Plan a Memorable Christmas Eve Dinner With These Festive Recipes
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sugar Cookie Martini
This sweet holiday cocktail 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cranberry Martini
The key to making this cranberry cocktail 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Spaghetti and Meatballs
It doesn't get more comforting than spaghetti and meatballs. Make a big batch for your crowd and everyone will be feeling cozy and full in no time.
Get Ree's Spaghetti and Meatballs recipe.
Peppermint Chocolate Sheet Cake
Sheet cakes are our solution when hosting a crowd. And this holiday-inspired version is sure to be a hit.
Get Ree's Peppermint Chocolate Sheet Cake recipe.
Garlic Green Beans
This flavorful side dish is made in just 15 minutes (from start to finish!). It's a quick no-brainer for the holidays or any time!
Get the Garlic Green Beans recipe.
Slow Cooker Brisket
This brisket recipe cooks low and slow in your handy kitchen appliance so you can go on with wrapping presents or any other Christmas prep you might have left. Oh, and it comes out so tender!
Get the Slow Cooker Brisket recipe.
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Whether you're serving turkey, ham, or prime rib on Christmas Eve, these sweet potato medallions with sweet candy-like glaze are the perfect accompaniment.
Get the Candied Sweet Potatoes recipe.
Pomegranate Margarita
For a seasonal twist on margaritas, this version uses pomegranate juice which is fruity, tart, and so festive with the green lime slices and salted glass rim.
Get the Pomegranate Margarita recipe.
Shrimp Scampi
There's a reason shrimp scampi is a classic dinner recipe—it’s buttery, garlicky, and so easy to make. Serve it over angel hair pasta or with a crusty loaf of bread.
Get Ree's Shrimp Scampi recipe.
Gingerbread Cake
This easy cake recipe is loaded with holiday flavors thanks to ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and molasses. It also has candied ginger on top for good measure.
Get the Gingerbread Cake recipe.
Air Fryer Green Beans
You can't go wrong with this simple side dish. It's easy to whip up in just 15 minutes!
Get the Air Fryer Green Beans recipe.
Crab Stuffed Mushrooms
Whether you're hosting a feast of the seven fishes or not, this elegant starter is perfect for your Christmas Eve dinner. It's cheesy, crunchy, and so flavorful.
Get the Crab Stuffed Mushrooms recipe.
Brussels Sprouts Casserole
This cheesy casserole is similar to a baked gratin but with seasonal Brussels sprouts as the base. Everyone will want a second portion!
Get the Brussels Sprouts Casserole recipe.
Root Beer Glazed Ham
Ree's five-ingredient ham is a holiday classic. The sweetness from the root beer and plum jelly combined with the spicy brown mustard and salty ham is simply perfection.
Get Ree's Root Beer Glazed Ham recipe.
Christmas Rum Cake
Rum is used in both the cake batter and the glaze for this holiday recipe. It gives the cake some much-needed moisture and, of course, flavor.
Get Ree's Christmas Rum Cake recipe.
Spinach Lasagna
Lasagna is always a crowd-pleaser and this white sauce version is no exception. It's also great for any vegetarians at the table.
Get Ree's Spinach Lasagna recipe.
Baked Gnocchi Alfredo
This twist on baked pasta, combines fluffy gnocchi with creamy Alfredo sauce for the ultimate, elegant casserole dish. It's also perfect for any vegetarians at your party!
Get the Baked Gnocchi Alfredo recipe.
Bacon-Wrapped Turkey
This bacon-wrapped turkey is a real stunner! The smokey, crispy bacon topping will make any dinner feel instantly more special.
Get the Bacon-Wrapped Turkey recipe.
Candy Cane Cookies
You can't go wrong with cookies on Christmas Eve—especially when they're full of peppermint flavor! Just be sure to save a few with a glass of milk for Santa.
Get the Candy Cane Cookies recipe.
Beef Wellington
In search of an impressive main course for your Christmas Eve dinner? Look no further than this super-tender beef wellington wrapped in flaky pastry dough.
Get the Beef Wellington recipe.
Braised Short Ribs
According to Ree Drummond, these beef short ribs are "one of life's great pleasures." They're tender, flavorful, and perfect when served over mashed potatoes or creamy polenta.
Get Ree's Braised Short Ribs recipe.
Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts
Dress up your brussels sprouts with crispy bacon bits and maple syrup for a sweet and salty flavor your whole family will love.
Get the Maple-Bacon Brussels Sprouts recipe.
Sausage Rolls
Similar to pigs in a blanket, but slightly more elevated, these bite-sized snacks are perfect for serving during the holiday season. Don’t forget the mustard!
Get the Sausage Rolls recipe.
Prime Rib
Treat your family to a gorgeous prime rib on Christmas Eve. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes and au jus.
Get Ree's Prime Rib recipe.
French 75 Cocktail
Start your holiday off with a toast and this classic bubbly cocktail. It'll get everyone in the festive spirit.
Get the French 75 Cocktail recipe.
Foil-Packet Shrimp Pasta
Whether you're serving a classic Italian feast or you just want an easy pasta recipe for your Christmas Eve dinner, this shrimp linguine is easy to make and even easier to clean up.
Get Ree's Foil-Packet Shrimp Pasta recipe.
Shrimp Cocktail
Old bay seasoning, lemon, and garlic give this classic shrimp starter a new and bold flavor. Serve them chilled with a kicked-up cocktail sauce for even more spice.
Get Ree's Shrimp Cocktail recipe.
Eggnog Cake
You don't even need to be a fan of eggnog to enjoy a slice of this festive cake. It has a decadent vanilla bean flavor with a hint of bourbon that makes it so good!
Get the Eggnog Cake recipe.
Cocktail Meatballs
Spicy chili sauce and sweet apricot preserves make this party appetizer anything but boring. In fact, it'll be hard to eat just one!
Get Ree's Cocktail Meatballs recipe.
Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies
Santa's not the only one who will love these tasty Christmas cookies, you'll love how easy they are to whip up thanks to boxed caked mix.
Get Ree's Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies recipe.
Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves
Too busy wrapping presents and baking cookies to plan out a Christmas Eve dinner? We've got you covered—this holiday main looks impressive but only takes 20 minutes to cook!
Get Ree's Herb-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Preserves recipe.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
These buttery, creamy mashed potatoes come together in just 30 minutes thanks to your Instant Pot. It's the perfect indulgent side.
Get Ree's Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes recipe.
Christmas Crudités
Serve this Christmas color-inspired veggie platter for an appetizer. It comes with a vibrant herb dip you'll love.
Get Ree's Christmas Crudités recipe.
Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls
If you'd rather enjoy your holiday ham on Christmas Eve, serve it in a casual way with this ham and swiss sandwich station.
Get Ree's Honey-Glazed Ham and Checkerboard Rolls recipe.
Festive Goat Cheese Balls
These goat cheese balls are the quintessential Christmas appetizer. Put out crackers or crostini on the side.
Get Ree's Festive Goat Cheese Balls recipe.
Ultimate Winter Salad
Every holiday meal needs a big salad on the side. This one that's infused with winter bites—like butternut squash and pomegranate arils—is a great option.
Get the Ultimate Winter Salad recipe.
You Might Also Like
