75 Best Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas for a Memorable Feast
It's the first of many holiday festivities!
There’s something about the night before Christmas that just feels so magical. Maybe it's the piles of gifts wrapped under the tree, or the plate of Christmas cookies set aside for Santa. Either way, there's a sense of excitement in the air that gets us ready to kick off the holiday. And what better way to get things started than with a festive Christmas Eve dinner for you and your loved ones?! Whether you're hosting a big Christmas party or a more casual family meal, this list of Christmas Eve dinner ideas will help you make the night a success. You’ll find everything from Christmas party appetizers to Christmas cocktails. Of course, we've kept the recipes easy since we know you’ll be busy cooking up a big Christmas Day brunch, too.
Not sure where to begin? Try a Drummond-inspired menu with Ree's gorgeous prime rib as the main course, or opt for a slow cooker brisket or a big Christmas ham. Then, you can pair it up with one of the many delicious Christmas side dishes, like Brussels sprouts casserole, candied sweet potatoes, skillet dinner rolls, and so much more. For those hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes, we’ve also made sure to include plenty of seafood ideas (like foil-packet shrimp pasta) and Italian Christmas recipes (like family-friendly lasagna). No matter which Christmas eve menu you choose, they would all pair well with your favorite Christmas desserts followed by a Christmas movie—that's a night your family will never forget!
Chicken Cacciatore
Crispy chicken thighs, flavorful white wine sauce, and a big ol' plate of noodles—this dish is everything you want for a cozy night in. It feels just a little bit fancy without being fussy.
Get the Chicken Cacciatore recipe.
Garlic Shrimp
You don't need to be serving a seven fishes feast to make this garlicky shrimp recipe. It's easy enough for any family table, especially since it takes less than 20 minutes to make!
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
Cranberry Martini
The bright red and green colors from the cranberries and lime zest make this cocktail one of the most festive we've seen. Add a hint of spice by making an easy ginger-infused simple syrup.
Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
You'll get both veggies and meltingly tender meat with this fuss-free recipe. Just set it, forget it, and go wrap your gifts!
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
Pierogi and Kielbasa Sheet Pan Dinner
These traditional Polish dumplings get a new spin by making them on a sheet pan with cabbage and sausage. It's a comforting meal with little cleanup.
Rum Balls
Not only are these boozy chocolates the perfect last bite after a big holiday meal, but they also make cute take-home gifts for your guests if you're hosting a bigger party. Just wrap them up in cellophane and ribbon!
Get the Rum Balls recipe.
Rack of Lamb
A marinade of garlic, rosemary, honey, and mustard gives this rack of lamb a ton of flavor. Surprisingly though, it only takes 25 to 30 minutes in the oven!
Get the Rack of Lamb recipe.
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
For this version of scalloped potatoes, the Crock-Pot makes the elegant dish easier than ever. But don't worry, you'll still be able to enjoy the creamy, cheesy Gruyère and Cheddar sauce.
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
These sweet and salty bites will hold your guests over while you putting the finishing touches on dinner. For a pop of green color and a hint of spice, top each date with a slice of jalapeño.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Dates recipe.
Air Fryer Turkey Breast
Easier than a whole turkey, but just as impressive, this platter of juicy turkey breast is made entirely in the air fryer. Serve it up with turkey gravy and some fresh sprigs of rosemary to garnish.
Get the Air Fryer Turkey Breast recipe.
Moussaka
It would be hard not to appreciate the effort that goes into making this traditional Greek casserole dish. Each layer is filled with love, including the ground beef sauce, roasted eggplant and potatoes, and creamy bechamel topping.
Get the Moussaka recipe.
Pull-Apart Cheese Bread
You'll never believe how easy it is to make this impressive loaf of bread. It only takes 3 ingredients, including store-bought jarred pesto!
Get the Pull-Apart Cheese Bread recipe.
Pumpkin Risotto
This risotto is creamy, seasonal, and comforting thanks to the addition of pumpkin puree. Plus, it has fun toppings that make it feel even more special, like crispy sage leaves, pepitas, and thick-cut bacon.
Get the Pumpkin Risotto recipe.
Christmas Cranberry Cake
A beautiful cake with a snowy white frosting and sugared cranberries is sure to make the night feel festive. You'll love the way the tart fruit balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Get the Christmas Cranberry Cake recipe.
Italian Wedding Soup
Kick things off with a cozy bowl of soup that's loaded with hearty meatballs, veggies, and pasta. Any small pasta will do, but you can also use pearl couscous.
Get the Italian Wedding Soup recipe.
Roast Beef
Studded with garlic and topped with a flavorful onion gravy, this roast beef is a real show-stopper. Serve it up with mashed potatoes to soak up all those delicious juices.
Get Ree's Roast Beef recipe.
Christmas Charcuterie Board
For a festive wreath that you can actually eat, try this circular Christmas charcuterie board! The red and green olives and mini mozzarella balls will look like little ornaments on a bed of herbs.
Get the Christmas Charcuterie Board recipe.
Chicken Saltimbocca
Instead of being wrapped in bacon, this chicken dinner uses prosciutto to make it feel a little fancier. It's perfect for special occasions like the holidays.
Get Ree's Chicken Saltimbocca recipe.
Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Everyone can get their own streusel-topped sweet potato on Christmas! They're like mini versions of the classic casserole.
Get the Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Christmas Deviled Eggs
Even deviled eggs can get the holiday treatment with this recipe that uses fresh herbs and pickle relish for the green-tinted filling. Then, make them even more reminiscent of Christmas trees by adding red bell pepper "ornaments."
Get the Christmas Deviled Eggs recipe.
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