100+ Fun and Easy Appetizers for a Christmas Party

Merry Christmas, everyone! It’s that time of year again when everyone is furiously searching for fun and easy appetizers for a Christmas party.

Apparently, the Christmas season is synonymous with food in the shape of trees, stars, snowmen, and other holiday motifs.

I hope this list can help you find the perfect, easy Christmas appetizers that will make your party one that they won’t forget.

100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party!

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Before we dive deep into these recipes (and come out starving), let’s talk about other Christmas party needs: a great party punch, classic Christmas movies playing in the background, and the Left Right Christmas Story game.

You might be thinking, “We’ve never included any of these in our Christmas parties before, and they’ve been great.”

Here’s the trick, once you start, you can’t stop. 

Your guests will arrive and say, “No Christmas punch this year?” or “When are we playing the Left Right game?”

So this is your chance. Decide now.

I’m warning you. Don’t add one of these items unless you are willing to commit to it year after year or suffer the consequences of disappointed guests.


Either way, in order to fuel the merriment your party will need a variety of finger foods and the best appetizers you can make.

Even though this list does include 100 recipes, I recognize that when you are on the hunt for the perfect appetizer, you may need an absurd amount of options.

So, you can also visit my list of 15 Fancy & Easy Party Appetizer Ideas You Only Need 5 Mins to Make and my 19 Christmas Tree Appetizer Recipes post. There is some overlap between this post and those but there’s also a bunch of original recipes.

Many of these festive starters could easily be the main meal at a holiday dinner.

Contents

Christmas Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are edible artwork. It’s that simple.

With some planning and intentional arrangement of simple ingredients, pantry staples become masterpieces. Don’t let trying to find the perfect combination of foods scare you away from including a charcuterie board in your holiday hors d’oeuvre line-up.

And to help you, I’ve created step-by-step instructions for creating a beautiful charcuterie board so that anyone can become a bona fide food artist.

100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party! christmas charcuterie boards
  1. CharcuterWREATH
    By This Vivacious Life
  2. Christmas Charcuterie Board & Kabobs
    By Randa Nutrition
  3. Christmas Tree Charcuterie
    By Homemade Heather
  4. Jarcuterie Cups
    By Lining in Normal 
  5. Artisan Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
    By Get on My Plate
  6. Christmas charcuterie board
    By Sweet Tea and Sprinkles

Festive Cheese Balls appetizers for a Christmas party

Would it even be the Christmas season without this classic appetizer, the Cheese Ball?

There are so many different ways to combine cheeses and seasonings.

Top it off with some extra cheddar cheese or mozzarella and surround it with crackers, and you’ve got yourself the perfect finger food.

Your Christmas dinner guests will simply not be capable of turning down these cream cheese treats.

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  1. Cute Reindeer Cheese Ball
    By Two Kids and a Coupon
  2. Snowman Cheese Ball
    By Amanda’s Cookin’
  3. Hedgehog Cheese Ball
    By My Casual Pantry
  4. Pinecone Cheese Ball
    By Noshing with the Nolands
  5. Vegan Cheese Balls Wreath
    By Cadry’s Kitchen
  6. Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
    By Aleka’s Get-Together
  7. Four Festive Cheese Balls Assortment
    By Delicious Table
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  1. Ornament-shaped Cheese Ball
    By Playdates and Parties
  2. Goat Cheese Ball
    By The Wooden Skillet
  3. Ornament Pesto Sun-dried Tomato Cheese Balls
    By Make With Mara
  4. Healthy Holiday Cheese Ball
    By iFoodReal
  5. Reindeer Cheese Ball Appetizer
    By Sustain My Cooking Habit
  6. Veggie Straw Christmas Tree
    By Exploring Domesticity
  7. Cream Cheese Gift Spread
    By All That’s Jas
Christmas Tree Appetizers - Press Print Party - appetizers shaped like a christmas tree for centerpiece

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Christmas Appetizers with Puff Pastry

Whether you’re looking for savory recipes, a bite-sized snack, or easy Christmas appetizer ideas, you’re likely to find something in the puff pastry section.

I personally believe some of the best appetizers start with puff pastry because you can fashion such cute Christmas appetizers out of it and store-bought puff pastry makes these kinds of appetizers so easy to make.

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  1. Cranberry Brie Bites
    By Yum in the Kitchen
  2. Christmas Tree Pastry with Pesto
    By The Bella Vita 
  3. Asparagus Wrapped in Puff Pastry 
    By Simply Scrumptious
  4. Pull-Apart Sausage Roll Wreath
    By Culinary Ginger
  5. Cinnamon Puff Pastry Christmas Tree
    By Emily Leary

Christmas Appetizer Ideas with Bread

Appetizers that include bread are great for holiday parties because they can counteract a Christmas cocktail or two, and they satiate without being overly filling. 

