Twinkling lights, searching for the perfect Christmas tree, a fireplace, ugly sweaters, and eating warm, delicious foods while snow gently falls outside make the holidays memorable. Having a full belly on Christmas Day is the icing on the cake. And yes, even as a vegan, you can end up splayed out on the couch, completely full from all the delicious food you enjoyed at dinner.
Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or visiting a relative, we found some of the best Vegan Christmas recipes to “wow” even the most meat-loving uncle.
Tips For Hosting Christmas Dinner
We’ve previously written about hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner and hosting a Christmas dinner is just as exhausting and laborious, but add the stress of exchanging gifts. If you hosted Thanksgiving, then you’re a pro and you’re ready for Christmas.
If you haven’t hosted yet, here are a few quick tips for hosting a vegan Christmas Dinner:
Make A Plan
Figure out how many people are coming and if there are any dietary restrictions (outside of being vegan). Do you know where you’ll serve the meal, your comfort level in the kitchen, and if you have any go-to recipes?
Ask For And Accept Help
Ask your guests to bring a dish of their own to help cut down on the workload on Christmas Day.
Start Prepping Your Space
Start preparing the table, locate all the dishes, silverware, plates, and tablecloth, and make sure you have enough for everyone coming to dinner.
Buy Your Groceries
After you decide on all your recipes, make a list of all the ingredients you need and get them from the grocery store a few days before Christmas.
Make Food Ahead Of Times
See what meals you can make a day or two before Christmas dinner so all you have to do is warm them up come dinner time.
Set Boundaries
Decide what you need from your guests to make your day go smoothly and kindly yet directly let them know.
Enjoy The Day
If you follow all the above tips, you’re more likely to enjoy the day.
Vegan Christmas Drinks
You can ask your guests their preferred drinks and buy those. If you don't want to worry about drinks, you can ask them to bring their own. Get your bartender skills going and create some of these delicious drinks to pair with appetizers, the main meal, and dessert.
Vegan Eggnog With Cinnamon Whiskey
Vegan Mandarin Mulled Wine Recipe
Vegan Christmas Appetizers
As relatives visit and chat about football, politics, arts, and music, give them something to nosh on between topics. They’ll stay preoccupied with delicious food while you either finish the final meal prep or relax with a drink yourself.
Vegan Garlic & Herb 'Cheese' Balls
Cheesy Herbed Garlic Star Bread
Cute Christmas Fruit Salad Cups
Christmas Dinner Without Meat
A Vegan Christmas doesn’t need a turkey, ham, or roast beef. In fact, these recipes will impress all the meat-eaters in your family. From a vegan Shepherd’s Pie to a Tempeh Sausage Stuffed Squash, your guests’ mouths will water as you set your main meal in the center of the table.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Balsamic Glaze & Parmesan
Whole Roasted Butternut Squash With Christmas Stuffing
Vegan Christmas Side Dishes
You’ve made the yummy vegan main meal and now you get to decorate the rest of the table with delicious side dishes. Think mashed potatoes, gravy, and soup, but vegan and still just as tasty.
Toasted Sesame Oil Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Honey
The Best Damn Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Easy Holiday Roasted Vegetables with Pecans and Cranberries
Vegan Christmas Desserts and Cookies
Is it just us or do you almost want to skip straight to dessert? We’re all adults here, so if we really want dessert for dinner, no one’s going to stop us. You can’t have a vegan Christmas dinner without a vegan Christmas dessert and we’ve found some of the most irresistible recipes.
When you host a vegan Christmas dinner, you’re not just creating an amazing meal for your friends and family, but helping Planet Earth by going vegan. Maybe you’ll turn a meat lover into a part-time vegan who may eventually become a full-time vegan themselves. That’d be one lovely Christmas gift.
