New Year’s Eve events in Orange County are best celebrated with kids in tow… especially if they are daytime celebrations! What better way to celebrate the New Year than getting the kids in to bed early?
Scroll down for a great list of places that host family-friendly New Year’s Eve celebrations in Southern California.
Check back throughout the season as we’ll be adding more New Year’s Eve events to this list as they become available to us.
For ease of use, this New Year’s Eve events in Orange County list is organized by city in alphabetical order. Take a look and let us know if we missed one of your favorite winter holiday events! Email (SoCal@LivingMiVidaLoca.com) or message us on Facebook.
If you’re wondering what to do during the holidays in Orange County, check out our growing list ofwinter and holiday events.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations 2023 for families in Orange County
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Anaheim
The Family Soulful New Years Eve Celebration | The Stuffed Potato – Packing House, 440 S Anaheim Blvd December 31, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Tickets: $55 Get ready to ring in the new year with a night full of fun, laughter, and great music. This in-person event will take place on Sunday, December 31, 2023, starting at 9:00 PM
At The Stuffed Potato, we believe in creating memorable experiences, and this New Year’s Eve will be no exception. Our venue provides a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for celebrating with friends and family. Each person in attendance will receive a beautifully designed, generous and delicious charcuterie tray, party favors, and of course champagne for the New Year Toast.
The Family, a renowned local band, will be taking the stage to entertain you all night long. Their energetic performances and diverse repertoire of music will keep you dancing and singing along throughout the evening.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Buena Park
New Year’s Eve Bash | John’s Incredible Pizza December 31, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 1:00 am Watch the BALL DROP at midnight on our BIG SCREENS! Space limited. Event may sell out. BONUS! Buy by Dec 26 to get an extra 20 Fun World Credits!
Celebration Package ($34.99)
Each Guest Receives:
Endless Buffet
Endless Beverages
Unlimited Rides
75 Fun World Credits ($18.75 value!)
New Year’s Accessories: Hat and Glow Necklace(while supplies last)
Premium Package ($44.99)
Each Guest Receives:
Endless Buffet
Endless Beverage
Unlimited Rides
150 Fun World Credits ($37.50 value!)
New Year’s Accessories: Hat and Glow Necklace(while supplies last)
Upgrade your NYE experience! Get your glow on in your own private room with glow supplies. ($100/room)
Each Room Includes:
Private Party Room 7pm – 1am
Glow Accessories
Fits up to 16 guests. Rooms may be expanded. Purchase additional for more capacity.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Costa Mesa
Winter Fest OC NYE Celebration | OC Fair & Event Center December 31, 2023 | 2:00 pm – 12:30 am Countdown to an unforgettable New Year’s celebration at Winter Fest OC! Join us for double the fun as we ring in the new year with two incredible celebrations. At 6pm, groove to the sounds of Tribute by Twist on Taylor, and later, at the stroke of midnight, let 24k Bruno Mars Tribute dazzle you into 2024. It’s a night of music, dancing, and joy, promising to make your New Year’s Eve truly spectacular. And to add even more magic to the night, be sure to catch our dazzling fireworks shows that will light up the sky. Don’t miss out on this double dose of fun as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with a bang!
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Fullerton
First Night Fullerton | Garden Grove Main Library December 31, 2023 | 7:00 pm – midnight Ring in the New Year with us at ‘First Night‘ at the Downtown Fullerton Plaza! Join the city’s most exciting New Year’s Eve event on Sunday, December 31, 2023
• Live Music: Enjoy electrifying performances from local bands and talented artists on multiple stages throughout the festival grounds. Journey Through Time will be on the Mainstage, Soundbytes will be rockin’ on the Harbor Stage, & Latin Soul Band LA will have you dancing on the Pomona Stage. • Culinary Delights: Savor an array of delicious food and beverage options from gourmet food trucks and local vendors offering a diverse selection of cuisines to tantalize your taste buds. • Family Fun Zone: Delight in an assortment of activities designed for all ages, including face painting, balloon and character artists, stilt walkers, a kids lane with interactive games, and much more. Let the little ones revel in the festive atmosphere with dedicated entertainment just for them. • Fireworks Extravaganza: Prepare to be awe-inspired as the night sky illuminates with a breathtaking fireworks display at midnight, marking the start of a promising New Year.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Garden Grove
Noon Year’s Eve | Garden Grove Main Library December 31, 2023 | 11:30 am – 12:15 pm Balloon Drop at 12:00 pm
Join us in celebrating Noon Year’s Eve. Activities include Balloon Drop at Noon, bubble room, photo booth, and craft. Supplies are available while they last.
