27 Non Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas That Are Actually Better Than Turkey
Tired of the same old ham and turkey? Shake things up this holiday with fun, festive, and family-friendly alternatives.
Skip the stress of a traditional Christmas spread! These non traditional Christmas dinner ideas are perfect for busy moms, picky eaters, and families who want to ditch the hours in the kitchen and still enjoy a memorable holiday meal.
These non traditional Christmas dinner ideas are perfect for moms who want less stress and more joy at the table this season.
✅ Family-friendly
✅ Time-saving
✅ Packed with flavor and fun
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Why Consider a Non Traditional Christmas Dinner?
Let’s be honest: a full turkey dinner can feel like more work than joy. If you’re exhausted just thinking about prepping side dishes for six hours straight, it’s time for a new approach. These non traditional Christmas dinner ideas let you skip the stress without skipping the celebration.
Whether you’re dealing with picky eaters, food allergies, or just want something different, this list has options that are fast, fun, and flavorful.
Crowd-Pleasing Non Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas
1. Taco Bar Night
Let everyone build their own tacos! Set out tortillas, seasoned ground beef or pulled chicken, cheese, salsa, and guac.
🛒 This 3-tier taco holder set makes serving a breeze.
2. Instant Pot Ribs
Fall-off-the-bone ribs in under an hour? Yes, please. Add corn on the cob and baked beans for a southern-inspired feast.
🛒 Try this bestselling Instant Pot for fast, flavorful ribs.
3. Breakfast for Dinner
Serve pancakes, eggs, bacon, and fruit salad. Bonus points for hot chocolate with marshmallows or a charcuterie-style cocoa board.
4. DIY Sushi Night
Use a sushi-making kit to create rolls together as a family. Make it fun with chopsticks and a soy sauce dipping tray.
🛒 Grab this sushi-making kit for beginners.
5. Lasagna or Baked Ziti
Comfort food that feeds a crowd. Add garlic bread and Caesar salad for a complete Italian Christmas dinner.
6. Indian Curry Feast
Pick two curries (like butter chicken and chickpea masala), naan, and basmati rice. Serve buffet-style with chutneys.
🛒 Use this spice set for authentic flavor.
7. Pizza Party
Homemade or ordered in, pizza is always a hit. Create a toppings bar so guests can personalize their slices.
8. Korean BBQ at Home
Cook thinly sliced beef or pork belly on an indoor grill. Add kimchi, rice, and dipping sauces for an interactive meal.
🛒 This tabletop electric grill works beautifully indoors.
9. Soup and Sandwich Night
Think gourmet grilled cheese + tomato basil soup. Or pair French onion soup with roast beef paninis.
This cozy combo is one of the easiest non traditional Christmas dinner ideas you can pull off with what you already have in the fridge.
10. Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil
Easy cleanup, big flavor. Toss shrimp, corn, potatoes, and sausage on a baking sheet with seasoning.
🛒 Use this large nonstick pan to fit everything.
11. Chinese Takeout-Style Feast
Make (or order) fried rice, orange chicken, and egg rolls. Set the table with chopsticks and fortune cookies for fun.
12. Burgers & Fries Bar
Grill or pan-fry burgers and set up toppings: bacon, sautéed mushrooms, avocado, fried onions. Serve with sweet potato fries.
13. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Fill with seasoned rice, ground beef, and cheese. Bake and serve with a fresh garden salad.
14. Roasted Veggie Bowl
Roast a mix of cauliflower, sweet potatoes, beets, and Brussels sprouts. Serve over quinoa with tahini sauce.
15. Chicken Alfredo Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Add broccoli for a one-dish wonder.
16. Sliders Three Ways
Serve beef, pulled pork, and buffalo chicken sliders on mini buns. Pair with coleslaw and kettle chips.
17. Holiday Grazing Board
Skip the main dish and offer a beautiful charcuterie spread with meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruit.
18. Thai-Inspired Dinner
Try pad Thai or curry noodles with veggie spring rolls and peanut dipping sauce.
19. Mac and Cheese Bar
Offer plain, bacon, buffalo chicken, or lobster versions. Include breadcrumb toppings and hot sauce.
20. Rotisserie Chicken Dinner
Buy pre-cooked chicken and serve with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green beans. Low effort, high reward.
21. Meat & Cheese Fondue Night
Dip ham, bread, and veggies in cheese fondue. Use a fondue set like this to make it festive.
22. Vietnamese Pho
A cozy, fragrant soup with rice noodles, broth, herbs, and protein. Set up a pho station for guests to build their own.
23. Holiday Chili Cook-Off
Make it competitive! Offer classic beef, white chicken, or vegetarian versions. Top with sour cream, cheese, and green onions.
24. Stuffed Acorn Squash
Roast squash halves and stuff with quinoa, dried cranberries, and sausage.
25. Raclette Night
This Swiss tradition lets guests melt cheese and pour it over potatoes, meats, and veggies using a tabletop raclette grill.
26. BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwiches
Shred chicken with BBQ sauce and serve on buns with pickles and a side of mac and cheese.
27. Smashed Potato Bar
Offer toppings like shredded cheese, bacon bits, sour cream, and green onions. Perfect for all ages.
💬 Real Mom Tip
If you’re already feeling burnt out this season, choosing an easier dinner isn’t lazy — it’s smart. You deserve to enjoy the holiday too. If you’re feeling stretched thin, check out my post on how to bounce back from mom burnout.
🧠 Helpful Additions
Table Manners Tip: Hosting a fun dinner is also a great time to reinforce manners. Sneak in some holiday etiquette using this list of 80 table manners all kids should know.
Memory Keepsake: Let everyone write down their favorite non traditional Christmas dinner idea from the night in your Quotebook notebook!
❓ FAQ: Non Traditional Christmas Dinner Ideas
If you’ve been thinking about trying out non traditional Christmas dinner ideas this year, don’t overthink it. Make it simple, memorable, and fun.
What can I serve instead of turkey for Christmas dinner?
Consider crowd-pleasers like lasagna, tacos, rotisserie chicken, or ribs. These are flavorful, easier to prepare, and loved by picky eaters.
Are non traditional dinners okay for Christmas?
Absolutely! The goal is to gather and enjoy. A non traditional Christmas dinner is perfect for families who want less stress and more fun.
How do I make dinner feel special without a traditional meal?
Add candles, festive plates, or fun themed food like a hot chocolate charcuterie board. Presentation makes all the difference.
Can I still do a non traditional meal with guests?
Yes! Create interactive meal stations like taco bars, build-your-own burgers, or fondue to keep guests engaged and full.
Is it cheaper to skip a traditional Christmas dinner?
In many cases, yes. Buying smaller portions or using pantry staples like pasta or rice can save time and money.
📌 Wrap-Up & Save for Later
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to holiday meals. These non traditional Christmas dinner ideas offer something for every family, no matter the size or taste preferences.
No matter what you serve, what matters most is the joy around your table. These non traditional Christmas dinner ideas are just the start — feel free to mix, match, and get creative.
💬 Got a go-to dish we missed? Drop it in the comments!
📌 Save this roundup of non traditional Christmas dinner ideas to your holiday board so you’re not scrambling on Christmas Eve!