The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in delicious treats and gather with loved ones, but sometimes you just want to keep things simple—especially when it comes to appetizers. That’s why I love creating no-bake appetizers for Christmas. They’re quick, easy, and allow you to focus on spending quality time with your family and friends rather than sweating in the kitchen. If you’re like me, you’re always looking for fun and creative ways to celebrate the season without the stress of complicated recipes.
So, I’ve put together a list of 21 festive and delightful no-bake appetizers that are perfect for your Christmas spread. Whether you’re hosting a party, bringing something to a potluck, or just want some holiday cheer on your table, these appetizers will have everyone talking (and reaching for seconds!).
21+ No-Bake Appetizers For Christmas
1. Charcuterie Wreath
You know how much I adore a good charcuterie board, but for Christmas, why not go the extra mile and turn it into a wreath? This no-bake appetizer for Christmas is a showstopper and is surprisingly easy to assemble. Just pop your favorite cheeses, cured meats, olives, and crackers onto toothpicks and then arrange into a circular wreath shape, then garnish with some fresh herbs or cranberries for that holiday flair. It’s visually stunning, and I promise it will impress your guests as much as it satisfies their taste buds.
2. Cucumber Toothpick Trees
These little cucumber trees are the cutest thing to grace your holiday table! Slice a cucumber lengthwise and delicately fold onto a toothpick, making the folds smaller as you get to the end creating that cascading tree look. You can cut a carrot into a star or use a cookie cutter like this one. Then use a normal thick cucumber slice for the tree stump and voila! You can also add a cherry tomato or a tiny cheese cube at the top to serve as the star. It’s refreshing, crunchy, and perfect for those wanting a healthier option at the party.
3. Caprese Stocking
The classic Caprese salad gets a Christmas twist in this no-bake appetizer! Simply arrange the mozzarella for the white fluff sock rim, sliced tomatoes into the shape of a stocking and basil leaves to marry the two together. Why not add a drizzling with balsamic glaze for an extra burst of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect balance of savory and fresh. A festive spin on a beloved appetizer!
4. Christmas Tree Mini Sandwiches
Mini sandwiches are always a hit, but turning them into Christmas trees takes them to the next level. Layer your favorite sandwich fillings (think turkey, cheese, or even ham and mustard) between pieces of bread and use a star cookie cutter to shape them. You can add some fun garnish, like a cut red pepper, cherry tomatoes or cheese, as a star at the top. No cooking involved, and your guests will love them!
Related: 25 Christmas Finger Food Ideas to Try This Year
5. Watermelon Christmas Trees
I love how refreshing, easy and unexpected this one is! Use a Christmas tree cookie cutter (like this one) to cut the watermelon into festive shapes. Yes, that’s literally all you do!. It’s sweet, light, and just what you need to balance out all the savory dishes.
6. Marshmallow and Pretzel Reindeers
This one’s all about fun and nostalgia. Break pretzel sticks in half for antlers and marshmallows for the heads, you can create adorable little reindeer that are perfect for both kids and adults. Add some chocolate chips or candies for eyes and a red M&M or other candy and you’ve got yourself a playful, festive snack that’s easy to make!
7. Banana Santas
These little treats are the cutest and the sweetest! Slice a banana in half, and layer on a skewer with marshmallows and strawberries for Santa’s hat. These mini Santas are light, healthy, and just the thing to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Again, so easy and will delight everyone!
8. Christmas Tree Charcuterie
Take a traditional charcuterie board and arrange it in the shape of a Christmas tree. Use different cheeses, crackers, fruits, and meats to build your tree. Not only is it a visually pleasing no-bake appetizer for Christmas, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser that lets everyone pick their favorite bits from the board.
9. DairyLea Cheese Trees
Cheese lovers, this one’s for you! I love using DairyLea cheese for its rich flavor and smooth texture. Unwrap a DairyLea triangle, press gently into a plate of herbs, and then slide a pretzel stick into the bottom to create mini Christmas trees. If you blinked you may have missed it, it’s so quick and easy. It’s simple, indulgent, and just too cute.
10. Fun Glass Treat Appetizers
You don’t need to be serving wine at your party to bring the wine glasses. Why not fill beyond the brim with a fun selection of treats? Fill the bottom of wine glasses with anything you want, but here I did pistachio nuts, gingerbread men from the store, then top with different sweets like candy canes and other charcuterie types on skewers. It’s an easy, no-bake appetizer for Christmas that adds some personality to your wine glasses.
