Serving food during Christmas Eve is a cherished tradition rooted in cultural, religious, and social customs. It’s a celebration of togetherness representing unity, love, and community. For Christians, serving Christmas food is of religious significance, since several dishes may symbolize religious themes, like fish for the Feast of the Seven Fishes associated with the abstinence from meat. Food on Christmas Eve is also a form of tradition and nostalgia as the Christmas recipes are passed down through generations, creating a sense of continuity and heritage. Then, since Christmas is a season of giving, preparing and sharing food may also reflect generosity, hospitality, and care for others.

What’s the big deal with Christmas food? Why do people love it so much? It’s because food is a universal language to express love and welcome. Preparing it also needs group efforts, like cooking, decorating it, and setting the table. As the food is ready, sitting around the table encourages people to share stories, reminisce about past Christmas, and strengthen relationships over delicious food. The act of serving and sharing food during Christmas also allows people to have a pause from daily life, since families have to slow down, focus on each other, and create lasting memories. Craving a taste of Christmas around the globe? Or feeling adventurous in the kitchen? Let’s dive in!

The act of serving food on Christmas Eve is a ritual bringing people together, celebrates tradition, and expresses joy and gratitude. Whether you prepare it yourself or simply dine out, here are some top Christmas food you can consider for your memorable Christmas Eve:

Roast beef originates from the British Sunday roast tradition that is adapted for Christmas. It’s succulent, slow-roasted cuts served with gravy, resulting in bold, savory, earthy tones (from the seasoning and crust) tastes. Its hearty and comforting characteristics are suitable for a winter feast.

Mashed potatoes are universally-loved food because it complements rich dishes with its mild, buttery, and smooth flavors. Originating in 18th-century Europe, this dish is a creamy, whipped potato with butter, milk, and seasonings.

As the most popular cookie for Christmas, gingerbread cookies come from medieval Europe and were used as a medicine back then. These spiced cookies shaped into gingerbread men and other festive designs give you a sweet taste, with warming spices from ginger and cinnamon.

Before turkey became common, goose was popular in Europe. This is a roasted goose with crispy skin and rich, fatty meat producing the buttery richness in flavors. In addition to the historical significance and festive purpose, this dish has a unique flavor you should give a try.

Deviled egg is hard-boiled eggs halved and filled with a yolk-based creamy mixture. Its tangy, creamy, and slightly spicy tastes make this dish an easy appetizer for gatherings. Along with its simple but rich flavors, did you know that it originates in ancient Rome, then modernized in the 19^th century?

Get ready for the combo of savory, smoky, and crispy tastes of pig in blankets! Coming from England and Europe, this meal is mini sausages wrapped in bacon or pastry. Its bite-sized is what makes it popular and perfect for parties.

Another dessert for Christmas Eve! Originating from Roman times and popularized in Europe, fruitcake is a dense cake loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and spices. As it goes into your mouth, you’ll have sweet flavors, with a chewy texture and warming spices. May this fruitcake bring you good luck and a long life, or at least a tasty treat for the holiday!

Baked brie is a French culinary tradition with creamy, nutty, and sweet tastes. This decadent and shareable dessert is a wheel of Brie cheese baked until molten, often with toppings like nuts and honey.

Nothing is more impressive than a beautiful spread of cheese and meat on a board. You only have to fill out your board with your favorite cheeses, seasonal fruits, meat, and crackers to make this menu. Originating from France, cheese platter or cheese board symbolizes togetherness, nutrition, and tradition.

Caramelized or candied carrots are a vegetable dish in Europe and the US, made with carrots caramelized in butter and brown sugar, sometimes with the addition of an acidic ingredient, like orange juice. Popular for Thanksgiving and Christmas, it represents prosperity and abundance due to the vibrant orange color resembling gold and is associated with plentiful harvests.

The origin of hot chocolate can be traced back to the Mayo-Chinchipe culture in what is now Ecuador. It’s a heated drink consisting of shaved/melted chocolate/cocoa powder, heated milk, and usually a sweetener. Some people would also like their hot chocolate to be garnished with whipped cream or marshmallows. Hot cocoa is like a hug in a mug on Christmas Eve.

The history of turkey and gravy can be traced back to medieval meat gravy and the 14^th century cookbook The Forme of Cury. Characterized by the flavorful juices and fats coming from the roasted turkey, this dish is a traditional Thanksgiving meal in the US, representing the joy of holiday season and quality time with loved ones.

Enough for European Christmas food, now, we move on to Asian culinary delights that are no less impressive than those of Europe. The first on the list is bibingka, a soft, spongy rice cake baked in banana leaves, topped with salted egg, cheese, butter, and coconut. It’s a Filipino dessert influenced by Spanish colonization, often served after Simbang Gabi (Christmas Mass). Its sweet, slightly salty, and creamy tastes embody warmth and tradition.

Nian gao is a traditional Chinese sticky rice cake made of glutinous rice flour and sugar, steamed and sometimes pan-fried. Its chewy and sweet flavors symbolize growth and prosperity, making it a thoughtful Christmas gift or treat.

From India, we have tandoori turkey, a turkey marinated in spiced yogurt and roasted in a tandoor oven. It results in smoky, tangy, and aromatic flavors from spices like cumin and coriander. This dish is a mix of Indian tandoori cooking and Western Christmas traditions.

Korean barbecue isn’t only popular in Korea but also other parts of Asia. It’s a Korean cultural staple, perfect for family-oriented feasts that emphasize sharing and celebration. The grilled marinated beef, pork, or chicken served with kimchi and dipping sauces will give you a sweet, savory, and smoky taste.

Craving for Asian desserts? Here we go! Pineapple tarts originate from Peranakan heritage. It’s buttery cookies filled with sweet pineapple jam, resulting in sweet and tangy flavors. Its bite size makes this dessert popular and enjoyable during cultural celebrations/festivals.

