30 Traditional Christmas Foods and Recipes

Christmas isn’t as merry and bright without traditional Christmas foods.

And from classic mince pies to juicy holiday turkey recipes, I’ve got plenty to choose from.

Traditional Christmas Foods from Around the World

When it comes to traditional Christmas foods, there are a few recipes I know you’ll expect to see.

So yes, you’ll find Christmas cookies, eggnog, and cranberry sauce below.

But I’ve also included some fun recipes from around the world. Because if you’re not eating stollen this holiday season, you’re really missing out!

1. Honey Glazed Ham

Honey-glazed Christmas ham may be a less popular centerpiece, but it’s just as festive and delicious as a turkey.

With its combination of smoky, savory meat and sweet, buttery glaze, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser.

That shiny finish makes it super appealing. So be sure to take lots of pics!

2. Beef Wellington

This traditional English entrée features a juicy filet mignon covered in a flaky pastry crust. 

There’s also a layer of mushroom duxelles (mushrooms, onions, garlic, and Proscuitto), though you can swap that out if you like.

Either way, it definitely seems intimidating to prepare. Especially considering it’s one of Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes.

But, surprise – the recipe is pretty easy! So why not give it a try?

3. Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are a holiday staple for good reason – they look adorable, and they’re simply delicious. 

Plus, their aromatic blend of warming spices sends a wave of nostalgia throughout the kitchen.

Each bite is a unique experience of sweet and spicy, and their crunchy texture is a treat in itself.

4. Eggnog

Eggnog is the quintessential Christmas beverage.

It only takes one sip to put you in the holiday spirit, and it can easily be made safe for the kids.

That said, this tasty concoction of milk, eggs, sugar, spices, and Kahlua (or rum) is too dreamy to miss.

It has the same comforting and spirit-lifting properties as a cup of hot cocoa! But it’s lightly spiced instead of chocolatey.

5. Mince Pies

Mince pies are available for almost all of December in the U.K., so they get into the spirit early!

And when you get a taste of the flaky pastry and juicy mincemeat filling, you’ll see why.

Most people just grab a jar of mincemeat from the store but feel free to make your own.

And don’t worry, there’s no meat in there! Instead, it’s a mix of fruits, spices, orange zest, and some kind of fat, like lard.

6. Classic Christmas trifle

Sticking across the pond, trifle is one of those holiday desserts you’ll always see at family gatherings.

And while there are plenty of holiday variations, this one is a classic. The OG. The Cream of the Crop.

To make it like Nanna used to, you’ll need strawberry or raspberry jelly (jello), custard, whipped cream, and sherry-soaked cake.

7. Sugar Cookies

Sugar cookies are another favorite holiday treat. They’re cute, festive, and wonderfully crunchy, buttery, and sweet.

Plus, making and decorating them is half the fun!

You can use whatever Christmas cookie cutters you like and adorn them with different colors of frosting.

Easy peasy.

8. Roast Turkey

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without the intoxicating aroma of a tender, golden-brown roast turkey. 

It’s admittedly not the easiest to prepare, but with some patience, you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent feast.

And this recipe is super easy to follow, so check it out!

9. Yule Log Cake

Yule log cake, also known as Bûche de Noël, is a festive holiday dessert that’s sure to please any crowd. 

This exquisite chocolate cake roll comes with a delicious mascarpone whipped cream filling and a chocolate ganache topping. 

Add a thick layer of chocolate frosting over the top, and use a fork to get those bark-like lines. Cute, huh?

10. Cranberry Sauce

No roast turkey is complete without cranberry sauce. Good thing it’s a cinch to make.

This particular recipe is easy and perfectly sweet. Plus, it calls for frozen fruit, so it’s very forgiving.

A splash of orange juice will take the sauce to the next level, complementing it with its bright, citrus taste. But that’s optional.

It’ll be delish either way.

11. Jamie Oliver’s Traditional Christmas Cake

Believe it or not, most bakers in the U.K. start making Christmas cakes as early as September.

Yes, really!

The chopped, dried fruits are usually soaked in sherry or brandy, then mixed into the spiced, brown sugar cake batter.

When they’re baked and cooled, you pour more booze over the top before wrapping them for storage.

Top them up with a splash of sherry every couple of weeks, and they’ll be insanely moist and flavorful come Christmas day.

12. Roast Goose

If you’re looking for a new centerpiece this Christmas, why not go for a Chinese twist?

With its succulent, crisp exterior and juicy, tender flesh, a Chinese-style roast goose is about as tasty as it gets. 

It’s loaded with flavor, thanks to its bold marinade that combines spices, herbs, garlic, and citrus.

With careful preparation and roasting techniques, it’s guaranteed to stand out in any holiday spread.

13. Stollen

If you’ve ever celebrated the holidays in Germany, then you’ve likely tasted the greatness that is stollen. 

This classic Christmas confection features a light cake filled with a variety of dried fruit and nuts, along with homemade marzipan. 

Finished with a generous dusting of powdered sugar, it’s just as festive as it is delicious.

14. Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark Recipe

Making your Christmas presents this year? Look no further than the scrumptious peppermint bark recipe. 

This classic treat combines crushed candy canes, chocolate, and white chocolate to make an unforgettable treat. 

I love that it starts off crunchy, and then it gradually melts in your mouth. Mmm.

And it’s a great make-ahead gift too!

