Sure, the calendar says we’re all celebrating at the same time—but holiday food across America? Totally different story. Every region puts its own twist on the season, from nostalgic English-inspired dishes in New England to the spicy, soul-warming tamales of the Southwest.

So grab a plate and come along—let’s take a fun, flavor-packed trip through the country’s favorite holiday traditions!

Roast Goose (A New England Classic)

Early English and American settlers brought over the tradition of roasting goose for Christmas—a rich, cozy centerpiece perfect for those long, chilly New England nights.

Plum Pudding (Spoiler: Still No Plums!)

Despite the name, classic plum pudding contains exactly zero plums. Back in the day, “plum” simply meant dried fruit like raisins and currants. Steamed, spiced, and nostalgic, it’s a holiday staple in many New England homes.

Sweet Potato Casserole

A Southern holiday table wouldn’t be complete without creamy sweet potato casserole—topped with pecans, marshmallows, or whatever your family swears by.

Pecan Pie

Rich, gooey, and iconic, pecan pie is basically the South’s unofficial holiday mascot.

Christmas Tamales

Tamales are a beloved Christmas tradition across Latino communities in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Southern California. Families gather for a tamalada—a full-day tamale-making party filled with stories, laughter, and lots of masa.

Navajo Fry Bread & Indian Tacos

Holiday celebrations also shine with Indigenous favorites like fry bread and Indian tacos—warm, chewy, and perfect for feeding a crowd. These dishes are more than comfort food; they’re a cherished part of Navajo, Pueblo, and regional traditions that show up at winter feasts year after year.

Prime Rib Roast

When the temperatures drop, the Midwest brings out the big, beefy roasts. Prime rib is often the star of Christmas dinner—warm, bold, and made for winter.

Persimmon Pudding

A unique holiday treat especially popular in Indiana, this dense, sweet pudding is a true Midwestern classic.

Lefse

This soft Norwegian potato flatbread is rolled, griddled, and often enjoyed with butter, sugar, or—if you’re hardcore—lutefisk.

Scandinavian Cookies (Rosettes & More)

Delicate, crispy, and lightly sweet, these cookies are favorites at holiday gatherings and cookie exchanges across the region.

On the West Coast, seafood shines during the holidays.

Dungeness crab takes center stage in many Pacific Northwest homes, especially since crab season lines up perfectly with Christmas and New Year’s. Fresh, briny, and special—it’s a true coastal holiday tradition.

Looking to try these dishes yourself?

The great thing about these regional favorites is that you can find endless recipe variations online—from classic versions passed down for generations to modern takes that fit today’s kitchens. Whether you want to roast a goose, roll lefse, or dive into a homemade batch of tamales, there’s a recipe out there waiting to guide you step-by-step. And who knows? Maybe one of these dishes will become a new tradition at your own holiday table.