Unique Christmas Eve Food Ideas

Christmas Eve is celebrated differently across the globe. In some countries in Latin America, for example, it is the main event of the holiday season, and Christmas Day comes second. In other cultures, Christmas Eve is a preamble for the Christmas Day main event. Whatever the case is in your family, we have fantastic Christmas Eve food ideas that will boost your holiday spirit.

Christmas Eve finger food ideas

Christmas Eve is the perfect occasion to gather around the living room and dining table and chat while trying different appetizers. Finger foods are quite versatile as they can add up to a whole meal while providing a variety of flavors. Here are some amazing finger foods that will make your Christmas Eve extra special. 

1. Almond-stuffed apricots and dates

This is a perfect inspired dish that is also easy to prepare. Just stuff some dried apricots and dates with peeled almonds.

2. Goat’s cheese and cherry tomato tart

A classic that doesn’t age. The sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes is a perfect fit for the slight acidity of the goat’s cheese. 

3. Tuna and mango ceviche with tortilla chips

Enjoy a fresh start to a Christmas Eve meal. Get some good quality tortilla chips and make a ceviche, that delicious dish with fish cooked in lime, cilantro, and fresh tomato. Add chopped mango for a tropical twist.

4. Roasted vegetable skewers

For the vegans and vegetarians in the family, get some long wooden or bamboo skewers and build a delicious mélange of vegetables, focusing on color variety for a visual rainbow pop.

5. Yum-cha

Yum-cha means “drink tea” in Cantonese, and its origins date back to the tea houses in ancient China. Yum-cha is basically a variety of dumplings, noodles, and other delicacies such as pork buns. You can buy them frozen, and pan-fry or steam them for a Christmas Eve dinner.  

6. Cod mini sandwiches

Cod is a Christmas staple in some countries such as Spain and Mexico. Make some cod (you buy it dry and prepare it overnight) and stuff some fluffy baguette slices for some delicious and hearty sandwiches.  

Christmas Eve dessert ideas

These sweet dishes are the perfect final act for your Christmas Eve dinner. 

7. German Christmas fruitcake

This is a classic in Germany, where winter can be cold and Christmas is the main event of the year.

8. Belgian waffles

Just picture yourself enjoying a sweet Belgian waffle with a cup of hot chocolate. Can we have two, please?

9. Chocolate fondue with all the trimmings 

Perfect to get everyone around the table. Chocolate, strawberries, marshmallows, and other fruits make the world a joyful place. 

10. Cinnamon puff pastry twists 

Simply get some puff pastry, braid it, and sprinkle it with coarse sugar and cinnamon. Then pop it in the oven and let the smell fill the kitchen! 

11. Vietnamese rice paper rolls 

Fresh and delicious, these Vietnamese rolls provide fresh vegetables before the next day’s feast. Also, rice paper rolls can be a fun cooking activity for the whole family.

Christmas Eve main dish ideas

These dishes offer some variety to your Christmas Eve menu by including flavors from around the world. 

12. Roasted lamb leg

Salivate over a delicious blend of spices and lamb, with hummus, couscous, and pita pockets on the side. It even makes great sandwiches the next day.

13. Teriyaki turkey

This is the traditional turkey with a twist. Smother the bird with Teriyaki marinade and tenderize the meat by injecting sake the day before. It’s delicious, sweet, and a great addition to the family holiday. 

14. Prawn skewers 

Skewers are very easy to eat when you have a large gathering. Seafood will be a welcome change the night before the big Christmas Day event. 

15. Beef Wellington

Need something traditional to add to your menu that’s full of other unique dishes? This classic Christmas Eve dish is a welcome addition to many families’ holiday tables.

16. Nordic Christmas Eve menu

Try a Nordic-inspired menu with butter cookies, red cabbage, roast pork, duck, and Danish rice pudding pancakes. 

17. Christmas Eve Sliders

Get some brioche buns and spread out falafel, beef patties, turkey patties, and crumbed fish fillets with all the sauces and trimmings. Get the family to fix their own slider combo.

Final Thoughts on Christmas Eve food ideas

Grab it now on Instacart:

Melissa's Medjool Dates (12 oz)

Aged Goat Cheese (per lb)

Culinary Elements Skewers, Bamboo, 12 Inches (100 ct)

Wing Fung Hong Crystal Shrimp Dumpling (7.4 oz)

Emmi Swiss Chocolate (7 oz)

Pepperidge Farm Puff Pastry Sheet (20 ct)

Fresh & Healthy Spring Roll Rice Paper 22cm (12 oz)

Cous Cous (per lb)

Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce (20 fl oz)

Royal Dansk Butter Cookies, Danish (24 oz)

Röckenwagner Brioche Slider Buns (8 ct)

These Christmas Eve recipe ideas are a perfect way to bring family and friends together. Food is a great way to share, which is what the holiday spirit is all about. 

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