I suggest not reading these delicious recipes on an empty stomach. It will be impossible to resist. You’ll buy the ingredients for three. You’ll make two and you’ll eat all of one.

And then you’ll feel sick……and ashamed.

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  1. Raspberry and Pistachio Wreath
    By Rainbow Nourishments
  2. Cheesy Pull-Apart Wreath
    By The Soccer Mom Blog
  3. Christmas Tree Pull-Apart Bread
    By Made in a Pinch
  4. Cheesy Pesto Wreath
    By Fab Everyday
  5. Christmas Tree Breadsticks
    By Call Me PMC
  6. Cranberry Brie Bread Bowl
    By A Paige of Positivity
  7. Warm Caprese Christmas Tree
    By Exploring Domesticity
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  1. Pull-Apart Christmas Tree Homemade Bread Rolls
    By Sustain my Cooking Habit
  2. Holiday Crostini
    By Will Cook for Smiles
  3. Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
    By Cooking with Mamma C
  4. Cheesy Garlic Pull-Apart Bread Wreath
    By Tasty Oven
  5. Garlic Knots  
    By Sally’s Baking Recipes
  6. Ricotta and Roasted Red Pepper Crostini
    By Carolyn’s Cooking
  7. Roasted Balsamic Cranberry and Brie Crostini
    By NeighborFood
  8. Orange and Cranberry Rolls
    By Chocolates & Chai

Small Bites Appetizers for a Christmas Party

This category holds a special place in my heart because of my own bacon-wrapped dates recipe, which I’ve included. 

The sweetness of the dates and the saltiness of the bacon is the perfect combination, but it also reminds me of the legend my mom used to tell me.

She said the indentations in the date pit were teeth marks from Baby Jesus. It’s those kinds of stories that make Christmas appetizer recipes part of the family tradition.

100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party! small bites like a christmas tree shaped sandwich deviled eggs, bacon wrapped figs, meat balls.
  1. Bacon Wrapped Dates and Prunes
    By Press Print Party!
  2. Rudolph Celery
    By The Soccer Mom Blog
  3. Mini Pizza Trees
    By Create Yum
  4. Christmas Tree Sandwiches
    By Appetizer Addiction
  5. Christmas Deviled Eggs
    By Mom Foodie
  6. Cranberry Cream Cheese Pinwheels
    By Will Cook For Smiles
  7. Turkey Meatballs with Cranberry Sauce
    By My Kitchen Love
100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party! small bites for christmas platter like penguin olives, christmas tree sandwich and bacon wrapped scallops
  1. Sundried Tomato Pesto Goat Cheese Bites
    By Recipe Runner
  2. Maple Glazed Pigs in Blankets
    By What the Redhead Said
  3. Festive Bacon Wrapped Scallops 
    By Enza’s Quail Hollow Kitchen
  4. Cute Christmas Tree Appetizer
    By Love From the Oven
  5. Cream Cheese Penguins
    By Sula and Spice
  6. Marinated Mozzarella Balls
    By Nibble and Dine
  7. Grinch Fruit Kabobs
    By Sula and Spice
35 Great Christmas Punch Recipes to Make for a Crowd - holiday party punch - Press Print Party

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Creative Christmas Veggie Platters and Salads

If you’re looking for healthy Christmas appetizers that take on a cute holiday shape, just make a Christmas tree veggie tray. It requires a little effort, but it might tempt kids to eat more veggies.

It’s also fun to present a salad in a fun way and they can help you feel less guilty about the six pounds of sugary treats you ate. 

Second, salads have the ability to highlight seasonal produce which really gives the dish a festive touch. 

Third, they are the queen of easy holiday appetizers. No baking or cooking necessary.

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  1. Antipasta Wreath
    By Amanda’s Cookin’
  2. Homemade Bruschetta Christmas Appetizer
    By Tasty Oven
  3. Christmas Tree Pinwheel
    By Trial and Eater
  4. Christmas Wreath Veggie Tray
    By Completely Christmas
  5. Vegetable Wreath
    By This Mama Loves
  6. Kale and Brussels Sprouts Wreath Salad
    By White Kitchen Red Wine 
  7. Best Christmas Salad
    By Foxes Love Lemons
  8. Christmas Fruit Salad
    By Foxes Love Lemons
  9. Festive Christmas Caprese Salad
    By Maple + Mango
  10. Christmas Tree Cheese Platter
    By Key to my Lime

Savory Dips for your Christmas Buffet

Savory recipes for dips and Christmas parties are good friends; they go way back. 

