Get ready to make your holiday gatherings simple and fun! These 39 easy party recipes for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations focus on snacks, appetizers, and sweet treats that are quick to make and full of flavor. You can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the party with friends and family.
Tuscan Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Dip. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.
Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Kick off your holiday party with these easy Mexican beef masa cups that are full of flavor and fun to eat. The slow-cooked beef is tender and perfectly seasoned, and the crispy masa cups add a satisfying crunch that makes every bite exciting. They’re simple to prepare ahead of time and make a delicious appetizer for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Crockpot Mexican Beef in Masa Cups
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Brighten your party spread with this colorful Italian-style baked ratatouille that’s easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes creates a fresh and vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes. This recipe works perfectly as a simple party-friendly appetizer that guests can enjoy alongside other snacks.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Make these chicken empanadas for a handheld snack that will be a hit with everyone at your party. The flavorful chicken filling is wrapped in a golden, flaky crust that’s easy to grab and enjoy without utensils. They’re quick to make, simple to serve, and perfect for sharing at Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Semi-Homemade Chicken Empanadas
Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Make peppermint shortbread cookies for a sweet treat that will disappear fast at any party. The buttery cookies are dipped in chocolate and topped with crushed peppermint candy, giving them extra flavor and a festive look. They’re easy to make ahead of time and are a delicious addition to Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Shortbread Cookies
Pretzel Bites
Serve these soft and crispy pretzel bites for a snack that everyone will love at your party. They’re easy to pull apart, fun to eat, and perfect for dipping in sauces or enjoying on their own. This simple recipe makes a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s great for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Pretzel Bites
Tuscan Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Dip
Make this Tuscan artichoke and sundried tomato dip for a creamy and flavorful party appetizer that disappears fast. The mix of cheese, tangy artichokes, and zesty sundried tomatoes creates a rich and satisfying dip. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies for a simple recipe that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Artichoke and Sundried Tomato Dip
Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
Try these boozy bacon cheddar bites for a fun and flavorful snack that guests will enjoy at any party. The cheesy filling combines with bacon and a touch of alcohol to make a rich, savory bite that’s quick to bake. They’re easy to serve and work perfectly for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Boozy Bacon Cheddar Bites
Chocolate Fondue
Make this classic chocolate fondue for a simple dessert that everyone can share and enjoy. The melted chocolate is smooth and rich, making it perfect for dipping fruits, cookies, or marshmallows. It’s an easy and delicious party treat that’s ideal for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Fondue
Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Make this baked spinach and artichoke dip for a creamy and cheesy appetizer that’s always a hit. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked right before the party, which makes serving simple and stress-free. This recipe is a reliable way to offer a tasty snack that guests will go back for again and again.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Cherry Surprise Cookies
Bake these cherry surprise cookies for a sweet treat that hides a juicy center in every bite. The soft, buttery cookie exterior complements the hidden cherry perfectly, creating a dessert that’s fun and flavorful. They’re easy to make in advance and are a delightful addition to Christmas Eve and New Year’s party spreads.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Surprise Cookies
Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
Make these peppermint chocolate cookies for a chewy and flavorful treat that will be a hit at any party. The chocolate cookies have a rich filling and a hint of peppermint candy, creating a sweet and slightly minty flavor that balances perfectly. They’re simple to bake ahead of time and make a fun and delicious addition to Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Peppermint Chocolate Cookies
White Chocolate Party Mix
Whip up this white chocolate party mix for a snack that’s sweet, salty, and addictive. The mix of pretzels, M&Ms, and dried cranberries coated in white chocolate is easy to prepare and perfect for sharing. This recipe is simple, fun, and ideal for adding a crowd-pleasing treat to your holiday party table.
Get the Recipe: White Chocolate Party Mix
BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies
Serve BBQ bourbon little smokies for a savory appetizer that will disappear fast at your party. The cocktail sausages are coated in a smoky barbecue and bourbon sauce that packs plenty of flavor in each bite. They’re simple to make ahead and are perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Bourbon Little Smokies
Brazilian Cheese Bread
Try Brazilian cheese bread for a bite-sized snack that’s soft, cheesy, and gluten-free. The crispy exterior and tender, cheesy center make them fun to serve and easy to eat at parties. They’re quick to bake and work perfectly as an easy party recipe for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Brazilian Cheese Bread
Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Make these spiced oatmeal cranberry cookies for a soft and chewy treat that has a warm, flavorful kick. The combination of spices and tart cranberries makes each bite sweet, satisfying, and party-ready. This simple recipe is easy to bake ahead and is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies
Homemade Nacho Cheese
Make homemade nacho cheese for a creamy and flavorful dip that will be a hit at any party. The smooth cheese blend has just enough spice to give ordinary snacks a fun twist and pairs perfectly with chips or pretzels. This recipe is quick, easy, and ideal for sharing during Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Nacho Cheese
Bacon Deviled Eggs
Try bacon deviled eggs for a simple appetizer that has a lot more flavor than traditional deviled eggs. The creamy filling pairs perfectly with crispy bacon on top, making them a tasty snack for guests. They’re easy to prepare ahead of time and work great as an easy party recipe for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Deviled Eggs
Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Make mint chocolate crinkle cookies for a soft, fudgy dessert that melts in your mouth. The deep chocolate flavor paired with a hint of mint makes them fun and festive for parties. They store well and are perfect for baking ahead to enjoy on Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Mint Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Serve buffalo chicken rolls for a spicy, flavorful appetizer that guests will go back for again and again. The chicken filling is packed with flavor and wrapped in a soft, easy-to-eat roll that’s perfect for sharing. This simple recipe makes a great addition to Christmas Eve and New Year’s party spreads.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Rolls
Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Try gochujang caramel cookies for a unique sweet-and-spicy treat that will get people talking at your party. The sweet caramel combined with a touch of heat makes each cookie bold, fun, and flavorful. They’re simple to make ahead of time and are perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Caramel Cookies
Nutella No Bake Cookies
Make Nutella no bake cookies for a quick and fun sweet treat that everyone will enjoy. They come together in minutes and have a soft, chocolatey texture that disappears fast at parties. This easy recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings when you want a simple and delicious dessert.
