The holidays are a time to gather, give thanks, and share something delicious. From the spice-filled kitchens of Mexico’s Yucatán to the treat-covered tables of Austria, seasonal dining traditions tell the story of a region. Whether it’s a time-honored recipe passed down through generations or a ritual that’s lovingly shared between families, holiday meals around the world are about connecting through cuisine.
For foodies or anyone looking to get a tempting taste of cherished culinary customs found in destinations near and far, these festive locales offer the opportunity to unwrap something truly worth savoring this holiday season.
Relish a Ritual-Filled Mayan Feast in Cancún, Mexico
In the Yucatán, holiday feasts are tied to the region’s Mayan heritage. At Christmastime, Mexican kitchens come alive with the scent of Pavo en Relleno Negro, a celebratory turkey dish that’s slow cooked in a smoky black sauce called chilmole. Made by fire-roasting chiles, grinding spices by hand, and stirring in masa, it’s a recipe that brings ancient flavors to the modern world. Today, families still gather for hours before Christmas to prepare this special dish, preserving a culinary ritual that’s been passed down for generations.
Where to Stay: Those looking to get their own authentic taste of Pavo en Relleno Negro can find it at Canopy by Hilton Cancun La Isla, where this centuries-old dish takes center stage on holiday menus.
Feast on Fragrant Favorites in Barbados
On the sun-kissed island of Barbados, Christmas flavors are consumed under sunny skies. Here, tables glisten with Great Cake, soaked in local rum and dried fruit, and baked ham studded with cloves and glazed to golden perfection. Each bite is fragrant and full of joy. Then, on Christmas morning, locals and visitors alike don their finest attire and head to Queen’s Park, where music, laughter, and the irresistible scent of Bajan holiday feasts fill the air.
Where to Stay: Guests at Hilton Barbados Resort can indulge in these island classics at the Lighthouse Terrace Restaurant, where a festive banquet menu serves up Great Cake and Bajan ham as a delicious tribute to the island’s rich culinary legacy.
Chow Down on Comforting Classics in Cartagena, Colombia
Throughout December in Cartagena, families gather for Novenas Navideñas. These are special nights filled with prayer, song, and the intoxicating aroma of classic treats like buñuelos (golden, crispy cheese fritters) and the beloved natilla (custard made with milk and cinnamon). The festivities culminate on Christmas Eve with an abundant spread of regional favorites like pernil (roasted pork leg), tamales, baked turkey, coconut rice, posta negra (slow-cooked beef in a rich dark sauce), and more, all served at tables filled with love and merrymaking.
Where to Stay: At Hilton Cartagena, guests can soak in the warmth of Colombian hospitality and experience these holiday flavors firsthand as they enjoy a celebration of family, flavor, and festivity by the sea.
Taste a Traditional Christmas Carp in Vienna, Austria
In Vienna, holiday tables overflow with delicious delicacies like lebkuchen (Austrian-style gingerbread), stollen (fruit-studded sweet bread filled with marzipan), and roast goose. But one dish in particular has an especially interesting history. The city’s signature Christmas Carp has been a festive staple since medieval fasting days, when readily available fish, such as carp, replaced meat during holiday feasts. This Viennese classic is often served at Heiligabend (Holy Evening) meals as it embodies simplicity and sophistication.
Where to Stay: Savor the traditional flavors of the season at Hilton Vienna Waterfront, where locally sourced carp is lightly breaded, fried to perfection, and paired with potato salad at OXBO as part of their “Bound by Nature” ethos, which offers mindful dining on the banks of the Danube.
Nosh on Nostalgia with a Grown-Up Twist in Chicago, USA
In the United States, few traditions are as sweet as leaving out a plate of milk and cookies for Santa. From classic chocolate chip to festively frosted sugar cookies shaped like stars and snowmen, these cherished sweets are baked with love by families across the nation. Kids dunk theirs in a cold glass of milk, while grown-ups have been known to pair cookies with popular Christmastime cocktails like eggnog for a rich (and boozy) treat that’s perfect for a cozy night spent fireside.
Where to Stay: In Chicago, at the iconic Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, tradition meets whimsy with a playful Adult Cookies and Milk experience that’s a spirited nod to this childhood classic that’s been reimagined for revelers looking to stay warm during winter in the Windy City.
Snack on a Spirited Treat in Cape Town, South Africa
In South Africa, the holiday season is a sun-soaked celebration where backyard braais (South African-style barbecues) feature grilled meats served alongside iconic holiday sweets like brandy fruitcake, often lovingly prepared weeks in advance so the brandy can imbue the cake with warmth and depth. Meanwhile, another liquor-infused dessert, the Don Pedro (creamy vanilla ice cream topped with a splash of Amarula or Kahlua), serves as a tasty toast to togetherness that is best shared with loved ones.
Where to Stay: In Cape Town, visitors can celebrate the season in summery style at Canopy by Hilton Cape Town Longkloof, where holiday menus honor these local favorites while offering a touch of contemporary flair.
Savor a Sweet Bounty of Flavors in Tokyo, Japan
In Tokyo, the holiday season offers a quiet elegance. Although Christmas isn’t a traditional celebration in Japan, locals have embraced many Western holiday season rituals, including using flavors like chestnut, allspice, fig, and pomegranate in their baking. These sweet treats enhance the joyful spirit found throughout the city during this magical time of year, as dazzling light displays set the stage for festive gatherings.
Where to Stay: At Hilton Tokyo Bay, the holidays are filled with wonder and whimsy. Outside, the hotel shimmers under tens of thousands of twinkling lights, while inside the season turns deliciously decadent with the Teddy Bear in London Christmas Sweets Buffet, a playful spread of sweet and savory treats, from Earl Grey Bûche de Noël to Santa’s raspberry macarons, that can be enjoyed alongside the annual Christmas Train Exhibition, a sprawling diorama of snowy European scenery.
For even more indulgence, flavor seekers can head for Hilton Tokyo, where the King & Queen’s Christmas Sweets Buffet brings a regal, sugary spread to the Shinjuku neighborhood with over 30 sweet and savoury items. Here, glittering jewel-inspired desserts are served beneath a towering Christmas tree, making for a delightfully delicious holiday feast.
