Celebrating Christmas around the world involves a delightful array of unique traditions and culinary feasts. As diverse as the people partaking in the festivities, these Christmas dishes showcase the cultural richness of different countries. Whether it’s the lavish French holiday meal, the hearty Italian spread, or the traditional British Christmas dinner, each nation has its distinctive way of savoring the season.
In France, the Christmas Eve feast is a grand affair. Renowned pastry chef Francois Payard, hailing from Nice, describes the French tradition that begins around 8 p.m. Locals indulge in a first course of seafood, featuring delicacies like lobster thermidor or shrimp scampi. The main course includes a succulent capon, known for its tenderness, accompanied by mashed potatoes and chestnuts sautéed with butter and sage. Chestnuts, a Christmas staple, play a crucial role in French festive meals. The grand finale is the yule log, or bûche de Noël, served in both chocolate and chestnut variations, paired with fine Burgundy wine.
Italy, much like France, celebrates its main Christmas meal on the eve of the big day. Luca Finardi, the general manager of the Mandarin Oriental Milan, shares the Italian tradition, which starts after midnight Mass. The feast includes smoked salmon with buttered crostini, tortellini in brodo, and stuffed turkey or baked sea bass for the main course. Panettone, a sweet bread, takes center stage for dessert, accompanied by spumante, a sparkling wine. While some regions, like Campania, indulge in the feast of the seven fishes, Christmas Day is more about connecting with family over leftovers.
In England, the festive celebrations kick off on Christmas morning with a glass of champagne and a breakfast featuring smoked salmon and mince pies. Nicola Butler, owner of luxury travel company NoteWorthy, describes the quintessential Christmas dinner with turkey or roast beef, accompanied by roasted parsnips, Brussels sprouts, and Christmas pudding for dessert. Yorkshire pudding, a savory baked good, may also make an appearance. The day is marked by family gatherings and enjoying leftover delights.
Greece brings a unique flavor to Christmas celebrations. Chef Maria Loi explains the Greek tradition, starting on Christmas Eve with a special wheat bread and, in some households, pork sausages. Christmas Day features an all-day eating fest, beginning with honey cookies and chicken soup with orzo. The main course includes roast chicken or grilled pork dishes, accompanied by sautéed wild greens and roasted lemon potatoes. Light desserts like baked apples with honey and walnuts or Greek yogurt with honey round off the festive meal, complemented by red wine.
In Mexico, the Christmas festivities begin on December 24, with families breaking a piñata filled with locally made candies. The dinner, served between 7 and 10 p.m., includes posole, a stew with corn kernels and pork or beef, followed by turkey with all the trimmings. Dessert consists of creamy flan, strawberries, and cream, enjoyed with tequilas and mezcals. Christmas Day involves heating up leftovers for a relaxed celebration.
Costa Rica takes a unique approach with a midnight feast. Leo Ghitis, owner of Nayara Hotels, shares the tradition of attending midnight Mass and returning home for a substantial meal at 2 a.m. The feast includes homemade tamales, arroz con pollo, and an assortment of grilled proteins. Dessert features coconut flan and arroz con leche, accompanied by rum punch and eggnog. Christmas Day is reserved for finishing leftovers and outdoor parties.
Bahamians celebrate Christmas Day with a grand dinner, including turkey, ham, macaroni and cheese, peas and rice, and potato salad. The evening feast concludes with a Junkanoo Festival at midnight, followed by boiled fish or fish stew. The seafood is complemented by potato bread or Johnny Cake, a cornmeal flatbread.
These diverse Christmas traditions and feasts highlight the global joy of the holiday season, bringing people together with unique flavors and cherished customs.