Alternative Christmas dinners?

[angsanana]

We're doing two "Christmas days" this year - my family on Christmas Eve, his on Christmas Day. We'll have a roast on Xmas day... what can I do on Christmas Eve that's sufficiently special/ festive but not a roast (we don't want the same twice in a row!
8 adults, 3 children. Ideas welcomed! X

What about beef cheeks cooked in red wine with silky mash? I sometimes but some chunks of chorizo in as they stew. It's a very rich meal so feels luxurious but can also good for a group as it can be prepped in advance. And can look fancy if you plate it nicely.

We always like to have fish on Christmas Eve. You could have a really fancy fish pie with green beans or a side of salmon with crushed new potatoes and tender steam broccoli with Parmesan shavings.
Then something like a panacotta for pudding.

This is our traditional Christmas eve dinner, we've done others but it's down to this or fish pie depending on who's eating
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/lagranlasagna_87680/amp

Salmon en croute
Or
Beef Wellington
Or
Maple glazed ham and Christmas slaw https://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/recipe_directory/c/christmas-slaw-.html

Growing up we always had a buffet on Christmas Eve and it was the best bit!! Last year we went to Toby Carvery on Christmas Eve (much cheaper and not super busy) and did a buffet on Christmas Day which I think worked well 🤗

pinchofnom.com/recipes/chicken-kebab/

I love this when I have people over, it's always a hit. I use passata instead of yoghurt as I prefer the taste and just whatever spices I fancy.

Usually serve it with home made chips, flatbreads, salad, sometimes halloumi, roasted peppers, rice etc sauces all laid out on the table for people to serve themselves

I agree salmon en croute or beef Wellington or gammon with coleslaw and sides.