Feast of the Seven Fishes – Seafood Recipes for Christmas Eve 🎣🍤

Picture this: a table full of the freshest, most delicious seafood, your family and friends surrounding you, and the sound of holiday cheer filling the air (at maximum volume—IYKYK). That’s the magic of the Feast of the Seven Fishesan Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition.

Originally rooted in abstaining from meat on the night before Christmas, this holiday has transformed into a celebration of the bounty of the sea. It’s all about indulgence, bold flavors and wowing your guests with every bite.

Festive seafood recipes for Christmas Eve

• Smoked Imperial Crab 🦀 This imperial crab is a rich and smoky twist on a classic fish dish and will be the talk of the town. ​Get the recipe​

• Lobster tails poached in butter 🦞 Tender lobster tails poached in butter for a decadent and tasty dish that exudes luxury. ​Get the recipe​

• Stone crab claws 🦀 Simple and elegant, these claws are perfect with a spicy dipping sauce or served plain for their natural flavor. ​Get the recipe​

• Bacon Wrapped Shrimp Skewers 🍤 Juicy shrimp wrapped in smoky bacon make for an irresistible starter or main course. ​Get the recipe​

• Cedar plank salmon 🐟 Infused with a subtle smoky aroma from the cedar plank, this salmon is flaky, flavorful and a crowd pleaser and makes an excellent base for smoked salmon dip. ​Get the recipe​

• Pan-seared scallops 🐚 Caramelized to perfection, these scallops are rich, tender, and an elegant addition to your seafood spread. ​Get the recipe​

• Shrimp Saganaki 🍤 A Greek-inspired dish with shrimp stewed in a spicy tomato and feta sauce, perfect with crusty bread. ​Get the recipe​

• Poached halibut 🐟 We show how easy this can be with a light and flaky halibut poached in a delicate stock for an elegant and flavorful dish. ​Get the recipe​

• Crab stuffed flounder 🦀 A tradition in our house for years: Flaky flounder filled with a savory crab filling, baked golden yellow. ​Get the recipe​

• Fish cakes 🐟 Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fish cakes are perfect with a spicy dipping sauce. ​Get the recipe​

• Bacon Wrapped Scallops 🥓🦪 Sweet scallops wrapped in savory bacon, kissed with smoke and served with a spicy sauce. ​Get the recipe​

• Garlic Butter Shrimp 🍤 Succulent shrimp in a rich, garlicky butter sauce – perfect as a standalone dish or served with crusty bread. ​Get the recipe​

Check out 60+ epic Christmas dinner ideas, tips, and how-tos

Pro tips for your seafood feast

1. Mix it: Combine rich, buttery dishes like lobster tails with lighter options like smoked salmon dip to keep your menu balanced and exciting.

2. Timing is key: Cook dishes such as scallops and calamari just before serving to ensure they are hot and crispy. Make sure you have dishes like dips and skewers ready for easy serving.

3. Garnish for the win: Brighten up your presentation with lemon wedges, fresh herbs or a pinch of sea salt to make any dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.

4. Preparation stations: If you’re juggling multiple dishes, set up prep stations for chopping, marinating and serving. This keeps things running smoothly and stress-free.

Visit our ​Christmas Recipes​ for more holiday inspiration and share with friends planning their Christmas Eve menus!