Around the world, Christmas is observed in a variety of ways, and the food that is served during the celebration is just as varied as the people who celebrate it.
When many people are coming off of a difficult year, food traditions provide solace. And in many homes, Christmas dishes are especially special.
The idea of indulging in a feast, whether it be on the day itself or the night before, is the same regardless of where you celebrate Christmas.
Here are seven countries’ culinary traditions for celebrating Christmas. When we questioned experts in hospitality about these customs, they gave us their insight into what works for them and their friends and family.
France
The famous pastry chef Francois Payard, who was raised in Nice, claims that the French celebrate with a sumptuous holiday meal on December 24.
He claims that at eight o’clock at night, locals enjoy a first course of seafood. This typically entails either a shrimp scampi or a lobster thermidor, which is a baked dish made of cooked lobster combined with mustard, egg yolks, and brandy.
Next comes a sizable capon, a chicken breed known for its tenderness, accompanied by a variety of sides such as butter-sautéed chestnuts and mashed potatoes, garnished with sage. For Payard, “chestnuts are a staple in any Christmas meal.”
The ultimate treat is the yule log, also known as bûche de Noël, which is the French equivalent of a Christmas cake. Two are typically served; one is chocolate and the other is chestnut. It’s the best wine you can find for drinking, typically a red Burgundy that’s not too strong for a capon.
The French enjoy a substantial brunch on Christmas Day, which might include toast, smoked salmon, and creamy scrambled eggs. Assorted cheeses like Brie, Gruyere, and Munster complete the meal, according to Payard.
Italy
Like the French, the Italians celebrate Christmas Eve, the night before the holiday, with the largest spread. According to Luca Finardi, general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Milan, residents typically partake in midnight Mass and feast before going to church.
The first course is a smoked salted cod or smoked salmon with buttered crostini. According to Finardi, Italians from coastal regions like the Amalfi Coast might begin with a crudo like sea bass with herbs and sea salt.
The dish that comes next is tortellini in brodo, which is stuffed pasta dipped in a hot broth made with chicken and Parmesan cheese, which has to originate from the region in Italy that bears the same name.
Northern Italians typically eat stuffed turkey for their main course, while people from coastal regions might enjoy a big baked sea bass with roasted potatoes and vegetables on the side.
No matter where you’re from, panettone—a classic sweet bread—is a must-have, according to Finardi. “The key is to give it a quick warmup—just a few minutes.” The preferred beverage is sparkling wine, or spumante.
Finardi states that the famed Italian Christmas feast, known as the feast of the seven fishes, is primarily found in the Campania region, which encompasses Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
According to Finardi, Christmas Day is less about food and more about spending time with family. “We recover from the previous day by eating leftovers.”
England
Christmas Eve is not usually the day that the British eat their large holiday meal. The proprietor of the upscale travel agency NoteWorthy, based in London, Nicola Butler, says, “The 24th is for cooking with our families and going to the local pub for a pint.”
According to her, the real celebrations begin on Christmas morning with a glass of champagne and a breakfast consisting of smoked salmon and minced pork. It’s dinnertime later that day, following the broadcast of the Queen’s annual Christmas speech.
This entails roast beef or turkey along with a variety of sides like Brussels sprouts, buttered peas, and roasted carrots and parsnips. Some families include Yorkshire pudding, a savory baked good of flour, eggs and milk made with meat drippings.
Greece
Celebrity Greek chef Maria Loi claims that the nation starts celebrating the holidays at around 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
“We only make a special wheat bread at Christmas, and families gather around the fireplace to enjoy it,” she says. Additionally, some homes consume pork sausages. Because pork is uncommon in Greek cuisine, Greeks only eat it on this particular occasion.
Greeks return home for an all-day feast on Christmas Day after attending an early morning holy communion, according to Loi.
First up is homemade honey cookies topped with almond or walnut pieces, then there’s orzo and chicken soup. After a few hours, the menu usually consists of roast chicken stuffed with chestnuts or different braised or grilled pork dishes.
Mexico
According to Paradero Hotels co-founders Pablo Carmona and Josh Kremer, Mexicans start the Christmas season on December 24.
Families begin by cracking open a piñata that contains a variety of locally produced candies flavored with tamarind and chili, according to Kremer. Usually, dinner is served between 7 and 10 p.m.
Posole, a stew made with large corn kernels, pork, or beef, and up to twenty different condiments like cilantro, parsley, chiles, and different cheeses, is served first during the meal.