15. Swedish Christmas Buns with Saffron and Raisins

I’ve been lucky enough to visit Stockholm for the holidays more than once. And I always look forward to their saffron buns!

The Swedes love to add saffron to their bakes, so it’s in a lot of recipes. But these buns are a Christmas must-have.

The dough is buttery, the raisins are chewy, and the saffron makes it fragrant. Yum!

16. Christmas Brussel Sprouts

It’s unfortunate that Brussels sprouts get such a bad rep. Because when they’re cooked right, they’re so tasty!

And Christmas is the perfect time of year to give them another chance. 

The trick is to roast them on high with oil, salt and pepper. Also, don’t crowd the tray, or they won’t caramelize.

Feel free to add onions and bacon to the tray if you want something really special!

17. Little Smokies Wrapped in Bacon

What we call little smokies, the Brits call “pigs in blankets”. And they serve these right alongside the sprouts and stuffing for Christmas dinner.

And why not? They’re meaty, salty, and lightly crisp. What a pairing for turkey!

Plus, if you make enough, you’ll have some for later, when everyone is peckish again.

18. Traditional Christmas Pudding (Figgy Pudding)

It’s another Christmas dessert we all know and love – but maybe you’ve never tried it! 

Figgy pudding is as traditional as it gets. And with its mouthwatering mix of dried fruits, nuts, brandy, spices, and black treacle, it’s one you have to try.

Serve it with warm custard, cream, or brandy butter. Wow!

19. Sage and Onion Stuffing

Stuffing is a huge deal in my house during the holidays. But did you know they eat it almost every Sunday in the U.K.?

It’s true! But it’s especially welcome at Christmas. And this sage and onion stuffing is as traditional as it gets.

Instead of bread chunks, it calls for breadcrumbs mixed with butter, onion, sage, and eggs.

Just trust me and try it. You won’t be sorry!

20. Tourtière (French-Canadian Meat Pie)

This hearty meat pie has roots in the province of Quebec, all the way back to the 1600s.

It’s said it was made after Christmas Eve midnight mass for a grand old party. And it’s pretty clear why.

Between two layers of flaky pastry, you’ll find a small mountain of seasoned meat and potatoes.

Seriously, this thing is hefty. But it’s a terrific option for potlucks.

21. Christmas Cookie Fudge

Christmas fudge of all flavors and colors is a pretty standard holiday treat. It’s super easy to make ahead, and I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like it.

But instead of something chocolatey, you have to try this Christmas cookie fudge recipe.

It starts out as you’d expect – with white chocolate and condensed milk. But then you’ll add sugar cookie mix for flavor.

How cool is that?

22. Easy Duchess Potatoes Recipe

Why make plain old mash when you can make these stunning Duchess potatoes?

I mean, you still have to make mash, you just won’t serve it right away.

Instead, you’ll pipe it into these pretty swirls and bake until golden and lightly crisp.

It’s a fun twist, and it’ll look incredible on your holiday table.

23. The Ultimate Christmas Pavlova

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting Australia or New Zealand, you’ll know they love pavlovas.

These sweet, crispy, and creamy desserts appear at almost every dinner party. And they’re usually overflowing with fresh fruit!

And since there are so many toppings, you don’t even need to worry about being neat. So don’t be afraid of cracked meringues!

24. Chestnut Stuffing

Okay, I can’t have a list of Christmas food without classic stuffing. Because as much as I love the Brits’ version, you can’t beat something chunky like this.

It’s a combination of crispy bacon, savory mushrooms, sweet prunes, and nutty chestnuts.

They meld together to create a culinary delight that will not be forgotten. 

25. Mulled Wine

Christmas is the most “wine-derful” time of the year, after all. So let’s celebrate it with some mulled wine!

Made with wine, fruit juice, and spices, every sip will warm your soul and provide you comfort. 

It looks incredibly festive too! That dark red with bright orange and fresh cranberries is super Insta-worthy.

26. Prime Rib with Au Jus

We’ve had ham, turkey, and even goose. So I had to include a recipe for prime rib.

It’s a pricey chunk of meat, so it’s the kind of thing to splurge on for the holidays.

Just imagine how impressed everyone will be when this thing comes out of the oven.

27. Christmas Baked Salmon

How stunning is this baked salmon?

For anyone looking for something light this Christmas day, salmon is a terrific option.

It’s flavorful, colorful, and beautifully light.

This whole side is covered in honey glaze, then wrapped and baked until flaky. Then you’ll add lemon-dill sauce, pomegranate seeds, craisins, and almonds.

It’s insanely vibrant, textural, and a wonderful change from the heavier meat dishes.

28. Maple Bacon Carrots

Veggies are a must for Christmas. But who says they have to be plain?

These bacon-wrapped carrots are a fantastic, jazzed-up twist on everyone’s favorite orange veg.

I bet even the kids will want seconds!

29. Banketstaaf (Dutch Christmas Log)

This Dutch pastry with almonds is one of my favorite things to make for holiday brunch.

There’s yummy almond paste and orange zest in the middle. That’s enrobed in crispy, flaky pastry, then baked until golden.

Use frozen puff pastry to make the prep quick, and feel free to add a thin layer of raspberry jam too. It’ll really make it pop!

30. Christmas Nut Roast

The once sad vegetarian option has had a serious makeover in recent years.

In fact, I’ve made this on many occasions – not just during the holidays. And it’s always a hit.

Vegan and gluten-free with plenty of veggies and nuts, it’s a lovely way to treat the family.