When the holiday season comes around, food takes center stage. It’s that time of year when we gather with loved ones, share stories, and indulge in meals that feel extra special. But have you ever thought about shaking things up by introducing some global flavors into your festive spread? Each culture has its own unique way of celebrating with food, and trying these regional dishes is a great way to make your holiday meal stand out.
So, whether you’re planning a big family dinner or just a cozy gathering with friends, here are some of the best holiday feasts from around the world. They’re perfect for impressing your guests and adding a little international flair to your celebrations.
1. Christmas Dinner in the United Kingdom: A Feast Fit for Royalty
Christmas dinner in the UK is a classic. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy and festive, with all the trimmings. Roast turkey is the star of the show, but it’s surrounded by other favorites like stuffing, roast potatoes, and Brussels sprouts. Oh, and don’t forget the Yorkshire pudding—a fluffy, golden pastry that’s perfect for soaking up the gravy.
For dessert, the traditional Christmas pudding takes center stage. It’s a dense, spiced cake made with dried fruits and soaked in brandy. Some families even flambé it before serving—it’s a dramatic (and delicious) touch! Of course, this rich meal is enjoyed with a glass of mulled wine or Christmas ale to keep the festive spirit alive.
2. French Christmas: Le Réveillon and Its Rich Flavors
In France, the Christmas meal is all about Le Réveillon—a multi-course feast enjoyed on Christmas Eve. The French really know how to celebrate in style. The meal often starts with foie gras, followed by oysters or escargot (if you're feeling adventurous). For the main course, there’s usually roast goose, seafood, or baked ham, but no matter the choice, the key is to keep it luxurious.
Dessert is always a highlight with the famous Bûche de Noël (Yule log), a rich chocolate sponge cake filled with creamy buttercream. And if you’re in Provence, the 12 Christmas desserts are a must—think nougat, candied fruits, and dried nuts. It’s a sweet way to end the evening, especially when paired with a glass of Champagne.
3. Mexican Holiday Feast: Nochebuena and Tamales
In Mexico, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is the time for a feast filled with delicious and vibrant flavors. The centerpiece of the meal is tamales—corn dough stuffed with various fillings like pork, chicken, or cheese, then wrapped in a corn husk and steamed. It’s a labor of love, and they’re always the star of the show!
But that’s not all—many families also serve bacalao (salted cod), pozole (a hominy soup), and romeritos (a dish with rosemary and shrimp). Each region has its own twist, but the main goal is to bring people together with rich, flavor-packed food. And don’t forget to serve rompope (Mexican eggnog) or a refreshing tejate (a cacao-based drink) to wash it all down.
4. Italian Christmas Feast: The Feast of the Seven Fishes
In Italy, the holiday feast is all about La Vigilia (Christmas Eve) and the Feast of the Seven Fishes. This meal highlights seafood in all its glory, with dishes like baked cod, fried calamari, shrimp, and linguine with clams. The number seven is symbolic, representing the seven sacraments in Catholicism, but honestly, the meal is more about enjoying the best of what the sea has to offer.
To finish the meal, Italians enjoy panettone, a sweet, fruit-filled bread that’s perfect with a cup of coffee. If you're feeling extra festive, some regions also serve struffoli, little fried dough balls covered in honey. It’s a sweet way to cap off the evening!
5. Swedish Christmas: Julbord and Smörgåsbord
In Sweden, the Julbord (Christmas table) is a delightful spread of cold cuts, herring, and various cheese. But the real star is the Julskinka—a roasted ham glazed with mustard and served with bread and potato salad. Swedes also love their pickled herring and gravlax (cured salmon), which are served as appetizers.
For dessert, lussekatter (saffron buns) are a must, and there’s always a generous spread of gingerbread cookies. To drink, Glögg, a warm mulled wine, is the traditional choice. It’s a cozy drink that makes you feel like you’re wrapped up in a warm blanket by the fire.
6. Japanese New Year: Osechi-ryori and Mochi
In Japan, New Year’s is a time for family, tradition, and special foods. The centerpiece of the celebration is Osechi-ryori, a collection of beautifully arranged dishes in bento boxes. These dishes include things like black beans (for health), shrimp (for long life), and pickled vegetables (for longevity). The idea is that each dish symbolizes something good for the year ahead.
Another must-have during New Year’s is mochi, a sweet rice cake often filled with red bean paste. It’s chewy, comforting, and a reminder of the past year’s good fortune. To wash it down, many Japanese enjoy a glass of sake or a special spiced wine called toso.
7. Middle Eastern Holiday Feast: A Flavor Explosion
In many parts of the Middle East, the holiday feast revolves around grilled meats, rice pilafs, and aromatic spices. Lamb is often the star of the meal, served either roasted or in a stew. One of the region's most beloved dishes is kibbeh—a mixture of ground meat (usually lamb) and bulgur wheat, shaped into patties or balls, and fried or baked.
On the side, you’ll often find hummus, tabbouleh, and fattoush—bright, fresh salads that cut through the richness of the meats. For dessert, baklava (a sweet pastry with honey and nuts) is a favorite treat, enjoyed with a cup of strong Arabic coffee.
Bringing Global Flavors to Your Holiday Table
The beauty of these regional holiday feasts is that they bring flavor, culture, and tradition right to your table. From the hearty meals of France to the vibrant dishes of Mexico, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to creating a memorable holiday feast. These dishes, with their unique ingredients and preparation methods, bring people together to celebrate the season and create new memories.
So, this holiday season, why not bring a little piece of the world to your table? You’ll be surprised how a meal full of global flavors can make your celebration even more special.