40 Christmas Charcuterie Board Ideas to Celebrate the Season

Charcuterie boards have become a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings, offering nibbles that please every palate. From cranberry-speckled cheeses to peppermint-dusted sweets, these platters let you mix savory bites with seasonal color. Below are forty creative boards to spark inspiration for your next party or quiet night by the tree.

1. Classic Holly & Brie Board

Baked brie is the star here, with rosemary sprigs doubling as faux holly around bright berry preserves. Add salty prosciutto ribbons and green grapes for color contrast. Crackers and baguette slices round things out for effortless holiday snacking.

2. North Pole Snack Platter

This playful arrangement turns simple cheese and produce into a nod to Santa’s outfit. Cheddar provides the “coat,” tomatoes add vibrant pops, and mozzarella pearls mimic fluffy trim. A dish of sweet almonds offers a crunchy finisher.

3. Candy Cane Caprese Board

Curved stripes made from sausage and mozzarella mimic the iconic peppermint candy while keeping things savory. Fresh basil lends fragrance and holiday green. Drizzle with balsamic glaze right before serving for extra shine.

4. Cozy Fireside Smoked Salmon Spread

Silky smoked salmon pairs beautifully with bright lemon and briny capers. Rye crackers add hearty crunch that suits chilly evenings. Garnish with plenty of dill to evoke evergreen boughs.

5. Winter Orchard Board

Celebrate winter fruit by spotlighting apples and pears alongside a spiced cheddar. Candied walnuts echo roasted chestnut aromas without any shell cracking required. Honey ties the flavors together and provides sticky sweetness.

6. Jingle Bell Meat & Mustard Board

Roll thin meat slices into cones so they resemble jingle bells, then cluster them for dramatic effect. Whole-grain mustard brings tang, while gherkins clean the palate between bites. It’s a straightforward assembly with big visual payoff.

7. Snowy Alpine Cheese Flight

Stick to pale cheeses for a ski-slope vibe. Apricots contribute pops of orange that feel like setting-sun glow on snow. Rosemary almonds lend woody aroma reminiscent of pine forests.

8. Rudolph’s Trail Mix Board

A deconstructed trail mix makes snacking a choose-your-own adventure. Dried cranberries supply red “noses,” while marshmallows resemble snow drifts. Kids love building their own little handfuls.

9. Evergreen Antipasto Wreath

Shape antipasto ingredients into a wreath for an instant centerpiece. The rosemary doubles as both garnish and aromatic herb. Serve toothpicks on the side for easy grabbing.

10. Gingerbread Dessert Board

Not all charcuterie needs meat—this sweet version satisfies sugar cravings. Gingerbread offers spice, while peppermint bark cools the palate. A dish of frosting lets guests play decorator at the table.

11. Mulled Wine Companion Board

When mulled wine is on the stove, go for flavors that echo its warmth—fennel, citrus, and dried fruit. Manchego’s nutty profile stands up to spiced red wine. The board keeps guests nibbling while mugs warm their hands.

12. Polar Express Breakfast Board

Serve this platter early on Christmas morning when excitement runs high. Waffles act as edible plates for berries and syrup. Cooked bacon adds savory balance that adults appreciate.

13. Nutcracker Cheese & Fruit Medley

Pretend the nutcrackers did the cracking for you by offering shelled nuts ready to snack on. Blue cheese offers sharp contrast to sweet apple butter. Use holiday picks for easy spearing.

14. Midnight Mass Midnight Snack Board

This late-night board leans on deep flavors: extra-dark chocolate, sharp cheese, and juicy berries. Coffee beans offer a tiny caffeine jolt in case the evening runs long. The color palette feels elegant and moody.

15. Peppermint Party Platter

Peppermint takes center stage here, perfect next to mugs of cocoa. Chocolate-dipped pretzels provide salty-sweet crunch. Keep napkins close; things get delightfully sticky.

16. Cranberry Country Board

Turn Thanksgiving leftovers into a Christmas board with turkey and cranberries. The studded cheddar echoes the sauce’s tartness. Rosemary crackers tie in herbal notes for a tidy little meal.

17. Frosty Veggie Board

Not every platter needs meat or cheese. Shape cauliflower into a snowman to make raw veggies fun. Serve ranch or yogurt dip in the center as “melting snow.”

18. Starry Night Blue Cheese Board

Star-shaped crackers add whimsy and match a celestial theme. Gorgonzola and fig jam create a decadent bite. Black grapes continue the night-sky palette.

19. Carolers’ Hot Chocolate Dipper Board

Warm up returning carolers with dunk-friendly treats. Churro sticks absorb cocoa quickly, while biscotti stay crisp. Brownie bites satisfy anyone craving rich chocolate.

