Here’s the thing about holiday parties with kids—you can spend hours making fancy appetizers, but if they involve anything green, mysterious textures, or “weird” flavors, you’re basically serving decorative centerpieces. I’ve learned this the hard way after watching my beautiful caprese skewers get completely ignored while kids demolished an entire plate of cheese cubes.
These 21 kid-friendly Christmas appetizers are designed to actually get eaten. They’re festive, fun, and involve ingredients kids genuinely like—not what we wish they’d like. Most importantly, they’re easy enough that you won’t lose your mind making them while also wrapping presents, decorating cookies, and pretending you have holiday spirit. From cute reindeer snacks to pizza-flavored everything, these appetizers will keep the little ones happy while the adults enjoy their wine in relative peace.
1. Reindeer Pretzel Bites
Adorable, crunchy, and impossibly easy—the holy trinity of kid appetizers.
Ingredients
- Mini pretzel twists
- Small pretzel sticks (broken in half for antlers)
- Chocolate candies or Rolos
- Candy eyes
- Red M&Ms or red Sixlets
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Lay out mini pretzels on a baking sheet.
- Place one chocolate candy on each pretzel.
- Bake at 250°F for 3-4 minutes until the chocolate softens slightly.
- Press two pretzel stick halves into the chocolate for antlers.
- Add candy eyes and a red nose while the chocolate is still soft.
Why You’ll Love It
These are so cute that kids actually get excited about eating them. The chocolate-pretzel combo is always a winner, and assembling these can be a fun activity if you need to keep kids busy. I made these for my daughter’s class party and the teacher literally asked for the recipe.
2. Christmas Tree Veggie Cups
The sneaky way to get kids to eat vegetables without a fight.
Ingredients
- Small clear plastic cups
- Ranch dip or hummus
- Cherry tomatoes
- Cucumber slices
- Broccoli florets
- Baby carrots
- Yellow bell pepper (cut into star shapes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill the bottom of each cup with ranch dip or hummus.
- Arrange veggies vertically in the cup to create a tree shape.
- Use cherry tomatoes as ornaments throughout.
- Top with a yellow pepper star.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until party time.
Why You’ll Love It
Kids are way more likely to eat veggies when they’re arranged in a cute tree shape—it’s science, probably. The individual cups mean no germ-sharing in the communal dip bowl, which every parent appreciates. Plus, you can prep these ahead and they actually look impressive.
Read More: 23 Best Christmas Tree Veggie Trays For Holiday Parties
3. Pizza Roll-Ups
Because pizza is the universal kid language, and these are way easier than actual pizza.
Ingredients
- 2 cans refrigerated crescent roll dough
- ½ cup pizza sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mini pepperoni
- Italian seasoning
- Extra pizza sauce for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Roll out crescent dough and pinch seams together.
- Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough.
- Sprinkle cheese and pepperoni on top.
- Roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch pieces.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
These are basically guaranteed crowd-pleasers. I’ve never met a kid who doesn’t like pizza flavors, and the bite-sized format makes them perfect for little hands. FYI, you can swap pepperoni for ham or leave meat out entirely for picky eaters.
4. Snowman Cheese Balls
Adorable, cheesy, and require zero cooking skills.
Ingredients
- String cheese sticks
- Baby carrots (cut into small pieces)
- Black sesame seeds or poppy seeds
- Pretzel sticks
- Small crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Stack three cheese rounds (sliced from string cheese) to create a snowman shape.
- Use a toothpick to secure them together.
- Add carrot pieces for the nose.
- Use seeds for eyes and buttons.
- Insert pretzel sticks as arms and serve with crackers.
Why You’ll Love It
Kids think these are hilarious, and you can make a whole army of snowmen in about 10 minutes. The string cheese base means they’re actually getting protein, not just sugar. These are perfect for kids to help assemble if you need a kitchen activity.
5. Candy Cane Caprese Skewers
The only way kids will voluntarily eat tomatoes and mozzarella.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mini mozzarella balls
- Fresh basil leaves (small)
- Balsamic glaze
- Small skewers or toothpicks
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Thread ingredients onto skewers in a pattern: tomato, basil (folded), mozzarella.
- Repeat to create a red and white pattern.
- Arrange skewers in a candy cane shape on a platter.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving.
- Pray that kids actually eat them (results may vary).
Why You’ll Love It
Okay, this one’s a bit of a risk, but the candy cane arrangement makes it more appealing to kids than regular caprese. Some kids will eat these, some won’t—but at least you tried to include something remotely healthy 🙂
6. Santa Hat Brownie Bites
Festive, chocolatey, and involve zero actual baking.
Ingredients
- Store-bought brownie bites
- Strawberries (with stems removed)
- Whipped cream or cream cheese frosting
- Miniature chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place each brownie bite on a serving plate.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Place a strawberry (point-side up) on the whipped cream.
- Add a tiny dollop of cream at the tip for the pom-pom.
- Use a chocolate chip for the belt buckle on the brownie base.
Why You’ll Love It
These look way more complicated than they are. The brownie-strawberry combo is actually pretty delicious, and kids love the Santa hat concept. I use store-bought brownies because life’s too short, and nobody can tell the difference.