Noon Year’s Eve | Irvine Heritage Library December 31, 2023 | 11:30 am – 12:30 pm Celebrate the new year at NOON! Crafts, treats and a countdown to noon with a balloon drop! Make sure to bring your camera!
New Year’s Eve – East Coast Style | Hanger 24 – 17877 Von Karman Ave, Unit 110 December 31, 2023 | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Live music from 1-5pm, face painting 1-3pm, balloon artist 3-5pm, plus games and inflatable fun all day long! Open 11am to 8pm New Year’s Eve.
Noon Year’s Eve Party | Pretend City December 31, 2023 | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Twas’ the day before New Year’s and all through the city the citizens are stirring and buzzing about! With sparkling streamers, blowouts, noise makers, and confetti that will make this the party of all parties! “It’s Midnight Somewhere” Confetti Countdown Times:
9:30 a.m. (Member’s Only Countdown)
12:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Orange
New Year’s Eve Party | Holiday Skate Center December 31, 2023 | 8:00 pm – 1:00 am $30 includes skates, pizza, and balloon drop. Come watch the balloon drop and win cash & other prizes.
New Year’s Eve All Ages Bounce | BounceU of Orange December 31, 2023 | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Join us for lots of playtime to end 2022. Best way to welcome the New Year! Don’t forget to bring your SOCKS! Lunch and sparkling apple cider are INCLUDED!!!
New Years Celebration | Dave & Buster’s December 31, 2023 | 9:00 pm Bottles popping! People cheering! Power Cards tapping! New Years Eve at Dave & Buster’s is more than just a good time — it’s the ultimate way to kick off a year of FUN! Grab tickets for your whole crew and stop by for an exclusive New Year’s event at D&B — a jam-packed night of unlimited video game play, & yes, lots & lots of toasts! Cheers!
General Admission ($85.57 +$6.73fee) includes: Access to our delectable appetizer banquet, unlimited soda, coffee & tea, a $20 Power Card® with Unlimited Video Game Play, a special New Year’s Eve toast, suggested 18% gratuity, and taxes.
Premium Admission ($115.57 +$8.53 fee) includes: Access to our delectable appetizer banquet, unlimited soda, coffee, & tea, a $20 Power Card® with Unlimited Video Game Play, a special New Year’s Eve toast, two (2) drink tickets valid for beer, wine, or specialty cocktails, suggested 18% gratuity, and taxes.
Family-friendly New Year’s Eve Events in Yorba Linda
Noon Year’s Eve | My Gym YORBA LINDA December 31, 2023 | 11:15 am – 12:15 pm Join us for a Countdown to Noon Year party, instead. We’ll have games, rides, gymnastics, adventures, and more for the kids. We’ll countdown to noon with a balloon drop and dance party! 0yrs to 8yrs
1 Session : $25.00 per Session
2 Sessions : $22.50 per Session
3+ Sessions : $21.00 per Session
Thank you for reading! Stay updated on fun things to see, eat and do in Orange County by following us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok!
Originally published on December 6, 2023. Last Updated on December 26, 2023 by Pattie Cordova
Looking for delicious food at a local establishment to celebrate Christmas Eve or Christmas Day but don’t know who’s open? OpenTable.com might be a handy resource. The restaurants listed on OpenTable are by no means a comprehensive list, but mostly restaurants that conveniently accept reservations. Type in your city/metro and see what pops up for your next dining experience…holidays or not!
*** PLEASE VERIFY THESE EVENTS BEFORE VISITING ***
One of our favorite things to do as a family, is to get in the car, turn on the Christmas station, stop at Starbucks or McD’s for some peppermint hot chocolate, and go looking for Christmas lights. It is one of our absolute favorite Christmas traditions. It gets us in the holiday spirit, and it is doesn’t cost a cent, other than gas money. We can’t wait to do it again this year. If you’re looking for some fantastic places to watch Christmas lights, here is a list of the best neighborhoods and streets in So Cal. Enjoy!!!
