- England: The quintessential Christmas dinner revolves around the roast goose, accompanied by stuffing, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and vegetables. Filled with dried fruit and spices, mince pies are a must-have for dessert, along with the boozy Christmas pudding, flambéed and served with rich custard.
- France: Réveillon, the Christmas Eve feast, takes centre stage. Oysters, foie gras, and roasted capon are popular choices, followed by bûche de Noël, a Yule log cake adorned with chocolate mushrooms and berries. In Provence, 13 desserts symbolize Jesus and the apostles, ranging from calissons (almond candies) to nougat and candied fruits.
- Germany: The Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) is a haven for Glühwein (mulled wine) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread cookies). Roast goose or carp is the main course, with Rotkohl (red cabbage) and Kartoffelklöße (potato dumplings) as accompaniments. Stollen, a fruit- and nut-studded bread dusted with powdered sugar, is a Christmas morning treat.
- Italy: The Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve is a seafood extravaganza. Some highlights are Baccalà (dried cod), fritto misto (fried seafood), and linguine with clams. Panettone, a sweet bread studded with candied fruits and citrus zest, is enjoyed throughout the season.
Latin America: A fiesta of flavours
- Mexico: Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is celebrated with tamales, a corn masa dough filled with savoury or sweet ingredients like meat, vegetables, or fruits. Pavo al horno (roasted turkey) is also popular, while Buñuelos, fried pastries drizzled with honey, are a delightful treat.
- Peru: Lechón al horno (roasted suckling pig) is the star of the Peruvian Christmas table. Ensalada Navideña, a colourful salad with fruits, vegetables, and boiled eggs, adds a refreshing touch. Picarones, sweet potato doughnuts soaked in honey, are a beloved dessert.
- Puerto Rico: Pernil asado (roasted pork shoulder) marinated in adobo is a Puerto Rican Christmas staple. Arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas) and pasteles, savoury meat-filled pockets wrapped in banana leaves, complete the праздничный table.
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- Brazil: Ceia de Natal (Christmas Eve dinner) is a grand affair. Roasted turkey or baked ham are common choices, accompanied by farofa (toasted cassava flour), arroz à la pipoca (rice with peas), and vegetables. Rabanada is a famous sweet ending of French toast soaked in milk and eggs.
Asia: A fusion of influences
- Philippines: Noche Buena features Bibingka, a rice cake cooked in clay pots lined with banana leaves. Lechon, a whole roasted pig, is the centrepiece, while Hamon, glazed Christmas ham, is another festive favourite. Cassava cake and puto bumbong (purple sticky rice steamed in bamboo tubes) add sweetness to the occasion.
- Japan: Christmas cake, a sponge cake layered with whipped cream and strawberries, is a Japanese Christmas tradition. Borrowed from American influences, Fried chicken has become a popular Christmas Eve dinner choice.
- India: Christmas in India is a vibrant blend of regional traditions. Kerala enjoys a Christmas Sadhya, a vegetarian feast with rice, curries, pickles, and desserts. Pork vindaloo and Bebinca, a layered coconut cake, are Christmas staples in Goa.
- China: While not traditionally celebrated, Christmas is gaining popularity in China. Western-style meals with roasted chicken or steak, along with Christmas cake and gingerbread cookies, are standard.