The Feast of the Seven Fishes is an Italian-American Christmas Eve dinner that grew from La Vigilia, the Southern Italian custom of a meatless vigil before Christmas. The number of dishes varies by family; seven is common but not required.
Menu ideas
Families often serve baccalà (salt cod), fried smelts or calamari, clams or mussels, shrimp, linguine with clam sauce, and a baked or roasted fish. Mix fried, baked and pasta dishes so not everything needs the stove at once.
3-day timeline
- 3 days before: start soaking salt cod (change the water often) and shop for non-perishables.
- 1-2 days before: pick up fresh seafood, make sauces and dessert.
- Christmas Eve: work backward from dinner time so each course starts on time.
Allergies
Ask every guest about fish and shellfish allergies and label dishes. Keep a non-seafood option if needed.
Serve in courses
Decide the minutes between courses and write a start time for each dish.
Checklist
- ☐ Guest list and allergies
- ☐ Menu of 5-10 dishes
- ☐ Salt cod soaking 3 days ahead
- ☐ Seafood ordered
- ☐ Shopping list
- ☐ Cooking start time per course
- ☐ Menu cards and place cards