*** PLEASE VERIFY THESE EVENTS BEFORE VISITING ***
Festival of Lights – Tom’s Farms, 23900 Temescal Canyon Rd, Temescal Valley
San Diego:
Carmel Mountain Ranch – Fairway Village/Stoney Gate Place – Carmel Valley
Jingle Bell Hill – Pepper Dr Holiday Lights – El Cajon
Tinseltown – Paseo Palmas Drive- Lakeside
Candy Cane Lane – Poway
Christmas Card Lane – Oviedio Street – Rancho Penasquitos
Holiday Hill – Stadler Street- La Mesa
Hotel Del Coronado – Coronado
Sunburst Santee – Tomel Court, off Magnolia- Santee
Throughout the holiday season, spectacular light shows brighten up botanical gardens and arboretums across the country. Instead of spring flowers, visitors find twinkling holiday lights, often accompanied by a range of other festivities. Check out these 5 places that will literally brighten your holidays!
Astra Lumina
We’re always told to reach fo the stars, but what if the stars could reach for us?
The stars are descending from the night sky. Set off across mysterious grounds to discover a celestial pathway of lustrous light, cosmic visions, and astral song. Immerse yourself in illuminating encounters of lighting, projection and sound, and connect with the stars before they return to the sky above.
Astra Lumina at South Coast Botanic Garden is the 17th experience in the Lumina Enchanted Night Walk series.
Experience a winter walk on the dark side of the garden and let your imagination soar with the new sights and sounds along the Serpent Trail and Forest Path. The reimagined Lightscape merges nature and art in the mesmerizing Fire Garden, awesome Arch of Light, eye-catching Feast of Light, exotic Dancing Palms, and other spectacular installations. Fan favorite, the magnificent Winter Cathedral, returns! Food trucks every night and a full bar too. Pssst–Santa is coming to Lightscape on select nights. Arboretum members save up to $6 a ticket.
When: Nightly Nov. 17-Jan. 2 @ 5:30 p.m.
Santa Nights: Dec. 7-9, 15-17, 20-23
Where: The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is at 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia
Tickets: $14-$18 for children, $29-$35 for adults, at arboretum.org. Save 20% on Value Packs!
Enchanted Forest of Light
Shimmering nocturnal wonderland
Descanso’s Enchanted Forest of Light is an interactive, nighttime experience unlike anything else in Los Angeles, featuring a one-mile walk through unique lighting experiences in some of the most beloved areas of Descanso Gardens.
Returning favorites and fresh delights
Don’t miss popular returning illuminated favorites, including an entire town of magical “stained glass” creations on the Main Lawn by contemporary sculptor Tom Fruin; sparkling geometric installations from HYBYCOZO in the Rose Garden; Flower Power on the Promenade; and exquisite lighting effects in the Ancient Forest.
A magical route through the garden
Click here to see the Enchanted Forest of Light path through the most beloved parts of Descanso.
Rain or shine – Enchanted lights up the night
Enchanted is a rain-or-shine event. Tickets are non-refundable, have timed entry, and must be purchased in advance.
Come find your glow this winter during Luminaria Nights at California Botanic Garden. This holiday lights experience is like no other in Southern California, featuring peaceful luminaria- and string light-lined paths between beautifully illuminated musical venues. With at least three live performers each night, art installations, and food, sweet treats, and drinks available for purchase, Luminaria Nights highlights the quiet evening beauty of CalBG’s unique native plant gardens. New this year: Members Only Preview Night on Friday, December 8th! Become a CalBG member today to purchase tickets for this special night. Join at or upgrade to the Acorn or Family Plus membership level to gain access to our December 8th VIP reception with exclusive treats, drinks, and music.
When: Dec. 9-10, 15-16 @ 6- 9 p.m.
Where: California Botanic Garden, 500 N. College Avenue, Claremont
Tickets: $15 for students; $20 adults at calbg.org
Night of 1000 Lights
It’s Candy Land!
The Gardens’ holiday décor will be reminiscent of the vintage board game we all remember as children.
Stroll along the Rainbow Trail, past the Lollypop Woods and the Gumdrop Mountains, through the Peppermint Stick Forest, and the glistening light tunnel, on your way to the Candy Heart Carnival, featuring carnival games for kids of all ages.
Visit the Molasses Swamp, the Old Peanut Brittle House, and the Candy Land Express Train on your way to visit Santa in his workshop. Then head to the fire pit and whip up your own batch of s’mores. The Garden Shop will be open and is a must-see for unique holiday gift ideas. Make a wish at “The Wishing Tree” and create lasting memories with friends and family celebrating the holidays at Sherman Library & Gardens.
When: Two Member Nights on December 6 & 8 General Public Nights on December 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22
6 pm – 9 pm each night with three entry times each night: 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm & 8:00 pm.