7. Christmas Wreath Quesadillas
Turning a basic quesadilla into something festive—parenting hack unlocked.
Ingredients
- Large flour tortillas
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded chicken or beans (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Sour cream (for “snow”)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make quesadillas with cheese and optional protein.
- Cut out a circle from the center to create a wreath shape.
- Cut the quesadilla into triangular slices.
- Arrange in a wreath shape on a plate.
- Garnish with cherry tomato halves as “ornaments” and sour cream dollops.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s just a quesadilla, but the wreath presentation makes it special. Kids who normally refuse vegetables might actually try the tomatoes when they’re presented as ornaments. This is my go-to when I need something kid-friendly but also want it to look holiday-ready.
8. Grinch Fruit Kabobs
The only fruit kabobs that kids actually get excited about.
Ingredients
- Green grapes
- Strawberries
- Mini marshmallows
- Banana slices
- Skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Thread green grapes onto skewers (the Grinch’s body).
- Add a strawberry at the top (his heart).
- Top with a mini marshmallow (his Santa hat).
- Optional: add banana slices between grapes for variety.
- Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It
The Grinch theme makes fruit fun instead of boring. Kids love the story connection, and you’re sneaking in actual nutrition. These are also super easy for kids to grab and eat while running around destroying your house.
9. Pigs in a Blanket (Christmas Edition)
The classic gets a holiday makeover with zero extra effort.
Ingredients
- Mini cocktail sausages
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning
- Ketchup and mustard for dipping
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut crescent dough into thin strips.
- Wrap each mini sausage with a dough strip.
- Place on a baking sheet seam-side down.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
Why You’ll Love It
Pigs in a blanket are scientifically proven to be kid catnip (okay, I made that up, but they really are). These disappear faster than any other appetizer I make. You can make these ahead and reheat them—they’re basically indestructible.
10. Snowman Pancake Poppers
Breakfast food as an appetizer? Absolutely yes.
Ingredients
- Mini pancakes (store-bought or homemade)
- Chocolate chips
- Orange candy melts or frosting
- Pretzel sticks
- Powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Stack three mini pancakes on skewers to create snowmen.
- Use chocolate chips for eyes and buttons.
- Add a tiny piece of orange candy for the nose.
- Insert pretzel sticks as arms.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
Why You’ll Love It
Kids love eating pancakes any time of day, and the snowman presentation makes them party-appropriate. You can use frozen mini pancakes and just microwave them—no judgment here. These are also great for Christmas morning breakfast.
11. Candy Cane Pretzels
Sweet, salty, and ridiculously easy to make in bulk.
Ingredients
- White chocolate or candy melts
- Pretzel rods
- Crushed candy canes or peppermint candies
- Red food coloring (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt white chocolate and divide into two bowls.
- Color one bowl with red food coloring.
- Dip pretzel rods halfway into white chocolate.
- Drizzle red chocolate over the white in a stripe pattern.
- Roll in crushed candy canes and let set on parchment paper.
Why You’ll Love It
These look fancy but take about 15 minutes to make a whole batch. The peppermint-chocolate-pretzel combo is festive and delicious. Kids love the candy cane flavor, and they’re sturdy enough to survive little hands.
12. Christmas Tree Fruit Platter
Making fruit fun—the eternal parenting struggle.
Ingredients
- Watermelon or cantaloupe (cut into triangle slices)
- Green grapes
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Pineapple chunks
- Star fruit (for tree topper)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Arrange triangle-shaped melon slices as the tree base.
- Fill in with green grapes to create the tree shape.
- Add strawberries, blueberries, and pineapple as ornaments.
- Place a star fruit piece at the top.
- Serve with a small bowl of yogurt dip if desired.
Why You’ll Love It
The tree arrangement makes fruit more appealing than a boring fruit tray. Kids are more likely to try different fruits when they’re part of a fun design. This also makes you look like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
13. Mac and Cheese Bites
Because mac and cheese makes everything better.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- Mini muffin tin
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix cooked mac and cheese with extra cheddar and eggs.
- Spray a mini muffin tin with cooking spray.
- Fill each cup with the mac and cheese mixture.
- Top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy on top.
Why You’ll Love It
These are basically portable mac and cheese—kids lose their minds over them. They’re way less messy than serving mac and cheese in bowls, and you can make them ahead and reheat. I’ve served these at multiple parties and they’re always the first thing to disappear.
14. Rudolph Rice Krispie Treats
The classic treat gets a Christmas makeover.
Ingredients
- Rice Krispies treats (homemade or store-bought)
- Pretzel twists (broken into antlers)
- Candy eyes
- Red M&Ms or gumdrops
- Chocolate frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut Rice Krispies treats into squares or rectangles.
- Use chocolate frosting to attach candy eyes.
- Add a red candy nose with more frosting.
- Press pretzel pieces into the top for antlers.
- Arrange on a festive platter.
Why You’ll Love It
Rice Krispies treats are always a hit, and the Rudolph design is adorable without being complicated. You can prep these the night before—they actually hold up really well. Kids think they’re hilarious, which is honestly half the battle.
