December’s Monthly Food Holidays: What’s Cooking?
Discover the delicious food holidays that make December extra festive!
Published: October 7, 2024 · Modified: October 7, 2024 by Jennifer Ryan

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December is filled with festive flavors and fun food holidays! From National Eggnog Month to World Pear Day, this month is packed with culinary celebrations to enjoy.
December’s Monthly Food Holidays
1. National Eggnog Month – December
December is National Eggnog Month, a celebration of one of the most iconic holiday beverages. Eggnog, which originated from medieval Europe, has evolved into a creamy, spiced drink loved by millions. Whether enjoyed with a dash of rum or the traditional non-alcoholic version, it brings warmth to festive gatherings.
Fun Fact: Did you know that eggnog was once considered a drink of the aristocracy? In the 18th century, the ingredients—milk, eggs, and alcohol—were rare luxuries!
Fun Ways to Celebrate:
- Host a holiday eggnog tasting party with different flavors and recipes, like vanilla bean, cinnamon-spiced, or even a vegan version with almond milk.
- Try baking eggnog-flavored cookies or cakes for a festive twist on holiday desserts.
- Create homemade eggnog as holiday gifts by packaging it in decorative bottles with personalized labels.
- Make an eggnog-based cocktail or mocktail to enjoy during your holiday celebrations.
Indulge in the finest concoctions – Experience the unforgettable delight of the Best White Cocktails.
2. National Pear Month – December
Pears are not only juicy and sweet, but they’re also packed with nutrients like fiber and Vitamin C. National Pear Month shines a light on this versatile fruit, encouraging everyone to enjoy pears in both sweet and savory dishes.
Did You Know? The Bartlett pear is one of the most common varieties, but December is a great time to try other types like Bosc, Anjou, or Comice.
Fun Ways to Celebrate:
- Poach pears in red wine for a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for any holiday dinner party.
- Make a winter salad with pears, walnuts, blue cheese, and a honey vinaigrette.
- Try a pear and strawberry crumble for a luxurious appetizer at your next gathering.
- Use pears as part of a cheese platter, pairing different varieties with sharp cheeses like Gouda or cheddar.
Warm up this winter with a pear and strawberry crumble! Sweet, juicy & perfect with custard!
3. National Fruitcake Month – December
Fruitcake, a traditional holiday treat packed with dried fruits and nuts, has been part of festive celebrations for centuries. While some may find it polarizing, fruitcake has earned its rightful place in holiday cuisine, especially during National Fruitcake Month in December.
Fun Fact: Fruitcake was once considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity in medieval Europe due to the use of rare and expensive ingredients like dried fruits and spices.
Fun Ways to Celebrate:
- Try your hand at a modern fruitcake recipe, perhaps one that swaps out the traditional candied fruit for dried figs, apricots, or cranberries.
- Host a fruitcake-making party where guests bring their favorite fruitcake ingredients to create personalized cakes together.
- Gift a beautifully wrapped homemade fruitcake to friends or family. For a creative twist, try small, individual-sized fruitcakes packaged in festive tins or boxes.
- Explore international variations of fruitcake, such as the Italian Panettone or the German Stollen.
Looking for the best Christmas desserts to add to your Christmas dinner menu has never been easier with this selection of super-tasty Christmas desserts.
December is a festive month full of delicious food celebrations! From National Eggnog Month to daily holidays like National Pie Day and National Cookie Day, there’s always something to enjoy. Be sure to explore the daily food holidays throughout the month for more inspiration. Stay tuned for next month’s food holidays as we ring in the new year with even more culinary delights!