The holiday season is a time of joy and togetherness, and what better way to enhance the festive spirit than with delicious, better-for-you, and well-curated holiday snacks? As hosts, we have the power to create a memorable experience for our guests through thoughtfully selected snacks for Christmas that tantalize taste buds and nourish the body.
From mouthwatering appetizers to guilt-free indulgences, these Christmas snacks become the heart of gatherings, fostering a sense of warmth and celebration. As we craft a menu of healthy holiday snacks, we weave a tapestry of flavors that ensure a season filled with joy and health.
Plus, people love being introduced to new ideas, especially when it comes to food and snacks. Most of us tend to have a regular rotation of snacks we stick to, and social gatherings are a great place to gather inspiration — whether for our home menus or to gift as holiday stocking stuffers.
44 Holiday Snacks for Your Festive Gathering
As you gear up for festive gatherings this year, one of the first things on your mind is probably what holiday-themed snacks you’d like to share. If your goal is to combine a variety of flavors, textures, colors, and aromas, this list is for you. Here are 45 holiday snack ideas that are sure to please the crowd.
1. Spiced Nuts
As far as Christmas snack ideas go, roasted nuts provide healthy fats and protein and are an easy holiday snack. For a festive blend, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar to coat perfectly roasted nuts, offering a crunchy and flavorful snack for holiday gatherings.
2. Cheese and Charcuterie Board
Build a sophisticated array of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, olives, veggies, and fresh fruits, creating a visually stunning and palate-pleasing centerpiece for any festive occasion.
Arrange your easy holiday snacks on a decorative platter or wood chopping block. Need inspiration? See our post How to Make a Healthy Charcuterie Board.
3. Stuffed Mushrooms
For a savory bite-sized dish, stuff mushroom caps with a savory mix of herbs, breadcrumbs, and cheese to deliver an explosion of flavor. These holiday snacks could be made using larger portobello mushroom caps or a smaller variety, like white button mushrooms. For added protein and flavor, place a slice of Chomps Sea Salt Beef sticks in the middle.
4. Cranberry Brie Bites
Make mini pastry cups that cradle the creamy richness of brie and the tart sweetness of cranberry sauce. They’re one of our favorite holiday snack ideas that combine to make for an elegant and delicious hors d'oeuvre.
5. Healthy Holiday Snack Mix
Whether for Thanksgiving or Christmas, you can always combine some healthier ingredients for grab-and-go holiday snacks. For instance, a mixture of nuts, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, pretzels, and dried fruit like raisins, mango, or pineapple.
6. Caprese Skewers
Next up on our list of holiday snack recipes: caprese skewers. Bring this favorite simple salad to parties in a hand-held form. Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil come together on skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze, creating a colorful and delectable appetizer.
7. Spinach Artichoke Dip
Make it creamy and cheesy, laden with spinach and artichokes, and serve with pita chips, slices of baguette, or a variety of sliced veggies. Whether you make this traditional recipe or a non-dairy version, it’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser as far as holiday snack recipes go. Consider adding other veggies to the mix, like chopped asparagus or leeks.
8. Bruschetta
The perfect vehicle for flavorful, nutritious ingredients is this next item on our list of holiday snack ideas. Create Bruschetta using toasted bread generously topped with a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil.
9. Deviled Eggs
Fill protein-packed hard-boiled eggs with a seasoned yolk mixture to make this next item on our list. Deviled eggs are both a classic and comforting, easy holiday snack.
10. Mini Quiches
These are delightful, bite-sized quiches with various healthy fillings such as spinach, broccoli, mushrooms, and cheese. As one of our favorite holiday snack recipes, they provide a miniature taste of savory perfection. You could even toss in some chopped Chomps Italian Style Beef Sticks.
11. Fruit Kabobs
There’s no wrong way to make these holiday-themed snacks! Use whatever you have on hand to create skewers laden with a rainbow of fresh, juicy fruits that offer a refreshing and healthy alternative amid the festive indulgence.
