Explore the festive spirit with Mytour.vn's compilation of the top 27 Christmas feasts worldwide.

Christmas in Italy is celebrated on the evening of December 24th every year. Although the table abstains from red meat and poultry due to the religious beliefs of many Italians, the feast remains rich with grilled sea bass, traditional Cardoni vegetables, pastry with cream cheese, and delightful desserts like the special fruit bread Panettone and star-shaped Pandoro.

On Christmas Day, Italians exchange dried beans with close friends to make Lentil Soup, a humble dish that recalls times of scarcity. An interesting Italian Christmas tradition is the visit from not Santa Claus but Strega Buffana, an old lady who brings gifts to children.

The French take great pride in their Christmas celebration, rich with the cultural essence of the nation. The Christmas feast on the 24th of December is lavish, gathering all family members around the table with a variety of dishes such as oysters, pate, smoked salmon, and more. The traditional Yule log cake, known as Buche de Noel, is a delightful dessert.

Alternatively, they might enjoy Coquille Saint-Jacques, a delectable dessert made from scallops, herbs, and butter. It is not only delicious but also presented uniquely in the scallop shell, making the dish stand out.

3. Christmas Celebration in Mexico

The Christmas celebration in Mexico features a variety of stewed fish, especially snow fish, and, notably, various salads made from beets, sweet potatoes, bananas, and peanuts. The dessert spread includes corn cake Tamales with sugar or syrup, and Pinata cake baked and coated with syrup.

An integral part of Christmas in Mexico is the Las Posadas festival, lasting for 9 days and nights. Posada is a group comprising both adults and children, dressed as characters from the Christmas story, parading and reenacting the scene of Joseph and Mary seeking shelter in Bethlehem. The procession heads to the chosen house for the night, asking for accommodation. Once the homeowner agrees to let them in, the celebration begins with music, food, and possibly fireworks. On Christmas Eve, caroling groups carry candles and ring bells, parading through the streets until reaching the local church.

4. Christmas Feast in Iceland

The Christmas feast in Iceland features traditional dishes such as smoked lamb, intricately decorated leaf bread called laufabrauð, and smoked puffin. The delightful dessert includes rice pudding that is fragrant and sweet. They also have a meaningful pre-Christmas meal with salted skate and boiled potatoes to honor the country's patron saints.

Christmas in Iceland holds significant humanitarian values. Icelanders light candles in their windows to invite weary passersby looking for a place to rest into their homes. According to tradition, anyone who stops at a house with candles in the window is invited for dinner and offered a place to stay overnight.

5. Festive Gathering in Austria

The Christmas celebration in Austria is warm and festive, bringing together family and close friends. The table is adorned with traditional dishes like roasted turkey, special chocolate treats, and various sweet desserts. A notable pastry enjoyed during this time is the Stollen, exclusively baked for Christmas.

Starting from December 6, Austria's Santa Claus distributes candies, hazelnuts, and apples to children. On December 24, a winged figure named Kristkindl delivers gifts and Christmas trees. Children eagerly await the jingling bells before opening the door to a room adorned with a Christmas tree, candles, and waiting treats.

6. Christmas Feast in Poland

In Poland, families host a traditionally lavish Christmas Eve feast known as Wiglia or 'Star Supper.' The feast consists of 12 different dishes symbolizing the 12 apostles of Christ, such as fried carp, stuffed carp, trout in wine sauce, trout in cream sauce, fruit preserves, mushroom soup, Borscht with beets, small Pierogi dumplings, steamed potatoes, and various traditional pastries.

Polish families often invite guests to the Christmas Eve dinner, and the number of plates set on the table is always an odd number like 5, 7, or 9. The host breaks the poplatek, a thin cinnamon cake with an image of the nativity, and shares it with everyone at the table.

7. Christmas Celebration in Finland

People in Finland enjoy traditional Christmas dishes such as oven-baked ham, mashed potatoes, dense rice porridge, turkey, salted salmon Gravlax, ham with mustard or bread, and many more.

Christmas in Finland includes an interesting tradition of taking a sauna bath before Christmas Eve. Additionally, the 'Santa Claus' in Finland doesn't come down the chimney but visits every home through the front door. On Christmas Day, families in Finland also visit the graves of their loved ones to pay respects.

8. Christmas Celebration in Australia

Christmas in Australia unfolds in warm weather. The traditional Australian Christmas feast includes turkey, pudding, and minced meat pies.

