46 Festive Christmas Dinner Ideas For Holiday Menu
Christmas dinner is more than just a meal—it’s the centerpiece of the holiday season, bringing family and friends together around the table to share joy, laughter, and unforgettable flavors.
🎅 Festive & Flavorful: A Roundup of Christmas Dinner Ideas
From the golden roast at the heart of the feast to the comforting side dishes and decadent desserts, every recipe adds a touch of warmth and magic to the celebration.
This roundup gathers the best Christmas dinner ideas to inspire your holiday menu. Whether you’re keeping traditions alive with timeless classics or adding new dishes to your family’s table, these recipes are sure to make your celebration merry, bright, and delicious.
Easy Charcuterie Christmas Tree
A festive and fun appetizer idea: a Charcuterie Christmas Tree made with your favourite cheeses, cured meats, fruits and veggies, all skewered onto a foam cone and sprinkled with rosemary for that pine-tree look. Go to recipe.
Spiced Potato Puff Pastry Baskets
Buttery puff pastry encases a deliciously spiced potato filling in these Spiced Potato Puff Pastry Baskets or deconstructed samosas. Go to recipe.
Easy 3-Ingredient Cranberry Meatballs (Crockpot)
These cranberry meatballs are one of a kind Christmas dinner recipe. They are easy to make in the Crockpot and can be served with pasta, Ham, and even pork. Go to recipe.
Jalapeno Cranberry Meatballs
These jalapeño-cranberry meatballs are sweet, tangy, and have just the right Tex-Mex zing. It’s a perfect party appetizer that’s quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing. Go to recipe.
Amazing Chicken Rollatini with Spinach and Sausage Stuffing
Chicken Rollatini are tender breaded chicken breast cutlets rolled around a tasty spinach, sausage and feta filling. Romano cheese is added to the breadcrumbs, so the chicken is flavored inside and out. The ingredients in this rollatini recipe have so much flavor on their own that you don’t need to add any other seasonings! Go to recipe.
Best Ever Boneless Pork Loin Roast
Perfect Every Time Pork Roast is a deeply golden crusted, absurdly juicy roast that melts in your mouth. The spices carve out a rich, rustic flavor that lingers on each tender slice. Go to recipe.
Perfectly Smoked Prime Rib – Italian Garlic and Herb Crust
There is no better way to impress your guests than with a perfectly smoked prime rib roast. Garlic and Italian herbs flavor the meat while it slowly smokes to tender, juicy perfection. This standing rib roast is the ultimate main course for any holiday or special occasion. Go to recipe.
Pork Roulade with Prosciutto & Mushrooms
Tender pork shoulder wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with porcini & white mushrooms, fragrant herbs, and a splash of cognac — a show-stopping roast that’s perfect for festive gatherings. Go to recipe.
Ham Shank Recipe
What is a ham shank? Ham shank is a portion of the leg bone and muscle. Ham shanks are located just underneath the shoulder or the hip of the pig. Shank ham is a common cut for baked ham in the US. Cooking ham shank is easier than you might think. Get tips on cooking smoked ham shank, raw pork shank, and precooked ham shanks. Go to recipe.
Mediterranean-Style Whole Stuffed Chicken
Juicy whole roast chicken stuffed with sweet prunes, nutty pine nuts, and rosemary butter, finished under a crispy golden skin—an elegant centerpiece made for celebration. Go to recipe.
Christmas Chicken
Don’t stress about a Christmas ham or Christmas roast this year. Instead, make this the holiday that you serve a Christmas Chicken, perfectly roasted over a bed of tender vegetables, all infused with the perfect festive flavors from oranges, cranberries, and cinnamon. Go to recipe.
Smoked Turkey Breast with Herb Butter
This Smoked Turkey Breast is juicy and flavorful with the perfect amount of crust. The perfect gourmet Christmas dinner main course. Go to recipe.
Easy Roast Turkey Breast Recipe
This oven-roasted turkey breast is tender and juicy, flavored with garlic and herbs, and served with an easy and delicious pan gravy. This turkey breast is the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving meal and is ideal for small gatherings. Go to recipe.
Cranberry Braised Short Ribs
This Cranberry Braised Short Ribs Recipe is a festive, comforting holiday meal that your guests will love. Shorts ribs are braised in a beef broth, red wine liquid with fresh herbs and vegetables along with sweet fresh cranberries.
