At Secret Lands Farm, we love how the holidays bring people together over delicious food. Around the world, Christmas food traditions are as rich and varied as families themselves. From Christmas cheese boards that warm a winter evening to hearty roasts of lamb for Christmas dinner. These classic treats carry stories of heritage and celebration. Today, we’re sharing a warm and welcoming look at those traditions. And how they’ve found a home in Canada. At the same time, we will share tasty ideas for incorporating them into your holiday menu, using our farm’s artisanal cheeses and premium lamb. Pull up a chair, and let’s explore how age-old Christmas food traditions can make your festivities even more special with a modern, local twist.
Christmas Cheese Traditions Around the World – From Necessity to Luxury
Cheese has been part of Christmas food traditions for centuries, evolving from a simple necessity to a festive luxury. In the days before refrigeration, turning summer milk into cheese was essential to have dairy through winter. By Christmastime, those wheels were perfectly aged and ready to enjoy. In other words, cheese became a traditional Christmas dish because it was a preserved bit of summer’s abundance. And a decadent treat when fresh milk was scarce in snowy months. Rich, aged cheeses symbolized comfort on cold winter nights.
Historic Roots
In Victorian England, for example, farmers and cheesemakers would save their best wheels for year’s end. A classic story comes from Yorkshire, where families began pairing Christmas fruitcake with a wedge of local cheese. The tradition dates back to an 1871 account of serving fruitcake with Wensleydale cheeseon Christmas Eve. The creamy, savory cheese balanced the sweet, boozy cake. A combination so beloved that it’s now a Christmas cheese custom in northern England (and has won over many Canadians, too!). Meanwhile, in London, cheesemongers have donated giant wheels to the Chelsea Pensioners (war veterans) every year since 1692. A ceremony of the “Christmas Cheese” that endures to this day. Clearly, cheese at Christmas isn’t new; it’s steeped in history and generosity.
Global Traditions
Across Europe and beyond, cheese takes center stage in Christmas dishes around the world. In the Swiss and French Alps, winter meant gathering around the fire for raclette. A rustic meal where a wheel of alpine cheese is melted by the flames and scraped onto bread or potatoes. What began with herders keeping warm in mountain huts has become a cozy holiday party idea worldwide (who doesn’t love gooey melted cheese on a frosty night?).
In France, a special soft cheese called Vacherin Mont d’Or appears only in late fall and winter, just in time for Christmas indulgence. It’s so seasonal that regulations prohibit production before August 15 each year, and it’s typically available only from September through March. This rich, spoonable cheese – traditionally wrapped in spruce bark – is a treasured winter treat, often baked until molten and shared like fondue.
Other Part of the World’s Traditions
Cheesy Christmas delights don’t stop there. Latin America brings its own flair, such as Colombia’s buñuelos. Golden cheese fritters, a typical Colombian Christmas treat, are enjoyed with hot chocolate. In Greece, families ring in the New Year (and wrap up the Christmas season) with kasseri cheese pie (Kasseropita), a savory pastry said to symbolize good fortune. The Netherlands lights up the dark evenings with “Gouda by candlelight,” savoring aged Gouda with spiced bread and mulled wine in a scene of pure coziness.
Whether it’s English Stilton with port or Scandinavian feasts featuring caramelized brown gjetost cheese on the smörgåsbord, Christmas cheese traditions are truly global. In each case, cheese offers warmth, sustenance, and a touch of indulgence. A perfect reflection of the holiday spirit.
Why Cheese Became a Holiday Staple
In essence, cheese earned its spot on the Christmas table because it represented abundance and comfort when people needed it most. A large wheel of aged cheese was a classic addition to the Christmas meal. Capable of feeding a gathering, lasting for weeks, and being shared in celebration after a long year. It was local and homemade, yet felt luxurious. Even today, serving cheese during the holidays brings a sense of tradition and festivity. It invites us to slow down, taste something aged and special, and enjoy it together. From humble beginnings of preservation to grand displays of flavor, cheese at Christmas is a tradition that continues to evolve and delight.
A Canadian Christmas Tradition: Celebrating Cheese on the Holiday Table
Canada may not have a single ancient Christmas cheese ritual, but we’ve eagerly adopted and adapted cheese traditions from around the world. In fact, the way we enjoy cheese during Canadian Christmas gatherings is a perfect example of our diverse heritage and Christmas food traditions coming together. You’ll find echoes of French, British, and other European customs. Plus, a proud showcase of our own artisanal cheeses from coast to coast.
