12 Festive Christmas Recipes to Take You Around the World
Explore 12 festive Christmas recipes that bring global holiday vibes straight to your kitchen. From sweet to savoury, cozy classics to bold international flavours, these dishes are here to level up your holiday menu and wow your crew.
Norway
Krumkake, a traditional Norwegian Christmas treat, is like the Scandinavian cousin of Italian pizzelle. These crispy, delicate cookies get their signature flavor from cardamom and almond extract. Get the recipe: Krumkaker
Germany
Stay festive without the booze with this easy homemade non-alcoholic mulled wine (aka Kinderpunsch). This warm and cozy German Christmas mocktail is super delicious and perfect for everyone to enjoy. Get the recipe: Kinderpunsch
USA
Skip the pricey store-bought holiday ham and make your own with this 5-Ingredient baked honey ham recipe. It’s super easy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress. Get the recipe: Baked Honey Ham
Belgium
These warm, festive Speculaas cookies (Speculoos) bring the classic Biscoff flavors straight to your holiday cookie box. Perfectly spiced and irresistibly delicious, they’re a Belgian treat that’s guaranteed to spread joy this season. Get the recipe: Homemade Speculaas Cookies
Romania
Romanian Sarmale, or stuffed cabbage rolls, are a flavorful mix of ground meat, rice, herbs, and spices wrapped in cabbage leaves or sauerkraut. Simmered in a light tomato sauce until tender, this traditional dish is a Christmas classic in Romania and a hearty dinner favorite year-round. Get the recipe: Sarmale
Trinidad and Tobago
Black cake is the ultimate Christmas treat in the Caribbean. Made with rum-soaked fruits, this decadent cake is the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors that will leave you craving another slice. Get the recipe: Trinidad Black Cake
Spain
In Spain, Christmas presents are shared on Three Kings Day, and on that same day, the traditional Roscón de Reyes, a buttery sweet bread known as The Kings Cake, is served. Get the recipe: Three King’s Cake
Venezuela
Pan de Jamón, a beloved Christmas bread from Venezuela, is a must-have holiday treat. This savory-sweet bread combines ham, olives, raisins, and bacon to create a mouthwatering dish that’s a holiday favorite. Get the recipe: Pan de Jamon
Mexico
This traditional Ensalada de Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve Salad, is a vibrant mix of pomegranates, oranges, pineapple, jicama, and beets tossed in a refreshing citrus dressing. While it’s a staple for Christmas Eve dinners in Mexico, it’s a festive and delicious addition to any holiday table. Get the recipe: Ensalada de Nochebuena – Christmas Eve Salad
Serbia and the Balkans
Kifles are traditional crescent-shaped pastries filled with apricots, raspberries, nuts, or cheese. Passed down through generations, these delightful treats are a beloved part of Christmas festivities. Get the recipe: Traditional Kifle Crescent Cookies
Italy
Panettone, the iconic Italian Christmas bread, is a festive treat that’s perfect for the holidays. While making traditional panettone can involve many steps, this easy recipe ensures a buttery, brioche-like bread filled with dried fruit, ideal for your Christmas brunch. Get the recipe: Panettone
England
Traditional British Christmas pudding, also known as plum pudding, is a make-ahead, steamed dessert packed with fruit and often set alight when served. It’s the perfect finale for a classic British Christmas dinner. Get the recipe: Traditional British Christmas Pudding
