Including vegan learners during the festive season

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The winter festive season includes a wide range of cultural, religious and community celebrations. While Christmas often dominates seasonal activities in schools, educators may also wish to explore other traditions represented within their learning communities. This resource brings together ideas and resources to help create festive learning experiences that remain inclusive of vegan learners. 


Celebrating Christmas in a vegan-inclusive way 

Christmas is widely celebrated in schools across the UK and often forms a major part of festive learning during the winter. Exploring Christmas traditions through a vegan-inclusive lens can help educators ensure that celebrations remain welcoming and respectful to vegan learners while encouraging thoughtful discussion about food, non-human animals and kindness. 

Food, baking and festive treats 

Food is at the heart of many Christmas celebrations. Exploring plant-based versions of festive favourites can help learners engage with Christmas traditions while demonstrating how celebrations can be adapted to include everyone. 

Christmas recipes and food ideas 

Vegan mince pies 
A festive classic that can easily be made using plant-based pastry and fruit mincemeat. 
www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-mince-pies 
corporate.asda.com/newsroom/2017/12/05/asda-first-supermarket-to-launch-vegan-mince-pies 

Vegan Christmas pudding 
Explore the history of Christmas pudding while introducing plant-based alternatives. 
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-christmas-pudding 

Dairy-free hot chocolate 
Create a festive hot chocolate station using plant-based milk and vegan marshmallows. 
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/vegan-hot-chocolate 

Festive fruit and plant-based cheese platters 
Seasonal fruits and vegan cheeses make an inclusive sharing option for classroom celebrations. 

Christmas lunch alternatives 

For learners exploring alternatives to a traditional Christmas turkey dinner, there are many delicious plant-based centrepieces available: 

OMV! By ASDA No Turkey Crown with Caramelised Onion & Herb Stuffing 

Plant Based by ASDA OMV! No Turkey Crown with Caramelised Onion & Herb Stuffing 460g - ASDA Groceries 
Vegan Wellington 

SO VEGAN's Butternut Squash Wellington | The Vegan Society 

Nut Roast 

Easy nut roast | The Vegan Society 

Further festive recipe inspiration 

The Vegan Society recipes 

Vegan Recipes | Main meals | Snacks and Sides | Baking 
 

Creative activities 

Christmas traditions around the world 

Invite learners to research how Christmas is celebrated in different countries, including festive foods, decorations and traditions. 

https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/primary-resource/christmas-traditions-around-world/  

Christmas symbolism 

Explore the history and meaning behind Christmas trees, wreaths, cards and stockings. 

Christmas greenery, wreaths and festive traditions: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/christmas-greenery-history/  

Acts of Kindness Calendar 

Create a class calendar featuring daily acts of kindness throughout December. 

Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar: https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-25314-new-random-acts-of-kindness-advent-calendar  

Alternatively, for something less Christmas-specific: 

British Red Cross Kindness Calendar: https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/teaching-resources/kindness-calendar  

Compassionate Christmas discussions 

Encourage learners to think about how festive traditions can include people with different beliefs, backgrounds and dietary requirements. 

A useful discussion starter could be: 

Christmas around the world: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/celebrations/article/christmas  

This helps learners explore how celebrations differ between communities and cultures, which could naturally lead into conversations about vegan-inclusive celebrations and ensures everyone feels as though they belong. 

Books and poetry 

Stories and poetry can encourage learners to reflect on kindness, compassion and the choices we make during the festive season. 

Talking Turkeys by Benjamin Zephaniah 

Talking Turkeys offers a humorous and thought-provoking way to discuss non-human animals and Christmas traditions. The poem encourages learners to consider compassionate choices while exploring poetry, performance and creative writing. As a patron and former trustee of The Vegan Society, Benjamin Zephaniah was a passionate advocate for all animals and veganism, and his work continues to inspire learners today. 

Suggested activities: 

  • Poetry analysis 

  • Creative writing inspired by animals and winter celebrations 

  • Group performances and spoken-word activities 

Teaching resources: 

https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/talking-turkeys 

Recommended festive reading 

Vegan-friendly festive chocolates 

Chocolate treats are often a popular part of classroom celebrations. Many vegan-friendly options are now widely available. 

Festive chocolate ideas 

Moo Free Christmas Range 
https://www.moofreechocolates.com/pages/advent-calendars 

NOMO Christmas Range 
https://nomochoc.com/collections/christmas-products 

Booja-Booja Truffles 
https://www.boojabooja.com 

Divine Chocolate 
https://www.divinechocolate.com 

These products can be used for festive displays, reward activities, hot chocolate stations or classroom celebrations while ensuring vegan learners are included. 

Celebrating Chanukkah in a vegan-inclusive way 

Exploring vegan-friendly Chanukkah traditions gives schools the opportunity to recognise both religious and ethical identities within their learning community. It can help Jewish vegan learners feel represented while broadening an understanding of different festive experiences. 

Explore Jewish Vegan Sustainable (JVS) resources: 
https://www.jvs.org.uk/resources/faqs  

JVS offers resources exploring the connections between Judaism, veganism and sustainability. Their materials can help educators understand how religious and ethical values may intersect for some learners and provide useful context when planning inclusive festive activities. 

Food, baking and festive treats 

Food is a central part of many Chanukkah celebrations. Exploring vegan versions of traditional dishes allows learners to engage with cultural traditions while ensuring vegan learners are included. 

Latkes (potato pancakes) 
One of the most widely recognised Chanukkah foods, traditionally fried in oil to commemorate the miracle of the oil. 

