Less than six in 10 Irish people plan to eat a roast dinner on Christmas Day

Only 58 per cent of Irish people say they plan to enjoy a classic turkey or roast dinner on Christmas Day, while some will opt to have a barbeque, a survey has revealed.

While we certainly hold onto old traditions in Ireland, some new festivities are also creeping into the holidays. While having a roast dinner on December 25 remains the most popular tradition in Ireland, 42 per cent say they have no plans yet to pop a turkey in the oven.

Watching Christmas films is also at the top of the list, with 58 per cent of respondents saying it’s a must-do every year. Some 54 per cent said they will give and receive Christmas presents on the 25th, while 48 per cent said they have to pull a Christmas cracker on the big day.

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Twenty-nine per cent of people opt to exchange presents on Christmas Eve. While sending Christmas cards might not be as popular as it once was, 42 per cent still send them to their loved ones.

Some 21 per cent said they will send festive messages on social media rather than send Christmas cards. Out of 1,000 people surveyed by Lottoland, 4 per cent said that despite Ireland’s cold weather, they will opt to have a barbeque this Christmas.

Others will avoid the cold altogether, with 5 per cent saying they are going abroad to a hot country over the holiday period. Some 39 per cent of people will opt to have brussels sprouts with their traditional Christmas roast and 36 per cent will save the scraps to have turkey sandwiches on St Stephen's Day.

Wearing festive jumpers and jazzy Christmas pyjamas is still relatively popular, with 28 per cent saying it’s important to them. Only 6 per cent will hang mistletoe in their home, while 15 per cent will drink festive mulled wine.

Tipping the postman is no longer a popular Christmas tradition, with just 18 per cent of respondents saying they will do this. Having a real Christmas tree is far down the list of priorities, with only 19 per cent saying it’s very important to them.

Barbeques, a real Christmas tree, Christmas stockings and Christmas pudding are most popular with Dubliners. People in Munster love brussels sprouts the most, while Leinster folk are the biggest traditionalists when it comes to turkey and settling down to watch Christmas films.

Those in Connacht and Ulster are the most generous, as they love giving presents and pulling Christmas crackers. The survey was conducted by Lottoland as its famous Spanish €2.7 billion Christmas lottery will take place on December 22.

Lottoland’s VP of Global Corporate Affairs Laura Pearson said: “Our survey underscores the resilience of Irish Christmas traditions, even as modern influences subtly reshape how the holiday is celebrated. With family gatherings, food, and entertainment at the heart of the festivities, the results showcase a deep cultural commitment to creating warm and joyful holiday experiences.

“We’re thrilled to see that so many classic traditions remain firmly in place and it’s heartwarming to know that families across Ireland continue to cherish these rituals, even as younger generations introduce their own twist to the festivities.”

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