Are you spending Christmas and New Year's in Chile for work or school? Don't worry. We know that spending the holidays away from family and friends can be difficult, and that's why we've prepared an article with all the culinary information about the holidays in Chile, so you can experience them from the inside, getting to know and savoring the local traditions.

But first, remember to book your accommodation in advance. At Zip Housing, we offer the best boutique apartment options , fully furnished and with all the amenities you could want: shared or private workspaces, sauna or jacuzzi, in-unit gym, housekeeping or breakfast, and more.

From tradition to the table: 7 typical Christmas and New Year dishes in Chile

Chilean cuisine at this time of year is characterized by being the result of colonization and the cultural exchange that has taken place over the years, which is why you'll find a wide variety among the dishes most popular with locals.

1. Roast turkey

If you want to celebrate these holidays like a Chilean family, you must have a roast turkey on your table. Although it's a tradition acquired from abroad, today it's the star of banquets during this time of year. The most traditional way to eat it is seasoned with garlic, butter, and pepper, while those seeking a more unique option stuff it with a sweet mixture of apple, plum, spices, and onion, then marinate it with orange juice, honey, and seasonings. The most common accompaniments are applesauce, duchess potatoes, or fresh salads.

2. German Roast & Lamb on a Stick

German roast is another Chilean favorite for celebrating the end of the year. It's usually prepared with ground beef and stuffed with vegetables such as celery, squash, and peppers, and seasoned with mustard and fine herbs. One of the key ingredients is hard-boiled eggs, which are then rolled into a roll.

Another roast meat alternative is lamb on a spit, which reflects the rural influence on Chilean cuisine. This slow and careful preparation requires several hours to produce juicy, flavorful meat, and is especially popular in the south of the country.

3. Poultry Casserole: A Dish for Christmas Dinner

Due to the climate in Chile, it's very common to find cold, light dishes on the Christmas table. Cazuela de ave, a chicken soup with potatoes, squash, corn, and rice, is a reliable and traditional option. It's highly appreciated for its simplicity and the feeling of home it conveys, often handing down and repeating special recipes from mothers and grandmothers that have been consolidated and developed over generations.

4. Salads

Salads are the quintessential side dish on Chilean tables this time of year. The most popular is the "papa mayo" salad: boiled, chopped potatoes dressed with mayonnaise, mustard, cilantro, and finely chopped onion. The "palta reina" (queen avocado) salad is also one of the most popular: halved avocados stuffed with a salad of chicken breast, bell peppers, and dressings. Other popular salads include:

1. Chilean salad: tomatoes, onion and cilantro.
2. celery salad with avocado and walnuts.

5. Desserts

1. Easter bread: This dish is one of the iconic symbols of celebrating Christmas or New Year's in Chile. It consists of a moist, fluffy bread made with ginger and other spices. It usually includes candied fruit, nuts, cinnamon, cloves, and liqueur. Whether homemade or purchased from a bakery, which all offer it at this time of year, it's a must-have dish for celebrating the holidays like a local. It's also a typical gift for family and friends, so keep it in mind when giving it to your new friends!
2. Yule Log: This dessert has gained popularity in recent years. Originally from France, it consists of a sponge cake filled with cream or jam and decorated like a tree trunk to enhance the Christmas spirit.
3. Baked milk : It's similar to flan, made with egg, sugar, and milk. It's served cold, topped with caramel, and can be accompanied with ice cream.

Bonus: drinks

1. Cola de mono: This has been the quintessential Chilean Christmas dinner drink since its creation in the 20th century. It contains milk and pisco. It's often served as a toast and also as a side dish. It's simple to prepare, and although each family has its own recipe, it generally includes aguardiente, coffee, sugar, milk, and spices like cinnamon and cloves.
2. Mote con huesillos : Mote con huesillos is a traditional Chilean non-alcoholic beverage, mainly from the central region of the country, which contains caramelized peach juice, wheat mote and dehydrated peaches (huesillos).

Conclusion

Christmas and New Year's festivities are always a mix of local traditions and modern additions that younger generations add to their tastes, preferences, and choices . Without a doubt, spending these holidays away from home can be tough, but the experience becomes much richer and more enjoyable if we get the chance to enjoy them the way the locals do.

As the saying goes, " When in Rome, do as the Romans do": choose private accommodation with a kitchen and all the amenities to prepare your Christmas and New Year celebrations Chilean style: with lots of food, flavor, and good company.