Where: Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar
Tickets: $35 for general admission; $25 for members at thesherman.org
Looking for the best things to do in Los Angeles this Memorial Day weekend? Here are some events and activities to add to your list for the holiday weekend.
Traditionally, Memorial Day Weekend is the start of the summer season, complete with days-long, large-scale festivals, and the Southland keeps coming back bigger and better. There are festivals and fairs galore in Topanga, La Cañada,Garden Grove, Corona, and Hermosa Beach. Summer 2023 is off to an epic start, and SoCal, our ship has sailed in. (To San Pedro for LA Fleet Week.)
And, of course, Memorial Day weekend closes with tributes to our fallen heroes. Ceremonies will be held at the Reagan Library and several Forest Lawn locations, along with observances in local cities. You can find them listed below.
This summer, Pretend City presents Camping in the City! Little ones get to experience the wilderness with opportunities to hike Pretend City trails, follow and trace footprints of the critters who live in the City, and even sit around a campfire listening to stories and learning how to make s’mores. READ MORE
Circus Vargas Express is a high-energy, animal-free extravaganza under the Big Top, with death-defying stuntmen, flying aerialists, exhilarating acrobats, and uproarious clowns under the Big Top. For their latest show, Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights” in their new production, Bonjour Paris READ MORE
Cinespia offers an additional location for viewing classic films under the stars: Los Angeles State Historic Park. Films screening Memorial Day weekend are Mrs. Doubtfire and 10 Things I Hate About You.READ MORE
San Pedro – Friday – Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023
Free
Your ship’s come in—a whole bunch of ’em actually. Fleet Week returns to the Port of Los Angeles with pier-side ship tours, exhilarating aerial demonstrations and flyovers, live entertainment, live competitions, and family activities. READ MORE
La Cañada’s weekend-long Memorial Day festivities celebrate their 50 year anniversary. Activities throughout the weekend include a French toast breakfast, vintage car show, a summer picnic and “ukulele rendezvous”, a family dinner with music, and fireworks. Monday’s activities include a 5k/10k run, a Memorial Day service, a grand parade down Foothill Boulevard, and music in the park. READ MORE
Garden Grove – Friday – Monday, May 26 – 29, 2023
Free admission
Garden Grove marks Memorial Day weekend for the 63rd year with its Strawberry Festival, the second largest city festival in the West. This year, the festival’s theme is “Celebrating Kindness.” READ MORE
In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Southern California Children’s Museum hosts its first-ever free community play day. At Day of Play, everyone is invited to engage with the power of play through arts-based activities, musical performances, and social services information from community service tabling partners. READ MORE
Take me out to the (minor league base)ball game! For young baseball lovers, minor league games are a wonderful opportunity to see future (and sometimes even current) major league players, for a fraction of the ticket price. On select nights, the Quakes will light up the sky with a fireworks display after the game. READ MORE
The Koroneburg Renaissance Festival returns for another season. With lots of audience-participation content, the Faire offers opportunities to learn about ye ol’ German 1450-1600 A.D. history. READ MORE
Pass GO and head to the 8th Annual MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street. MAINopoly is a fun, interactive tasting event that mirrors the classic board game, offering a culinary walking tour of Main Street’s restaurants, ice cream stores, coffee shops and other businesses. READ MORE
The Bureau of Sanitation Open House might not seem like everyone’s idea of a fun Saturday, but to kids who are intrigued by garbage trucks it’s a real hoot. And you might even go home with a fruit or shade tree. READ MORE
Scotsfest returns for Memorial Day weekend in 2023! Scotsfest is a Scottish festival of Celtic entertainment, food, and Highland games. The two-day event showcases the best of the Scottish and Celtic heritage with sounds of bagpipes and drums, the smells of authentic Scottish foods, and the sights of the traditional tartan kilts. READ MORE
Hermosa Beach’s semi-annual blowout combines hundreds of artisans and craftspeople with opportunities to swim, bike, fish, or just relax on the beach. READ MORE
Topanga hosts its annual Memorial Day celebration which consists of music, artisan booths, great food, and a wide range of games, such as pie eating contests, an animal imitation contest, sack races, and a diaper derby. READ MORE
The San Fernando Valley’s annual Greek Festival is held on Memorial Day Weekend at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. The festival evokes the sights, sounds, and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. READ MORE
