35 Christmas Party Food Ideas That Fit Any Kind of December Get-Together

Here are 35 Christmas party food ideas designed for everything from casual drop-ins to full-house celebrations. With the month filling up quickly, having a mix of easy options can make hosting less stressful. This group works well for different tastes and situations. You’ll notice how simple it becomes to pull together a spread that feels welcoming.

A bowl containing chocolate truffles, some coated with shredded coconut and others with cocoa powder; one truffle has a bite taken out of it. — Homemade Chocolate Truffles. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

A slice of cheesecake topped with glossy blueberry sauce on a white plate, with two black spoons beside it. — Rich Blueberry Cheesecake. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Biting into this Rich Blueberry Cheesecake brings a burst of unexpected sweetness that perfectly matches any festive mood. Friends often hover near the dessert table whenever it appears, not wanting to miss a slice. Creamy layers and a jewel-toned topping seem to capture holiday magic. Dessert just feels special when this treat is served.
Get the Recipe: Rich Blueberry Cheesecake

Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

A bowl of golden-brown, crispy fried arancini served in a white dish on a plain background. — Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Bold flavors have a way of waking up a holiday gathering, and Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites do exactly that. Watching these disappear faster than they cool off never gets old. Doubling the batch is always a smart move, since they’re first to go. Every bite hints at a little December excitement.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rattlesnake Bites

Colorful Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Skewers with grapes, blackberries, blueberries, kiwi, pineapple, and strawberries arranged in neat rows on a white surface. — Colorful Rainbow Fruit Skewers. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Vibrant colors make these Colorful Rainbow Fruit Skewers impossible to overlook on a party platter. Guests can’t help but reach for something so cheerful and fresh amid the usual holiday fare. Lighter options offer welcome balance alongside richer choices. Sharing these always brings out smiles and winter wonder.
Get the Recipe: Colorful Rainbow Fruit Skewers

Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Close-up of a partially eaten burger with cheese in a bun, showing the meat patty's texture. — Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Crowds tend to gather around trays of Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders, thanks to their familiar flavor in a festive, bite-sized package. Each slider brings comfort and nostalgia that’s perfect for December. Sneaking an extra one when nobody’s looking is a common occurrence. That’s a sign the party food is hitting the spot.
Get the Recipe: Juicy Cheeseburger Sliders

Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

A plate of golden-brown, cheesy sausage balls stacked on top of each other, with one ball partially broken to show the inside texture. — Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Layers of flavor tucked into Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls spark great conversation at any gathering. Guests enjoy guessing what makes these little bites so good, but the fun is in the surprise. Warm morsels bring hints of comfort on a chilly night. Platters rarely stay full for long.
Get the Recipe: Savory Cheddar Bay Sausage Balls

Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Three Santa Claus whoopie pies on a baking sheet. — Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Festive treats like Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies help create plenty of “wow” moments around the dessert table. Red and white colors become an instant crowd magnet during the holidays. Picking one up feels like a tiny celebration. Sharing them is a joy every season.
Get the Recipe: Jolly Santa Whoopie Pies

Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp cocktail with peeled shrimp arranged on the rim of a glass filled with cocktail sauce, garnished with parsley. — Classic Shrimp Cocktail. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday parties instantly feel special with Classic Shrimp Cocktail chilling on ice nearby. Crisp seafood pairs beautifully with laughter and sparkling drinks. The secret to perfectly tender shrimp becomes a hot topic. Holiday traditions like this one call everyone to the table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Shrimp Cocktail

Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Close-up of several tortilla pinwheel wraps filled with various ingredients including spinach, cream cheese, tomatoes, and other vegetables, arranged neatly on a white surface. — Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whimsical shapes give Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches their playful appeal, especially on a Christmas spread. Rolling them up is almost as fun as watching guests sample all the different fillings. These snacks vanish quickly because they’re easy to grab, even while mingling. Spirals bring festive snacking to a new level.
Get the Recipe: Spiral Pinwheel Sandwiches

Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Close-up of bacon-wrapped scallops secured with toothpicks, seasoned with spices, and cooked until golden and crispy. — Smoky Bacon Pig Shots. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Nothing captures a crowd’s attention like the scent of bacon, which is exactly why Smoky Bacon Pig Shots always steal the spotlight. Every bite brings a savory-crisp surprise. Guests seem to light up when these hit the appetizer table. It truly feels like a gift that keeps giving.
Get the Recipe: Smoky Bacon Pig Shots

Candy Cane Cookies

Holiday colors swirl together in Candy Cane Cookies for a treat that looks as fun as it tastes. Shaping dough into twists can be a little project in itself. Nostalgia brings people back for more, often paired with mugs of cocoa. Extra cookies never last long.
Get the Recipe: Candy Cane Cookies

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Close-up of three spiral pastry rolls on a black plate, filled with herbs and cheese. Green garnish and a jalapeño pepper are in the background. — Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

For those seeking something beyond the usual bites, Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel delivers with unexpected kick. Guests gravitate toward these for a lively flavor burst. The balance of heat and creamy texture pleases a holiday crowd. They rarely linger on the tray for long.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Jalapeño Popper Pinwheel

