Vegan Holidays and Celebrations
Many festivals centre on animal products, but many traditions also have long-standing plant-based dishes. Covers vegan approaches to Thanksgiving, Christmas, Lunar New Year and more.
Many holidays and celebrations around the world are closely associated with food, and festive meals often feature meat, dairy or eggs. At the same time, many cultural and religious traditions include dishes that are naturally plant-based, and vegan versions of classic festive foods have become widely available. This article describes common vegan approaches to major celebrations. For the social aspects of family gatherings, see vegan parenting and family life.
Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving, celebrated in the United States in November and in Canada in October, traditionally centres on a roast turkey. Vegans typically replace this with:
- Commercial plant-based roasts, such as stuffed seitan or soy-based roasts. Tofurky, a product introduced in the mid-1990s, became one of the best-known examples in the United States.
- Homemade centrepieces, including seitan roasts, lentil or nut loaves, and stuffed squash.
Many traditional side dishes can easily be made vegan, including mashed potatoes made with plant butter and milk, stuffing made with vegetable stock, cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, green beans and sweet potatoes. Pumpkin pie can be made using silken tofu or plant-based custard in place of eggs and evaporated milk. Some vegans also mark the holiday by visiting or sponsoring animals at animal sanctuaries, several of which hold turkey-focused events.
Christmas
Christmas meals vary considerably between countries. Common vegan alternatives include:
| Traditional item | Common vegan alternative |
|---|---|
| Roast turkey, goose or ham | Nut roast, seitan roast, mushroom Wellington |
| Gravy made with meat juices | Onion, mushroom or vegetable gravy |
| Mince pies and Christmas pudding (often containing suet) | Versions made with vegetable suet or plant fats |
| Eggnog | Plant-milk-based “nog” |
| Yule log and Christmas cakes | Egg-free and dairy-free versions (see vegan baking) |
| Pigs in blankets | Plant-based sausages wrapped in pastry or vegan bacon |
In some Orthodox and Catholic traditions, Christmas Eve is a meatless meal. The Polish Wigilia, for example, traditionally excludes meat, though it commonly includes fish and dairy. In Orthodox Christian traditions, the Nativity Fast before Christmas excludes meat, dairy and eggs on many days, which has produced a large repertoire of plant-based dishes.
Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is celebrated in China and many other parts of East and Southeast Asia, as well as by diaspora communities. Some families, particularly those influenced by Buddhist tradition, eat vegetarian food on the first day of the new year. A well-known dish is Buddha’s delight (luóhàn zhāi), a stir-fry or braise of vegetables, mushrooms, tofu products and other plant ingredients.
Other festive foods that are or can easily be vegan include:
- Vegetable dumplings (jiaozi)
- Niangao (glutinous rice cake), depending on the recipe
- Spring rolls with vegetable fillings
- Noodles symbolising long life
- Fresh fruit such as oranges and mandarins, associated with good fortune
Ingredients such as oyster sauce, lard and egg should be checked.
Other celebrations
- Easter – vegan chocolate eggs are widely sold; hot cross buns and other Easter breads can be made without eggs and dairy. In Orthodox Christianity, the Great Lent fast before Easter traditionally excludes meat, dairy and eggs on many days.
- Diwali – many Indian sweets use ghee, milk or khoya, but vegan versions use plant milks and oils. Many savoury snacks and vegetable dishes are naturally vegan.
- Hanukkah – latkes (potato pancakes) can be made with egg replacers, and doughnuts with plant-based ingredients.
- Eid al-Fitr – festive meals often include meat, but many accompanying dishes, sweets and pastries can be made vegan.
- Halloween – many sweets contain gelatin, dairy or carmine, so labels need checking.
- Birthdays and weddings – vegan cakes and catering are increasingly common.
Religious observances relating to animal sacrifice, such as Eid al-Adha, can present particular sensitivities for vegans, and approaches vary.
Vegan observances
The vegan movement has its own dates, including world vegan day on 1 November and veganuary in January, which many people use as occasions for communal meals and events.
Tips for festive occasions
- Plan menus early, especially when hosting mixed groups.
- Bring a dish to share when attending others’ celebrations.
- Check labels on sweets, desserts and drinks (see hidden animal ingredients and vegan wine and beer).
- Look to cultural traditions that already include plant-based dishes.