The holidays are right around the corner, and like many of you, I’m already looking ahead and planning our holiday menu. This season always seems to arrive in a burst of excitement, tradition, and—of course—food. For me, some of the most meaningful moments of the holidays revolve around celebrating our Italian heritage and the many customs that come along with it. Italian homes come alive this time of year, and although Italians are known for being passionate about food all year long, Christmas brings that love to a whole new level.
Beyond the treasured religious traditions, the holidays are a time when families gather, kitchens grow warmer, and celebration dishes that have been passed down for generations take center stage. One of the most iconic of these traditions is La Vigilia, or the Feast of the Seven Fishes, celebrated on Christmas Eve. This year feels particularly special because we are in our new home—closer to family—and I’m thrilled to host my own Feast of the Seven Fishes for the very first time. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be testing a few new seafood recipes for the menu, and I can’t wait to share them with you!
The origin of eating seafood on Christmas Eve comes from medieval Catholic customs of abstinence—specifically, the tradition of avoiding meat and dairy on Fridays and on certain holy days. Without butter or meat, fish became the star, often cooked simply in olive oil. Over time, this practice transformed into a rich culinary celebration featuring a variety of seafood dishes.
Although the number seven is the most commonly cited—often associated with the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church—different regions and families interpret the tradition in their own way. Some serve seven unique types of fish, while others prepare ten or even thirteen dishes. Thirteen is said to represent Jesus and the twelve apostles, while ten is sometimes connected to the Ten Commandments. Like all great Italian traditions, the Feast of the Seven Fishes has evolved into a beautiful blend of symbolism, regional influence, and personal family customs.
As for what goes on the table, you’ll find the dishes are as varied as the families preparing them. Common choices include anchovies, sardines, dried salt cod (baccalà), smelts, eels, squid, octopus, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and clams. A classic pasta like Spaghetti with Sardines often makes an appearance, and many families begin the meal with a bright, briny seafood salad overflowing with shrimp, calamari, and tender octopus. Fried smelts, baked clams, or a fragrant pot of mussels simmered in white wine are also favorites. What matters most is the abundance of the sea and the spirit of togetherness that the meal inspires.
While researching more about this tradition, I was fascinated to learn just how much variety exists from region to region and family to family. In some homes, the feast is a grand buffet-style spread; in others, it’s a leisurely multi-course dinner that unfolds late into the night. No matter how you choose to celebrate, the heart of La Vigilia remains the same: gathering with loved ones, honoring tradition, and sharing a meal made with care.
As you plan your own Christmas Eve celebration this year, consider embracing this beautiful Italian custom. Whether you prepare seven dishes or simply a few of your favorites, let the meal be a chance to slow down, savor the season, and enjoy the people around you.
Below are some of my favorite seafood dishes to help inspire your Italian Christmas Eve menu. Pair them with a few vegetable sides, finish with a special dessert, and enjoy a holiday meal that truly feels like a celebration of tradition, family, and the joy of the season.
The tradition of eating seafood on Christmas Eve dates from the medieval Catholic tradition of abstinence, or in this case, refraining from the consumption of meat or milk products on Fridays and specific holy days. As no meat or butter could be used, observant Catholics would eat fish, often fried in olive oil. The type of seafood prepared for this feast is similar for most families as there are always seven combinations of anchovies, sardines, dried salt cod, smelts, eels, squid, octopus, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and clams. Spaghetti with Sardines is a typical pasta served for this meal. At the same time, several other seafood selections are often combined in a seafood salad eaten as a first course or appetizer.
While researching the background of this tradition, I was surprised to find out that it is not always simply seven seafood dishes prepared. Some feel seven different types of seafood must be served, while others traditionally serve ten or thirteen fish dishes each Christmas Eve. It is thought that the seven fishes represent the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, while others celebrate the Stations of the Cross. Thirteen dishes are said to represent the twelve apostles plus Jesus. Whatever your beliefs are, plan an incredible seafood feast this year, gather around your friends and family and enjoy the season. Here are some of my favorite seafood dishes. Choose a few to plan your personal Italian Christmas Eve menu. Add a few vegetable side dishes and a tasty dessert, and enjoy!
Feast of Seven Fishes
Antipasti
Breaded Mussels
Seafood Salad
Cured Salmon
Scallops With Tomatoes & Breadcrumbs
Octopus With White Beans
Fried Sardines With Parsley Sauce
Crab Poppers With Horseradish Sauce
Calamari with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Olives
Baked Scallops With Tomato Sauce
Primi
Lemon Pasta With Shrimp
Seafood Soup Trieste Style
Spaghetti With Clams & Cherry Tomatoes
Pasta With Shrimp & Artichokes
Pasta With Shrimp & Clams
Almafi Lemon Risotto With Shrimp
Christmas Eve Sicilian Anchovy Pasta
Spaghetti With Shrimp In Creamy Tomato Sauce
Secondi
Grilled Octopus
Whole Fish Baked In Salt
Sicilian Swordfish With Tomato Relish
Baccala Stew
Italian Seafood Stew
Grouper Puttanesca
Grilled Swordfish with Oregano
Calabrian Chili Shrimp
Deborah Mele
