

No matter where you are in the world, the holiday season is a time to come together, share stories, and enjoy good food that warms both the body and the soul. From barbecues in Australia to festive seafood feasts in Italy, each culture has its own way of making the holidays special. These traditions remind us that while our celebrations may differ, the heart of the holiday season remains the same—it's about love, togetherness, and creating cherished memories with those we care about. So, why not try something new this year? Bring a bit of the world to your holiday table and make this season even more magical!