Christmas dinners, at least in my culture, have always been more than just about food. It’s about family, celebration, and just enjoying each communal eating with the presence of people you hold dear.
If you’re ready to mix tradition with a few creative twists, this list will give you ideas that feel festive without the stress. No turkey this time (we’ve had enough at Thanksgiving).
A couple of these dishes may be unfamiliar to you, but they are Filipino Christmas dinner staples—and trust me, we, Filipinos, take our Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) very seriously.
1. Stuffed Roasted Crispy Pork Belly Roll
If there’s ever a time to go all out, it’s Christmas. This roasted pork belly is stuffed with herbs, garlic, and aromatics, then roasted until the skin turns shatteringly crisp. Every bite gives you that satisfying crunch followed by juicy, tender meat underneath.
If you don’t have an oven, no need to worry! This dish can easily be made in an air fryer. Pair it with rice or roasted veggies and watch it disappear fast.
Want to try this festive showstopper? Click here.
2. Glazed Ham with Brown Sugar and Honey
A Christmas classic that never fails to impress. The secret to the perfect glazed ham is layering sweetness and spice—brown sugar, honey, mustard, and a touch of cloves baked into a glossy, caramelized crust. The smell alone screams “holiday.”
I like saving some of the glaze to drizzle on slices just before serving—it gives it that extra sticky shine.
For a centerpiece that steals the show, click here.
3. Herb-Roasted Whole Chicken
Skip the turkey—seriously, aren’t we all a little tired of it by now? This roasted chicken is just as festive but juicier and easier to make. Seasoned with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs, it roasts beautifully golden and aromatic.
I stuff mine with lemon and rosemary for that perfect citrusy lift. Lay the bird in a bed of vegetables like carrots and potatoes. As the chicken cooks, its juices will drip and will be soaked up by the veg.
For your new Christmas go-to, click here.
4. Beef Wellington
Nope, you don’t need Gordon Ramsay-level cooking skills to cook beef Wellington. A tender beef fillet wrapped in mushroom duxelles, prosciutto, and flaky puff pastry.
When you cut through the golden crust and see that perfectly pink center—it’s pure satisfaction. It looks intimidating, but it’s really just a few steps done right.
Impress your guests with this timeless favorite: click here.
5. Prime Rib Roast with Vegetables
Few dishes say “holiday feast” like a perfectly roasted prime rib. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked with a medley of vegetables that soak up all the drippings—it’s indulgence done right.
I like rubbing mine with garlic, thyme, and plenty of coarse salt for that crusty finish. Serve it with a creamy horseradish sauce and you’ll feel like you’re dining at a high-end steakhouse.
For a centerpiece worth celebrating, click here.
6. Pulled Pork Tacos with Pineapple Slaw
A fun and unexpected addition to the Christmas table. Tender, slow-cooked pulled pork tucked into soft tortillas, topped with a refreshing pineapple slaw for brightness and crunch. It’s laid-back, delicious, and perfect for feeding a crowd.
I love setting up a DIY taco bar—everyone builds their own, and it becomes a party within a party.
For a festive twist on comfort food, click here.
7. Classic Lasagna
Layers of rich meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese—it’s everything you want in a cozy holiday meal. Lasagna feels like a warm hug in food form, and it’s great for making ahead, which means less stress on the big day.
For that comforting, Italian-inspired Christmas dinner, click here.
8. Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls)
No Filipino Christmas celebration feels complete without lumpia. Crispy, golden rolls filled with seasoned ground pork, carrots, and vegetables—it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. They vanish from the table faster than anything else.
My personal twist to this is adding cubes of processed cheese to the filling. These cheese cubes melt as the lumpia is fried, adding a whole different tasting experience to the dish. Serve with sweet chili sauce and watch everyone go for seconds.
Add some crunch to your Christmas spread: click here.
9. Mexican Tamales
Like I said earlier, Christmas dinners are about the family. That essence is reflected in how Tamales are prepared. This dish undeniably brings warmth and tradition to the table.
Soft masa dough filled with flavorful meat or beans, wrapped in corn husks, and steamed until tender—it’s a meal made with love. Making them can be a group activity too, which adds to the holiday spirit.
For a festive dish that celebrates togetherness, click here.
10. Potato Au Gratin
Thin slices of potato baked in cream and cheese until bubbling and golden—it’s rich, decadent, and downright irresistible. The top forms a crusty layer while the inside stays soft and velvety. It’s the kind of side that steals attention from the main course.
Level up your side game with this classic: click here.
11. Paella with Seafood and Chorizo
A colorful, festive dish that brings everyone together around one pan. Saffron-infused rice cooked with shrimp, mussels, chorizo, and peas—it’s hearty, fragrant, and visually stunning.
This isn’t an authentic recipe, so Spanish people, don’t come at me! Anyways, squeeze fresh lemon on top before serving.
If you’re ready to impress, click here.
12. Korean BBQ Feast
For me, this is the ultimate communal meal. A tabletop spread of sizzling meats, lettuce wraps, kimchi, and dipping sauces—it’s interactive, fun, and endlessly customizable.
I love how everyone cooks and eats together, laughing over the grill while the food keeps coming. It turns dinner into an experience, not just a meal.
For a Christmas dinner that brings everyone closer, click here.
A Feast to Remember
This year, skip the usual and make your Christmas dinner unforgettable. Whether you’re roasting, grilling, or sharing bites straight off the pan, what matters most is the joy around the table—and the flavors that make you smile.
Let me know which of these recipes you’ll serve your loved ones this coming holiday season.
Featured image credit: @withwendyandshannon
