The holiday season is a time of indulgence, joy and togetherness — and for foodies, it’s the perfect excuse to explore the world through its festive flavours. From savoury and sweet treats in Europe to spicy delights in Asia, each destination offers a unique culinary adventure that captures the spirit of the holidays.
Whether you’re looking to savour traditional dishes or discover new holiday flavours, this guide will take you on a delicious journey across the globe.
There’s no better place to experience the holidays than in Germany, where traditional Christmas markets fill the air with the scent of roasted nuts, mulled wine and gingerbread.
Must-Try Dishes: Lebkuchen (spiced gingerbread); Glühwein (mulled wine); and Bratwurst (grilled sausage).
Insider Tip: Visit the Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt for authentic treats and handcrafted holiday gifts.
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In Italy, the holidays are all about family, food and festive desserts that reflect centuries of tradition.
Must-Try Dishes: Panettone (sweet bread with dried fruit); Torrone (nougat with nuts); and Pandoro (golden sponge cake).
Insider Tip: Pair your panettone with a glass of sweet Moscato wine for the ultimate Italian holiday experience.
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While Japan doesn’t traditionally celebrate Christmas, the country has embraced festive flavours with its own unique spin.
Must-Try Dishes: Fried chicken (a modern Christmas Eve tradition in Japan!); and kurisumasu keek (a light sponge cake topped with strawberries and whipped cream).
Insider Tip: Pre-order your Christmas cake from a local bakery, as they often sell out quickly during the holiday season.
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In Mexico, the holiday season is marked by Las Posadas, a series of celebrations leading up to Christmas Eve, featuring vibrant traditions and delicious food.
Must-Try Dishes: Tamales (corn dough stuffed with savoury or sweet fillings); Pozole (hearty hominy soup); and Buñuelos (crispy fried dough with cinnamon and sugar).
Insider Tip: Join a local posada celebration to experience the festive spirit and taste traditional holiday dishes.
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Sweden’s holiday season is centred around the Julbord, a festive smorgasbord filled with hearty and comforting dishes.
Must-Try Dishes: Janssons frestelse (potato and anchovy casserole); Gravlax (cured salmon); and Lussekatter (saffron buns).
Insider Tip: Visit a traditional Swedish restaurant for an authentic Julbord experience, complete with glögg (spiced wine).
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From coast to coast, the United States offers a diverse range of holiday flavours influenced by the country’s multicultural heritage.
Must-Try Dishes: Roast turkey with stuffing; pumpkin pie; and eggnog.
Insider Tip: Explore regional specialties, such as oyster stuffing in the South or Dungeness crab in California.
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The French know how to celebrate cuisine in style, and their festive season is no exception.
Must-Try Dishes: Bûche de Noël (Yule log cake); oysters, and pretty much anything else the French gastronomes serve up!
Insider Tip: Visit a patisserie in Paris for a beautifully crafted Bûche de Noël and enjoy it with a glass of Champagne.
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In India, Christmas is celebrated with vibrant dishes infused with aromatic spices and flavours.
Must-Try Dishes: Plum cake (fruitcake with Indian spices); Biryani; and Vindaloo.
Insider Tip: Visit Goa in the South during the holiday season to experience festive celebrations and sample traditional Goan Christmas sweets like kulkuls and neureos.
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Book Early: Popular destinations fill up quickly during the holiday season. Plan your trip well in advance.
Take a Food Tour: Join a guided food tour to discover hidden gems and learn about the history behind each dish.
Learn Local Customs: Understanding the cultural significance of holiday dishes enhances your culinary experience.
Whether you’re sipping mulled wine in Germany, enjoying a traditional Julbord in Sweden, or savouring tamales in Mexico, each destination offers a unique taste of the holiday spirit.
Visit our online booking platform for hotel, flight and guided tour deals for these top foodie destinations. Or contact your nearest Sure Travel Agent for latest offers.