Feast Of The Seven Fishes – Seafood Recipes For Christmas Eve 🎣🍤

Picture this: a table overflowing with the freshest, most delicious seafood dishes, your family and friends gathered around, and the sound of holiday cheer filling the air (at max volume—IYKYK). That’s the magic of the Feast of the Seven Fishes, an Italian-American Christmas Eve tradition.

Originally rooted in abstaining from meat on the night before Christmas, this feast 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 Crab Imperial 🦀 A rich and smoky take on a classic seafood dish, this crab imperial will be the talk of the table. Get the Recipe
Butter Poached Lobster Tails 🦞 Tender lobster tails poached in butter for a decadent and flavorful dish that screams luxury. Get the Recipe
Stone Crab Claws 🦀 Simple and elegant, these claws are perfect with a tangy dipping sauce or served as-is for their natural flavor. Get the Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp Skewers 🍤 Juicy shrimp wrapped in smoky bacon make for an irresistible appetizer or main. 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 is a great 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 simmered in a bold 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 broth for an elegant and flavorful dish. Get the Recipe
Crab Stuffed Flounder 🦀 A tradition for years in our house: Flaky flounder filled with a savory crab stuffing, baked to golden perfection. Get the Recipe
Fish Cakes 🐟 Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fish cakes are perfect with a zesty dipping sauce. Get the Recipe
Bacon-Wrapped Scallops 🥓🦪 Sweet scallops wrapped in savory bacon, kissed with smoke, and served with a zesty sauce. Get the Recipe
Garlic Butter Shrimp 🍤 Juicy shrimp tossed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—perfect as a standalone dish or served with crusty bread. Get the Recipe

See 60+ Epic Christmas Dinner Ideas, Tips, and How-To’s

Pro Tips for Your Seafood Feast

Mix It Up: Combine rich, buttery dishes like lobster tails with lighter options like smoked salmon dip to keep your menu balanced and exciting.
Timing Is Key: Cook items like scallops and calamari just before serving to ensure they’re hot and crispy. Have dishes like dips and skewers ready to go for easy plating.
Garnish for the Win: Brighten your presentation with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of sea salt to make each dish as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Prep Stations: If you’re juggling multiple dishes, set up prep stations for chopping, marinating, and plating. This keeps things running smoothly and stress-free.