Complete list of all December National & International Food Days in USA and UK, including fun facts, history and easy recipes for you to make.
December is a month of celebration for many food holidays, including Gingerbread Latte Day, Eggnog Day, Stollen Day or Roast Chesnuts Day with plenty of days to celebrate different types of fruit, comfort foods, cakes and delicious hot drinks.
Cooking in December is a wonderful experience that brings warmth and comfort to the holiday season. The colder weather and festive atmosphere make it the perfect time to prepare hearty and flavorful dishes that are perfect for sharing with loved ones. December is also a great time to take advantage of seasonal ingredients, such as pears, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, and winter squash, which are all at their peak during this time of year. These ingredients can be used to create a variety of delicious and nutritious dishes, from warming soups and stews to sweet and savory dishes.
I like to keep an eye on what fruits and vegetables are in seasons, so it’s always nice to see that the December list follows on from the November Food Holidays, October Holiday and the September Holiday List and that the list is full of autumn fruits, comfort foods and delicious hot drinks.
There is a food to celebrate in December practically every day and sometimes there are even few foods on one day, so there is never a shortage of mouth-watering recipes that you can make to celebrate.
How to use the December Food Holiday list
The December food holidays list can be a great source of inspiration for making different dishes each day, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends.
It’s also a fun way to celebrate with your school or club, or to surprise your loved ones with a special dish on a food holiday. You can plan a get-together around a particular food holiday, or even use it as a theme for a party. Food holiday days are also great for fundraising days or ‘bring and buy’ sales at work or school to fundraise money for your favourite charity, especially during the festive season.
The whole December food holidays and celebrations
There are specific foods that are being celebrated throughout the whole December and don’t have a specifically allocated day. You are welcome to celebrate them any time!
National Pear Month, National Eggnog Month, National Fruitcake Month
December National & International Food Holidays at Glance
1 December
- National Pie Day
- National French Fried Clam Day
- National “Eat a Red Apple” Day – Apple & Cinnamon Muffins >>
2 December
- National Fritters Day
- Popping Corn Day
- English Breakfast Day (UK)
3 December
- National Peppermint Latte Day
- National Apple Pie Day
- National Green Bean Casserole Day
- World Pear Day (1st Sat. in December) – Plum & Pear Festive Tart >>
4 December
- National Cookie Day – Banana & Walnut Cookies >>
5 December
- National Sacher Torte Day
- Repeal of Prohibition Day
- National Comfort Food Day
6 December
- National Gazpacho Day
- National Microwave Oven Day – Blueberry Crumble for One – Microwave version >>
- National “Cook for Christmas” Day
7 December
- National Cotton Candy Day
8 December
- National Chocolate Brownie Day – Breakfast Brownie Batter Oatmeal >>
- National Candy Cane Brownie Day
- National Lard Day
9 December
- National Pastry Day
10 December
- Terra Madre Day
- National Lager Day
11 December
- National Noodle-Ring Day
- National “Have a Bagel” Day
12 December
- National Ambrosia Day
- National Popcorn String Day
- Mince Pie Day (UK)
- Gingerbread House Day (UK & USA) – Homemade Gingerbread Mix Spice >>
13 December
- National Cocoa Day – Chocolate Pancakes with Cocoa powder >>
- Hot Chocolate Day (UK)
- National Pho Day
- National Ice Cream and Violins Day
14 December
- National Bouillabasse Day
- National Biscuits and Gravy Day
- Roast Chestnuts Day
15 December
- National Lemon Cupcake Day – Lemon Drizzle Cupcakes >>
- National Cupcake Day – Vanilla Cupcakes with Chocolate Frosting >>
- National Comfort Food Day (US)
- National Gingerbread Latte Day
- International Tea Day
16 December
- National “Chocolate Covered Anything” Day
17 December
- National Maple Syrup Day
18 December
- National “I Love Honey” Day – Honey Roasted Sunflower Seeds >>
- National “Roast Suckling Pig” Day
- National Ham Salad Day
19 December
- National Hard Candy Day
- National Oatmeal Muffin Day – Pear & Oatmeal Muffins >>
20 December
- National Sangria Day