Get the Recipe: Nutella No Bake Cookies
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
Try cheesy chicken enchilada dip for a rich and flavorful party appetizer that guests will love. The creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty enchilada sauce make every bite satisfying and easy to serve. This recipe is simple to prepare and perfect for sharing on Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Dip
Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Make cheesy garlic pull apart bread for a warm and satisfying snack that’s easy to serve at parties. The soft bread and melted cheese make it fun to pull apart and share with everyone. This simple recipe works well as an easy party recipe for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Garlic Pull Apart Bread
Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Bake classic thumbprint cookies for a sweet treat that will remind everyone of favorite holiday memories. The soft cookie with a burst of jam on top is chewy, flavorful, and fun to serve. This recipe is simple to make ahead and is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Classic Thumbprint Cookies
Lasagna Pizzas
Make lasagna pizzas for a cheesy and hearty snack that’s fun to eat at parties. The combination of lasagna filling and melted cheese on a pizza base makes them easy to serve and share. This recipe is simple to make and works well as a delicious appetizer for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Lasagna Pizzas
Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie
Serve chewy chocolate marshmallow cookies for a soft dessert with a sweet surprise inside each bite. The gooey marshmallow center pairs perfectly with rich chocolate cookies, making them fun and flavorful. This recipe is easy to bake ahead and is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s party spreads.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Chocolate Marshmallow Cookie
Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip
Make non-traditional 7 layer dip for a colorful and flavorful appetizer that’s easy to prepare for parties. The layered ingredients offer a mix of textures and tastes that guests will enjoy with chips or veggies. This recipe is simple, satisfying, and perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Non-Traditional 7 Layer Dip
Chunky Guacamole
Try chunky guacamole for a creamy and fresh dip that’s easy to make and share at parties. The ripe avocados combined with roasted tomatoes, lime, and seasonings create a bold flavor that guests will love. This recipe works well as a simple appetizer for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Chunky Guacamole
Buffalo Chicken Dip
Serve buffalo chicken dip for a creamy and spicy snack that’s always a crowd-pleaser. The shredded chicken mixed with hot sauce and cheese makes every bite flavorful and fun to eat with chips or celery. This easy recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s parties where guests want something quick and delicious.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Dip
Hot Chocolate Cookies
Make hot chocolate cookies for a soft and chewy dessert with a gooey marshmallow center. They’re rich, chocolatey, and simple to bake, making them easy to serve at parties. This recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations when you want a sweet treat everyone will enjoy.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Cookies
Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Make hot bacon cheddar dip for a creamy and savory snack that will disappear fast at any party. The combination of melted cheddar and crispy bacon gives each bite plenty of flavor and richness. This easy recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings and works well with crackers, bread, or veggies.
Get the Recipe: Hot Bacon Cheddar Dip
Traditional Cheese Fondue
Serve traditional cheese fondue for a fun and interactive party appetizer that everyone can enjoy. The smooth and rich cheese makes it perfect for dipping bread, vegetables, or fruit. This simple recipe is quick to prepare and adds a classic touch to Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Traditional Cheese Fondue
Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Make classic holly wreath cookies for a festive treat that’s fun to serve at parties. The sweet cornflake and marshmallow mixture is shaped into colorful wreaths that everyone will enjoy. This easy recipe works well for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings and adds a playful touch to the dessert table.
Get the Recipe: Classic Holly Wreath Cookies
Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Try Bailey’s chocolate mousse for a rich and creamy dessert that’s perfect for holiday parties. The smooth chocolate and touch of Bailey’s Irish Cream make each spoonful decadent and satisfying. This recipe is simple to make ahead and works well for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse
Bacon Wrapped Dates
Make bacon wrapped dates for a sweet and savory bite that guests will love at your party. The combination of tender dates and crispy bacon gives each piece a perfect balance of flavors. This easy recipe is ideal for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings and disappears quickly once served.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Wrapped Dates
Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Serve puff pastry beef empanadas for a handheld snack that’s hearty and full of flavor. The tender beef filling wrapped in flaky pastry makes them easy to eat and share with guests. This simple recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations and works well as a party appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Puff Pastry Beef Empanadas
Chewy Molasses Cookies
Make chewy molasses cookies for a soft and flavorful dessert that everyone will enjoy. The warm spices and chewy texture make them a simple and satisfying treat for parties. This recipe is easy to bake ahead and perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Chewy Molasses Cookies
Hot Chocolate Dip
Try hot chocolate dip for a creamy and sweet treat that’s perfect for dipping cookies, fruit, or marshmallows. The rich chocolate flavor is smooth and fluffy, making it an easy favorite at parties. This recipe is simple to prepare and works well for Christmas Eve and New Year’s celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Hot Chocolate Dip
Chicken Tenders
Make chicken tenders for a crispy and juicy snack that everyone at your party will enjoy. The cornflake coating adds crunch and flavor while keeping the chicken tender inside. This easy recipe is perfect for Christmas Eve and New Year’s gatherings and works well for both kids and adults.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Tenders