15. Cheese and Crackers Christmas Tree
Fancy charcuterie board vibes but make it kid-friendly.
Ingredients
- Assorted crackers
- Sliced cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Grapes (red and green)
- Mini star-shaped cheese cutouts
- Cherry tomatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Arrange crackers in a Christmas tree shape on a large platter.
- Layer cheese slices in between crackers.
- Add grapes as ornaments throughout.
- Use cherry tomatoes for pops of red.
- Top with a star-shaped cheese cutout.
Why You’ll Love It
This looks impressive but is literally just cheese and crackers arranged in a tree shape. Kids can pick what they want, and there’s nothing weird or scary here. IMO, this is the perfect safe option when you’re not sure about kids’ preferences.
16. Hot Dog Mummies
Spooky-cute appetizers aren’t just for Halloween.
Ingredients
- Mini hot dogs or cocktail sausages
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
- Candy eyes
- Ketchup and mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cut crescent dough into thin strips.
- Wrap strips around hot dogs, leaving a gap for the face.
- Place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Add candy eyes with a tiny bit of ketchup as glue.
Why You’ll Love It
Okay, these are technically mummies, not Christmas-themed, but kids love them so much I’m including them anyway. The wrapped hot dog concept is fun, and hot dogs are basically kid currency. Serve with festive plates and call them “Christmas sausage wraps” if you need to justify it.
17. Strawberry Santa Hats (Again, But Different)
Because you can never have too many Santa hat snacks.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Piping bag or zip-top bag
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
- Transfer to a piping bag.
- Slice strawberries in half lengthwise.
- Pipe a dollop of cream cheese mixture where the stem was.
- Place the strawberry top half at an angle to create the hat.
Why You’ll Love It
These are a bit more elegant than the brownie version, and the cream cheese filling makes them feel like a special treat. Some kids will love these, others will just eat the strawberry and leave the cream cheese—but that’s parenting for you.
18. Popcorn Christmas Trees
Snackable, adorable, and made from sugar cones.
Ingredients
- Sugar cones
- Green candy melts
- Popcorn
- Sprinkles
- Yellow star candies
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Melt green candy melts.
- Dip each cone into the green candy, then into popcorn.
- Stand upright and let excess chocolate drip down.
- Add sprinkles immediately while wet.
- Top with a yellow star candy.
Why You’ll Love It
These are weird and wonderful and kids think they’re the coolest thing ever. The popcorn texture looks like tree branches, and they’re actually really fun to eat. Fair warning: these are messy, but what isn’t when kids are involved?
19. Chicken Nugget Christmas Tree
Taking the kid favorite to festive new heights.
Ingredients
- 20-25 chicken nuggets (frozen, cooked per package)
- Various dipping sauces
- Star-shaped cheese slice
- Cherry tomatoes for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook chicken nuggets according to package directions.
- Arrange in a Christmas tree shape on a platter.
- Place the star cheese at the top.
- Add cherry tomatoes as ornaments.
- Surround with small bowls of dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love It
It’s literally just chicken nuggets, but the tree arrangement makes them party-appropriate. Every kid eats chicken nuggets, so this is your fail-safe option. Plus, minimal cooking and maximum kid satisfaction.
20. Peanut Butter and Jelly Snowflakes
The classic sandwich gets a holiday upgrade.
Ingredients
- White bread slices
- Peanut butter (or allergy-friendly alternative)
- Jelly or jam
- Snowflake-shaped cookie cutter
- Powdered sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make traditional PB&J sandwiches.
- Use a snowflake cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
- Dust with powdered sugar.
- Arrange on a platter in a pretty pattern.
- Serve immediately or cover until party time.
Why You’ll Love It
These are just PB&J sandwiches dressed up for the holidays. The snowflake shapes make them special, and you’ve eliminated the whole “crusts are gross” complaint. This is comfort food disguised as party food.
21. Christmas Guacamole Cups
Getting kids to eat guac is a Christmas miracle.
Ingredients
- Prepared guacamole
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded cheese
- Cherry tomatoes (diced)
- Sour cream
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill small clear cups with a layer of guacamole.
- Stand tortilla chips in the guacamole like trees.
- Add shredded cheese on top as “snow.”
- Garnish with tiny pieces of tomato as ornaments.
- Add a dollop of sour cream if desired.
Why You’ll Love It
The individual cup presentation makes guacamole less intimidating to kids. Some will actually try it, and those who don’t can just eat the chips. The tree arrangement makes it feel festive instead of just another dip situation.
Mission Accomplished
There you have it—21 kid-friendly Christmas appetizers that kids will actually eat without complaint, negotiation, or bribery. The best part? Most of these are quick, use simple ingredients, and won’t send you into a holiday stress spiral.
Mix and match based on your kids’ preferences, prep as much as you can ahead of time, and remember that pizza flavors and anything arranged in a cute shape are always winners. Your holiday party will be a hit, the kids will be fed, and you’ll have photographic evidence that you’re totally crushing this parenting thing. Now go forth and conquer Christmas appetizers like the holiday hero you are!
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