- Stollen Day – Homemade Christmas Stollen Mix Spice >>
21 December
- National French Fried Shrimp Day
- National Hamburger Day
- National Coquito Day
- Ribbon Candy Day
- Kiwi Fruit Day (California)
22 December
- National Date Nut Bread Day
23 December
- National Bake Day
- National Pfeffernuesse Day – Traditional Gingerbread Cookies >>
24 December
- National Egg Nog Day
- The Feast of the Seven Fishes
25 December
- National Pumpkin Pie Day – Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice >>
- National Tamales Day
- National “Kiss the Cook” Day
26 December
- National Candy Cane Day
27 December
- National Fruit Cake Day – Rich Christmas Fruitcake >>
28 December
- National Chocolate Candy Day
29 December
- National Pepper Pot Day
30 December
- National Bacon Day – Sweet Bacon Jerky >>
- National Baking Soda Day
31 December
- National Champagne Day
- National Vinegar Day
December national & international food holiday in detail, fun facts and recipes
Some food holidays are quite obvious and don’t need any explanation, but I found fascinating to read about the origins of some of the more unusual dishes. I have also included fun facts and plenty of recipes to help you to celebrate the different food days in December.
2 December – Traditional English Breakfast Day
A traditional English breakfast, also known as a “full English breakfast,” and is usually made up with few different food items, including eggs (often fried or scrambled), bacon, sausage, black pudding (a type of blood sausage), baked beans, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. Optional additions may include fried potatoes or hash browns, grilled or fried bread, and kippers (smoked herring).
Traditional English breakfast has been a staple of British cuisine for centuries, and was originally a meal for the working class that provided a hearty and filling start to the day. The breakfast also gained popularity among the upper classes in the 19th century, and was often served as part of a leisurely weekend brunch.
Another interesting fact is that the components of the full English breakfast can vary by region, with different parts of the country having their own unique variations. For example, in Scotland, a full breakfast may include haggis and tattie scones, while in Wales, it may include laverbread (a type of seaweed paste) and cockles.
5 December – Sacher Torte Day
Sacher Torte is a rich and decadent chocolate cake that is widely considered to be one of Austria’s most famous desserts. It is typically made with two layers of dense chocolate cake, sandwiched together with a layer of apricot jam, and then coated in a smooth and glossy chocolate glaze.
The history of Sacher Torte dates back to 1832, when a young apprentice named Franz Sacher was working in the kitchen of Prince Klemens Wenzel von Metternich in Vienna. The prince tasked Sacher with creating a new and innovative dessert for a special dinner party, and Sacher rose to the challenge by inventing the now-famous cake.
Sacher’s creation quickly gained popularity in Vienna, and he went on to open his own confectionary shop in 1838, where he continued to sell the cake to enthusiastic customers. In 1876, Sacher’s son Eduard took over the business and began producing the cake on a larger scale, eventually opening the Hotel Sacher in Vienna, which still serves the original recipe of Sacher Torte to this day.
6 December – Gazpacho Soup Day
Gazpacho is a cold soup that originated in the southern region of Andalusia, Spain. The soup is traditionally made with a base of tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cucumbers, which are blended together and then seasoned with olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and salt. Gazpacho is typically served cold, making it a refreshing and light meal option during hot summer months.
Gazpacho has a long history, dating back to ancient Rome, where a similar dish made with bread and vinegar was popular. The modern version of gazpacho is thought to have originated in Andalusia during the 19th century, and was originally a peasant dish made with stale bread, water, and vegetables.
There are many versions of Gazpacho Soup, for example in Extremadura, a region of Spain, gazpacho is often made with a base of almonds, while in La Mancha, it is made with grapes and melon. Some variations of gazpacho may include seafood, such as shrimp or crab, or may be served with croutons or chopped vegetables as a garnish.