European Roots on Canadian Soil
French Canadians have long embraced the Old World practice of a lavish Réveillon (Christmas Eve feast), complete with a cheese course. It’s common in Quebec to end a Christmas Eve dinner with fine cheeses, mirroring the French love of Brie, Roquefort, or even the wintery Mont d’Or on their holiday menus. Likewise, Canadians of British descent may remember grandparents serving sharp cheddar or Stilton with Christmas cake. A transplanted Yorkshire tradition that still sparks curiosity and converts here. These influences set the stage for cheese to be recognized as a Canadian Christmas tradition, especially as part of festive entertaining.
Homegrown Cheese Culture
Over time, Canada has developed its very own cheese identity, which shines brightly during the holidays. One of the earliest stars was Quebec’s famous Oka cheese. First made by Trappist monks in 1893. Its success (and delicious washed-rind flavour) showed that European-style cheeses could thrive in Canadian hands. Today, Canadian artisan cheeses regularly win international awards. From the alpine-style Louis d’Or in Quebec to creamy blues like Blue Moo from Prince Edward Island, Canadian cheeses can hold their own on any holiday cheeseboard. Many of us now include local cheeses in our Christmas Eve food ideas. Say, a wedge of rich Ontario cheddar or a tangy Ontario sheep’s cheese alongside imported classics. It’s a point of pride to feature Canadian-made Brie or Gouda when family and friends gather.
Secret Lands Farm’s Holiday Cheese Selection
At Secret Lands Farm, we’re part of this exciting cheese story. We take inspiration from traditional methods and give them a Canadian twist with our sheep’s milk cheeses. The result is a selection of small-batch aged cheeses we’re proud to offer for your holiday table.
For example, our Pecorino Stagionato – 2021 aged sheep cheese is crafted in the spirit of Italy’s festive pecorinos, matured over many months to develop a bold, sharp flavor. Instead of an Italian Parmigiano on your pasta or salad, try grating our Pecorino Stagionato 2021 for a local touch – it delivers that savory richness with an added creamy warmth from sheep’s milk (and it’s one-of-a-kind in Canada!).
We also make Caciotta – a classic Italian country cheese – in adventurous styles, such as Caciotta with Fenugreek or Peppercorn. These bring nutty and spicy notes that can elevate your Christmas cheese board with something new. And if you love Gouda, our aged sheep’s milk Gouda offers a smooth, sweet nuttiness akin to Dutch farmstead Goudas, but made right here on our Ontario farm. Each cheese has a story and a place on your menu—Crumbly aged Dry Jack for nibbling with nuts and dried fruits. Or maybe a creamy Tomette de Brebis (our soft-ripened specialty) to bake en croûte as a stunning appetizer.
How to Include Cheese in Your Holiday Menu
There are so many festive ways to enjoy cheese at Christmas. For Christmas Eve dinner ideas, you might create a casual cheese fondue night. Gather the family to dip bread and roasted vegetables into a pot of melted aged cheese (a fun nod to Swiss traditions). Or assemble a gorgeous cheese platter as a centerpiece for your Christmas Eve open house, featuring a mix of soft and hard cheeses, fresh grapes, fig jam, and artisan crackers.
On Christmas Day, a cheese board can bookend the feast: serve a selection of Canadian and Secret Lands Farm cheeses as a starter with sparkling wine to welcome guests, or after dessert with a glass of port to linger and chat. You can even riff on the British custom by pairing our aged Pecorino or cheddar-style cheese with a slice of fruitcake – surprisingly delicious! The key is to mix flavors and textures. A creamy brie-like option, an aged nutty option, a blue or spicy option, etc. It turns your cheese course into a mini tour of Christmas dishes around the world. Also highlights the best of our local terroir.
When you present cheese this holiday, you’re not just serving a treat – you’re sharing a tradition. It’s a conversation starter (“Did you know people in Yorkshire eat cheese with fruitcake?”) and a way to connect across cultures and generations. And with our aged sheep’s milk cheeses from Secret Lands Farm, you can feel good knowing each bite is made with care, right down to the milk from our pasture-raised sheep. It’s Canada’s heritage and innovation on a platter.
Lamb for Christmas: A Festive Centrepiece with Global Roots
While turkey or ham often steal the spotlight in North America, many families are rediscovering the joy of a lamb Christmas dinner. Around the globe, lamb for Christmas is actually a time-honoured choice. A tender, flavourful roast that brings a touch of elegance to the table. Embracing lamb as your holiday main course is a delicious way to stand out and perhaps nod to your heritage or favorite international Christmas dishes. Plus, it’s hard to beat the rich aroma of roast lamb wafting through the house as snow falls outside!
A Global Holiday Tradition
In numerous countries, lamb is the star of classic Christmas meals. For instance, in Greece, roasted lamb often graces the Christmas table, rubbed with garlic, lemon, and herbs, and served with crispy potatoes. (Greek cooks are famous for slow-roasting lamb until it’s fall-apart tender – a method equally welcome at Christmas or Easter.)