Get ready for a night of extreme family fun at the Irwindale Speedway. Arrive as early as 4pm to check out the vehicles and get autographs. The fun kicks off at 7pm with a jet car burndown, skid plate races, figure 8 races, and more—followed by a fireworks display! READ MORE
On Memorial Day weekend, Santa Anita Park Infield transforms into a giant carnival with fun for all ages, including thrilling rides, Inflatable jumpers, a range of carnival snacks, and carnival games. READ MORE
Simi Valley – Monday, May 29, 2023
Event is free, museum admission is not
The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum commemorates Memorial Day, with an event honoring the fallen men and women who served in the United States Military. READ MORE
Forest Lawn welcomes community members to celebrate Memorial Day at six of its LA locations. The annual ceremony to honor fallen soldiers features music, moving speeches, and patriotism. READ MORE
Veterans are honored in a ceremony at the McCambridge Park War Memorial. A pre-ceremony concert begins at 10:15am. The event then begins at 11am, with a ceremony that includes a flyover. READ MORE
The City of Mission Viejo honors those who have served and given the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The ceremony includes guest speakers, a color guard, rifle salute, live vocals performances and taps. READ MORE
The City of South Pasadena observes Memorial Day with a service at the War Memorial Building. The color guard is presented by Boy Scout Troop 333. READ MORE
The Canoga Park Memorial Day Parade is back for its 31st year, celebrating the day with patriotic floats, equestrians, celebrities, antique cars, and marching bands making their way along Sherman Way, following a route from Owensmouth Ave. to Cozycroft. Among the featured participants, the146th Airlift Wing takes to the skies for a C-130J Flyover. READ MORE
Get ready to feast as Lunar New Year is coming! Following the lunisolar calendar, Lunar New Year officially starts on January 22 this year. This holiday is celebrated by many Asian countries such as Vietnam, Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, and is commonly known as Tet, Seollal, Chinese New Year, and Spring Festival. Within each, there is some variation in traditions. For instance, this year marks the Year of the Rabbit for those following the Chinese zodiac, but for Vietnamese, it is the Year of the Cat. The cuisine from each country differs slightly, but with one commonality; it’s always in abundance.
We’ve rounded up 10 dishes for you to try during this Lunar New Year celebration. Check out which local businesses are serving them in your area on Yelp!
Banh Tet or Banh Chung
A Vietnamese savory cake offered to the ancestors at Tet that is sticky rice filled with mung beans and then wrapped in leaves to boil to perfection. Banh tet and banh chung are distinguished by the South and North Vietnam with subtle differences such as their shape (cylindrical versus square) and the type of leaves they are wrapped in (banana versus la dong). This dish is known to be extremely versatile as you can sweeten the cake by adding sugar on top or pair it with pickled veggies and fish sauce for a more piquant taste.
Photo from Banh Mi Oven (San Jose, CA) by business
Tteokguk
This Korean rice cake soup is a staple among Seollal feasts. This bowl signifies becoming a year older, good health, and a bright year ahead. It’s filled with rice cakes (that resemble the old Korean coin currency), vegetables, eggs, and sometimes mandu (dumplings) mixed into a bone broth.
As the name suggests, longevity noodles are eaten during joyous celebrations to bring a long life and prosperity. These hand pulled noodles are commonly stir fried with other veggies and proteins.
Galbijjim, a braised beef short rib stew, is a hearty dish to share amongst friends and family around celebrations. The fall off the bone, tender ribs are commonly served with carrots, potatoes in a sweet and savory sauce, and served on a hot skillet to keep warm.
Photo from Sun Nong Dan (Los Angeles, CA) by Annie W
Whole Fish
Eating a whole fish on Lunar New Year signifies more abundance, prosperity, and surplus of fortune. The Chinese pronunciation for fish, Yu, is similar to that of abundance, hence the correlation. The dish is generally steamed and based with a light soy sauce blend, then topped with a tower of herbs.
Also called the treasure pot or Chinese casserole is filled to the brim with a number of ingredients—seafood, meat, and vegetables. Options may include pork belly, abalone, shrimp, turnip, taro, napa cabbage, and more. Originating from Hong Kong, this dish is of true abundance with a long preparation. The term directly translates to “basin vegetables.”
Also known as yusheng or lo hei is a common Singaporean/Malaysian dish. The dish is encompassed with a blend of colorful salad ingredients and raw fish, typically salmon. The ingredients are all nicely divided until you are ready to eat and commence the ‘prosperity toss.’ This dish symbolizes togetherness and the reunion of friends and family for celebration.
