Planning a vegan Christmas dinner doesn’t have to mean missing out on all the cosy traditions. With the right recipes, a plant-based festive menu feels generous, comforting and every bit as special as the classic roast.
This guide pulls everything together into a complete vegan Christmas dinner: a savoury starter, two showstopper mains, crisp seasonal sides, indulgent desserts and a trio of festive drinks. Every key dish comes with a short video reel so you can see exactly how it’s made, plus a link to the full written recipe for easy reference.
Whether the whole household is vegan or you’re catering for a mix of guests, this menu promises plenty of flavour, texture and colour on the table.
Vegan Christmas Starter: Creamy Mushroom Pâté
Few things feel as welcoming as a generous board of toasts topped with rich, savoury pâté. This vegan mushroom pâté offers all the depth you’d expect from a classic pâté, with no dairy or meat in sight.
Serve it on toasted sourdough, crostini or your favourite crackers, with a little dish of cornichons or chutney on the side.
Expect a silky texture, plenty of umami from the mushrooms, and a hint of herbs to keep everything bright. It’s the sort of starter you can happily make a day or two ahead; simply keep it covered in the fridge and bring it out to soften slightly before serving.
Get the full recipe: Vegan Mushroom Pâté Recipe
Vegan Nut Roast: A Classic Centrepiece
For many people, Christmas dinner isn’t complete without a nut roast. This version is packed with nuts, herbs and vegetables, creating a sliceable loaf with a crisp top and moist, flavourful centre. It looks beautiful surrounded by roast potatoes and greens, and makes excellent leftovers for Boxing Day sandwiches.
Get the full recipe: Vegan Nut Roast Recipe
A few tips for success:
- Line the tin well so the roast turns out cleanly.
- Press the mixture firmly into the tin to help it hold its shape.
- Let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing so the structure sets.
Serve generous slices with vegan gravy, cranberry sauce and plenty of roasted vegetables.
Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries and Kale
Stuffed butternut squash makes a beautiful alternative to nut roast – or an equally lovely companion if you’re feeding a crowd. Roasted squash halves cradle a vibrant filling of quinoa, kale, cranberries and nuts or seeds, creating a centrepiece that’s as colourful as it is satisfying.
Get the full recipe: Stuffed Butternut Squash with Quinoa, Cranberries and Kale
The elements come together in three simple stages:
- Roast the squash until tender and lightly caramelised around the edges.
- Cook the quinoa filling with kale, cranberries and aromatics.
- Stuff and bake again so the flavours meld and the top turns slightly crisp.
Finish with extra herbs, toasted nuts or seeds and perhaps a scattering of pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like sparkle down the centre of the table.
Vegan Christmas Sides: Green Beans and the Trimmings
No Christmas dinner is complete without a table full of sides. Crisp, bright green beans keep things fresh and vibrant, while all the classic trimmings can be made fully vegan with a few simple swaps.
Green Beans
These green beans bring a welcome hit of colour and crunch alongside rich mains. Depending on your recipe, you might add garlic, lemon, toasted nuts or a touch of chilli.
Get the full recipe: Festive Green Beans Recipe
Blanch the beans briefly so they stay crisp-tender, then toss in a hot pan with your chosen flavourings just before serving.
Other Vegan Trimmings
Alongside your beans, you might like to add:
- Roast potatoes cooked in vegetable oil or olive oil until golden and fluffy inside
- Maple-roasted carrots and parsnips with a sprinkle of thyme
- Brussels sprouts with toasted nuts, seeds or vegan “bacon” bits
- Braised red cabbage with apples and warming spices
Even simple sides feel special when they’re piled high on beautiful serving dishes and brought to the table all at once.
Vegan Christmas Pudding
Traditional Christmas pudding is all about deep, spiced, fruity flavour – and a vegan version can deliver exactly that. This pudding keeps the familiar richness, using plant-based ingredients and a little creativity in place of eggs and dairy.
Get the full recipe: Vegan Christmas Pudding Recipe
Look forward to:
- A dense, moist crumb packed with dried fruit
- Gentle warmth from spices and perhaps a splash of rum or brandy
- The comfort of serving something everyone recognises, just made more inclusive
Serve with vegan custard, brandy sauce or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream. If you like the theatre of it, you can still flame the pudding with a little warmed liquor – just follow standard safety precautions and keep children and flammable decorations at a sensible distance.
