4 Christmas Feasts to Celebrate Around the World
Christmas is a time for family, celebration, and, of course, delicious food. While each country has its own festive traditions, one of the most beloved aspects of the holiday season worldwide is the special Christmas feast. From hearty roasts to sweet treats, Christmas meals bring people together to enjoy the flavors of the season. Here are seven traditional Christmas feasts from around the world that showcase unique holiday flavors and customs.
1. United States – Roast Turkey and Pumpkin Pie
In the United States, Christmas dinners are often centered around a delicious roast turkey. The bird is usually stuffed with herbs and served with side dishes such as mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and green beans.
2. United Kingdom – Christmas Roast Dinner
In the United Kingdom, the Christmas roast dinner is a beloved tradition. This feast typically features a large roast, such as turkey, goose, or beef, accompanied by roasted potatoes, Brussels sprouts, stuffing, and Yorkshire pudding. A rich gravy ties it all together, while Christmas pudding or a slice of mince pie offers a sweet conclusion to the meal.
3. Italy – Feast of the Seven Fishes
In Italy, particularly among Italian-American families, Christmas Eve is often celebrated with the Feast of the Seven Fishes (La Vigilia). The meal includes a variety of seafood dishes, ranging from shrimp, clams, and calamari to salt cod and anchovies.
4. Sweden – Smorgasbord and Julbord
In Sweden, the Christmas feast is called julbord, which translates to “Christmas table.” This extensive buffet-style spread features a variety of dishes, including pickled herring, smoked salmon, meatballs, Janssons frestelse (a potato casserole with anchovies), and gravlax (salmon cured with sugar, salt, and dill).