Photo from Kopitiam (New York, New York) by business
Jeon
AKA the Korean pancake is commonly eaten as a side dish or appetizer for Lunar New Year. A savory pancake-like dish filled with green onions and sometimes seafood or kimchi, then lightly fried until golden brown.
These sweet chewy balls in a sweet syrup are common in both Vietnamese and Chinese celebrations. Tangyuan are mini mochi balls in a brown sugar blend, while che troi nuoc are glutinous rice balls filled with mung bean paste and dunked in a ginger syrup. Toppings can vary to add extra creaminess or crunchiness like coconut milk, ginger, sesame seeds, and peanuts. Eating this dish symbolizes togetherness and completeness, ending the new year celebration on a sweet note.
Another sweet glutinous treat roughly translates to new year cake. This treat also symbolizes prosperity and a symbol of growing each year. These can be served lightly fried or steamed.
Which dish have you tried? Did we miss any that you typically feast on? Let us know! Tag us at @Yelp in any of your celebrations!
Happy Lunar New Year!
San Nin Faai Lok (Cantonese)
Xin Nian Kuai Le (Mandarin)
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Vietnamese)
Sae Hae Book Mani Padu Seyo (Korean)
From family-friendly to couples-focused, there are so many options this year! Whether you want to get dressed up or just have a low key night with the kids, we’ve got you covered. This list includes all of our favorite spots and what they’re doing on December 31st. Happy New Year!
This trivia game is a great mixer for holiday parties of all ages and generations!Play as teams or individually.Make sure you prepare fun prizes for the winners!(Do a Google search for the answers.)
Whether you’ve opted for a full roast turkey, or the more diminutive turkey crown and turkey breast, it’s highly likely that there’ll be some meat left after the big Christmas dinner, whatever cut you choose. While the humble turkey sandwich of course has its place, the versatility of this lean, mild meat means it can work much harder. From creamy curries to stir-fries and salads, we’ve got plenty of ideas for using up cooked turkey and a range of other leftovers.
1. Leftover turkey fricassee
Winter is the season of comfort, so why not put your Christmas dinner leftovers to good use in this indulgent turkey fricassee? With a creamy mushroom sauce and splash of white wine, it’s sure to keep those post-Christmas blues away. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s delicious served with pasta, mash or rice.
2. Turkey tikka masala
Spice up your leftovers and turn them into a whole new dish that the family will love. Inspired by the nation’s favourite curry, this fragrant turkey tikka masala delivers layers of flavour and gentle chili heat in a rich, creamy sauce. Rather than making a separate curry paste, we’ve cooked everything in one pan, so you’ll have less washing up to do.
3. Next level turkey & ham pie
Looking for a kitchen project to keep you occupied over the Christmas hols? This next level turkey and ham pie is not only a great use for your leftovers, but also a showstopping celebratory dish in its own right. Boost your pastry skills by making your own sage-infused shortcrust case, then generously fill with cooked meats, herbs and leeks in a creamy mustard sauce. This banquet-worthy dish is sure to please a crowd and equally delicious served warm for dinner or cold as part of a buffet spread.
The excesses of Christmas can often leave us craving something a little lighter. This warming and restorative turkey ramen is just the ticket, combining shredded leftover meat with noodles, shiitake mushrooms and eggs. If you’ve got any leftover gravy, this really enhances the broth with a rich, meaty flavour.
Another nourishing meal to keep you feeling good over the festive season. These gluten-free leftover turkey grain bowls are packed full of wholesome ingredients, including avocados, lentils, probiotic yogurt and a crunchy rainbow slaw. Warming spices such as za’atar and harissa balance well with a zesty tahini dressing which brings this whole dish together.
6. Spicy turkey noodles
With so much happening over the festive period, dinner prep can be a rather rushed affair. So it really helps to have a few quick and easy dishes such as these spicy turkey noodles up your sleeve. Ready in just half an hour, this simple stir-fry combines leftover turkey with noodles, spring onions and beansprouts in a zingy soy and lime sauce. We’ve used a red chili to give it some heat but you can easily omit this if catering for youngsters. Throw in extra leftover veg such as shredded sprouts or carrots to make it even more scrumptious.
When it comes to devising the most epic Boxing Day sarnie, we think we’ve come pretty close to perfection. Simply hollow out a crusty loaf of bread, then layer up all your leftovers inside to make this lip-smacking Italian-style muffuletta sandwich. Cooked turkey, stuffing, pigs in blankets, cranberry sauce, spinach and crispy onions are all the perfect elements for your Christmas leftover sandwich. Enjoy with a handful of crispy for added crunch.
