Most of us can’t wait to tuck into our festive feast, but if you’re hoping to stay on track over the holidays—or are simply curious—you might be wondering just how many calories are actually in your Christmas dinner.

While we are all allowed to treat ourselves, especially at Christmastime, it’s always good to be aware of exactly what we’re consuming. So, if you’re curious about the real energy content of your favourite festive foods, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a full breakdown of every snack, pudding, and glass of fizz you’re likely to encounter at the dinner table.

Plus, we’ve added some smart, healthier swaps to help you get the most out of your festive feast — along with a few fun, season-themed workouts to balance things out!

Christmas Dinner

It goes without saying that a typical Christmas dinner plate is usually full to the brim, overflowing with all the festive favourites that make the holiday so indulgent. From the golden, crispy roast potatoes to the tender slices of turkey, every bite is packed with flavour—and, of course, calories.

A closer look at a standard plate might look something like this:

• Roast potatoes - 200 calories per roastie 

• Four slices of turkey - 450 calories

• Four pigs and blankets - 350 calories

• Stuffing balls - 125 calories per ball

• Vegetables - 200 calories in total 

• Gravy - 80 calories 

• Cranberry sauce – 50 calories per serving

• Yorkshire pudding – 150 calories per pudding

Dessert and Puddings 

Now, they don’t say Christmas is the best time of year for nothing. Many of us who wouldn’t normally opt for a dessert can’t resist indulging at Christmastime.

Here’s a rundown of the typical festive desserts:

• Mince pie - 180 calories

• Christmas pudding, custard, and brandy - 580 calories

• Cheese and crackers (one portion) - 400 calories

• Sherry trifle - Up to 267 calories

• Yule log (slice) – 350 calories

• Christmas cake / fruitcake (slice) – 330 calories

• Ice cream or cream topping (per serving) – 120 calories 

Alcohol

Holiday drinks are part of the fun, but knowing their calorie content can help you enjoy every sip mindfully.

Here’s a quick look at the calorie content of some popular festive drinks:

• A glass of fizz - 120 calories per glass

• A cheeky Baileys - 180 calories per glass

• A glass of port - 155 calories per glass

• A glass of mulled wine - 255 calories

• A glass of red wine – 125 calories per glass

• A glass of white wine – 120 calories per glass

• A pint of beer – 180 calories per pint

• A festive cocktail (e.g., gin and tonic) – 200 calories per serving

• Hot chocolate with cream – 250 calories per mug

• Eggnog – 223 calories per serving

P.S. Your secret is out, we know many of you will end the night with a cheeky turkey and stuffing sandwich, this will set you back around 600 calories!

Smart Tips for a Healthier Christmas Feast

At Christmastime, you should definitely eat, drink, and be merry! But if you’re looking to be a bit smarter around the dinner table this holiday season, we’ve got a few tips up our sleeve to help maximise the nutritional content of your meal:

Start the Day with a Healthy Breakfast

Fuel your festive morning with energy-rich, low-fat options like wholegrain cereals, porridge with fruit, English muffins, fruit bread, and bagels. These will keep you going through the busy day ahead. 

Tuck into a Light Starter

Kick things off with smoked salmon (rich in heart-healthy omega-3s), melon, or vegetable soup — all nutritious and light starters.

Make the Most of Your Main Course

Turkey is lean, high in protein, and great for muscle repair. Remove the skin to cut fat. Not into meat? Go for salmon or a roasted vegetable medley with nuts, beans, or pulses for protein.

Trim the Sides 

• Use unsaturated oils on your roast potatoes, such as rapeseed or sunflower oil, instead of goose fat. Spray or brush lightly, and roast larger chunks to reduce fat absorption.

• Fill at least a third of your plate with vegetables like Brussels sprouts, peas, and carrots. Steam or microwave them to retain nutrients, and skip the butter to keep them light and healthy.

• Make gravy with vegetable water, skim the fat from meat juices, and use low-fat milk in bread sauce.

• Try fruit or chestnut-based stuffing for extra flavour and fibre.

• If you can’t resist pigs in blankets, try grilling or roasting them instead of frying.

Choose a Lighter Dessert

Christmas pudding is already fruit-packed and low in fat — serve it with low-fat custard or crème fraîche. Or try a fruit salad with yoghurt, or filo pastry mince tarts for a lighter alternative. 

If opting for a savoury dessert, opt for stronger cheeses so you can enjoy smaller portions. Choose lower-fat options like Edam or goats cheese, and pair with wholegrain crackers or oatcakes.

Make the Most of Leftovers

Turn leftover turkey or salmon into wholemeal sandwiches with salad and chutney, or whip up a bubble and squeak with leftover veg for a quick, nutritious meal.

Keep an Eye on Alcohol

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or sugar-free options. Sparkling water with fruit or warm spiced apple juice makes a festive alcohol-free alternative. Always keep water on the table!

Snack Smart

Keep healthy options close at hand to avoid overindulging:

• Satsumas and fresh fruit add festive colour and vitamin C

• Chestnuts are naturally low in fat — roast a few for a treat

• Try unsalted nuts, plain popcorn, or raw veg with low-fat dips

• Dried fruits like dates, figs, and apricots make satisfying sweet snacks

Fun-Themed Christmas Workouts 

Move over Christmas Charades and the annual festive trivia quiz — if you really want to get the party started (and work off some of that pudding), it’s time to turn up the tunes, grab your mates, and sweat your way through some festive fun!

The 12 Days of Fitmas Circuit

Inspired by the classic carol, this version will get your heart pumping! Start with one exercise, then add a new move each “day” (round) until you’ve completed all 12.

Examples of exercises include: 

• Burpees 

• Jump squat

• Push-ups

• Mountain climbers

• Lunges

• Plank shoulder taps

• Jumping jacks

• Sit-up

• Tricep dips

• High knees

• Squat pulses

• Finish with a 1-minute plank hold

Optional fun twist: Play a holiday song playlist and “sing along” with each day of exercises — it makes the reps fly by!

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Sign up and enjoy one-on-one training, workout tips, and a supportive community that keeps you on track with your fitness journey — without missing out on any of the fun.