11. No-Bake White Chocolate Cheesecakes with Mulled Wine Fruit
More no-bake ideas in a glass! These little cheesecake glasses are perfect for holiday gatherings. I love making them with a crumbled biscuit base, a white chocolate middle and topping them with cranberries and raspberries. I love the cute gingerbread men at the top. It’s a sweet and sophisticated treat that feels indulgent without the baking time.
Related: 25+ No Bake Christmas Treats To Make Ahead
12. Strawberry Santas
These bite-sized treats are as adorable as they are delicious. Simply hollow out strawberries and fill them with whipped cream or cream cheese to create Santa’s face. Add a little whipped cream on top for the hat, and you’ve got yourself a delightful no-bake appetizer for Christmas that’s so adorable and fun to pop in your mouth!
13. Chocolate Orange Slices
Chocolate and oranges are a classic pairing, and this no-bake treat is as easy as it gets. Separate the orange segments and dip them in melted chocolate. It’s a simple yet indulgent snack, perfect for holiday parties or just a little something sweet after a long day of gift shopping. Add some little candies for the festive look!
14. Marshmallow Snowmen for Hot Cocoa
What’s better than sipping on hot cocoa? And honestly, bringing appetizers for the drinks is shamefully overlooked in my opinion. Sipping on hot cocoa with a marshmallow snowman! Stack marshmallows on pretzel sticks and use candy eyes, a tiny carrot nose, and buttons to create a snowman. These can be a fun and cute addition to your hot cocoa bar during your holiday festivities. Honestly, if no one wanted cocoa before, they will now!
15. Cheese and Prosciutto Board
This is a simple yet delightful board that’s sure to impress. Grab a wheel of camembert cheese, and creatively slice and arrange into Santa’s face. Spiral and fold prosciutto to form a Santa hat. It’s a whimsical and savory treat that’s such a cute idea, everyone will want to share.
16. Charcuterie Christmas Tree
If you love charcuterie boards as much as I do, you’ll adore this Christmas tree-inspired version. Also, this is so easy but looks like you’ve spent hours. Use various cheeses, meats, fruits, and nuts and place them onto toothpicks and arrange around a tree foam cone like this one. It’s a no-bake masterpiece that’s both a visual treat and a delicious snack that your guests will love.
17. Boursin Antipasto Trees
For something savory and packed with flavor, this no-bake appetizer for Christmas is a winner. Use Boursin cheese and shape into a tree, then arrange olives, and sun-dried tomatoes onto the sides. The creamy cheese combined with the savory veggies is simply irresistible!
18. Festive Goats Cheese Christmas Presents & Crackers
For a playful spin on the classic cheese board, turn your goat cheese into little presents by shaping it into small squares and wrapping it with herbs and chives. Serve with crackers underneath for a delightful and festive appetizer that requires no baking but delivers big flavor.
19. Christmas Tree Donuts
Quick stop at the grocery store to pick up some mini donuts and toothpicks to add to the side of a styrofoam cone (like this one) and voila!. Simply glaze donuts and decorate them with green icing, sprinkles, and edible ornaments. They’re a fun and festive dessert that’s easy to make and adds a beautifully elegant touch to the table.
Related: 25+ Best Christmas Eve Finger Food Ideas On A Budget
20. Fruit Platter Wreath with Cream Dip
A colorful fruit platter shaped into a wreath is an easy and healthy no-bake appetizer for Christmas. Fill the center with a sweet cream dip or yogurt, and you’ve got a refreshing and vibrant snack to balance out the heavier appetizers. Quick to make and beautiful to look at!
21. Christmas Tree Cucumber Tree Bites Platter
For a light and refreshing snack, cucumber slices make for a great base. Squirt s dollop of whipped cream and plop a cherry tomato on top. Arrange on a platter for the tree shape, star shaped cheese at the top and a couple of square crackers at the bottom for the tree pot and you’re done! It’s a crunchy, creamy, and refreshing addition to your holiday spread.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it—21 fun and easy no-bake appetizers for Christmas that will help you celebrate the holiday season without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family get-together or attending a Christmas party, these appetizers are sure to impress. I love how they’re not only delicious but also bring so much cheer to the table. The best part? You don’t need to turn on the oven to enjoy these festive treats! I hope this list has inspired you to create your own holiday spread filled with fun, flavor, and all the joy of Christmas.
