When the holiday season arrives, nothing brightens the table quite like a colorful christmas fruit platter. It’s fresh, vibrant, naturally sweet, and adds a beautiful pop of color among all the classic Christmas casseroles, appetizers, and baked treats. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering, preparing christmas snacks for party celebrations, or putting together something simple for a cozy movie night, a festive fruit tray always brings joy to the table.
I still remember the first time I assembled a holiday fruit tray for Christmas Eve. The kitchen smelled like cinnamon, soft music played in the background, and my kids kept sneaking strawberries off the cutting board. By the time I shaped everything into a little Christmas tree, their faces lit up it instantly became part of our yearly tradition. That’s the beauty of a christmas fruit tray: it’s fun, customizable, and surprisingly easy to make.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to create a stunning Christmas fruit platter, plus design ideas, make-ahead tips, and party-friendly tricks that make your holiday hosting effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Fruit Platter
Choosing a christmas fruit platter is one of the easiest ways to elevate your holiday table. Here’s what makes it a seasonal favorite:
- Naturally sweet & refreshing a perfect balance to rich holiday dishes
- Kid-friendly & crowd-pleasing
- Great for Christmas buffet ideas food
- Endlessly customizable
- Budget-friendly and easy to scale for any party size
- Works as dessert, appetizer, or a healthy snack
Whether you’re hosting brunch, parties, or a potluck, a festive fruit tray fits right in with all your christmas themed food.
Best Fruits to Use for a Christmas Fruit Platter
Holiday colors make this platter beautiful. Use a combination of red, green, and bright accents to create a classic Christmas look.
Red Fruit Options
Perfect for vibrant Christmas color:
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Watermelon
- Red grapes
- Pomegranate arils
Green Fruit Options
Ideal for Christmas tree designs and wreath shapes:
- Kiwi
- Honeydew melon
- Green apples
- Green grapes
White & Neutral Fruits
These balance the platter and create contrast:
- Pineapple
- Pears
- Bananas (toss in lemon juice to prevent browning)
Pop-of-Color Fruits
Bonus accents that brighten the tray:
- Blueberries
- Mandarin oranges
- Blackberries
- Dragon fruit
How to Make a Christmas Fruit Platter
Creating a holiday fruit board is incredibly simple. Here’s how to build a beautiful presentation every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash & dry the fruit completely
Excess water can make fruits soggy, especially berries. - Cut fruit evenly
Bite-size pieces make the platter easier for guests to enjoy. - Choose your design
Christmas tree, wreath, Santa face, candy cane, snowman, or a free-style grazing board. - Layer the colors
Alternate red and green fruits to create visual contrast. - Add dips or small bowls
Place yogurt, chocolate, or marshmallow dip in the center or corners. - Finish with holiday touches
- Fresh mint
- Snowflake cookie cutters
- Coconut “snow”
- Mini marshmallows
- Chill until serving
Keep the fruit cold so it stays crisp and fresh.
Tools & Supplies Needed
- Large serving board or tray
- Small bowls for dips
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Holiday cookie cutters for fun shapes
- Toothpicks or mini skewers (optional)
Festive Christmas Fruit Platter Designs (Easy & Beautiful)
These creative Christmas designs look impressive but are incredibly easy to assemble.
1. Christmas Tree Fruit Tray
Arrange kiwi slices or green grapes into a triangle tree shape. Add rows of strawberries and pineapple stars on top.
2. Wreath Fruit Platter
Use green grapes and kiwi around the edge of a round tray. Add red berries as ornaments and a strawberry bow.
3. Candy Cane Fruit Board
Layer bananas and strawberries diagonally to create red-and-white candy cane stripes.
4. Snowman Fruit Platter
Use melon slices or pineapple rings for the face and torso. Add blueberries for buttons and eyes.
5. Santa Fruit Plate
Make Santa’s hat from strawberries and use banana slices for the beard.
6. Holiday Grazing Board
Mix fruits, chocolate, nuts, cookies, marshmallows, and dips for a full dessert-style fruit platter.
These designs work beautifully as christmas snacks for party spreads and pair well with other easy appetizers.
Dips & Sauces to Serve With Fruit
Print
Christmas Fruit Platter – Festive, Fresh & Easy Holiday Fruit Tray Ideas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- A bright, festive Christmas fruit platter featuring seasonal fruits in holiday shapes perfect for parties, brunches, or dessert tables.
Ingredients
- Strawberries
- Kiwi
- Red grapes
- Green grapes
- Pineapple
- Pomegranate arils
- Blueberries
- Mandarin oranges
- Vanilla yogurt (optional dip)
- Marshmallow cream dip (optional)
- Fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dry all fruits completely.
- Cut fruits into even, bite-size pieces.
- Select your design (tree, wreath, candy cane, etc.).
- Arrange fruits by color pattern and shape.
- Add optional dips in small bowls.
- Garnish with mint, coconut flakes, or cookie-cut shapes.
- Chill platter until serving.
Notes
- Prep ahead by washing and slicing fruit the night before.
- Toss apple, banana, or pear slices in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Avoid using watermelon or raspberries if making in advance.
- Keep fruit platter chilled until served for freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0g
Make your platter extra special with one or two dips:
- Vanilla yogurt dip
- Honey-lime yogurt
- Marshmallow cream cheese dip
- Chocolate sauce
- Caramel swirl dip
- Cream cheese fruit dip
Make-Ahead Tips & Storage
A christmas fruit platter is perfect for prepping ahead with the right steps.
Can you make it the day before?
Yes! Prep the fruit, store in separate containers, and assemble right before serving.
Prevent browning
Toss apples, pears, and bananas in lemon juice or pineapple juice.
Storing after the party
Use airtight containers and refrigerate for 1–2 days. Berries and melons should be eaten quickly.
Avoid these fruits for make-ahead
- Bananas
- Raspberries (unless added last minute)
- Watermelon (may release too much liquid)
What to Serve With a Christmas Fruit Platter
Round out your holiday table with these festive favorites from Crockpot Cravings:
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Christmas Kitchen Sink Cookies
- Reindeer Food (Christmas Puppy Chow)
- Christmas Brownies
- Grinch Popcorn Mix
- Christmas Rolo Pretzels
- Christmas Punch
- Santa Snack Board
These make perfect additions to any christmas buffet ideas food lineup.
For more recipes Follow me in Pinterest
FAQs About Christmas Fruit Platters
How much fruit do I need per person?
Plan about 1½ cups per adult and 1 cup per child.
What fruit is best for winter?
Grapes, berries, citrus, kiwi, pomegranate, pineapple.
Can I use frozen fruit?
No frozen fruit becomes mushy when thawed.
How do I keep fruit fresh during a party?
Serve on a chilled tray or place ice packs under the board.
What size board works best for 10–20 guests?
A large 18×12 platter or a round 16-inch board works well.
Final Thoughts: A Beautiful Christmas Fruit Platter for Every Holiday Table
A christmas fruit platter is one of the easiest, most festive additions to your holiday celebrations. It’s fresh, colorful, customizable, and perfect for everything from brunch to family gatherings to Christmas Eve parties. With endless design ideas, simple prep, and bright holiday colors, this fruit tray is guaranteed to impress your guests and become a beautiful part of your Christmas traditions.