12. Stuffed Avocados
When you think of holiday snacks, avocados may not make the first list, but they’re more versatile than you might think. Avocados are creamy and tasty on their own and offer a lovely vehicle for other flavors in their natural inner pocket. Serve these easy holiday snacks stuffed with cooked quinoa, diced mango, and Chomps Jalapeno Beef Sticks.
13. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Many argue that there’s no better combination of holiday snack ideas than chocolate and berries. Try plump strawberries dipped in luscious melted chocolate, a sweet and elegant dessert option.
14. Vegetable Crudité Platter
The veggie platter always gets eaten when there are yummy dips involved. Make an arrangement of crisp, colorful vegetables with an assortment of easy holiday snacks like hummus, ranch, guacamole, or queso.
15. Citrus Salsa
A citrus-centered take turns everyday salsa into a festive and bright dipping condiment that’s perfect for holiday-themed snacks. You can use ingredients like diced mango, oranges, or pineapple along with avocado, cilantro, lime, scallions, and other seasonings of choice. Serve with tortilla chips.
16. Pigs in a Blanket
A holiday party isn’t complete without these little piggies. You can make these holiday-themed snacks with mini sausages, Chomps Original Beef Sticks, or vegan dogs for your plant-based friends. Simply wrap them in golden crescent roll dough, bake, and serve with honey mustard.
17. Caramelized Onion and Gruyere Tartlets
Create a delectable bite-sized snack with these mini tarts. They’re easy holiday snacks that are filled with the sweet richness of caramelized onions and the savory depth of melted Gruyere cheese.
18. Hummus and Pita Chips
This is a classic and crowd-pleasing combination for both kids and adults of velvety hummus and crunchy pita chips. As far as holiday snack recipes go, they provide a satisfying and wholesome snack option. You might also include fresh veggies to dip or consider adding a twist to your recipe, like making sweet potato, edamame, or beet hummus.
19. Cucumber Bites with Herbed Cream Cheese
Here’s a light and refreshing alternative among holiday-themed snacks. Serve a plate of sliced cucumber discs topped with herbed cream cheese.
20. Air Fryer Veggie Chips
Pretty much everyone who has an air fryer is obsessed with it, so why not use it to your advantage and make easy holiday snacks? This is a great tool to make seasoned veggie chips out of things like thinly sliced potatoes, carrots, zucchini, or even kale.
21. Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread
Transform your holiday appetizers with this festive, protein treat. Made with Chomps Original Beef Sticks, this pull-apart bread combines Italian herbs, melted cheese, and marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing holiday snack recipe that's sure to impress.
22. "Bacon" Fig and Gruyere Grilled Cheese
Another one of our top holiday snack ideas is this gourmet sandwich featuring caramelized Chomps meat sticks, sweet figs, and rich gruyere cheese. Perfect for sophisticated holiday gatherings or cozy winter afternoons.
23. Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels
These easy holiday snacks combine shaved turkey, Chomps Original Turkey sticks, and dairy-free cream cheese for a finger food that's perfect for holiday parties.
24. Holiday Protein Platter
Create a festive spread using Chomps variety packs alongside dried fruits and nuts. These holiday-themed snacks can keep energy levels steady during celebrations.
25. Festive Meat and Cheese Cups
Line mini phyllo cups with cream cheese, diced Chomps meat sticks, and cranberry sauce for bite-sized holiday snack ideas that combine sweet and savory flavors.
26. Rosemary Parmesan Popcorn
Toss freshly popped popcorn with melted butter, fresh rosemary, and grated parmesan to make one of the best aromatic holiday snack recipes. It’s both simple and sophisticated.
27. Sweet Potato Crostini
Top roasted sweet potato rounds with goat cheese, honey, and pecans. You’ll have some holiday-themed snacks that offer a healthier twist on traditional crostini.
28. Cranberry Pecan Energy Balls
Mix dried cranberries, chopped pecans, oats, and honey to create these energy bites. Since they don’t need to be baked, they make for easy holiday snacks.
