Our top Christmas Eve recipes for a fuss-free, festive-filled evening

It’s the night before Christmas, so you need easy, laid-back dishes to ease you into the big-day feast in delicious style. From comforting tarts and lasagne to moreish nibbles for a picky tea in front of the telly, we've hand-picked our very best Christmas Eve recipes that are guaranteed to spread good cheer.
Our top Christmas Eve recipes for a fuss-free, festive-filled evening
Our top Christmas Eve recipes for a fuss-free, festive-filled evening
Marks & Spencer
Whatever you fancy cooking, we've got a recipe to inspire you. From speedy midweek meals to budget-friendly family dinners and weekend treats, let us help you cook and eat better, every day.
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Marks & Spencer
Whatever you fancy cooking, we've got a recipe to inspire you. From speedy midweek meals to budget-friendly family dinners and weekend treats, let us help you cook and eat better, every day.

Tenderstem broccoli and salmon tart

Tenderstem broccoli and salmon tart

Marks & Spencer

Light, fresh, and ready in just 30 minutes, this tart is ideal if you’re after something quick but impressive ahead of the big-day feasting. It’s simple to make, full of flavour, and sure to keep you feeling fresh before the Christmas chaos starts tomorrow.

Preserved lemon lasagne

Preserved lemon lasagne

Marks & Spencer

This sharp, surprisingly light lasagne is a brilliant way to indulge without things feeling too heavy. The preserved lemon adds a zesty twist, making it a great choice for a prep-ahead dinner that’s both comforting and fresh. Ideal for when you’re craving something rich but with a little less festive overload.

Rose harissa hasselback squash

Rose harissa hasselback squash

Marks & Spencer

Vibrant hasselback squash is a veggie main that will definitely steal the show. With its gorgeous colours and a touch of spice from rose harissa, it’s a delicious side to any festive meal or a stand-out dish for a lighter Christmas Eve dinner.

Pear and mature stilton galette, with walnuts and honey

Pear and mature stilton galette, with walnuts and honey

Marks & Spencer

Kick-start your Christmas celebrations in style with this showstopping pear and stilton galette. The sweet pears and creamy stilton work beautifully together, while the walnuts and honey add that festive touch. Whether as a main or a centrepiece for a festive spread, this made-to-share galette will make any gathering feel extra special.

Three easy party bruschetta ideas

Three easy party bruschetta ideas

Marks & Spencer

Not in the mood for a full-on meal? These simple, yet delicious, bruschettas make the best festive picky tea. Serve them alongside cheese and crackers for an easy, relaxed Christmas Eve spread that’s full of flavour.

Celeriac and mushroom soup with truffle hazelnut pesto

Celeriac and mushroom soup with truffle hazelnut pesto

Marks & Spencer

This truffled celeriac and mushroom soup is a seasonal star. With its earthy flavours and a luxurious drizzle of hazelnut pesto, it’s great when you want something comforting but not too heavy that still feels a bit special.

Mulled pear and panettone trifle

Mulled pear and panettone trifle

Marks & Spencer

This mulled pear and panettone trifle lets you dip your toe into the festive spirit. With layers of mulled wine-poached pears and indulgent panettone, it’s a fittingly celebratory way to begin your festive feasting.

Brandy, clementine mincemeat and apple crumble

Brandy, clementine mincemeat and apple crumble

Marks & Spencer

A comforting classic with a festive twist, this crumble is Christmas on a spoon. The warming brandy, clementine, and mincemeat filling is the perfect match for the crisp, buttery topping. Served with salted caramel ice cream, it’s indulgence at its best – pure festive comfort in a bowl.

Pear Bakewell tart with quince and orange crème fraîche

Pear Bakewell tart with quince and orange crème fraîche

Marks & Spencer

Quince is not just for cheese! This pear Bakewell tart features quince paste paired with fragrant frangipane and a zesty orange crème fraîche. It’s a showstopper that will bring a bit of festive flair to the table.

Festive snowball cocktail

Festive snowball cocktail

Marks & Spencer

Curl up in front of the fire with this classic Snowball cocktail – a festive favourite that’s as delicious as it is nostalgic. With its creamy, citrusy base, it’s a fun and indulgent way to start your Christmas celebrations in style.

Festive Cosmo

Cosmo recipe

Marks & Spencer

Keep things classy this Christmas with our festive Cosmo. Featuring our rich amaretto liqueur and our smooth Copperpot vodka, it’s fruity, festive and full of seasonal good cheer.