Across Scandinavia, lamb has its place too. On Norway’s west coast, families feast on pinnekjøtt, which are cured or smoked lamb ribs, steamed until tender, and traditionally served on Christmas Eve. Icelanders, for their part, treasure smoked lamb leg (hangikjöt) and even glamorous crown roast of lamb for holiday gatherings. In the Southern Hemisphere, where Christmas falls in summer, countries like New Zealand might enjoy a grilled leg of lamb or a whole lamb on a spit as a traditional Christmas dish.
Even in the United Kingdom, before turkey became widespread, a roast leg of mutton or lamb was not uncommon at Christmas dinner. All these examples show that lamb has long been associated with festive feasting. It is symbolizing prosperity and indulgence, much like a Christmas goose or roast beef. It’s no surprise – lamb’s succulent taste and aroma of rosemary and garlic just feel celebratory.
Lamb in Canada
Here in Canada, lamb is having a bit of a renaissance on holiday menus. Our country’s diversity plays a role. Families with roots in the Mediterranean, Middle East, or South Asia have always kept lamb in their holiday rotations. And their friends and neighbors are catching on to how special it is. Choosing lamb for your Christmas dinner is an excellent way to break from the ordinary and impress your guests with something both traditional and unexpected. It’s still a popular Christmas dish in many kitchens. And is quickly becoming a favorite for those seeking an alternative to turkey. We’ve noticed more and more people visiting our farm store or website in December, looking for the perfect lamb roast. And we’re thrilled to provide it.
At Secret Lands Farm, we raise Ontario pasture-raised lamb with the same care we give our dairy sheep so that you can have the finest cut on your holiday table. Our East Friesian sheep are known for producing outstanding milk, and their lambs yield tender, mild meat. Because our flock grazes on lush pesticide-free pastures in the warm seasons and homegrown hay in winter. The meat is naturally richly flavoured. We don’t use any antibiotics or hormones. It’s all about ethical, old-fashioned farming to give you quality you can taste. The result? Lamb that’s worthy of any special occasion.
Popular Lamb Cuts for an Unforgettable Lamb Christmas Dinner
If you’re considering lamb for Christmas, you have a variety of excellent cuts and preparations to choose from. Here are some popular options, all of which we offer in our Lamb Cuts selection so that you can pick the perfect centrepiece for your meal:
Leg of Lamb (Bone-in or Boneless)
A classic choice for roasting. The leg of lamb is lean yet flavorful and serves a crowd. You can roast it whole with garlic and rosemary for a showstopping main course. A roast leg of lamb (like our Lamb Roast Leg, Boneless cut) comes out tender and slices beautifully for serving. This cut is a traditional Christmas dish in many cultures, from Greek-style lemon roast lamb to British-style mint-crusted roasts.
Rack of Lamb
Elegant and tender, a rack of lamb makes for a stunning presentation. The rib bones create a beautiful “rack” that can even be joined into a circle as a crown roast for extra drama. Racks cook quickly and are perfect for a small gathering or as part of a multi-course meal.
Lamb Shanks
For a cozy, rustic holiday meal, lamb shanks are ideal. These are the lower part of the leg, best cooked low and slow. Braising lamb shanks in red wine, stock, and aromatic herbs yields meat that literally falls off the bone and a sauce that’s bursting with flavour. Imagine serving bowls of slow-braised Christmas lamb shanks with carrots, spices, and a spoonful of the rich gravy. It’s comfort food that still feels celebratory. (This is an excellent option for Christmas Eve dinner ideas if you want something make-ahead and warming. We often braise shanks the day before and reheat – they only get better!).
Lamb Shoulder
A bone-in lamb shoulder or our Lamb Shoulder Roast is another wonderful cut for slow roasting or braising. It has more marbling, which means it stays moist and flavorful during long cooking. Roast it, covered, over low heat with garlic, onions, and spices until it’s pull-apart tender. Or use it for a hearty stew. Lamb shoulder is forgiving and full of flavour – a delight for those who love rich meat.
Lamb Chops (Loinor Shoulder Chops)
If you prefer individual portions or a quicker meal, consider lamb chops. Lamb Loin Chops resemble mini T-bone steaks and are tender and easy to pan-sear or grill. Shoulder chops are slightly chewier but pack a lot of flavour, and they’re great when marinated and roasted or braised. Chops could be a fun choice for a smaller Christmas dinner or an addition to a larger buffet. Think marinated in olive oil, garlic, and mint, then grilled. A lighter take for a holiday lunch or Boxing Day.
No matter which cut you choose, lamb brings a distinct festive touch to your menu. Its richness pairs well with traditional holiday sides and spices.