10 December – Terra Madre Day
Terra Madre is a global network of food communities, farmers, chefs, and activists who are committed to promoting sustainable and responsible food production and consumption. The network was created by the Slow Food movement in 2004, and aims to connect people around the world who are dedicated to preserving biodiversity, protecting the environment, and promoting social justice in the food system.
Terra Madre holds a biennial conference in Turin, Italy, where food producers, chefs, and other stakeholders come together to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and discuss the challenges facing the food system. The conference is a major event in the food world, and attracts thousands of participants from around the world.
In addition to the biennial conference, Terra Madre also supports a variety of other initiatives and projects aimed at promoting sustainable food practices, such as the Indigenous Terra Madre network, which focuses on supporting indigenous food communities and preserving their traditional knowledge and practices. Overall, Terra Madre is a powerful force for change in the food system, and is helping to create a more sustainable, equitable, and delicious food future for all.
14 December – National Bouillabasse Day
Bouillabaisse is a traditional fish soup that originated in the port city of Marseille, France. The soup is typically made with a variety of fish, such as monkfish, sea bass, and red mullet, as well as shellfish like mussels and clams. The fish is cooked with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and fennel, and seasoned with garlic, saffron, and other herbs and spices.
Bouillabaisse is typically served with a side of rouille, a garlic and olive oil sauce, and crusty bread for dipping. The dish is often considered a symbol of French Mediterranean cuisine, and is popular in many coastal regions of France.
While the exact origin of bouillabaisse is unknown, it is thought to have been created by fishermen in Marseille who would prepare the soup using the fish that they were unable to sell at the market. Over time, bouillabaisse became a popular dish among locals and visitors alike, and is now enjoyed around the world as a delicious and flavorful seafood soup.
20 December – Stollen Day
Stollen is a traditional German fruit bread that is typically served during the Christmas season. The bread is made with a yeast dough that is enriched with butter, sugar, and eggs, and is studded with dried fruit and nuts, such as raisins, candied orange peel, and almonds. The bread is often dusted with powdered sugar or icing sugar, giving it a snowy appearance that is perfect for the winter season.
Stollen has a long history, dating back to the 14th century, when it was first recorded as a Christmas bread at a monastery near Leipzig in Naumburg, Germany. The bread was originally made as a way to celebrate the Christmas season, and was often given as a gift to friends and family.
Today, stollen remains a popular Christmas tradition in Germany and other parts of the world. The bread is often served during the Advent season, and is enjoyed as a sweet and festive treat that is perfect for sharing with loved ones. The rich and decadent flavors of stollen are a perfect complement to the cold and dark winter months, and the bread is a beloved symbol of the holiday season.
23 December – National Pfeffernuesse Day
Pfeffernuesse, also spelled Pfeffernüsse, are small, round, and spicy cookies that are a traditional holiday treat in Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The name Pfeffernuesse means “pepper nuts” in German, and refers to the white pepper that is added to the dough, giving the cookies a unique and flavorful touch.
Pfeffernuesse are typically made with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice, as well as molasses, honey, and brown sugar. The dough is then rolled into small balls and baked until crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside.
Pfeffernuesse are often served during the Christmas season, and are a popular treat for holiday parties and gatherings. They can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet and spicy snack, or paired with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and comforting treat.
24 December – Feast of the Seven Fishes
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a traditional Christmas Eve meal that is celebrated in many Italian-American households. The meal typically consists of seven different seafood dishes, which may include fish, shellfish, and other seafood, such as shrimp, clams, squid, and octopus. The exact origin of the Feast of the Seven Fishes is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in Southern Italy, where it was a traditional Catholic custom to abstain from meat on Christmas Eve.
The number seven is significant in the Feast of the Seven Fishes, as it is believed to represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, the seven days of creation, or the seven hills of Rome. The meal is typically served in several courses, and may include appetizers, pasta dishes, and a variety of seafood entrees.
The Feast of the Seven Fishes is a beloved holiday tradition in many Italian-American families, and is often accompanied by other festive traditions, such as caroling, gift-giving, and attending midnight Mass. While the exact dishes served may vary from family to family, the meal is always a celebration of family, faith, and the bounty of the sea.
24 December – Egg Nog Day
Eggnog is a sweet and creamy beverage that is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, and whipped eggs, and is often flavored with nutmeg and vanilla. It is typically served chilled, and may be spiked with alcohol, such as brandy, rum, or bourbon.
To make eggnog, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 6 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup brandy or rum (optional)
- In a large saucepan, heat the milk, cream, and nutmeg until steaming but not boiling.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and brandy or rum, if using.
- Chill the eggnog in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until cold.
- Serve the eggnog in glasses, and garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Some interesting facts about eggnog include that it has been a popular holiday drink for centuries, with recipes dating back to the 1700s. The drink is often associated with Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and is a beloved tradition in many parts of the world. In the United States, eggnog is often served with a sprinkle of nutmeg or cinnamon, and may be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage or spiked with alcohol for a festive twist. Additionally, variations of eggnog can be found in many cultures, such as coquito in Puerto Rico, rompope in Mexico, and advocaat in the Netherlands.
25 December – Tamales Day
Tamales are a traditional Mesoamerican dish made of masa, a dough made from nixtamalized corn, which is steamed in a corn husk or banana leaves. The dish is believed to have originated in pre-Columbian times, and is still a popular food in many parts of Latin America and the southwestern United States.
To make tamales, a mixture of masa and filling, such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, is spread onto a corn husk or banana leaf, which is then rolled up and steamed until the masa is cooked and the filling is heated through. The corn husk or banana leaf is usually discarded before eating.
Tamales are often served as a main course or snack, and are a popular street food in many Latin American countries. They can be enjoyed on their own, or paired with a variety of sauces and toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Tamales are also a popular holiday food, and are often served during Christmas and other special occasions.
27 December – Fruit Cake Day
Fruitcake is a rich and dense cake that is typically made with candied or dried fruits, nuts, and spices. The cake is often associated with Christmas, as it is a popular holiday treat in many parts of the world.
The exact ingredients and preparation of fruitcake can vary depending on the recipe and the region, but it typically includes a mixture of dried fruits, such as raisins, currants, and candied citrus peel, as well as nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. The fruit and nuts are often soaked in alcohol, such as brandy or rum, to add flavor and moisture to the cake.
The cake batter is typically made with flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The fruit and nut mixture is then folded into the batter, and the cake is baked until it is golden brown and firm.
Fruitcake is often served during the Christmas season, and is a popular holiday gift and tradition in many parts of the world. While the cake has a reputation for being heavy and dense, it is also beloved for its rich and complex flavors, and its ability to keep for long periods of time, making it a convenient and delicious treat to have on hand during the busy holiday season.
29 December – Pepper Pot Day
Pepper Pot is a spicy and savory stew that is popular in many Caribbean and South American countries, particularly in Guyana, where it is considered the national dish. The stew is typically made with a variety of meats, such as beef, pork, and oxtail, as well as vegetables like cassava, carrots, and spinach. The dish is seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and hot peppers, which give it its distinctive flavor and heat.
One of the key ingredients in Pepper Pot is cassareep, a thick, dark syrup made from cassava juice that is boiled until it becomes thick and caramelized. Cassareep is a key ingredient in many Guyanese dishes, and is used to add flavor and color to stews and other dishes.
Pepper Pot is often served with rice or bread, and is a popular dish for special occasions and holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s. The dish is known for its rich and complex flavors, and its ability to warm the body and soul on a cold day.
This blog post was originally written on 12 September 2023 and last updated on 12 September 2023
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