One of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday period is the abundance of delicious food. While many of us look forward to Christmas dinner, turkey with all the trimmings isn't necessarily everybody's idea of the perfect meal. While the tradition of eating turkey on Christmas Day can be traced back to the 16th century, it wasn't until the late Victorian era that this large bird started to frequent our festive dining tables.

Christmas dinner traditions vary worldwide, and there are no hard and fast rules that state what you have to eat. So if you fancy something different this year, take a look at these alternative festive feast suggestions.

Fish

A delicate yet flavourful alternative to a traditional roast bird or joint is a high-quality piece of fish. Opt for a show-stopping poached side of salmon with dill, parsley and lemon or baked sea bass with a caper dressing. Whichever fish you favour, a light, creamy sauce never goes amiss. Serve your sumptuous seafood with buttery new potatoes, steamed seasonal veg and salad. You could even make a smokey, saffron-infused seafood paella with fresh crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Mexican-Inspired

For those craving a little spice, a Mexican-inspired Christmas spread is ideal. Give taco Tuesday a festive twist with build-your-own chipotle turkey tacos, complete with all the essential sides - fresh pico de gallo, chunky homemade guacamole and velvety sour cream. For something a little more fuss-free, consider cheesy enchiladas filled with melt-in-your-mouth birria beef. If you'd prefer a lighter dish, you could prepare colourful black bean burrito bowls. Whatever you decide on, make sure the tequila is flowing.

Curry

It's no surprise that many Brits forgo a traditional turkey dinner in favour of a Christmas curry. With at least one curry house in every town and an unofficial national dish of chicken tikka masala, we are a nation of spice enthusiasts. Turkey curry is often eaten on Boxing Day, using leftover turkey and veg from the previous day, but there's no reason not to enjoy a fragrant South Asian dish on the big day itself.

Pasta Dishes

Pasta is an exceptionally popular and versatile ingredient. With over 600 pasta shapes, each suited for a different purpose, it's easy to see why this Italian staple is beloved worldwide. Whatever your sauce preference, be it a creamy carbonara or rich ragu, you can guarantee a crowd-pleasing dish. Consider making several to choose from, including a classic Spaghetti alle Vongole, a comforting spinach and ricotta Conchiglioni and a peppery Bucatini all'Amatriciana.

Charcuterie Boards

A charcuterie board is a delectable array of fine cheeses, cured meats and extras such as fruit or pickles - the perfect picky meal for a low-maintenance family get-together. Select several kinds of cheese, ranging from hard to soft and arrange them amongst cold cuts like prosciutto and mortadella. To amp up the festive luxury, pair your ingredients with the perfect Christmas dinner wine, such as a Côtes du Rhône red or oaked Chardonnay.

Hotpot

Christmas is a time for togetherness, and what better way to bond than over a delicious meal? Hotpot is a communal, social method of cooking and eating, originating in China. Everybody gathers around a simmering pot of spicy, flavourful broth at the dining table to cook various meats, vegetables, tofu and seafood. Provide rice, noodles, sauces and dips to make this meal authentic and substantial.

Veggie and Vegan

Let's not forget our herbivorous friends. While it's always a good idea to cater to your guest's dietary requirements, there's no reason for meat-free meals not to take centre stage. Plant-based dishes are often reserved as sides, but considering many of us are attempting to reduce our meat consumption, why not include more veggie dishes in your festive spread? You could opt for a classic nut roast flavoured with rosemary and sage or attempt a rich, earthy mushroom wellington with red wine gravy.

Hot Buffets

A failsafe option for any festive gathering is to provide a good old-fashioned hot buffet, guaranteeing something for everyone. You could go to town with an assortment of fancy finger foods such as filled vol-au-vents, scotch quail eggs and honey-glazed chicken wings. You could also provide slow-cooker classics for everybody to dip into, like hearty beef stew and sticky pulled pork.

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Alternative Christmas Dinner Ideas