A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas brings together simple comforts, generous tables and flavors that feel like home. Many families who grew up in Lancaster County remember holiday spreads that balanced cozy richness with bright sweetness and tang. When you understand the traditions behind these flavors, planning your own holiday celebration becomes easier and more meaningful.
S. Clyde Weaver makes preparing for Christmas in Lancaster, PA, simple. We have holiday hams, cheeses, gift baskets and more to help you create a scrumptious feast and explore the county’s authentic culture.
What Is a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas?
A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas comes from the heritage of Germans who settled in Lancaster County generations ago. Their celebrations continue to shape local holiday traditions today, particularly around food and family.
Many homes highlight familiar symbols throughout the season. These include Moravian stars glowing in windows, nativity displays passed down through families and even an old custom of hanging Christmas trees upside down to make room for large feasts beneath them. There’s also the story of Belsnickel, a folkloric figure known for encouraging good behavior during the season.
Food has always held the center of the table, and the heart of the celebration comes from balance. The old phrase “seven sweets and seven sours” reminds families to build meals with harmony. A rich main dish feels complete when paired with a sweet jam, a tangy relish or a bright mustard. Understanding these roots helps you appreciate why certain foods show up again and again.
PA Dutch Christmas Traditions: Harmony of Sweets and Sours
A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas table revolves around contrast. Warm and hearty dishes come alive when paired with sweet and tangy accents. This is the essence of seven sweets and seven sours. The idea is simple — every rich or savory bite needs something bright or sweet nearby to bring balance.
Families often use honey, apple butter, tangy mustard and pickled relishes to create that contrast. These combinations add depth to ham, enhance cheese boards and bring excitement to familiar holiday plates.
When building your own table, think about how each element complements the next. For example, a spoonful of chow chow beside a creamy cheese, or a drizzle of honey over a salty slice of ham, can be great combinations.
Centerpiece Meats
Ham has long been the centerpiece of a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas dinner. It’s festive and ideal for feeding a table of family, neighbors and friends.
The following combinations are a few serving ideas for ham:
- Pair it right: Most serve their holiday ham with a mixture of sweet and tangy pairings. You might warm the ham gently or glaze it lightly, but even the simplest preparation becomes special with the right accents.
- Add some cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar adds richness.
- Mix in a touch of tang: A spoonful of German mustard adds a bright, tangy flavor.
- Add some sweetness: Honey softens the bite with gentle sweetness.
Ham blends beautifully with other holiday bites. It pairs well with potato filling, green beans or roasted vegetables, and it works equally well on a cheese and charcuterie board for more casual gatherings.
Cheeses That Define the Season
Cheese holds an essential place on holiday tables throughout Lancaster County. It reflects the craftsmanship and aging traditions that define Pennsylvania Dutch food culture.
Two cheeses often stand out during Christmas celebrations. They offer a balance of sharp and mellow flavors that pair beautifully with festive meats, sweet spreads and tangy condiments.
5-Year-Aged Cheddar
This cheddar is known for its depth. It has a crystalline texture and a sharp, satisfying bite that makes it ideal for holiday meals. A small slice offers enough bold flavor to elevate everything around it.
To pair aged cheddar, focus on keeping this simple. For example, German mustard adds tang and brightness, while honey brings warmth and roundness. These combinations create a classic Pennsylvania Dutch experience that guests love.
Amish Butter Cheese
Amish butter cheese is smooth and mellow with a creamy texture. It softens the sharper notes of aged cheddar and adds balance to the board. It pairs well with honey, apple butter or a cheese dip.
When building a holiday board, start with your cheeses. You can then add mustard, honey and cheese dips, along with crackers or pretzels. This creates a holiday spread that feels both traditional and festive.
Classic Sides and Sours
Many families prepare potato filling or corn pudding. Buttered noodles also appear often, bringing warm simplicity to the meal. Plates of roasted root vegetables, green beans and seasonal produce help round out the spread.
Sours are equally important because they bring balance to the rich holiday dishes. Chow chow, pickled beets and tangy relishes often sit in small ramekins around the table. These accents brighten every bite and reflect the philosophy of seven sweets and seven sours. Small jars of German mustard, honey and cheese dips create easy flavor combinations for guests.
Beloved Pennsylvania Dutch Traditions: Holiday Baked Goods
The following Pennsylvania Dutch baked goods hold a special place during the season:
- Sand tarts are one of the most iconic Christmas cookies. They’re thin, crisp and often sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. Many families bake them in large batches and share them throughout the month of December.
- Springerle cookies are known for their delicate embossed designs and anise flavor, and are another holiday classic.
- Shoofly pie has deep molasses notes and brings warmth to winter gatherings.
These treats work best when served after the main meal or alongside a cup of coffee. A small sweet plate offered after a savory cheese board helps maintain the balance that defines a Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. The goal is to enjoy each flavor without crowding the main dishes.
Simple Pennsylvania Dutch Recipes and Traditions
A Lancaster-style cheese board begins with slices of 5-year-aged cheddar and cubes of Amish butter cheese. Add mustard, honey, a cheese dip and crackers or pretzels. Allow the cheese to rest at room temperature for a short time before serving for a fuller flavor.
Ham can be served in thin slices with mustard or paired with honey for a contrasting flavor. For day-after meals, many families eat simple broth-based soups. Turkey corn soup with rivels or a ham-and-bean soup offers warmth and comfort on a winter afternoon.
Gifting an Authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas
Holiday gift baskets are a long-standing way to share Lancaster County flavors with loved ones. Here’s a look at gift-ready combinations that work well for Christmas:
- Family Pleaser: A welcoming assortment with cheeses and complementary condiments
- Family Gathering: A larger selection ideal for holiday parties
- Family Favorites: A balanced gift with classic cheeses and sours
These baskets travel well and capture the spirit of an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas. Ordering early ensures everything arrives on time for the season.
Enjoy a PA Dutch Christmas With S. Clyde Weaver
A Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas is warm, generous and deeply rooted in Lancaster County flavor. If you want to bring the taste of an authentic Pennsylvania Dutch Christmas to your own table, S. Clyde Weaver can help. Shop our selection of hams, cheeses and Lancaster-inspired gift baskets today!
