Looking for a festive, easy-to-make holiday treat? This Christmas Trail Mix recipe is the ultimate holiday snack mix! It perfectly combines sweet, salty, and crunchy. Whether you're hosting a holiday party, prepping snacks for family movie night, or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this mix has it all. Packed with holiday cheer, this recipe comes together in just minutes making it the easiest holiday recipe!

A wood bowl filled with christmas trail mix rice chex, mini reese cups, pretzels and red and green m&m candies.

Why This Recipe is a Holiday Hit

Quick & Easy: No baking or complicated steps.
Customizable: Use your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
Perfect for Gifting: Package it in jars or tins for a thoughtful holiday present.
Kid-Friendly: The bright colors and bite-sized treats make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

A wood bowl filled with christmas trail mix rice chex, mini reese cups, pretzels and red and green m&ms on a table cloth with a wreath on the wall behind it.

Ingredients For Holiday Trailmix

Each ingredient in this Christmas Trail Mix brings a unique flavor and texture to the mix. It’s a delightful combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy ingredients that come together in minutes, making it ideal for holiday parties, cozy movie nights, or even as a homemade gift.

Close up off all the ingredients for christmas trailmix on a baking sheet.

Chex Mix Muddy Buddies (Cookies & Cream flavor)
Sweet, crunchy, and coated in powdered sugar, this is the star of the mix. It adds a dessert-like element.

Holiday M&Ms
The red and green colors make this trail mix look like Christmas while adding a sweet, chocolatey crunch.

Mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
A rich, creamy addition with a classic peanut butter and chocolate combo.

Shredded Coconut
Adds a light, nutty sweetness and a hint of tropical flavor, while looking like snow!

Chopped Pecans or Walnuts
Brings a buttery crunch that balances the sweetness. Swap these for almonds or cashews for a different nutty profile.

Pretzels
The salty crunch balances the sweetness and adds a satisfying texture.

All the ingredients for the christmas trail mix lined up on a backing sheet.

Alternative Ingredients For Christmas Trailmix

Do you want to switch things up or have certain dietary preferences? Here are some great alternatives or you can also use whatever you want:

Chex Cereal: Use plain or flavored Chex if you don’t have Muddy Buddies.
Candy Canes: Crushed candy canes add a peppermint twist.
White Chocolate Chips: For an extra creamy sweetness.
Dried Cranberries: Add a tart, chewy element and beautiful pops of red.
Popcorn: A light and airy addition that’s great for bulking up the mix.
Mini Marshmallows: Perfect for a soft, chewy texture.

Stirring up the ingredients for christmas trail mix on a baking sheet with a wooden spatula.

How to Make Christmas Trail Mix

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients.
Gently toss until evenly mixed.
Serve in a festive bowl, or package in jars or treat bags for gifts.

stirring the ingredients for christmas trailmix with a wooden spatula.

How to Store Christmas Trail Mix

To keep your trail mix fresh:

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
If you’ve added softer ingredients like popcorn or marshmallows, consume within 3–4 days for the best texture.
For gifting, package in festive tins or clear cellophane bags tied with ribbons.

A wood bowl filled with christmas trail mix rice chex, mini reese cups, pretzels and red and green m&ms on a red placemat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the mini Reese cups, chopped pecans, or walnuts, and consider substituting them with an additional crunchy ingredient like cereal or sunflower seeds.

How do I store Christmas Trail Mix?

Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays fresh for up to a week, but it rarely lasts that long because it’s so delicious!

Can I use a different flavor of Muddy Buddies?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with flavors like peanut butter & chocolate or classic chocolate. Each one adds its own unique twist to the mix.

What’s the best way to gift this trail mix?

Package the mix in clear treat bags or holiday-themed tins, tie them with a festive ribbon, and add a personalized tag. It’s a thoughtful and delicious gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.