Australians take pride in their meaningful Christmas celebration, featuring a must-have event on Christmas Eve called Carols by Candlelight. Thousands gather, holding candles and singing carols, spreading the message and wishes for a peaceful and joyful world.

9. Christmas Festivity in the United Kingdom

The most significant Christmas celebration will take place on the evening of December 25th featuring the main dish of roasted goose or turkey with potatoes and the distinctive root vegetables of the United Kingdom. Additionally, there will be ham, Brussels sprouts, and Chipolata sausages. Desserts offer a rich variety of sweet treats, with the most popular being pudding and truffles. The puddings, with special surprises hidden in the filling—whether they are nuts or coins—are believed to bring luck to those who discover them.

Children in the United Kingdom engage in a traditional Christmas activity we are familiar with: writing handwritten letters to Santa Claus and tossing them into the fireplace. The children believe that the letters will fly up the chimney to the North Pole, Santa's residence.

10. Christmas Celebration in Spain

Christmas dinner in Spain is celebrated nationwide on December 24th, but each region has its own unique dishes. Spaniards have a Christmas Eve dinner much like a Christmas Day lunch.

Seafood is a traditional dish, but roasted turkey is also very popular. Traditional Spanish sweets include 'turrón' or the happiness candy, which can be crunchy or soft, along with polvorones. However, the most popular sweet treat is the Polvorón, made from flour, milk, sugar, various nuts, and 'turrón' almond candy.

11. Christmas Celebration in Canada

Christmas in Canada blends the culinary cultures of France and England. Two special items that appear during this festive season are eggnog, a cocktail made from milk and rum, and butter tarts.

Additionally, the beloved Chicken Bones candy is a must-mention. This candy is attractive with its eye-catching appearance and is made from chocolate and milk cream, featuring a distinctive cinnamon scent.

12. Christmas Celebration in Japan

Although only about 2% of the population follows Christianity, Christmas has deeply embedded itself in the culture of the land of cherry blossoms. A popular Christmas dish is KFC fried chicken, and an indispensable treat is the most distinctive Japanese Christmas cake made from sponge cake, strawberries, and whipped cream.

In a country that has given birth to many world-famous characters, it's no surprise that Japan has created its own version of Santa Claus. Japan's Santa, known as Santa Kurosu, is a kind man carrying a big bag full of gifts for children. Notably, he has eyes on the back of his neck to observe the well-behaved kids around him; only the good ones receive presents.

13. Christmas Feast in Brazil

In Brazil, Christmas is the biggest festival of the year, so it's no surprise that every Brazilian family meticulously prepares a lavish feast. The table is adorned with dishes made from fresh vegetables, exotic fruits, and Brazilian nuts. Additionally, there are colorful bowls of rice, plates filled with smoked meat, and various salads.

Desserts are diverse, ranging from chocolate cakes to tangy lemon tarts or peanut sweets. The main course could be turkey or roast pork. The Brazilian Christmas turkey has a unique preparation, featuring turkey meat combined with a marinade made from champagne.

14. Christmas Feast in Germany

Germans indulge in a variety of sweets during their Christmas celebration. Favorites include gingerbread, biscuits, and almond Marzipan treats.

The Christmas bread, Stollen, also cherished in Austria, is a popular choice in Germany. The main course features nutritious dishes like roasted goose, and roasted suckling pig accompanied by red cabbage salad.

15. Christmas Feast in Russia

Christmas celebration in Russia often features various regional dishes, but traditionally, they prepare 12 symbolic dishes representing the 12 apostles. Particularly, the dessert Kutya, made from wheat, honey, and raisins, is an indispensable part of the Russian Christmas feast.

During the Christmas holiday, Russian workers enjoy up to 10 days off, providing ample time for festive celebrations. While Russians don't decorate Christmas trees, they have Evergreen trees as part of their celebration.

The traditional dish on the Christmas table in Ethiopia is spicy stewed meat. Notably, Christmas in Ethiopia is commemorated with ceremonies held in villages and cities.

People bring intricately decorated umbrellas and wear their finest traditional attire. The celebration concludes with a procession inside the church.

Christmas in Peru is also known as Nochebuena or the night of goodness. Nochebuena is a time for family gatherings, starting after 10 PM.

The Christmas celebration in Peru is cozy, featuring the main dish of turkey prepared with apple sauce. For dessert, there's the Italian-style sweet bread Panettone and aromatic hot chocolate.

The traditional Christmas feast in Portugal is delicious with turkey, salted cod, accompanied by vegetables and boiled potatoes. The dessert will be the famous Bolo Rei fruitcake.