Boston Cream Pie

Dessert lovers widen their eyes when Boston Cream Pie lands on the buffet. Creamy filling layered with cake is always a welcome sight during December evenings. Going back for another slice happens frequently, just to be sure it’s as good as remembered. A little extra indulgence feels perfect for the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Boston Cream Pie

Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Close-up of a marshmallow swirl cookie with a bite taken out, revealing its gooey interior and white filling. Other cookies are partially visible in the background. — Swirled Marshmallow Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whimsical patterns make these Swirled Marshmallow Cookies stand out and spark curiosity among little and big kids alike. Soft, fluffy centers provide a sweet, cloud-like experience with every bite. Secret stashes tend to disappear quickly. Watching a plate empty always brings a smile.
Get the Recipe: Swirled Marshmallow Cookies

Crack Chicken Dip

Cracker with creamy dip featuring bacon bits and green onions being lifted from a dish. — Crack Chicken Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Crowds huddle around Crack Chicken Dip long after the first scoop, determined to get every last bite. This kind of party food keeps people talking. Extra chips or crackers are a must because the bowl empties so fast. Creamy, savory, and hearty, it’s the very definition of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Crack Chicken Dip

Pecan Pie Brownies

Close-up of several chocolate brownies topped with pecans on a parchment surface. — Pecan Pie Brownies. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

A layered treat like Pecan Pie Brownies combines two favorites into one irresistible package. Breaking through the shiny top reveals a nutty, flavorful surprise. Sometimes it’s hard to decide if these are a dessert or a snack, so they become both. Double-layered goodness always wins out on holiday spreads.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Brownies

Creamy Queso Dip

Close-up of creamy cheese dip being poured over chopped tomato salsa with diced onions and cilantro. — Creamy Queso Dip. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Holiday snack tables seem more inviting with Creamy Queso Dip waiting nearby. Warm, melty cheese draws crowds together, especially on chilly December nights. Everyone benefits from extra chips standing by for encore servings. Each scoop delivers the kind of warmth that makes guests linger.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Queso Dip

Eggnog Pie

Close-up of a sliced pie with a crumb crust, topped with star-shaped cookies dusted with powdered sugar. — Eggnog Pie. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Seasonal flavors shine brightest in Eggnog Pie, offering up cozy holiday cheer. A smooth, spiced filling calls up everything wonderful about December in a single slice. The first taste tends to spark recipe requests from guests. That’s a true sign of holiday success.
Get the Recipe: Eggnog Pie

Crispy Shrimp Toast

Close-up of open-faced sandwiches topped with avocado, shredded carrot, microgreens, and pieces of cooked salmon on whole-grain bread. — Crispy Shrimp Toast. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Brunches and cocktail hours get a boost from Crispy Shrimp Toast arranged on festive platters. The golden crunch invites people in from across the room. These toast bites often disappear before slower appetizers catch on. An irresistible crunch always sets the tone.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Shrimp Toast

Pecan Pie Dip

A close-up of a dessert topped with a glossy layer of pecans and caramel sauce in a white dish, with vanilla wafers on the side. — Pecan Pie Dip. Photo credit: Your Perfect Recipes.

Unexpectedly spreadable, Pecan Pie Dip puts a new spin on a classic holiday dessert. Once guests realize it’s scoopable, repeat visits to the bowl are inevitable. Face lighting up after that first bite is a common sight during parties. The dip delivers simple moments of holiday joy.
Get the Recipe: Pecan Pie Dip

Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Cheese balls coated with chopped nuts, topped with cranberries and pretzels, arranged on a white plate near a small artificial pine tree. — Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Smiles and chatter come easily when Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls are part of the spread. Their playful appearance draws attention, turning appetizers into conversation starters. Guests have fun picking their favorite reindeer to try. Each bite brings in just the right holiday spirit.
Get the Recipe: Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Sweet Caramel Apple Fudge

A stack of green and brown swirled fudge cubes. The top cube has a bite taken out of it. — Sweet Caramel Apple Fudge. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Familiar comforts come together in Sweet Caramel Apple Fudge, creating a treat that holds its own among December favorites. There’s a richness and whisper of tartness that lingers on the tongue. Small cubes often disappear as quickly as they’re sliced. Sweet memories tend to stick with this fudge.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Caramel Apple Fudge

Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

A baked pull-apart bread ring with melted cheese and cranberries on a gray plate, garnished with rosemary sprigs. — Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Bite-sized warmth attracts folks to Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread on a holiday buffet. Every piece features festive color and gooey cheese that pleases guests. People frequently circle back for one more nibble. A little extra December cheer arrives with each pull-apart bite.
Get the Recipe: Mini Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread

Loaded Million Dollar Dip

Close-up of a creamy dish topped with shredded cheese, chopped nuts, bacon bits, and sliced green onions. — Loaded Million Dollar Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Hearty layers in Loaded Million Dollar Dip encourage hands to keep dipping as conversation flows. This dish seems to act as a magnet for snackers wanting just one more scoop. Observing how fast the bowl empties always raises eyebrows. That’s when you know a hit has been found.
Get the Recipe: Loaded Million Dollar Dip

Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Stack of chocolate bark with swirled dark and white chocolate, topped with fresh sliced strawberries, on a red patterned cloth background. — Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Chocolate, berries, and bits of toffee create a fresh twist with Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark on the sweets table. Snapping off a piece feels like discovering something special. The surprise ingredient mix often sparks conversation. December gatherings become more memorable with treats like these.
Get the Recipe: Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Toffee Bark

Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Close-up of golden-brown Maryland crab cakes garnished with herbs on a white plate, complemented by a fresh parsley garnish. — Crispy Maryland Crab Cake. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Choosing what to serve during Christmas feels simpler with Crispy Maryland Crab Cake on the menu. Fresh seafood and crunchy edges have a way of turning heads. Second helpings are requested before the platter ever empties. This choice has rightfully earned a permanent place at winter celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Maryland Crab Cake

Savory Brats in a Blanket

Sliced sausage wrapped in golden-brown pastry, sprinkled with sesame and poppy seeds. — Savory Brats in a Blanket. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Partygoers look for bites that offer warmth and comfort, making Savory Brats in a Blanket an easy favorite. Layers of dough hug brats in a cozy, shareable package. Guests seem to reach for these before anything else appears. Edible invitations to linger and chat are always appreciated.
Get the Recipe: Savory Brats in a Blanket

Ginger Bread House

Assembling a Ginger Bread House is more about the laughter and creativity than the final appearance. The finished design often gets photographed before anyone dares to start nibbling. Group participation in holiday fun becomes the real highlight. Moments like these are what make parties unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Ginger Bread House

Cheesy Rotel Dip

A skillet filled with creamy cheese dip topped with chopped tomatoes, green onions, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños, surrounded by triangular tortilla chips. — Cheesy Rotel Dip. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bubbling, cheesy warmth from Cheesy Rotel Dip draws a crowd to the snack table every December. Cups of this dip bring cheer to a chilly evening instantly. Refilling the chip bowl quickly becomes necessary so everyone gets a taste. Rooms always feel cozier with this classic on the menu.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rotel Dip

Creamy Peppermint Fudge

Close-up of two stacked pieces of chocolate peppermint fudge, with visible crushed peppermint candy on top. — Creamy Peppermint Fudge. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Handing around squares of Creamy Peppermint Fudge adds a touch of excitement to the dessert tray. Cool mint and sweetness combine for a seasonal delight. Surplus pieces transform into small surprises tucked away for later. Festive spirit stays alive long after the party ends.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Peppermint Fudge

Fresh Guacamole

Close-up of guacamole on a tortilla chip, showing a textured mixture of avocado, herbs, and spices. — Fresh Guacamole. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Bright colors and simple freshness help Fresh Guacamole stand out on any holiday spread. A cool, creamy dip is an unexpected change among heartier choices. Larger batches are always welcomed, pairing with everything from chips to veggies. Guests rarely stray far from the bowl.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Guacamole

Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

A charcuterie board arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree with cheese stars, meats, olives, tomatoes, grapes, and breadsticks on a wooden board, garnished with rosemary. — Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board. Photo credit: My Reliable Recipes.

Arranging a Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board lets appetizers become edible holiday art, inviting everyone for a closer look. Stacked like ornaments, each treat encourages sharing and sampling. The first reveal often draws a collective “wow.” Unique touches like this add an extra level of celebration.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board

Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Close-up of a fork lifting a beef sandwich topped with sesame seeds on a soft bun, with more sandwiches in the background. — Savory Roast Beef Sliders. Photo credit: Pocket Friendly Recipes.

Warmth and comfort fill every bite of Savory Roast Beef Sliders lined along the party platter. Compliments about juicy meat and soft bread are common, especially as holiday chatter picks up. Quiet appreciation from guests is easy to spot. Holiday buffets just feel more complete with these presents.
Get the Recipe: Savory Roast Beef Sliders

Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

A close-up image shows a stack of four chocolate crinkle cookies covered in powdered sugar, revealing their cracked texture. — Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Crackled tops signal something special with Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies on the dessert tray. Chocolate fans make a beeline for these, eager to find a favorite. Plates disappear before the gift exchange even begins. Wintry cookies like these truly fit the spirit of the season.
Get the Recipe: Crackled Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Crisp Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Close-up of sliced chicken wraps with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy sauce, next to an open jar of mustard on a wooden surface. — Crisp Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap. Photo credit: Hungry Cooks Kitchen.

Lighter options like Crisp Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap appeal to visitors taking a break from rich holiday fare. Cool, savory flavors and crunch keep party energy high and spirits bright. Plates of wraps tend to vanish quickly. These wraps prove festive food can be refreshing too.
Get the Recipe: Crisp Chicken Caesar Salad Wrap

Homemade Chocolate Truffles

Passing a tray of Homemade Chocolate Truffles inspires sharing and seasonal cheer among friends. Each one feels like a thoughtful gesture bundled with care. A few are often set aside for a quiet moment later. There’s comfort in every chocolate morsel, especially during the holidays.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Chocolate Truffles