In fact, didn’t one of the wise men bring Baby Jesus and his parents dip when he was born? Or maybe I’m confusing spinach artichoke dip with frankincense and myrrh… 🤷‍♀️

As you’ll see in the next category, there is also a plethora of sweet dip recipes to choose from.

However, I believe festive starters need to maintain a balance between sweet and savory recipes. You don’t want too much of either one.

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  1. Red & Green Creamy Cranberry Jalapeño Dip
    By Veggie Inspired
  2. Easy Appetizer Hummus Wreath
    By Two Healthy Kitchens
  3. Cooked Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
    By The Fresh Cooky
  4. Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip 
    By Playdates and Parties
  5. Bacon Scallion Cheese Wreath
    By Not Entirely Average
  6. Whipped Goat Cheese with Lime Pomegranate 
    By Make With Mara
100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party! savory dips and bread bowls
  1. Christmas Wreath Guacamole Appetizer
    By Veggies Save the Day
  2. Baked Brie with Cherry Preserves and Almonds
    By Boulder Locavore
  3. Baked Brie En Croute
    By Enza’s Quail Hollow Kitchen
  4. Cranberry Salsa
    By Cooking with Curls
  5. Spicy Cranberry-Raspberry Baked Brie
    By Boulder Locavore

Sweet Dips for the perfect Christmas Buffet

Every delicious appetizer in this category screams Christmas season. While I don’t see sweet dips very often at the parties I’ve attended, after reading these easy recipes, any one of them would be a welcome addition to my table. 

These recipes could easily join the easy holiday appetizers category with the help of a food processor. 

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  1. Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cake Dip
    By Fantabulosity
  2. Elf Dessert Dip
    By Love from the Oven
  3. Snowman Dip
    By Sula and Spice
  4. Christmas Cookie Dip
    By The Soccer Mom Blog

Yummy Christmas Cookies

I know, now we’ve wandered into the sweet stuff that would not typically be called appetizers.

But you know and I know that cookies are a must-have item for a Christmas buffet.

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  1. Cranberry Orange Shortbread Cookies
    By Emma Duckworth Bakes
  2. Cutest Gnome Cookies
    By Just is a Four Letter Word
  3. Gingerbread Cookies
    By Chocolates & Chai
  4. Cranberry Snowballs
    By Bitz & Giggles
  5. Chocolate Peppermint Bliss Balls
    By Meg & Matcha
  6. Keto Snowball Cookies
    By Whole New Mom
  7. White Chocolate Oreo Snowmen
    By In the Kids Kitchen

Fun Christmas Desserts

Your guests are sure to have themselves a merry little Christmas with any one of these Christmas desserts.

There are so many great ideas for sweet Christmas appetizer recipes, you might need to pick a few to try this holiday season. 

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  1. Eggnog Cake
    By Tasty Oven
  2. Strawberry Santas
    By Sweet Tea & Sparkles
  3. Christmas Tree Pretzels
    By The Soccer Mom Blog
  4. Sugared Cranberries
    By PetersFoodAdventures
  5. Christmas Puppy Chow aka Reindeer Food
    By The Soccer Mom Blog
  6. White Chocolate Party Mix
    By I Heart Eating
  7. Reindeer Rice Krispy Treats
    By The Soccer Mom Blog
100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party! christmas desserts
  1. Peppermint Wonton Kisses
    By Simple & Seasonal
  2. Peppermint Bark Popcorn
    By Strength and Sunshine
  3. Red Velvet Waffle Whoopie Pies
    By Your Better Kitchen
  4. Crockpot Christmas Crack
    By Kim and Kalee
  5. Dark Chocolate Pomegranate Cups
    By Plant Based with Amy
  6. Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board
    By Hip Mamas Place
  7. Christmas Pretzels
    By Dizzy Busy & Hungry

Did you find what you were looking for? If you make one of these appetizers for a Christmas party, please tell us about it in the comment section! Or if you have a fabulous recipe you think should be added to the recipe, let me know!

Looking specifically for dessert options? Check out my 33 Easy Party Desserts – Finger Foods Ideas to Make for a Crowd

Merry Christmas! 

Don’t forget to pin these appetizers for a Christmas party:

100 fun and easy Christmas appetizer ideas for a Christmas party. christmas appetizer ideas, impress your guests - bread, charcuterie, dips, salads, pastries, cheese balls, cookies, desserts - Press Print Party!

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