The Best Canadian Christmas Snacks To Try This Festive Season

The festive season is fast approaching, which can only mean one thing: holiday parties! Whether you're a budding hostess with the mostess or prefer being on the guest list, this time of year is made for being around your loved ones.

One thing on everyone's mind is what's on the menu. Every holiday party needs some appetizers; they're almost as important as the Christmas tree, but what do you serve?

To help you decide what to serve, we've picked out some gems and must-serve Christmas appetizers to wow your friends and family at the next holiday gathering you're hosting or attending.

So, without further ado, here's Ask Genie's pick of the 10 best Canadian Christmas snack ideas to try this festive season.

10 Canadian Snacks To Try This Christmas

1. Nanaimo Bars

An absolute classic of a Canadian holiday treat, Nanaimo bars are rich, creamy, and impossible to resist. Originating from Nanaimo, British Columbia, these bars are a layered delight of chocolate, custard, and coconut-graham crust.

Often found in Canadian bakeries, Nanaimo Bars are a perfect no-bake dessert, bringing a little bit of Vancouver Island sweetness to your Christmas party.

2. Butter Tarts

Few things capture the essence of Canadian baking like a butter tart. This iconic pastry features a flaky crust filled with a rich, gooey filling of butter, sugar, and eggs. Some versions add raisins or pecans, but they're just as delicious in their classic form.

Ideal for a holiday snack, butter tarts are a must-try if you want a taste of authentic Canadian heritage and sweetness.

3. Mince Pies

Mince pies are a Christmas staple imported from European traditions but deeply loved in Canada. These tarts are filled with a mix of dried fruits, spices, and sometimes a hint of brandy or rum for warmth.

While the classic filling may be savoury, the sweetness of dried fruit gives mince pies a unique taste that complements any Christmas celebration in Canada.

4. Tourtière (Meat Pies)

A Québécois specialty, tourtière is a spiced meat pie traditionally made with pork, beef, or veal. Served hot and often accompanied by ketchup or cranberry sauce, this hearty pie is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a festive snack.

Its warm, savoury flavours capture the cozy spirit of Christmas, and it's a long-standing favourite in Canadian households.

5. Maple Cream Cookies

Nothing says Canadian sweetness like maple, and maple cream cookies embody this flavour in its purest form. Shaped like maple leaves and filled with creamy maple-flavoured filling, these cookies are a holiday hit for both kids and adults.

Perfectly snackable, maple cream cookies make a delightful addition to your Christmas snack platter.

6. Perogies

Originally from Eastern Europe, perogies have found a second home in Canada, especially in communities with Ukrainian roots. These dumplings, often filled with potatoes, cheese, or sauerkraut, are either boiled or fried to golden perfection.

Enjoy them topped with a dollop of sour cream or caramelized onions for a holiday twist—they're a cozy, comforting snack for any winter gathering.

7. Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake)

This festive cake, shaped like a yule log, is a beloved Christmas tradition in Canada. With origins in French culture, the Bûche de Noël is made of a light, rolled sponge cake filled with cream and decorated to resemble a log.

Some versions even feature chocolate "bark" and powdered sugar "snow" for an extra festive look. It's a beautiful dessert centrepiece for holiday celebrations.

8. Chocolate Truffles

Handcrafted chocolate truffles are a luxurious treat and a fantastic snack for the Christmas season. Often filled with ganache, caramel, or fruit flavours, these decadent chocolates are as rich as they are delicious.

Canadian chocolate shops often offer seasonal varieties, making them perfect for gifting or indulging yourself this festive season.

9. Gingerbread Cookies

No Christmas snack list would be complete without gingerbread cookies. Decorated with icing and candies, these spiced cookies are as fun to make as they are to eat.

Whether you bake your own or pick up a batch from a local bakery, gingerbread cookies are a festive classic that brings nostalgia and warmth to the holiday table.

10. Maple Taffy (Tire d'érable)

A truly Canadian treat, maple taffy is made by pouring hot maple syrup onto snow, where it instantly hardens into a deliciously sticky candy.

Traditionally enjoyed during winter carnivals, it's an outdoor treat and an ideal winter snack. Some stores sell pre-made maple taffy, letting you bring a little bit of snowy sweetness home for Christmas.

Five Quick And Easy Christmas Snack Food Ideas To Make At Home

Looking for quick, homemade treats that can be put together in no time? Here are five flavorful festive snacks you can make at home in less than an hour. Perfect for sharing at your next festive gathering.

1. Deviled Eggs

Serving deviled eggs at Christmas is a must, right? This delicious treat is simple finger food at its finest and a dish that never fails to please.

Simply boil and halve the eggs, then scoop out the yolks and mix with mayonnaise, mustard, and a pinch of paprika. Top with chives or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a festive touch. These bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and add a savoury delight to your holiday spread.

Our favourite Deviled Eggs recipes:

2. Baked Camembert

Few snacks are as cozy and delicious as baked Camembert. Simply place a round of Camembert cheese in the oven until it's melted and gooey.

Serve with a side of crusty bread and a drizzle of honey or cranberry sauce for a truly indulgent treat that's perfect for holiday gatherings.

Our favourite Baked Camembert recipes:

3. Candied Pecans

Candied pecans are a sweet, crunchy treat that's super easy to make. Coat pecans in a mixture of sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of salt, then bake until caramelized.

These pecans make for a festive snack that's as great on their own as they are sprinkled over salads or desserts.

Our favourite Candied Pecan recipes:

4. Pigs in Blankets

A holiday favourite, pigs in blankets are as easy to make as they are to enjoy. But, instead of going for the classic US recipe, which involves pastry, we’re taking a page out of the UK’s book and going for bacon.

To make this meaty snack, simply wrap mini sausages in strips of streaky bacon and bake until crispy.

Serve with a side of mustard or cranberry dipping sauce for a classic snack that's perfect for Christmas parties.

Our favourite Pigs in Blankets recipes:

5. Vegetable Samosas Made from Leftover Vegetables

If you're looking for a way to use holiday leftovers, vegetable samosas are the answer. Mix your leftover vegetables with some spice, wrap them in a thin pastry, and bake or fry until crispy.

These make a delicious, quick snack that's a creative way to repurpose your holiday feast.

Our favourite Vegetable Samosa recipes: