Eastern European Christmas Food: Traditional Christmas Eve Dinners

In much of Eastern Europe, the biggest meal of Christmas isn't on the 25th at all. In Poland, the Czech Republic and Ukraine, families gather on Christmas Eve, often for a meatless feast that begins when the first star appears. Here are the traditional dishes on the table from Warsaw to Kyiv, plus what their Austrian and German neighbours serve.

Poland: Wigilia Supper and Pierogi

In Poland, Christmas Eve is the most significant part of the holiday, and the Wigilia supper (meaning “vigil”) is a meatless feast. A customary twelve dishes are served, representing the twelve apostles. Common meals include pierogi, dumplings filled with sauerkraut and mushrooms, and Barszcz (beet soup) with uszka (tiny dumplings). Fish, particularly carp, is central to the meal, often served fried or in jelly.

Czechia: Carp and Vánočka

Czech Christmas is synonymous with fried carp and potato salad, a dish that's been part of the tradition since the 19th century. Before it’s prepared, families might keep the carp alive in the bathtub for a few days! For dessert, the festive Vánočka, a braided sweet bread, rich with raisins, almonds, and candied citrus, is enjoyed alongside Medovník, honey cake layers that are also popular during the holidays.

Ukraine: Sviata Vecherya and Kutya

Christmas in Ukraine is celebrated with Sviata Vecherya, the Holy Supper, which includes twelve symbolic dishes. Kutya, a wheat-based pudding with honey, poppy seeds, and nuts, is the highlight. This dish is an ancient symbol of life and hope for a bountiful year ahead. Another staple is Borscht (beet soup), accompanied by Varenyky (dumplings). Poppy seed rolls and dried fruit compotes are also traditional, rounding off the meal with comforting sweetness.

And their neighbours: Austria and Germany

Austria: Wiener Schnitzel and Vanillekipferl

In Austria, Wiener Schnitzel often makes an appearance on the Christmas dinner table. A classic breaded and fried veal cutlet, it's typically served with potato salad and cranberry sauce. For dessert, many families indulge in Vanillekipferl, delicate crescent-shaped cookies made with almonds or walnuts, dusted in powdered sugar. These treats are not only delicious but also traditional staples of Austrian Christmas markets.

Germany: Stollen and Roasted Goose

Germany's Christmas culinary star is undoubtedly Stollen, a dense fruit bread filled with dried fruits, nuts, and spices, often dusted with icing sugar. Another favourite is Roasted Goose, traditionally served with red cabbage and potato dumplings. For dessert, Christmas markets are filled with the spicy-sweet aroma of Lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Spekulatius (spiced cookies), both central to festive celebrations across the country.

Bringing Eastern European Christmas to your table

Whichever menu you try this year, set the table the Central European way: candles, a few evergreen sprigs and a handful of glass ornaments as a centrepiece. Our glass food ornaments run from Sachertorte to pies, and our Austrian-themed ornaments bring a little of Vienna to the table. For what to eat when you're out and about in December, see our guide to Christmas market food.

Updated November 2026