Slovakia: Christmas holidays with family and traditions
In Slovakia, Christmas Eve is the peak of the Christmas season. Families come together for a special dinner called “Christmas Eve”. The meal begins with thin wafers often served with honey, which symbolise unity and sweetness. Fish soup and fried carp with potato salad are staples of the festive menu. Slovaks also keep a carp scale in their wallet for good luck.
Bulgaria: Vegetarian Christmas Eve
In Bulgaria, a vegetarian feast is prepared on Christmas Eve, or “Badni Vecher”. Families prepare an odd number of dishes such as stuffed peppers, beans and roasted pumpkin. The center of attention is a round loaf of bread with a hidden coin. It is believed that whoever finds the coin will be lucky in the coming year. Bulgarians also burn oak wood, which symbolises health and prosperity. Meat dishes, such as roast pork, are once again on the table at Christmas.
Romania: Singing and festive meals
Christmas in Romania is marked by groups of carol singers who go from house to house spreading festive cheer. Traditional songs like “Steaua” celebrate the Star of Bethlehem. Christmas feasts include sarmale (cabbage rolls stuffed with meat and rice) and cozonac (sweet bread with nuts or cocoa). In villages, parades are often held with people dressed as bears and goats to ward off evil spirits.
Hungary: angels and Christmas trees
Hungarian children eagerly await the mysterious arrival of the Christmas tree, often said to be brought by angels. On Christmas Eve, fish soup, fried fish and beigli, rolls stuffed with poppy seeds or nuts are served. Midnight mass is popular and Christmas markets offer gifts, mulled wine and chimney cakes.
Lithuania: reflective traditions
Lithuanians celebrate Kūčios, a festive Christmas Eve dinner with 12 dishes symbolizing the apostles. The meal excludes meat and focuses on fish, cereals and vegetables. Popular dishes include herrings, kūčiukai (small buns) and poppy seed milk. Families place hay under the tablecloth, reminiscent of the manger where Jesus was born.
Latvia: divination and festivals
In Latvia, Christmas is a mixture of traditions. Small objects under the plates foretell good luck – a coin wealth, a ring love. The main dish is often roast pork with sauerkraut and grey peas. Latvians observe the “12 Days of Christmas”, which are believed to predict the weather for the year.
Croatia: wheat and rustic charm
Croatians plant wheat seeds on 13 December, the day of Saint Lucia, to symbolize renewal. Wheat decorates houses along with candles on Christmas Eve. Traditional foods include turkey, sarma (cabbage rolls) and fritule (small doughnuts). The straw under the dining table represents the nativity scene.
Germany: advent and markets
German Christmas markets attract visitors with mulled wine and handmade decorations. The Advent wreaths feature four candles that are lit every week before Christmas. Families enjoy roast goose, red cabbage and dumplings. Gifts are brought by the angelic figure of Christkind.
Netherlands: the Sinterklaas and family time
In the Netherlands, the Sinterklaas holiday on 5 December marks the beginning of the gift-giving season. Christmas itself is quieter, with family meals and church services. Many families enjoy gourmetten, where everyone cooks mini foods on a tabletop grill. Desserts include kerststol, fruit bread with marzipan.
Austria: Singing and decoration
Austria, the birthplace of the “Silent Night”, is lit up with beautifully decorated cities. On Christmas Eve, roast goose or carp is served here. Families eagerly await presents from Father Christmas. Christmas markets offer gifts and delicacies such as Lebkuchen (gingerbread).
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