Famous in Japan and China, seafood hot pot is a traditional communal meal in East Asia. A simmering pot of broth filled with seafood, vegetables, and tofu will delight your palate with umami goodness. Symbolizing unity and sharing, this dish is ideal for winter brought by the hot broth.

You might have been familiar with this meal, too. Biryani is a hearty and celebratory Mughlai royal cuisine with aromatic, spicy, and flavorful tastes. Made from spiced rice cooked with meat or vegetables, biryani is usually served for large gatherings.

In Malaysia, there’s flaky pastries filled with spiced meat, potatoes, and vegetables called curry puffs. During Christmas, it’s served as a snack, known for its savory and spicy flavors. The origins of this snack will no longer matter, since it has become the Asian favorite across Indonesia (known as kue pastel), India, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand.

In addition to serving food and having a Christmas dinner during Christmas Eve, you can go traveling with your families/friends to take your holidays to the next level. For those planning to visit Malaysia, keep reading because you’ll get some insights on the best destinations in the country to make you a perfect Christmas Eve and why they’re recommended.

The first stop is Johor Bahru, a city in Malaysia with a mix of traditions and diverse food located at the southern end of the Malay Peninsula. Why do we recommend this city? During Christmas, many public places like malls are decked out with festive decor and offer seasonal goodies. Some resorts also host special Christmas-themed activities, parades, and light shows.

What to do? Easy–first, take your kids to LEGOLAND^Ⓡ Malaysia Theme Park to dive into 80+ LEGO-themed rides, attractions, and shows. Then, you’ll see their smile even wider if you take them to Blue Ice Skating Rink at Paradigm. Experience the first largest ice skating rink in Johor and learn figure skating, ice hockey, and speed skating. To conclude the day, savor in delectable Western and local delights at The FOUNDERS Cafe.

The second option is Kota Kinabalu. Wondering why? In this city, you’ll have a seaside Christmas with stunning views of the South China Sea, Christmas feasts, themed parties, and nature explorations. You can also engage in Sabah’s cultural diversity during Christmas with local dance performances and markets.

During your vacation in this city, we recommend you to some activities, like a tour to Sapi and Manukan Twin Islands and parasailing. You will not only relax and lay back on a tranquil beach under the sun, but also encounter diverse marine fish in those islands. Then, fly yourself through the sky with a beautiful sea below you. The next day, take Kota Kinabalu City Night Tour with Seafood Dinner to get around the delicacies of the city and appreciate the city’s skyline from the Signal Hill. After those exhausting tours, give yourself a calming full-body massage at Mali Mali Garden Spa.

Your third option would be Kuching, Sarawak. Kuching is known for its heritage charm allowing you to stroll through the old town and visit colonial-era churches with Christmas services. It also offers Christmas scenic decorations on waterfront areas and landmarks, like the Darul Hana Bridge. Besides, you can take delight in Sarawak specialties, such as kek lapis (layered cake) to complete your Christmas Eve’s holiday.

Diverse in local heritage, we recommend the Kuching Heritage Trail to see the city’s colonial buildings at your own pace, stroll around India Street, and discover the city’s cultural identity at Chinese History Museum and The Sarawak Museum. For more exploration, but now animal-related, go with Semenggoh Nature Reserve and Annah Rais Day Tour. You’ll catch a sight of semi-wild orangutans, explore a traditional longhouse, and the traditional farming lifestyle of the Bidayuh. Then, to complete your adventure in Kuching, try Kuching Food Trail to taste the flavors of Malaysia, such as Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, rojak, and more.

You can also opt for Ipoh for your Christmas Eve’s vacation. Known for its charming colonial architecture and vibrant local food scene, Ipoh offers a quieter but festive Christmas experience. You’ll also see the Ipoh Railway Station and Concubine Lane that are usually lit up during Christmas, creating a magical ambience. The local delights in the town’s festive markets are also ready to welcome you.

If you’re traveling with family, your first destination in Ipoh should be Lost World of Tambun Amusement and Water Park. Ride the waves at Jungle Wave Bay, explore the old mining tunnels, or take part in hands-on experience at the petting zoo, then relax in the soothing natural hot springs. Your kids crave for more entertainment? Chill, we have TiniTin Town. There, let your kids do anything they want, including observing dinosaur fossils or venture into the galaxy. The last day in Ipoh, get yourself some insights about the city’s neo-baroque style buildings and the historical Perak Tong Temple with the Ipoh Private Day Tour from Penang.

For your serene and luxurious Christmas escape with pristine beaches and upscale resorts, your only choice is Langkawi. With some resorts organizing exquisite Christmas dinners and beachfront celebrations, Langkawi combines relaxation with holiday festivities, like Christmas-themed cruises and island-hopping adventures.

Prefer a cruise tour? Go for a Luxury Sunset Cruise Half-Day Tour, and cruise along the Langkawi waters, watch the sunset over the tranquil Andaman Sea, while enjoying a set buffet seafood dinner. Pray that you’ll be lucky enough that day to meet spinner dolphins and flying fish! For an island-hopping option, we have Pulau Dayang Bunting and Langkawi Islands Jet Ski Tour. Explore 8 beautiful islands, including Dayang Bunting Island and combine them with other water sports, like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling. Lastly, to wrap up your Christmas Eve, step into the enchanting world of waterfront pleasures and sky-high delights at MAHA Tower. Soar over 100 meters high and witness the city bathed with colorful and sparkling Christmas lights.

Deck the halls of Malaysia and create unforgettable Christmas memories with your family with Traveloka! Easy booking, secure payment. Book flights, hotels, and activities now and enjoy the country’s festive feasts. Save big on your Christmas vacation with our awesome seasonal deals, too!