The short ribs are fall apart tender and pair nicely with mashed potatoes, risotto or orzo. Go to recipe.
Prime Rib
This foolproof recipe for Prime Rib is the only one you need! Learn how to cook a prime rib to perfection so that you can impress your holiday guests. Go to recipe.
Pepper-Crusted Roast Prime Rib
Pepper-Crusted Roast Prime Rib is wonderfully decadent for the holidays but only takes 10 minutes of prep time! The result is a dish that’s rich, flavorful and sure to impress even the most discerning of guests. Go to recipe.
Sumac Crusted Filet Mignon
Tender, flavorful cuts of Filet Mignon combined with the bold, exotic flavor of sumac will wow any guests at your next dinner party. Just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time, these easy filet mignon steaks will create a wow factor at any dinner party! Go to recipe.
Beef Tenderloin Roast
This Beef Tenderloin recipe is the perfect Christmas dinner idea—juicy, tender, and easy to make with a flavorful orange horseradish sauce. Go to recipes.
Classic Beef Wellington
Classic Beef Wellington is a luxurious and impressive dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to create a memorable meal. Its classic and timeless flavors, combined with its elegant presentation, make it a must-try for any home cook looking to impress their guests with a dazzling main holiday course! Go to recipe.
Maple Roasted Ham
Maple Roasted Ham is an easy ham recipe perfect for a holiday dinner. With a delicious maple glaze, this baked ham delivers an amazing taste full of salty and sweet flavors. Go to recipe.
Glazed Ham With Roasted Carrots
This glazed ham is a showstopper with minimal effort. It’s baked in two stages to keep it juicy on the inside and caramelized on the outside, with a sweet and tangy glaze made from orange marmalade, honey, and Dijon mustard.
Plus, if you throw in some carrots, they roast beautifully alongside the ham, making it a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any time you want to impress with ease. Go to recipe.
Instant Pot Spiral Ham with Glaze
Instant Pot spiral ham with glaze recipe makes spiral sliced ham that’s coated in a delectable spiced brown sugar mustard sauce. This easy ham recipe is sure to become a holiday dinner favorite! Go to recipe.
Maple Glazed Ham Recipe
Easy ham recipe! Maple glazed ham is a 5-ingredient glazed ham recipe that makes delicious baked ham for Christmas dinner. Go to recipe.
Christmas Kitchen: Fresh Herb & Mustard Crusted Roast Beef
An easy recipe for a herb and mustard crusted joint or roast beef, including cooking instructions for rare, medium-rare and medium roast beef – perfect for family celebrations such as to enjoy on Christmas Day! Go to recipe.
Stuffed Pork Tenderloin (With Balsamic Glaze)
Juicy stuffed pork tenderloin is full of creamy cheese and spinach, sweet cranberries and apricots then topped with the most delicious balsamic glaze on top. This pork tenderloin may seem fancy, but it’s an inexpensive and delicious way to feed a crowd easily. Go to recipe.
Best Juicy Marinated Pork Tenderloin (Air Fryer)
Juicy, marinated pork is so easy to make in the air fryer. This is a quick and easy Christmas dinner which is made with pantry ingredients. Go to recipe.
Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
This sheet pan turkey dinner is the perfect dish for small gatherings. Packed with roast turkey, veggies, and a delicious stuffing, you’ll want to go for seconds. Go to recipe.
Stuffed Turkey Breast
This stuffed turkey breast is filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, bacon, and herbs, then rolled and roasted, and will impress your next dinner guests. It’s a simple yet elegant holiday main dish that’s ready in 35 minutes. Go to recipe.
Pistachio Herb Crusted Rack Of Lamb
A rack of lamb makes a stunning centerpiece for any special occasion. This Mediterranean-inspired version features a herb crust with pistachios, adding an earthy, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the rich, tender lamb. Go to recipe.
Coq au Vin Recipe
This Coq au Vin Recipe has rich, earthy, aromatic flavors. Bone-in chicken slow simmers together with carrots, onions, mushrooms, bacon, red wine and fresh herbs to create the perfect comforting meal. Go to recipe.