Vegan Cheesecake for Christmas Dessert
Not everyone loves Christmas pudding, so offering a second dessert keeps everyone happy. A vegan cheesecake feels creamy and indulgent, especially when you crown it with berries, citrus or chocolate.
Get the full recipe: Vegan Cheesecake Recipe
Depending on your preferred style, you might go for:
- A no-bake cheesecake set in the fridge, perfect for making the day before
- A baked version with a texture close to classic New York cheesecake
Either way, a crunchy base and smooth top make a lovely contrast to the warm, spiced flavours of the rest of the meal.
Festive Vegan Drinks: Mulled Wine and Christmas Martinis
A thoughtfully chosen drink makes Christmas dinner feel like a real occasion. All of these options can be made fully vegan – simply check that your wine and any liqueurs are labelled vegan-friendly.
Vegan Mulled Wine
Mulled wine brings instant warmth and fragrance to the room. Gently heat vegan-friendly red wine with orange slices, spices and a little sweetener, making sure it never quite reaches the boil. Ladle into heatproof glasses and garnish with cinnamon sticks or star anise for a classic look.
Get the full recipe: Mulled Wine Recipe
Vodka Martini
A vodka martini offers something clean and crisp for guests who prefer a lighter pre-dinner drink. Stir vodka and a splash of dry vermouth over ice until very cold, then strain into a chilled glass and garnish with lemon peel or olives.
Get the full recipe: Vodka Martini Recipe
Espresso Martini
Espresso martinis make a brilliant after-dinner cocktail – part dessert, part little pick-me-up. Shake vodka, freshly brewed espresso and coffee liqueur with ice until frothy, then strain into a martini glass and finish with a few coffee beans on top.
Get the full recipe: Espresso Martini Recipe
Simple Table Styling Ideas for a Vegan Christmas
Even the loveliest food feels more special when the table looks thoughtfully dressed. A few easy touches can transform your Christmas table without adding hours of work.
- Choose a soft linen tablecloth or runner in a natural shade.
- Layer cloth napkins and simple white or stoneware plates.
- Run a line of seasonal greenery (eucalyptus, pine or ivy) down the centre, tucked around candlesticks.
- Mix taller taper candles with low tealights or votives for a soft, flattering glow.
- Use your prettiest serving dishes so the nut roast, stuffed squash and vegetables feel almost like still-life displays.
If your table is small, keep decorations low and simple so there’s still plenty of room for the platters.
More Christmas & Entertaining Ideas
For more inspiration, take a look at Christmas Table Setting Ideas for simple, beautiful ways to dress your festive table.
Vegan Christmas Dinner FAQs
What do vegans eat for Christmas dinner?
A vegan Christmas dinner can be every bit as hearty as a traditional one. Instead of turkey, many people choose a nut roast or stuffed butternut squash as the main, surrounded by roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, gravy and cranberry sauce. Starters and desserts are easy to adapt too – think mushroom pâté, Christmas pudding and cheesecake made with plant-based ingredients.
How do you make a vegan Christmas dinner feel special?
Focus on variety, texture and presentation. Offer more than one main if you can, pile vegetables high on beautiful plates, and make sure you have a rich gravy and a couple of sauces on the table. Lighting, music and attractive serving dishes all add to the sense of occasion, as do thoughtful details like cocktails on arrival and a choice of desserts.
Can you prepare a vegan Christmas dinner in advance?
Very much so. Many of the dishes in this menu are designed with make-ahead prep in mind: mushroom pâté, Christmas pudding and cheesecake all benefit from time to chill or mature. Nut roast and stuffed squash can be assembled the day before, ready to bake on Christmas Day. Even parboiling potatoes ahead of time helps lower the pressure on the day itself.
What should I serve non-vegan guests at a vegan Christmas?
Most guests are happy as long as the food is generous, flavourful and satisfying. If you offer a proper centrepiece (such as nut roast or stuffed squash), plenty of well-seasoned sides and indulgent desserts, meat-eaters are unlikely to feel they’re missing out. You can always mention in advance that the menu is fully plant-based so no one is surprised.
Is vegan Christmas pudding different from regular Christmas pudding?
A vegan Christmas pudding skips the eggs and dairy but keeps all the familiar fruity, spiced richness. Plant-based fats, alternative binders and a good mix of dried fruit and spices give you the same comforting flavour and texture. Served with vegan custard, brandy sauce or ice cream, most people would struggle to spot the difference.