Festive Fancies: Our Top 6 Must-Try Christmas Foods

Christmas: it’s all about spending time with your loved ones, giving and receiving carefully chosen gifts… and of course, tucking into mouth-watering, heart-warming food. If you’re anything like us, you’ll have spent the last few weeks dreaming of a festive feast fit for Saint Nicholas himself – complete with turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings.

But beyond the traditional roast? There’s a world of alternative festive fare out there that would make a welcome addition to any Christmas table. So, to get you inspired to try something different this year, we’ve rounded up a few of our best-loved European Christmas foods.

Raclette

Certainly not kind to the waistline, but oh-so worth it. Made from the sweet milk of Alpine cows, this Swiss winter treat is perfect for warming you up after a day spent exploring cities or slopes. Raclette is the name of the cheese itself – which is delicious when enjoyed in slices – but melted and served in the traditional style with bacon, onions and gherkins, it’s the stuff of foodie dreams!

Seasonal Smörgåsbords

A traditional Swedish smörgåsbord is perfect for those who like to have options. Whether it’s piquant pickled herring, luxurious salmon gravlax or expertly roasted meats and boiled potatoes, there’s something for everyone on a Swedish celebration table. Sample a little of everything – from those famed Swedish meatballs to the lesser-known (and intriguingly named) ‘Jansson’s Temptation’. Smörgåsbords feature in Swedish cuisine throughout the year, but they really go into overdrive come the festive season – when you’ll find seasonal buffets springing up all over Stockholm.

Danish Rice Puddings

Denmark’s Christmas tradition? An unctuously creamy rice pudding, elevated to new heights with the addition of a warm cherry sauce (which gives the dish a welcome tang). Often eaten on the 24^th December, a whole almond is hidden in the pudding. Whoever finds it is said to have won the ‘Christmas present’!

Iberian Ham

Nutty, moreish and melt-in-the-mouth, Iberian ham is a sumptuous staple of Spanish Christmas celebrations. More hams are sold during the month of December than any other time of year, and their arrival in the kitchen heralds the start of the festive season. Known for its rich burgundy hue and delicate marbling, authentic Iberian ham is completely inimitable – and it’s bound to make a welcome addition to your Christmas feast. Simply sliced, or paired with Manchego cheese and bread, it’s a festive eat that’s hard to beat.

Kartoffelpuffer

Of course, no food list could be complete without the humble potato – it’s an easy crowd pleaser! Crispy discs of golden fried goodness, these delicious potato pancakes are the ideal winter warmer (and the perfect accompaniment to a Stein or two of German beer). Traditionally served with apple sauce, you’ll find this ubiquitous German street food at Christmas markets all over the country.

Whether you’re off on a yuletide journey or staying close to home this year, Christmas is a time to indulge with friends and family. And what better way to embrace the spirit of the season than by finding a new favourite meal to share together?

Explore our Europe tours for even more travel inspiration.