Traditionally, snacks are left out for Father Christmas and his reindeer on Christmas Eve to help keep their strength up as they deliver all the presents to children around the world in one night. In the UK, we often leave out mince pies, a carrot for the reindeer and a little sherry to help Santa on his merry way. In the US, milk and cookies are more traditional, and in Australia, he can even expect a refreshing ice-cold beer to help with the scorching heat of summer.
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Give Saint Nick something to look forward to with our guide to the best snacks for Christmas Eve. From fun twists on mince pies to white chocolate Christmas bark, you can guarantee you'll be first on his delivery list each year. While you're at it, there's no harm in sampling some of these homemade treats too.
Try Christmas Eve recipes that Santa won't be sharing, then discover our Christmas mash-up recipes and best snacks for winter walks.
Best sweet snacks to leave out for Santa this Christmas
Whisky crumble mince pies
By now Santa has probably had more than his fill of classic mince pies. This variation adds in a splash of whisky and morello cherries for a grown-up twist that won't stick around for long. For another festive twist, try our frangipane mince pies and clementine mince pies.
White chocolate cranberry cheesecake blondies
Blondies get a festive flavour boost with cranberries in this recipe. A vanilla cheesecake swirl provides the figurative icing on the cake to create a sweet treat that Santa – and you – won't be able to resist. Next, try our Christmas brownies.
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Candied orange peel
Give Santa and his reindeer a bite-sized sweet treat this Christmas Eve with this candied orange peel dipped in chocolate. If you can't get enough of this flavour combo, try our best chocolate orange recipes.
Chocolate chunk cookies with pecans
As satisfyingly crunchy as the snow outside, these indulgent chocolate chunk cookies with pecans will give the big man in the red suit something sweet to sink his teeth into. Or, try our Christmas cookies and Christmas biscuits.
Cinnamon biscuits
Kids will love decorating these snowflake-shaped biscuits to leave out for Santa this Christmas. Serve with our homemade gingerbread latte to warm him up from the inside out. Try our gluten-free gingerbread instead if needed.
Blonde chocolate Christmas bark
Give Father Christmas a protein hit to boost him on his travels. This white chocolate bark is topped with nuts, citrus fruit and salty pretzels. For more white chocolate inspiration, follow them up with our caramelised white chocolate florentines.
Christmas rocky road
A Christmassy twist on rocky road, these moreish bites combine ginger biscuits, cranberries and pistachios for festive colour and flavour. We won't tell if you keep a handful of these back for yourself. For more bite-sized treats, try our Christmas fudge.
Best savoury snacks to leave out for Santa
Parsnip crisps
A welcome relief from the sugar overload, Santa and his reindeer can enjoy these homemade parsnip crisps. If you're feeling inspired to make more salty veggie snacks, try our vegetable crisps with curry salt and paprika crisps.
Cheese straws
Not everyone has the time to make Santa's snacks from scratch, so these quick cheese straws are the perfect last-minute saviour so you don't end up on the naughty list. Discover more puff pastry recipes.
Cheese and walnut scones
These are freezable, which means Kris Kringle won't have to worry about them spoiling if they get too cold on his sleigh. For an indulgent twist, try our comté and olive scones next.
Kale hush puppies with lemon aïoli
Not even the North Pole can escape the kale hype, and you can't knock a bit of lemon aïoli. Discover all of our Christmas canapé recipes here.
Cheese fondue
A well-deserved treat for the old man. Let him put his feet up for a minute and dive into this cheese fondue spread. The vegetable crudités are perfect for dunking in the molten cheese. Or, try our indulgent smoky mac and cheese fondue.
Salted honey nuts
The perfect protein-rich pick-me-up, this delightful mixture of almonds, macadamias, cashews and walnuts is coated with a moreish salted honey sauce. Don't be surprised if Father Christmas fills his boots. For another sweet and salty snack, try our marron glacé recipe.
Best drinks to leave out for Santa
Boozy orange coffee
Saint Nick will thank you for this energy-boosting Cointreau-spiked black coffee. Dollop some double cream on top for an extra treat. Discover more of our top coffee co*cktails here as well as our favourite Cointreau co*cktails.
Campfire co*cktail
Shake up a bourbon co*cktail with marshmallow syrup and serve over ice. It's the perfect tipple for winter. Alternatively, try more bourbon co*cktails.
Chocolate porter flip
Looks like butter beer, tastes like chocolate – either way it's as magical as a Christmas feast in the Great Hall. Inspired? Check out more beer co*cktails here.
Christmas cake martini
Skip the sweets and get straight to the point with this festive co*cktail. We're sure St. Nicholas will appreciate something a little different. Discover more martini recipes here.
Mulled beer
This mulled beer co*cktail serves four, so that's one cup for Old Nick and three for you! In the mood for more warming spiced drinks? Try our mulled cider, mulled wine and mulled gin.
Baileys hot chocolate
Why make a normal hot chocolate when you can put booze in it? This is perfect for grown-ups after the kids have gone to bed. Or, for a family-friendly alternative without the alcohol, try our luxury hot chocolate recipe.
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Hangover bloody mary
Because after consuming all that booze, you might need one of these. Best served alongside one of our brunch recipes.
