Christmas meals around the world are a beautiful reflection of each culture’s unique traditions and flavors. From hearty roasts to sweet treats, the festive feast is a highlight for many. Here are nine Christmas dinners from across the globe that will inspire your own celebrations:

1. Traditional Christmas Dinner in the UK

In the UK, Christmas dinner is a grand affair, typically featuring a roast turkey, chicken, or goose. The meal is accompanied by an array of sides like stuffing, roast potatoes, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets (mini sausages wrapped in bacon), and devils on horseback (dates wrapped in bacon). For dessert, you might find clootie dumplings (fruit pudding) in Scotland.

2. Lebanese Mezze Feast

Lebanon celebrates Christmas with a feast that includes a wide range of mezze dishes. These might include kibbeh (a savory pie made of bulgur wheat and minced meat), tabbouleh (a fresh parsley and tomato salad), hummus, and lamb dishes. A stuffed turkey or chicken with spiced rice rounds out the meal, often finished with sweet sugar-coated almonds.

3. Ethiopian Wat and Injera

In Ethiopia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar. The festive meal includes wat, a spicy meat stew, served with injera, a sourdough flatbread. This dish is eaten by scooping up the stew with pieces of the injera, making it a communal and flavorful experience.

4. KFC Christmas in Japan

In Japan, Christmas is not a national holiday, but many people still enjoy the festive spirit. Thanks to a successful KFC campaign in 1974, fried chicken has become a beloved tradition. People often order buckets of chicken well in advance to enjoy with loved ones, along with a light sponge cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries.

5. Lychees and Pork in Madagascar

In Madagascar, Christmas is a time for family gatherings and delicious meals. Pork or chicken, often served with rice, is the main dish, with specialties like Akoho sy Voanio (chicken and coconut stew). Lychees, which are a seasonal treat, are also a festive favorite in Madagascar.

6. Brazilian Christmas Feast

Brazilian Christmas dinner, or Ceia de Natal, is served late on Christmas Eve. The meal includes turkey, often adorned with fruits, as well as ham, salted cod, rice, and a variety of side dishes. For dessert, you’ll find panettone and stollen, influenced by Italian and German traditions, along with rabanada (Brazilian French toast) drizzled with syrup.

7. Christmas BBQ in Australia

Since Christmas falls during summer in Australia, many families celebrate with a BBQ. Popular dishes include steaks, chicken, and seafood like prawns and lobster. Traditional holiday foods like ham and turkey might also be served, often cold, and the meal is topped off with pavlova, a meringue-based dessert decorated with fresh fruits.

8. Icelandic Christmas Delights

In Iceland, Christmas is a sweet affair, with households baking cookies and intricate leaf bread. The main dish often includes hangikjöt (smoked lamb) or rjúpa (seabird), and buffets featuring pickled herring, cured salmon, and smoked puffin. For dessert, there are plenty of seasonal treats and holiday cakes.

9. Lechon in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Noche Buena is the highlight of Christmas Eve. The feast typically features lechon (roasted pig), alongside queso de bola (Edam cheese), pasta dishes, and a variety of sweet treats. A slightly sweet spaghetti, often topped with tomato sauce, is a recent addition to the table, alongside chocolate (hot chocolate).

Each of these festive meals reflects the cultural richness and unique customs of its country, making Christmas a deliciously diverse occasion.