29. Festive Greek Yogurt Bark
Spread Greek yogurt on a parchment-lined tray. Then, top with pistachios and pomegranate seeds, freeze, and break into pieces for a protein-infused treat.
30. Mini Christmas Wreath Salads
Arrange cucumber rounds in a circle, topped with herbed cream cheese and cherry tomatoes. You’ll create festive yet easy holiday snacks that double as edible decorations.
31. Gingerbread Protein Bites
Combine dates, almonds, and protein powder with gingerbread spices. As one of the best holiday snack recipes on this list, these bites will satisfy sweet cravings.
32. Holiday Hummus Tree
Shape green herb-infused hummus into a Christmas tree. Decorate yours with vegetable toppings for holiday-themed snacks that make a stunning centerpiece.
33. Peppermint Dark Chocolate Bark
Swirl dark chocolate with crushed candy canes and nuts for easy holiday snacks that satisfy chocolate cravings.
34. Apple Cinnamon Chips
Thinly slice apples, dust with cinnamon sugar, and bake until crispy for these holiday-themed snacks.
35. Winter Spice Trail Mix
Combine nuts, seeds, dark chocolate, and dried fruit with warming spices for easy holiday snacks that are perfect for winter.
36. Baked Brie with Honey and Nuts
Warm a wheel of brie in the oven until gooey, then top with a drizzle of honey, chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of dried cranberries for luxurious and shareable holiday snacks
37. Sweet Potato Rounds with Toppings
Slice sweet potatoes into thick rounds, roast until tender, and top with creative options like guacamole, smoked salmon, or cranberry cream cheese for a healthy yet festive treat.
38. Pumpkin Spice Popcorn
Toss air-popped popcorn with a mix of pumpkin pie spices, a touch of coconut oil, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet and crunchy seasonal snack. Want extra crunch? Toss in some pecans or pepitas.
39. Antipasto Skewers
Thread olives, cherry tomatoes, marinated artichokes, mozzarella balls, and slices of Italian Style Beef sticks onto skewers for holiday snacks that are easy to grab and loaded with bold flavors.
40. Mini Pancake Stacks
Pancakes as holiday snacks? Yes, please!
Use small pancakes stacked on toothpicks with layers of whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet, whimsical addition to your spread. You could even use natural food coloring to make them red and green.
41. Holiday Energy Bites
Blend dates, oats, almond butter, cocoa powder, and a pinch of cinnamon, then roll into bite-sized balls for simple, flavorful holiday snack ideas. Roll them in shredded coconut or crushed peppermint candy (or candy canes) for extra holiday flair.
42. Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus
Wrap thin slices of prosciutto around asparagus spears and bake until crispy. As holiday snack ideas, they’re elegant, savory, and simple to prepare.
Don’t have prosciutto? Try other deli meat or opt for a plant-based tofurkey alternative. You can even serve this with a side of mustard.
43. Chocolate Bark with Festive Toppings
Melt dark chocolate and spread it thinly on parchment paper. Sprinkle with dried fruit, crushed walnuts or pistachios, and a pinch of sea salt before allowing it to harden. Break your chocolate bark into pieces for easy holiday snacks that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
44. Chomps Meat Sticks
Last but certainly not least are Chomps - on their own! Our meat sticks pair well with many things, but they also don’t need anything to please a crowd.
Simply spread a variety of flavors for guests to choose from, whether they’re in the mood for Original Beef, Salt & Pepper Venison, or something with a little more spice, like Jalapeno Beef sticks.
Creating Unforgettable Celebrations with These Irresistible Holiday Snacks
Despite the many factors that make us all unique, food is a common thread that brings people together. While this is true all year long, the holidays are a special season where food becomes a celebratory centerpiece among your community.
What we remember the most about festive gatherings during this time of year isn’t just the people we spent time with or the places we visited, but also the food we shared. Consider trying some of the holiday snack ideas above to create your own memorable holiday gatherings this year.