8. Leftover turkey casserole
A hearty one-pot to warm everyone up – this simple turkey casserole is ideal for using up all your Christmas leftovers, including the trimmings. Throw in any robust root vegetables, such as parsnips, carrots and celeriac. Simmered in a flavoursome honey and mustard stock, this stew is delicious served with mash or jacket potatoes.
9. Turkey curry patties
Raise your lunch game with these marvellously meaty turkey curry patties. With just one bite, your tastebuds will be hit with a wonderful array of herbs and spices, all encased within a soft and crispy homemade turmeric pastry. These gorgeous golden patties are perfect for the days after the big meal, or you can easily freeze them for later.
10. Roast potato, turkey, sausage & stuffing pie
There’s nothing quite like a bubbling golden potato bake to welcome you at the end of a busy day. This easy roast potato, turkey, sausage & stuffing pie combines all the best bits from Christmas dinner in one. Put it together in just 10 mins and let the oven do the hard work. With a creamy mustard sauce filling and crispy cheesy topping, this comforting dish might even trump Christmas dinner itself.
11. Christmas pizza
Kids will love this festive pizza, topped with leftover meat and, ingeniously, a scattering of stuffing. It might not be one for Italian food purists, but it’s certainly won us round.
12 . Turkey bubble & squeak
One of our favourite post-Christmas fry-ups, these turkey bubble and squeak cakes are the perfect way to reinvent your leftovers. Joe Wicks’ speedy recipe combines cooked turkey meat with brussels sprouts, potatoes, parsnips, gravy and herbs. Served with cranberry sauce, these lean and crispy cakes make a welcome change to some of the heavier Christmas food.
13. Leftover Christmas lunch patties with gochujang mayo
Mix up all your leftover veg, stuffing and turkey meat for these delicious Christmas lunch patties. Simply add herbs and spices to elevate the flavour and enjoy. The tangy gochujang mayo adds a nice heat.
14. Turkey cacciatore with a twist
This Italian-style bake will be a crowd-pleaser thanks to its cheesy breadcrumb topping and rich tomato sauce. Our easy turkey cacciatore is just the ticket when all the festive-themed food gets a bit much.
15. Korean rice pot
Keep things nice and light with our speedy Korean-inspired rice pot. This healthy bibimbap combines diced turkey with spinach and shredded carrots, served on a bed of rice. Top with fried eggs and nutty sesame seeds.
16. Leftover turkey korma
A gently spiced dish, with a nice creaminess to it, this leftover turkey korma is a great alternative meal to a heavy of Christmas dinner. Pair with naan or white rice and mango chutney for a taste explosion.
17. Mini turkey & cranberry pies
If you’re in charge of any post-Christmas/pre-New Year entertaining, these mini turkey and cranberry pies will keep your guests happy – just add a block of shortcrust pastry to your big grocery shop.
18. Moroccan turkey salad
Take a break from belt-busting meals and try this light Moroccan-style turkey salad with fried aubergine, cherry tomatoes, harissa and rocket. Finish with a scattering of pomegranate seeds and mint for a refreshing burst, then enjoy with pitta breads.
19. Coronation turkey with homemade chapatis
This mildly-spiced treat will add a touch of retro charm to a Boxing Day spread. Pick up some roti flour and try your hand at these homemade chapatis with coronation turkey.
20. Leftover turkey slaw
Turn your turkey leftovers and other raw vegetable trimmings into a light and refreshing salad with a punchy lime dressing. Watch our video below and check out this guide for how to make turkey slaw.
21. Turkey cobb salad
We have a healthy bowl of goodness with this turkey cobb salad. Add tomatoes, boiled eggs, pancetta, avocado, chicory leaves and that leftover turkey breast for a light and creamy salad.
22. Jewelled pistachio slaw
A simple salad but one that packs so much flavour. Use up your leftover red cabbage, sprouts and turkey, mix up with pistachios, mint and the silky dressing; this jewelled pistachio slaw makes for a nutritious lunch and a way to prevent food waste post-Christmas.
23. Chicken, sausage and prune pie
This impressive chicken, sausage and prune pie is an easy way to feed a crowd using the leftovers from Christmas dinner. Layering in a ‘flat-pack’ format, you have sausage, bacon, turkey, chicken, stuffing and a layer of puff pastry; it has all the components for a whopping great pie to serve with extra veggies on the side.