Vegan Potato Pancakes - Gluten-Free Latkes - VegKitchen 
 

Vegan Sufganiyot (jam doughnuts) 
A popular Chanukkah treat enjoyed in many Jewish communities during the festival. 
Vegan Sufganiyot (Hanukkah Jelly Donuts) - Sarah's Vegan Kitchen  

Chocolate Gelt 
Chocolate coins are traditionally enjoyed during Chanukkah celebrations and games. Vegan versions are available from a range of dairy-free chocolate brands. 
https://www.moofreechocolates.com/ 

For a collection of vegan Chanukkah recipes, visit: 
https://veganuary.com/vegan-hanukkah/ 

Vegan-friendly Chanukkah treats 

For classroom celebrations, reward activities or festive gifts, educators may also find these vegan-friendly alternatives to traditional chocolate gelt and seasonal treats useful: 

Celebrating Diwali in a vegan-inclusive way 

Diwali, often known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, with traditions varying between families and regions. Diwali is associated with themes of light, hope, kindness, community and the triumph of good over evil. Exploring Diwali through a vegan-inclusive lens can help educators create engaging learning experiences while encouraging discussions about compassion and respect for different beliefs and lifestyles. 

Food, baking and festive treats 

Food and sweets are a central part of many Diwali celebrations. Exploring plant-based alternatives to traditional recipes can help ensure that vegan learners can participate fully. Two great websites for inspiration: https://www.veganricha.com/vegan-diwali-recipes/ and https://holycowvegan.net/vegan-diwali-sweets/  

Fruit and Nut Platters 
Dates, pistachios, almonds and seasonal fruits are often enjoyed during festive gatherings and provide an inclusive option for classroom celebrations. 

Coconut Barfi 
A traditional sweet made with coconut and dairy-free ingredients. 
Coconut Burfi | Veganuary 

Vegan Kheer 
A plant-based version of the popular rice pudding using oat, almond or coconut milk. 
Vegan Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding) Recipe - Holy Cow Vegan 

Celebrating Shab-e Yalda in a vegan-inclusive way 

Shab-e Yalda, also known as Yalda Night, is a festival celebrated by many people of Persian heritage on the longest night of the year. Exploring Yalda traditions in the classroom can help educators recognise the cultural backgrounds of some learners while providing opportunities to discuss seasonal celebrations from around the world. 

Traditional Yalda celebrations often feature pomegranates, watermelon, nuts, storytelling and poetry, many of which lend themselves naturally to vegan-inclusive classroom activities. The festival provides a useful example of how food, culture and celebration can come together through shared experiences that are accessible to vegan learners. 

Yalda recipes and food ideas 

Jewelled Ajil (mixed nuts, dried fruits and seeds) 
A traditional Yalda snack made from nuts and dried fruits, often shared during celebrations. 
Shabeh Yalda & Ajil ~ Winter Solstice & Persian Trail Mix | 

 Pomegranate chia pudding 
One of Yalda’s most recognisable fruits, pomegranates are traditionally eaten as a symbol of life and renewal.  

Vegan and gluten-free Pomegranate Chia Seed Pudding Recipe 
 

 Vegan Fesenjan (aubergine or squash) 
A plant-based version of the Persian dish made with walnuts and pomegranate. 
Vegan Persian Fesenjan | Pick Up Limes 

Celebrating Kwanzaa in a vegan-inclusive way 

Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African -American and Pan-African culture, community and family, observed from 26 December to 1 January. Exploring Kwanzaa in the classroom can help educators recognise and celebrate cultural diversity while introducing learners to traditions centred on community. 

Many Kwanzaa traditions are connected to harvest celebrations, making plant-based foods, fruits and vegetables a natural feature of the festival. As a result, Kwanzaa offers many opportunities for vegan-inclusive learning and celebrations. 

Food, baking and festive treats 

Food plays a central role in Kwanzaa, particularly during the Karamu, a communal feast traditionally held on 31 December. 

Kwanzaa recipes and food ideas 

Vegan Jollof Rice 
Vegan Jollof Rice - Make It Dairy Free 

Smoky Collard Greens 
Smoky, Spicy & Scrumptious Vegan Collards - Vegan It Real 

West African Peanut Stew (Maafe) 

 West African Peanut Stew (Vegan) | The Simple Veganista 

Celebrating Winter Solstice in a vegan – inclusive way. 

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Usually falling on 21 December, it has been observed in different ways by cultures around the world for thousands of years, often symbolising the return of the sun, renewal and the gradual lengthening of days. You can celebrate the Winter Solstice by enjoying seasonal plant-based foods and spending time in nature. 

Plant-Based Solstice Foods 

Sunbread: Mix a simple yeast dough using fortified plant-based milk and turmeric for colour. Shape it into a sun design before baking and enjoy with a Vegan Trademark-certified spread. 

Vegan Sunflower bread recipe 

Winter Fruit Cake: Celebrate the season with The Vegan Society's Fruit Cake recipe:  Fruit cake | The Vegan Society 

Apple and Berry Crumble: Use seasonal apples and frozen berries topped with an oat-based crumble and serve with Vegan Trademark-certified custard. 

Vegan Blackberry and Apple Crumble | Vegan Crumble 

Further support 

The festive season provides valuable opportunities to explore a wide range of cultural, religious and community traditions while ensuring vegan learners are fully included in seasonal activities. Whether learning about Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, Shab-e Yalda, the Winter Solstice or Diwali, educators can help create inclusive learning experiences by considering the diverse intersected beliefs and values represented within their learning communities. 

For more guidance on supporting vegan learners throughout the year, explore The Vegan Society’s Education Network resources: 

Vegan-inclusive education resources | The Vegan Society 

 

 

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