Feast of the Seven Fishes: 15 Recipes for Christmas Eve

Looking to wow your guests with an unforgettable Feast of Seven Fishes this Christmas Eve? These tried-and-true seafood recipes take the stress out of holiday hosting while delivering the kind of flavors that create lasting memories. Each dish comes with the little tricks and tips we’ve discovered from years of holiday cooking – the same ones that have our own family members claiming seats at the table weeks in advance.

Kick things off with Holiday Butter-Poached Lobster

Close-up of a dish featuring lobster meat garnished with chopped herbs, served in a bowl. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Imagine serving lobster tails so tender, your guests will think you hired a private chef. This foolproof method helps you nail the perfect butter poach every time – even if it’s your first attempt.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Butter-Poached Lobster

Christmas Eve Crab-Stuffed Flounder

A plate with rolled white fish on a bed of spinach, garnished with herbs, and a side of filling, on a decorative white plate. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Want to hear your guests gasp when you bring this to the table? This stunning stuffed flounder looks fancy but comes together easily, giving you more time to enjoy your company.
Get the Recipe → Christmas Eve Crab-Stuffed Flounder

Classic Baltimore Crab Cakes

Two crab cake burgers with lettuce and tomato on a bun, served with potato chips and small jars of sauce. Lemon wedges are in the background. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Missing those authentic Baltimore crab cakes? Your search ends here – these jumbo lump crab cakes will transport your guests straight to the Eastern Shore.
Get the Recipe → Classic Baltimore Crab Cakes

Family Favorite Pan-Seared Scallops

Scallops searing in a pan, showcasing a golden brown crust. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Ready to serve scallops with that perfect golden crust you thought only restaurants could achieve? Your guests will be impressed when you present these caramelized beauties at your holiday feast.
Get the Recipe → Family Favorite Pan-Seared Scallops

Nonno’s Bacon-Wrapped Holiday Shrimp

Shrimp wrapped in bacon, grilling on a barbecue. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Need an appetizer that’ll disappear in minutes? These juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon will have your guests lingering by the appetizer table all evening.
Get the Recipe → Grandpa’s Bacon-Wrapped Holiday Shrimp

Holiday Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs

Packaged cooked crab legs in a plastic container on a green surface, surrounded by a lemon and herbs. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Want to know the secret to crab legs that taste better than your favorite seafood restaurant? This timing technique ensures sweet, tender meat that’ll make your holiday table truly special.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Steamed Dungeness Crab Legs

Nonna’s Secret Smoked Crab Imperial

A creamy cauliflower dish, perfect as a Christmas appetizer, is presented in a dark bowl, surrounded by pine cones and red berries on a textured surface. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Your guests won’t believe this restaurant-worthy crab imperial came from your own kitchen. The subtle smoke flavor adds that special touch that’ll make this your new holiday tradition.
Get the Recipe → Nonna’s Secret Smoked Crab Imperial

Feast On Stone Crab with Garlic Butter

A platter of seafood claws with lemon wedges, crispy fries, toasted bread, and a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Ready to serve the sweetest stone crab your family’s ever tasted? This simple timing trick ensures perfectly cooked claws, while the garlic butter sauce will have everyone reaching for more bread to soak up every drop.
Get the Recipe → Feast On Stone Crab with Garlic Butter

Light and lovely Parchment Halibut

Slice of fish with a lemon on top, surrounded by sliced zucchini, carrots, and red bell peppers on parchment paper. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Looking for an elegant presentation that’s secretly simple? This parchment-wrapped halibut with pistachio mint pesto lets you mingle with guests instead of fussing in the kitchen.
Get the Recipe → Light and lovely Parchment Halibut

Seven Fishes Grilled Tilapia

A skillet with cooked, seasoned fish fillets on a blue surface, accompanied by a dark blue cloth and burlap. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Worried about grilling fish for a crowd? This foolproof method ensures your tilapia stays intact while developing an incredible smoky flavor your guests will love.
Get the Recipe → Seven Fishes Grilled Tilapia

Christmas Eve Grilled Salmon

Grilled salmon fillets garnished with herbs and lime slices on a bed of vegetables and leafy greens. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Want to know the secret to perfectly grilled salmon every time? This technique delivers that coveted medium-rare center that’ll make your holiday main course memorable.
Get the Recipe → Christmas Eve Grilled Salmon

Nonna’s Holiday Fish Cakes

Fried crab cakes on parchment paper with a lemon wedge. One cake is broken, revealing its soft interior. Parsley garnish is visible. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Need a make-ahead dish that still wows? These crispy, zesty fish cakes can be prepped early, leaving you free to enjoy Christmas Eve with your loved ones.
Get the Recipe → Nonna’s Holiday Fish Cakes

Creole-Style Holiday Swordfish

Grilled fish fillet on top of a bed of corn, black beans, red onions, tomatoes, and herbs, served on a white plate. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Craving bold flavors for your feast? This perfectly spiced swordfish paired with creamy maque choux brings a special flair to your Christmas Eve table.
Get the Recipe → Creole-Style Holiday Swordfish

Butter Drenched King Crab Legs

Cooked crab legs and lemon wedges on a metal tray. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Want your kitchen to be the talk of the neighborhood this Christmas Eve? The chimichurri butter on these grilled crab legs creates the kind of flavors people remember long after the holidays.
Get the Recipe → Butter Drenched King Crab Legs

Holiday Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Bacon-wrapped scallops garnished with herbs on arugula leaves, served with a bowl of creamy dipping sauce. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

Want the most photographed dish at your holiday gathering? These luxurious bites with spicy horseradish sauce will have your guests pulling out their phones before they take their first bite.
Get the Recipe → Holiday Smoked Bacon-Wrapped Scallops

Ready for Christmas Day? Our Best Prime Rib Recipes

Sliced roasted beef on a tray, surrounded by herbs and a whole head of roasted garlic, with a bowl of sauce in the background. — Image Credit: Girl Carnivore.

From Christmas Eve seafood to Christmas Day prime rib – some traditions just make the holidays special. Get our most trusted prime rib recipes for your family’s main event.
Get the Recipes → Best Prime Rib Recipes for Christmas