What is the most traditional Christmas food in Europe?

It varies sharply. Roast goose and red cabbage in Germany, fried carp in parts of Central Europe, seven fishes on Christmas Eve in southern Italy, and a Yule log cake across France.

Why do people eat fish on Christmas Eve in some countries?

It comes from the older Catholic tradition of fasting before a feast day. Meat was avoided on the evening of December 24, so fish became the celebratory dish.

Is there a sweet bread that appears everywhere?

Many countries have their own version. Stollen in Germany, panettone in Italy, potica in Slovenia, vánočka in the Czech Republic. They share the same idea of a soft, enriched bread with fruit or nuts.

Food around the world

Christmas food around the world

Festive Christmas food table with traditional dishes

Quick answer

The Christmas table tells you more about a culture than almost any other meal. This tour walks through what people actually cook and eat in a dozen countries, from a roast goose in Germany to fried chicken in Tokyo. For the wider customs behind the meals, see our guide to Christmas traditions around the world, or try the interactive Christmas Traditions Explorer.

Germany and Austria

Roast goose with red cabbage and bread dumplings on Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is often simpler, sometimes potato salad with sausages. Through Advent, Stollen, Lebkuchen and Vanillekipferl appear on every table. For more on the markets, songs and rituals behind the food, read about Christmas in Germany.

Italy

In the south, Christmas Eve brings La Vigilia, a meal of seven or more fish dishes. In the north, the focus shifts to Christmas Day with stuffed pasta in broth and roasted meats. Panettone and pandoro close almost every meal.

France

Réveillon is the late night supper after Midnight Mass: oysters, foie gras, roast capon and a bûche de Noël yule log cake. In Provence, families set out thirteen small desserts that represent Jesus and the apostles.

United Kingdom

Roast turkey with stuffing, pigs in blankets, roast potatoes, sprouts and gravy. Christmas pudding arrives flaming with brandy. Mince pies are eaten by the dozen through December.

Scandinavia

Sweden lays out the julbord buffet: pickled herring, gravlax, meatballs, ham and saffron buns. Finland favours a baked ham, root vegetable casseroles and rice pudding with a hidden almond.

Central and Eastern Europe

Poland sets out twelve meatless dishes on Christmas Eve. Slovenia bakes potica, a rolled walnut bread — the full story is in our Christmas in Slovenia guide. The Czech Republic serves fried carp with potato salad.

United States

Turkey or ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, dinner rolls, pumpkin or pecan pie, and eggnog. Cookies are left out for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Latin America

Mexico serves tamales, bacalao and ponche navideño punch on Christmas Eve. Venezuela makes hallacas, savoury parcels wrapped in plantain leaves.

Japan

Fried chicken became a Christmas tradition after a 1970s advertising campaign. Dinner often ends with a soft sponge Christmas cake topped with cream and strawberries. The full backstory is on our Christmas in Japan page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most traditional Christmas food in Europe?: It varies sharply. Roast goose and red cabbage in Germany, fried carp in parts of Central Europe, seven fishes on Christmas Eve in southern Italy, and a Yule log cake across France.
Why do people eat fish on Christmas Eve in some countries?: It comes from the older Catholic tradition of fasting before a feast day. Meat was avoided on the evening of December 24, so fish became the celebratory dish.
Is there a sweet bread that appears everywhere?: Many countries have their own version. Stollen in Germany, panettone in Italy, potica in Slovenia, vánočka in the Czech Republic. They share the same idea of a soft, enriched bread with fruit or nuts.