Cooking and Serving Lamb – Christmas Eve Food Ideas and Tips
One of the joys of a lamb Christmas dinner is the aroma and anticipation it creates. Here are a few of our favorite tips and Christmas Eve food ideas for cooking lamb to perfection and making the meal shine:
Seasonings & Herbs
Lamb loves bold seasonings. Classic combinations like garlic and rosemary or thyme and bay leaves never fail. Rub minced garlic, chopped herbs, sea salt, and olive oil all over a leg or rack of lamb and let it marinate. Your kitchen will smell heavenly as it roasts. For a festive twist, you can stud the lamb with slivers of garlic and even some lemon zest. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Middle Eastern-inspired rub with cumin, coriander, and a touch of cinnamon, or a za’atar spice blend crust for a fragrant result. A sprinkle of cracked pepper and kosher salt as it goes in the oven helps form a mouthwatering crust.
Slow and Low
Larger cuts, such as lamb leg or shoulder, benefit from slow roasting. This ensures the meat stays moist. For example, start a 5–6 pound bone-in leg at a higher temperature (425°F) for 15 minutes to get a nice browning, then lower it to 325°F and roast until your desired doneness (145°F for medium with a warm pink center). A bone-in leg, or our Lamb Leg Bone-in, may take a couple of hours – but it’s mostly hands-off time. If you’re braising shanks or shoulder, set them in a Dutch oven with broth, wine, and herbs, and slow-cook in a low oven for 2–3 hours. The meat will be so tender you can eat it with a spoon. This dish is ideal for Christmas Eve dinner because you can prepare it in advance. And it fills the house with comforting aromas.
Finishing Touches
When the lamb is done cooking, always let it rest before carving – about 15 minutes tented with foil. This keeps the juices locked in, so every slice is juicy and tender. Use that time to make a quick gravy or sauce from the drippings. Lamb drippings, with their herb and garlic notes, make a divine gravy. Just whisk in a bit of broth or wine and flour in the roasting pan on the stovetop. You can also brighten the rich meat with a fresh mint yogurt sauce or a chimichurri on the side for guests to drizzle. These small additions bring the dish to life and echo traditional accompaniments (mint has been served with lamb for ages because its freshness complements the meat).
Perfect Sides
Consider the sides that will go with your lamb. Classic roast potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes are natural winners – they soak up the gravy nicely. Roasted root vegetables (carrots, parsnips, beets) not only taste great with lamb but also add color to your plate. A crisp green salad or lemony green beans can provide a light contrast to the lamb’s richness. And don’t forget a bit of something sweet-tart, like cranberry sauce, pomegranate relish, or redcurrant jelly. Fruit chutneys pair wonderfully with lamb’s depth of flavor, much like they do with game meats. In fact, serving a small dish of spiced apple chutney or mint jelly is a traditional Christmas touch in some cultures and will elevate your table.
Bringing It All Together: Combining Cheese and Lamb
The beauty of Christmas in Canada is that we can make it our own. We cherish the classics, but we also blend in new flavors and ideas gathered from around the world and our own backyard. Whether your family has been in Canada for generations or you’ve come from elsewhere, food is how we pass on memories and start new ones. This year, we invite you to add something a little different – perhaps a bit Old World yet new to you – to your Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day feast.
Imagine a festive table where a cheese board greets your guests with local sheep’s milk cheeses alongside European favorites. It’s an edible conversation piece and ice-breaker. Then, for the main event, a golden-brown roast lamb takes pride of place, its herby aroma mingling with the scent of pine from the Christmas tree. These aren’t just popular Christmas dishes elsewhere. They’re now a part of your family’s story, enriched by the quality of our farm’s cheeses and lamb. By using Secret Lands Farm products, you’re not only exploring Christmas food traditions in a modern way but also supporting local farming and artisanal craftsmanship. That’s a wonderful gift in itself.
Creating New Christmas Traditions at Home
We hope these ideas inspire you to create a Christmas menu that is uniquely yours. One that honours tradition but is never afraid to try something deliciously new. The holiday season is all about togetherness, generosity, and joy in simple pleasures. A wedge of aged cheese savoured slowly by the fire, or the shared excitement of carving a beautiful lamb roast, can bring people closer in the warmest way.
From Christmas cheese traditions born of winter necessity to lustrous lamb roasts that have fed festive tables for centuries, there’s a world of flavour to discover. And the best part is, you can enjoy it all right here at home, with a bit of help from our Secret Lands Farm family. We’re thrilled to be part of your celebrations. Secret Lands Farm’s aged cheeses and lamb cuts are made with love, ready to become part of your cherished holiday memories. So, here’s to new traditions, old inspirations, and a truly delicious Christmas for you and yours.
Happy holidays, and bon appétit from all of us at Secret Lands Farm!