Christmas Lasagna
Christmas Lasagna is everyone’s favorite Italian comfort food made festive for the holidays with the addition of red and green bell peppers for an extra shot of flavor and holiday color. Go to recipe.
Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes
These delicious and elegant Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any family dinner. Beautifully golden and slightly crispy on top and filled with a rich and cheesy cream sauce, they are sure to have your guests coming back for more! Go to recipe.
Hot Honey Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts with hot honey turn crispy and caramelized with a touch of heat. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit on the table. Go to recipe.
Savory Sweet Potato Casserole
This savory sweet potato casserole is a delicious twist on tradition! Try this sweet potato casserole using canned yams—no marshmallows needed! Go to recipe.
Herbes De Provence Cheesy Potatoes
These Herbes de Provence cheesy potatoes are a fun and elegant twist on a classic cheesy potato casserole. The perfect side dish recipe for parties and holiday gatherings! Go to recipe.
Sweet Potato Marshmallow Casserole
This sweet potato casserole recipe has been a staple on our family’s table for nearly 15 years. After making this recipe dozens of times, our easy to follow directions, tips for success, and detailed step-by-step photos will ensure you can make a drool-worthy holiday side on your first try. Go to recipe.
Loaded Mashed Potatoes
Take your mashed potatoes to the next level with this delicious recipe for Loaded Mashed Potatoes. Crispy bacon, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions throughout creamy mashed potatoes.
What’s not to love? The ultimate side dish to serve any night of the week or to add to your Thanksgiving/Christmas menu! Go to recipe.
Duchess Potatoes
Duchess Potatoes, or pommes duchesse, are little fancy bundles of mashed potatoes that are piped, brushed with butter, and baked till the edges are crispy and browned. They are perfect for small dinner parties yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.
These perfectly proportioned spuds keep that one quest from hogging all the mashed potatoes. These tasty beauties are perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Go to recipe.
Homemade Dinner Rolls
These homemade dinner rolls are soft, fluffy, and the perfect side dish for Christmas dinner. Go to recipe.
Christmas Side Dish: Roasted Beet & Turnip Duo
Brighten your Christmas dinner with this roasted beet and turnip duo side dish. Red beets and white turnips create a holiday color scheme–perfect for chilly days when the trees are bare and wreaths brighten up your home. With a prep time of only 5 minutes, you will have plenty of time to focus on the main. Go to recipe.
Cranberry Compote
Easy and packed with rich flavor, cranberry compote with ginger is the perfect side dish or condiment this Christmas season. It’s made with simple, healthy ingredients and comes together in just 15 minutes! Go to recipe.
Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce That Everyone Loves
This easy and delicious cranberry sauce recipe comes together in minutes with fresh flavors that perfectly balance sweet and tart. It’s the ultimate holiday side dish, adding a festive touch to any Thanksgiving or Christmas meal. Go to recipe.
Pan Seared Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
These quick balsamic glazed brussels sprouts are crispy, lightly sweet and utterly delicious. Perfect healthy and easy vegan side dish for your holiday menu ready in 20 minutes! Go to recipe.
Cheesy Baked Green Beans
These Cheesy Baked Green Beans are the perfect side dish for any meal. Made with fresh green beans and a creamy sauce this recipe is a great way to jazz up this simple vegetable. Go to recipe.
Green Bean Bundles
Bacon Green Bean Bundles are a super easy, delicious side that can be prepped ahead of time, stored in the fridge, and loaded into the oven shortly before serving. Tender-crisp green beans wrapped in crisp bacon are basted with a sweet and savory glaze.
They are perfect for dinner parties as each guest gets their own neatly bundled serving of green beans! Go to recipe.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans
Ready in minutes, these green beans are boiled to crisp-tender, sautéed with a delicious garlic butter seasoning, and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. Go to recipe.
🎄 A Feast to Remember
The beauty of Christmas dinner is that it’s about more than the food—it’s about creating memories, honoring traditions, and savoring the company of those we love most. With these recipes, you’ll have everything you need to craft a holiday meal that feels both festive and full of heart.
Which Christmas dinner idea from this roundup will be making its way to your table? Share your favorites in the comments below. And don’t forget to save this post—it’s the perfect resource for planning a meal that’s as joyful as the season itself.
Here’s to twinkling lights, full plates, and Christmas dinners that bring everyone closer together.
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