24. Turkey and clementine lunch bowl
Keep to the classic festive flavours with this turkey and clementine lunch bowl. It’s protein packed and a great post-workout meal. It is a way to incorporate nutrient-rich foods into your balanced diet and is also rich in vitamin c and folate. Eat up leftover veg and turkey breast after Christmas so that you’re free from excess food waste.
25. Turkey minestrone
A wintery soup is always a good choice when using up leftover meats and vegetables. This delicious turkey minestrone is simple to rustle up with store cupboard and leftover Christmas ingredients. It’s the perfect warm pick-me-up meal.
1. Add Some Sparkle & Fun
Hungry Happenings has a great tutorial on how to create a colorful and sparkly turkey out of pie dough to add to the top of your pie.
2. Gorgeous Whipped Cream Topping
For the truly adventurous and artistic out there, there’s the whipped cream rose topping from i am baker. I’m still swooning over how beautiful this is. You can even simply pipe those roses on top of a regular pumpkin pie, skipping the sides.
3. Decorative Crust
The leaves and pumpkins decorating the crust on this pumpkin pie from Wild Wild Whisk made my jaw drop the first time I saw it. It has the right amount of rustic elegance for the holiday table.
4. Autumn Leaf
Lovely Little Kitchen has a ridiculously simple decoration that will take you seconds and will also use up any extra pie dough. Simply cut out a large leaf from the leftover pie dough and place it in the center of the pie!
5. Leaves and Vines
If you’re making a slab pumpkin pie like this one, or are merely looking for a less pie crust heavy decoration for your pie, try decorating with dainty leaves and vines made from pie dough.
6. Nuts about nuts!
It can be as simple as a topping of chopped walnuts to take a plain ol’ pumpkin pie to the next level, like this one from Midwest Living. Plus the extra crunch is a great surprise, especially when served with extra whipped cream.
7. The Best of Both Worlds – Pie Crust and Whipped Cream
I’ve saved the best for last… Why not go with both whipped cream AND pie crust decorations? Primal Palate’s pie boasts a two-topping knockout of a pie! I know there are many of you looking to one up the other pies on the dessert table and this is the way to go.
8. Pastry Leaves
This beautifully decorated pumpkin pie from Lemon Blossoms is topped with perfect fall pastry leaves.
Pastry leaves made out of pie crust are is my go-to pumpkin pie decoration year after year. They are simple to make and look so pretty. You can also see them on my Vegan Pumpkin Pie, though they don’t puff up as nicely with almond flour pie crust.
9. Turkey Decorated Pumpkin Pie
Take the fall leaf pumpkin pie decoration idea a step further and make a turkey! This Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie from Kudos Kitchen is just too cute!
10. Sugared Cranberries
Sugared cranberries are one of the most festive holiday treats. They are tasty and beautiful and a wonderful pumpkin pie decoration. We used them on our Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake, pictured above, along with some pomegranate arils and fresh mint leaves.
11. Nuts & Seeds
For a natural aesthetic, you can’t beat nuts and seeds. Toasted pecans and pepitas are a natural fit for pumpkin pie decoration. Candied pecans or almond brittle broken up into little pieces is tasty too.
Alternatively, but also with chocolate, dark chocolate shavings could be piled up in the center of a pumpkin pie or over freshly whipped cream.
13. Edible Flowers/Leaves
Loria Stern uses edible hibiscus leaves on her Maple Fall Cookies. To use this idea for pumpkin pie decorations, top your baked pie with a few of these cookies, or top the pie with pressed edible hibiscus leaves.
14. Piped Whipped Cream and Coffee
Addicted to Dates topped this lovely vegan pumpkin custard pie with whipped coconut cream sweetened with maple syrup with instant coffee. Cocao powder or cinnamon would work well for dusting too.
15. Freshly Whipped Cream
Pile pillowy freshly whipped cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free) on top of your pie for a beautiful contrast in color. This lovely Pumpkin Pie From Scratch is from Flavor the Moments.
HOW TO MAKE FALL LEAF PUMPKIN PIE DECORATIONS
The trick to making beautiful pastry leaf pumpkin pie decorations is to use cutters that are made for this purpose. You can find them at cooking stores such as Williams-Sonoma, or get them delivered quickly with Amazon Prime.
Simply roll your pie crust out as usual, then use the cutter to cut out your fall shapes. Brush lightly with an egg wash and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until golden. Top your pie with the pastry leaves after it has baked and cooled, or serve them separately to place on whipped cream. Learn How to Store Pumpkin Pie first.
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