20. Sleigh Bell Surf & Turf Board

Pair tender steak slices with sweet crab for a luxe spread. Smoked gouda bridges land and sea flavors. Buttered crostini make perfect mini open-faced sandwiches.

21. Pinecone Prosciutto & Pear Board

Prosciutto’s rosy folds look like woodland pinecones when arranged just right. Pear’s mellow sweetness complements the salty meat. Sage leaves deliver seasonal scent without overwhelming the palate.

22. Silent Night Soft Cheese Board

Soft cheeses encourage slow, quiet enjoyment—perfect for a calm evening. Offer sliced baguette that won’t compete with delicate textures. Truffle honey provides luxurious earthiness.

23. Twelve Drummers Drumming Spicy Board

Bring the heat with pepper-forward ingredients that keep the taste buds marching. Soppressata’s kick pairs well with creamy yet piquant pepper jack. Jalapeños and almonds add crunch and extra rhythm.

24. Frosted Forest Chocolate & Berry Board

Chocolate bark studded with cranberries resembles a snowy forest floor. Fresh berries cut through richness with bright acidity. Pretzel “trees” add shape and a salty counterpoint.

25. Scandinavian Snowflake Board

Nordic flavors feel right at home in winter. Gravlax offers gentle salmon sweetness, balanced by rye’s assertive earthiness. Dill bridges every element with fresh, green notes.

26. Christmas Market Sausage Board

Channel German holiday markets with warm bratwurst and pretzels. Smoked cheddar adds richness without heavy melting. Grainy mustard cuts through the fat and brings zing.

27. Sugar Plum Fairy Sweet & Savory Board

Plums lend jewel-toned beauty and mild sweetness. Briny feta balances fruit sugar, while pistachios enhance the color scheme. A dollop of jam ties everything together.

28. Holiday Movie Marathon Board

Keep snacks within arm’s reach so no one misses key scenes. Savory meets sweet through cheesy popcorn and licorice. Mini sausages offer protein to sustain long viewing sessions.

29. Bethlehem Bread & Oil Board

Highlight simple, ancient flavors with fresh bread and fragrant olive oil. Roasted garlic spreads like butter for extra indulgence. A sprinkle of za’atar adds earthy, citrusy notes.

30. Ornament Surprise Cheese Ball Board

Cheese balls masquerading as ornaments bring instant cheer. Each coating offers a new flavor experience, from tart cranberries to nutty pecans. Pretzel “hooks” provide extra crunch and visual charm.

31. Pine Needle Pesto & Burrata Board

Silky burrata and bright pesto recall fresh pine scents and colors. Roasted tomatoes contribute sweetness and festive red accents. Grilled bread soaks up every last drop of creamy goodness.

32. Candlelit Mediterranean Board

Mediterranean flavors feel cozy under soft lighting. Lamb meatballs make the platter meal-worthy. Scoop hummus with warm pita and finish with briny olives.

33. Holiday Ham & Cheddar Slider Board

Sliders turn leftover ham into party fare. Sharp cheddar melts slightly against warm meat. Pickle chips bring necessary tang and crunch.

34. Spiced Cider Companion Board

Manchego and chorizo echo the spices floating in hot cider. Crisp apple cleanses the palate between rich bites. Candied pecans nod to classic holiday confections.

35. Carol of the Bells Bell Pepper Board

Roasted peppers add smoky sweetness while keeping the color theme. Herb goat cheese gives creamy contrast. Guests can build mini bruschetta to their liking.

36. Arctic White Chocolate & Cheese Board

White foods evoke polar landscapes, yet flavors vary widely. Parmesan offers salty depth against sweet chocolate and macaroons. Macadamias contribute creamy crunch.

37. Reindeer Fuel Protein Board

This hearty spread keeps energy high ahead of long wrapping sessions. Roast beef and eggs deliver protein, while cheddar adds calcium. Whole-wheat pitas make convenient hand-held carriers.

38. Yuletide Yogurt & Granola Board

Ideal for Christmas brunch, this lighter board balances rich holiday meals. Pomegranate seeds sparkle like rubies against creamy yogurt. Granola supplies crunch and lasting fullness.

39. Midnight Snowfall Coconut Dessert Board

Coconut treats mimic freshly fallen snow under dim lights. White chocolate pretzels introduce a salty twist. Serve with espresso for contrast.

40. New Year Countdown Board

Bridge Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a countdown platter. Each pile marks an “hour” leading up to midnight bites of espresso-infused chocolate. Guests can graze as the seconds tick down.