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Expat Explainer: Christmas Eve In Hungary

• 20 Dec 2021 10:03 AM

In Hungary the family Christmas tree is usually decorated on Christmas Eve, 24 December, and in addition to the usual decorations also chocolate pieces in bright wrappings (szaloncukor) are added. It's on this day that seasonal gifts are exchanged by the tree.

Most Hungarians follow the baby Jesus tradition, and many go to midnight mass on the 24th.

Christmas Eve Menu in Hungary:

- Carp fried in breadcrumbs with French salad
- Beigli: traditional cake, a paste roll filled with a cooked cream made of nuts or poppy-seed, with sugar, honey, jam, cinnamon, clove, raisins.

Also fish soup, stuffed cabbage, and honey cake often figure in Christmas menu - to know why fish is served rather than turkey or other poultry just watch the video above.

Related links

'Szaloncukor': The Origins of Hungarian Christmas Candy Explained

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