20 Delicious Wine Options That Are Perfect for Christmas Dinner (or to Gift Friends and Family)

A festive round of Christmas cocktails starts any celebration off on the right foot, and boozy batches of Christmas punch ensure that the host (or designated house mixologist) doesn't have to stand behind the bar all night. But whether you need a delectable wine to pair with every course that appears on your carefully curated Christmas menu or that perfect bottle to kick back and uncork while marathon watching your favorite Christmas movies, many of us have a hard time choosing the best Christmas wines to serve.

You know the moment at the liquor store: You're standing in front of the display, mentally cycling through your menu, your flavor preferences, who's coming to dinner and what they liked to drink last year. And those who order their wine online might not even have the in-store sommelier to guide them toward the best bottle. Never fear: We have suggestions for every flavor profile, style preference and price point that will satisfy every palate around your table.

In general, when pairing wine with food, match like with like. A delicate fish or chicken dish, for example, goes great with a light-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc. If you're serving prime rib, ham or lamb with equally rich sides, you may want a more assertive, bolder red wine like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon. And if you're going for Thanksgiving redux with turkey and all the fixins', a nice Pinot Noir or Gewürztraminer will usually fit the bill. Read on for our recommendations for this year's best Christmas wines, from traditional to modern flavors.