Christmas & New Year’s Eve Seafood Menus: 7 Festive Dishes to Try

Bring a Mediterranean twist to your holiday table with these 7 festive seafood dishes perfect for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. From garlicky shrimp appetizers to hearty baked fish, each recipe is easy for home cooks yet full of bright flavors and seasonal cheer. Picture sizzling jumbo shrimp skewers, savory calamari salads, and fragrant seafood paella as the star of your holiday feast. With premium ingredients from Seafood Factory like our jumbo shrimp and calamari rings, you’ll feel like a gourmet chef at home.

1. Garlic & Lemon Shrimp Skewers

Kick off your festive menu with zesty shrimp skewers. Marinate plump prawns in garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, then grill to juicy perfection. Our jumbo tiger shrimp are bold and meaty – ideal for this quick and colorful appetizer. The tangy garlic-lemon glaze and fresh parsley add brightness, making these skewers a holiday hit.

• Marinate peeled shrimp in olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and chopped parsley for at least 30 minutes.
• Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill or broil for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and more parsley for a festive finish. Serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter!

2. Grilled Calamari with Herbs

Bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your Christmas dinner with tender grilled calamari. Lightly coat our wild-caught calamari rings in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. A quick sear on each side adds a smoky char that pairs beautifully with a squeeze of lemon. This dish is simple, healthy, and bursting with holiday flavor.

• Toss calamari rings with extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Grill or sauté over high heat for about 2–3 minutes per side, until the squid is just cooked and tender. Do not overcook or it will become rubbery.
• Serve immediately with lemon slices, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil for a bright, herby kick.

3. Saffron Mussels in Herb Broth

For a rich and fragrant main course, try mussels steamed in a saffron and herb-infused broth. Wild-caught full-shell mussels bring a briny, ocean-fresh taste that’s perfect for special occasions. The luxurious aroma of saffron and garlic with herbs makes this dish feel extra festive and warm.

• Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot and sauté minced garlic and shallots until fragrant.
• Add a pinch of saffron threads, halved cherry tomatoes, and your choice of vegetable or seafood stock.
• Stir in the mussels, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until all shells have opened. Discard any that remain closed.
• Serve the mussels in a bowl with the broth spooned over top, and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

4. Herb-Crusted Baked Sea Bass

This elegant baked sea bass is perfect for a festive holiday dinner. Whole sea bass (Qarous) is seasoned with garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs, then oven-roasted until tender. The result is flaky fish with a fragrant herb crust – a celebratory dish that feels both rustic and refined. Use our quality fresh sea bass to impress your guests with a centerpiece fit for a holiday feast.

5. Whole Grilled Tilapia with Lemon & Herbs

For a heartier option, try our festive whole grilled tilapia. Simply season a wild tilapia with lemon, garlic, and spices, then grill or bake until flaky. Stuffing the cavity with lemon and parsley infuses the fish with bright flavor. This one-pan dish is easy to prepare and makes for a stunning presentation at any holiday gathering.

• Rub the tilapia with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Marinate with lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley.
• Place lemon wedges and herb sprigs inside the fish cavity for extra aroma.
• Grill over medium heat (about 5–6 minutes per side) or bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, until the fish is opaque.
• Serve the whole fish on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and lemon slices. Pair it with roasted potatoes or a crisp tabbouleh salad.

6. Garlic Butter Lobster Tail

Treat everyone to a decadent Garlic Butter Lobster Tail. Our premium lobster tail is wild-caught and individually frozen to lock in flavor. Simply brush each tail with a mixture of melted butter, garlic, and parsley, then broil until the meat is opaque. This luxurious dish feels upscale but is incredibly simple to prepare, perfect for celebrating the New Year in style.

• Preheat the oven broiler. Make a garlic-herb butter by melting butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt.
• Slit the lobster shell lengthwise and pull the meat slightly out. Place tails on a baking tray.
• Brush each tail generously with the garlic butter mixture.
• Broil for 8–10 minutes, or until the lobster meat is opaque and just cooked through. Do not overcook to keep it tender.
• Serve hot with extra garlic butter on the side and lemon wedges for a festive, buttery seafood treat.

7. Festive Seafood Paella

Gather everyone around a vibrant pan of seafood paella, loaded with saffron rice and a mix of ocean flavors. This ultimate Mediterranean party dish uses a combination of shrimp, mussels, calamari, and fish for a flavorful one-pan meal. For convenience, use our ready Seafood Mix (shrimp, mussel meat, calamari, and fish) to speed up prep. Saffron, paprika, and roasted peppers give the dish its signature flavor and vibrant color.

• Sauté chopped onions and bell peppers in olive oil until softened, then stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and saffron.
• Add Spanish rice (such as bomba or arborio) and toast for a minute, then pour in chicken or fish stock.
• Bring to a simmer, then nestle in the seafood mix and any reserved mussel shells. Cook uncovered until the rice is almost tender.
• Turn up the heat to let any liquid evaporate and form a crispy bottom crust (socarrat). Remove from heat, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley. Serve straight from the pan for a communal, festive finale!

These 7 Mediterranean-inspired dishes will light up your Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations with delicious seafood flavors and vibrant holiday cheer. Ready to make your menu even more special? Visit our shop page to browse our full range of premium seafood products and ingredients. Cheers to a joyous holiday feast!