The holiday magic starts on December 24.
Planning a big Christmas Eve dinner is just the beginning of your holiday festivities, but that doesn't mean you should feel stressed about cooking. After all, this night should be magical, memorable, and full of excitement! It might even include opening a few Christmas gifts before the morning! So, to help make your night a success, we've rounded up the best Christmas Eve dinner ideas for you and your family. Whether you're hosting a big Christmas party or a more casual family meal, this list has everything from Christmas party appetizers to Christmas desserts.
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 recipe you choose, we’ve made sure to keep things easy since we know you’ll be busy cooking up a big Christmas Day brunch, too!
1
Beef Burgundy
Tender chuck roast, mushrooms, veggies, and an entire bottle of red wine make this a dish that's hard to forget. Serve it up with mashed potatoes and crispy bacon over the top.
Get the Beef Burgundy recipe.
2
Champagne Punch
Special occasions call for opening up a bottle of bubbly! But this recipe takes things to the next level by turning your sparkling wine into a crowd-pleasing punch.
Get the Champagne Punch recipe.
3
Lobster Bisque
You don't need to be hosting a Feast of the Seven Fishes to make this seafood soup (although it would work for that type of dinner, too). The rich and creamy bisque is an elegant way to start any meal.
Get the Lobster Bisque recipe.
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4
Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies
Make a big batch of these pretty swirly cookies so you have enough for the whole family (and Santa!). They're made with real eggnog and a hint of warm spices.
Get the Eggnog Cut-Out Cookies recipe.
5
Stuffed Artichokes
This impressive side dish will wow all your guests! The artichokes are filled to the brim with a cheesy, crunchy breadcrumb stuffing made with garlic, anchovies, and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Get the Stuffed Artichokes recipe.
6
Stuffed Turkey Breast
This beautiful rolled turkey breast will be a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table. The filling is made with cornbread, bacon, and apples for a touch of sweetness.
Get the Stuffed Turkey Breast recipe.
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7
Sugar Cookie Martini
This sweet holiday co*cktail that tastes just like sugar cookies doubles as a fun dessert. You'll want to sip it in front of your sparkling Christmas tree.
Get the Sugar Cookie Martini recipe.
8
Manicotti
Nothing says big family meal like a baked pasta recipe! This one is made with cheese-stuffed manicotti and a hearty meat sauce.
Get the Manicotti recipe.
9
Herb Focaccia
Don't forget to fill the bread basket on Christmas Eve! This flavorful herby focaccia is a great place to start. Be sure to add a sprinkle of flaky salt over the top!
Get the Herb Focaccia recipe.
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10
Chicken Cacciatore
Chicken for dinner is always a winner—even on Christmas Eve! Just be sure to serve it over noodles to catch all that flavorful white wine and mushroom sauce.
Get the Chicken Cacciatore recipe.
11
Garlic Shrimp
You only need 15 minutes to make this quick and easy shrimp dish! But don't worry, it's still packed with flavor from the Creole seasoning, paprika, white wine, and five cloves of garlic!
Get the Garlic Shrimp recipe.
12
Cranberry Martini
The key to making this cranberry co*cktail shine is using a homemade ginger-infused simple syrup. You can make it up to one week in advance and store it in the fridge.
Get the Cranberry Martini recipe.
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13
Slow Cooker Pot Roast
Make a beautiful, crowd-pleasing pot roast without all the fuss by letting your slow cooker do all the work! It's hands-free so you can get back to baking cookies!
Get the Slow Cooker Pot Roast recipe.
14
Rum Balls
This no-bake treat is one of the easiest desserts you'll make this holiday! The chocolatey rum balls can be decorated with various garnishes, like shredded coconut or sprinkles, and given out as take-home gifts for your guests!
Get the Rum Balls recipe.
15
Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes
These luxuriously creamy potatoes are perfect for special occasions. Serve them up as a side dish for prime rib, ham, turkey, or even fish on Christmas Eve.
Get the Crock-Pot Scalloped Potatoes recipe.
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16
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.
17
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.
18
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.
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19
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.
20
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.