In this feast, salted cod is the highlight. It is eaten with eggs, potatoes, and green vegetables. Alongside this dish, there are various desserts such as fruitcakes, sponge cakes, sausages, pumpkin sausages, and fine wines.

19. Christmas Feast in Hungary

A must-have dish for Christmas in Hungary is Beigli cake, a type of pastry made with walnut and poppy seeds.
Christmas in Hungary has an interesting event, the Santa Run, taking place in the capital Budapest.

The special thing about this race is that people wear sexy costumes in the freezing weather. 'Santa Claus' wears a red hat and red shorts, while 'Mrs. Claus' looks alluring in red and pink bikinis. This is the uniqueness of Christmas in Hungary.

20. Christmas Feast in the United States

Americans celebrate Christmas Eve with the main dish being turkey, prepared differently in each region. For example, in Hawaii, turkey meat is marinated in soy sauce before roasting, reflecting Asian influences.

The desserts are diverse, featuring apple pie, pumpkin pie, or cookies. Even poor rural families in the United States celebrate their Christmas with roasted Possum meat.

21. Christmas Feast in Egypt

Christmas Day in Egypt is unique compared to most countries around the world, taking place on January 6th each year instead of December 24th because Egyptians still use the Coptic calendar.

The Christmas Eve feast in Egypt features many delicious dishes, especially 'fata' (slow-cooked lamb with rice), bread, and garlic - foods that Egyptians consider fitting for the Christmas atmosphere.

22. Christmas Feast in Denmark

A popular dish on the Christmas table in Denmark is crispy roast pork served with boiled potatoes, red cabbage, and gravy. In addition, desserts like almonds and almond pudding are a must. If someone manages to find the single whole almond in the pudding, they are considered lucky for the entire year. Typically, the adults reserve this almond-containing dessert for the children to enjoy.

Christmas Day in Denmark truly is a family affair. Everyone joins hands, sings, and dances around the decorated Christmas tree adorned with treats and toys. People sing hymns and Danish Christmas songs, proudly waving the Danish national flag.

23. Christmas Feast in Sweden

Christmas in Sweden comes with heartfelt fables about life and human existence. Today, Swedish Christmas traditions intertwine with engaging activities, culminating in a vibrant Christmas week.

Swedes celebrate Christmas with a lavish feast featuring pickled herring served with boiled potatoes, smoked salmon or herring, cold cuts, pate, sliced beef, and venison. The beverage of choice is a non-alcoholic drink made from pressed lingonberries or grapes.

24. Christmas Feast in Ukraine

Christmas celebration in Ukraine, and Eastern European countries in general, is heavily influenced by religious practices with 12 vegetarian dishes. However, families not following the Orthodox tradition will prepare a meaty soup for Christmas Eve.

Christmas in Ukraine has interesting peculiarities. The celebration takes place on January 7th, not December 25th. Santa Claus visits children on a sleigh pulled by 3 reindeer instead of the usual 6. Santa is accompanied not by elves but by a 'snowflake princess' easily recognizable in her silver-blue attire.

25. Christmas Feast in Norway

Contrary to common imagination of traditional Christmas feasts with turkey, yule log cake, and gingerbread, each country has its unique Christmas celebration, and Norway is no exception.

For Norwegians, a Christmas table without salted pork leg is not truly festive. This dish has been a long-standing tradition in Norway, dating back to ancient Roman times when wild boar meat was reserved exclusively for special occasions.

26. Christmas Feast in Greece

During the Christmas season, Greeks enjoy festive gatherings at clubs or watch holiday programs on TV. However, on Christmas Eve, families come together at home for a meaningful feast, wishing for peace and happiness.

The Christmas table in Greece is meticulously prepared, following over a month of fasting. Typically, the feast includes fish, roasted beef or lamb. Additionally, pork dishes are essential. The dessert of choice is the aromatic Melomakarona honey cookies, a sweet delicacy exclusive to Christmas Day.

27. Christmas Feast in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most festive Christmas destinations globally, brimming with unique cultural traditions in the land of windmills. It's a winter wonderland you can't miss when choosing a European winter holiday.

Christmas dinner in the Netherlands has its distinctive features compared to neighboring countries. 'Gourmet' is an evening feast where people gather in small groups, sitting around a Gourmet set, each using their own pan to cook. The host has prepared finely chopped vegetables, various meats, fish, and shrimp, all accompanied by salad, fruits, and sauces. Dutch people also incorporate beef, duck, rabbit, or pheasant into their Christmas feast. These dishes are often served with a variety of vegetables, potatoes, and salads.