A Christmas dinner menu is all about seasonal food trends to exude the holiday spirit. Whether you’re in the midst of crafting a Christmas catering menu or a limited-edition dinner selection for your brick and mortar restaurant, this article should serve you well.
Even if you’re on the hunt for Christmas promotion ideas, as a restaurant owner, you know all too well that the food and drinks draw customers more than anything else. So, maybe an idea will come to you as you move along the menu categories outlined in this article. Now, without further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Festive Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
There are several Christmas menu ideas that you can implement this holiday season. Now, if you’d like a headstart in crafting your annual Christmas menu, take a look at the ideas for each category below. Even if you’re in the midst of creating a Christmas brunch menu, the following ideas should inspire seasonal culinary creations.
Festive Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for the Appetizer List
An easy Christmas dinner menu begins with simple starters. Here’s the thing–when it comes to appetizers, they’re not as festive as say, desserts and drinks. But that’s okay! With a vast selection of small plates and shareable platters, customers will surely be satisfied with the variety. Several of the most favorable appetizer classics for Christmas include the following dishes:
- Shrimp cocktail
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Bacon-wrapped dates
- Pigs in a blanket
- Fried calamari
- Deviled eggs
- Charcuterie boards
- Cream cheese-stuffed celery
- Spinach and artichoke dip
- Caprese skewers
- Smoked salmon bites
Festive Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for the Entree Food
You'll quickly find that the main courses on a Christmas menu are very similar to those of Thanksgiving. While every restaurant will need to stock up on wholesale seafood for Christmas Eve, the entree food on Christmas Day will typically revolve around other meat products. With that being said, consider adding the following dishes to your Christmas menu:
- Roast turkey
- Glazed ham
- Ribeye steak
- Lasagna
- Filet mignon
- Pork chops
- Seafood pasta
- Veggie roast
Festive Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for the Dessert Menu
A decadent selection of desserts and the holiday season go hand in hand. Therefore, it's common for restaurants to go all out when crafting a Christmas dessert menu. In fact, people often have a vast selection of menu items when hosting Christmas dinner from home. So, the following sweet treats should serve as great ideas this coming December:
- Christmas cookies
- Christmas pudding
- Plain cheesecake
- Panettone
- Peppermint bark
- Egg nog cheesecake
- Yule log cake or “Bûche de Noël”
- Tiramisu
- Fruitcakes
- Gingerbread cookies
Festive Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas for the Drink Selection
The Christmas dinner menu is certainly the star of the show. After all, it does contain the main course! However, you can’t forget about the drink selection. Consider adding the following beverages to your Christmas drink menu:
- Soft drinks
- Wine
- Mulled wine
- Winter cocktails
- Egg nog
- Apple cider
- Coffee drinks
- Hot chocolate
Acquire Everything You Need for Your Christmas Menu
Okay, so you know what you’re planning to add to your Christmas menu. But where will you get all of the necessary ingredients to bring it to life? Well, a platform like BlueCart can do the trick!
BlueCart is a software platform catered to businesses in the restaurant industry. With a digital marketplace and order management functionalities, the BlueCart app allows eateries to seamlessly and efficiently stock up on all necessary ingredients. Whether you need to order various necessities on a recurring basis, or a seasonal selection for a holiday menu, our platform can save you time and money.
Does this platform sound like the kind of solution that can help bring your Christmas menu to fruition? If so, schedule a demo with us today!
The Differences Between a Christmas Day and Christmas Eve Menu
Believe it or not, a Christmas dinner menu and a Christmas Eve menu can differ quite a bit. Not only are the styles of these two menus different but so are their traditions as well. For example, a Christmas Eve menu tends to be a bit lighter, featuring dishes that are much easier to prepare. After all, it makes sense that the main holiday– Christmas Day, would coincide with much more complex dishes.
You also can't forget about The 7 Fishes Christmas Eve menu. While this is a tradition primarily celebrated by Italians, it's common to see it in one restaurant after another. Simply feature a variety of seven different types of seafood alongside pasta or side dishes, and there you have a main course strictly for Christmas Eve. For those who don't eat seafood, other dishes like turkey, ham, or steak are great options.
As we mentioned previously, Christmas dinner is typically more robust, with hearty main dishes like roast beef and glazed ham taking center stage. Side dishes like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and side salads are also popular during the holiday.
For a Christmas and Christmas Eve menu, the appetizers typically remain pretty traditional. Sure, you might have seasonal classics like soup or charcuterie boards with winter jams. However, you really start to see the seasonal focus when the desserts roll out. From log cakes to pecan pie, this is when the meal for both Christmas Day and Christmas Eve truly begins to feel like the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Christmas Dinner Menu
The process of creating a Christmas dinner menu is one of the first things you can do to kick off the holiday season. If you still have questions about the topic, take a look at the following FAQ section for a brief recap.
What Should I Include In a Christmas Dinner Menu?
When crafting a Christmas dinner menu, be sure to include the following dishes:
- Shrimp cocktail
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Charcuterie boards
- Prime rib
- Filet mignon
- Baked ham
- Lasagna or baked ziti
- Yule log cake
- Gingerbread cookies
Should a Christmas Dinner Menu Be Casual or Formal?
A Christmas dinner menu can be casual or formal. If you go the formal route, ensure that the menu is for a sit-down dinner. While a casual Christmas dinner menu can be for a sit-down meal, casual Christmas dinners can also be buffet-style. It all depends on the restaurant style and the kind of atmosphere you’re striving to achieve.
When Should Restaurants Start Planning a Christmas Dinner Menu?
Restaurants should start planning a Christmas dinner menu shortly after Thanksgiving. By developing a Christmas dinner menu around the first week of December, restaurant staff members will have more than enough time to plan the menu, procure all the necessary ingredients, and market the menu to the public.
What Are Popular Options for a Christmas Eve Menu?
Some of the most popular options for a Christmas Eve menu include the following dishes:
- Feast of Seven Fishes
- Baked honey ham
- Roast turkey and stuffing
- Seafood pasta dishes
- Traditional sides and appetizers
Where Can I Find a Christmas Menu Template?
You can easily find a Christmas menu template on sites like Pinterest and Etsy. The great part about these sites is that they can spark inspiration for a completely original menu. But if you’d like to hire a designer to craft the menu from scratch, try looking on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. Not only will you be met with a vast selection of skilled graphic designers, but the prices can’t be beat!
Deck the Halls With Christmas Dinner Menu Ideas
Now that you’re familiar with what should be on your Christmas dinner menu, it’s time to craft a selection for your customers! Whether you have a limited prix fixe menu or an elaborate holiday selection, it’s vital that you plan in advance. This way, you’ll have ample inventory on hand, leading to optimal customer satisfaction.