Christmas Eve Dinner Ideas

When it comes to planning a christmas eve dinner, the options are endless. Whether you’re looking to impress with a bronzed roast duck or keep it simple with a slow cooker brisket, there’s a recipe in this collection that’s right for you. There are also plenty of vegetarian-friendly recipes, like a hearty vegetable lasagna and versatile salmon salad, to make sure everyone at the table can enjoy their food.

For many families, Christmas Eve is a special day to celebrate family and friends, and share a festive meal together. It is also the time when mythological gift-bearing figures such as Santa Claus, Christkind and Saint Nicholas depart for their annual journey around the world.

During this night, it is also common to break a special wafer or “oplatek” together, known as a Christmas wafer cookie, which symbolizes good health and prosperity for the year ahead.

As with other Western holidays, Christmas Eve dinners vary by culture. French-speaking countries, for example, celebrate a special dinner known as Reveillon, while Italians (especially Sicilians) follow the tradition of a Feast of the Seven Fishes. In some cultures, a Christmas Eve dinner is served following a 24-hour fast.

For some families, a Christmas Eve dinner might be as simple as a roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce. For other families, it might be more elaborate and include appetizers such as a light smoked salmon, a salad or soup, and a main course such as a roast chicken or grilled steak with vegetables. A traditional dessert might be panettone, which is especially popular in Italy.