Christmas Eve is a magical time of year, when the anticipation of Christmas Day is met with excitement, joy, and gratitude.
Whether you are spending it with friends and family or having a cozy night in, there is no better time than Christmas Eve to relax and reflect on the year and all the happiness you and your loved ones have experienced.
If you’re looking for some new Christmas Eve traditions, here are 20 fun things to do on Christmas Eve so that you can have the most fun on the biggest night of the Christmas season and truly savor every second before Christmas Day.
Fun Things To Do On Christmas Eve
1. Watch Christmas Movies
What better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by watching Christmas movies? Choose your favorite classics (It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol are always great picks) or opt for newer movies like Home Alone or The Polar Express. Get some popcorn, grab a hot cocoa, and snuggle up in front of the Christmas tree for an evening full of nostalgia and festivity.
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2. Attend a Christmas Eve Church Service
Attending a Christmas Eve church service is another wonderful way to make the most of the season. Most places of worship offer midnight mass or candlelight vigils on Christmas Eve, and these are often beautiful and deeply moving experiences.
Even if you don’t have time to go to church, many services are streamed online, so you can listen to Christmas hymns and light a candle at home to create a similar ambiance.
3. Have a Christmas Eve Dinner
Food is always a great way to bring people together, and Christmas Eve dinner is no exception. Whether you plan an elaborate meal or just order pizza for a casual night in, it is sure to be a warm and welcoming experience for you and your guests.
If you’re up for the challenge, this could also be a great opportunity to cook your favorite Christmas recipes and experiment with dishes your family and friends love. Don’t forget to leave a plate of cookies out for Santa (and some milk, too).
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4. Bake Christmas Cookies
Baking cookies is a fun and easy activity that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you make classic sugar cookies or gingerbread men, or get creative with your decorating and make an entire batch of different kinds, Christmas cookies are always a great choice for Christmas Eve activities. Invite the kids to help with baking and decorating (just don’t forget the milk)!
5. Go Christmas Caroling
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to spread some Christmas cheer, try your hand at Christmas caroling.
Round up friends or family and head out into the night to sing your favorite Christmas carols in the neighborhood or at a local assisted living community.
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6. Go on a Drive to See Christmas Lights
Drive around your neighborhood or town and take in all the Christmas lights. From simple home displays to elaborate light shows (check online for the best displays near you), driving around while listening to Christmas music can be a magical way to enjoy the season.
7. Read a Christmas Story
Gather the family, snuggle up by the fireplace, and read a Christmas story. You could read The Night Before Christmas, A Christmas Carol, or even a holiday-themed chapter book. Reading aloud is a great way to unwind and adds to the nostalgia of your Christmas traditions.
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8. Set Up for Christmas Morning
Prepare for Christmas morning by setting out the tree with presents, or by getting out the stockings or breakfast ingredients. Preparing for the morning creates excitement and makes the entire family feel involved in the Christmas celebrations.
9. Have a Hot Cocoa Bar
Hot cocoa is a favorite holiday drink for many, so why not create a hot cocoa bar with all sorts of toppings like marshmallows, whipped cream, and chocolate chips? Let everyone create their own custom cocoa and sip it while chatting by the fire or in front of the Christmas movies.
10. Host a Christmas Eve Pajama Party
Hosting a pajama party on Christmas Eve is perfect for those seeking a laid-back experience. Invite friends and family and ask them to wear their favorite Christmas pajamas (or matching family sets). Enjoy Christmas games, decorate cookies, and relax in your pajamas as you celebrate.
11. Do a Christmas Eve Gift Exchange
Gift exchanges on Christmas Eve are a fun alternative to waiting until Christmas morning to exchange presents. You can have a festive gift swap or give small tokens of appreciation. The gift doesn’t need to be extravagant—it’s the thought that counts!
12. Make a Christmas Craft
Christmas crafts are a fun way to bond, and they can double as decorations or gifts. From simple Christmas ornaments to wreaths, garlands, and personalized stockings, get creative and make some fun keepsakes for your home or loved ones.
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13. Listen to Christmas Music
Put on your favorite Christmas music and crank it up! Whether you enjoy traditional carols, modern holiday hits, or just instrumental versions, there’s a Christmas playlist for every taste. Don’t be afraid to sing along—it’s Christmas, after all!
14. Play Christmas-Themed Games
Board games or card games are always a good idea, and Christmas-themed versions can add extra festive fun. Try Christmas charades, bingo, or trivia, and let the games add some cheer to your evening.
15. Volunteer for Others
Christmas is about giving back, so consider spending your Christmas Eve helping others. Volunteer to serve meals at a shelter, donate toys to underprivileged children, or simply help a neighbor in need. Giving back reminds everyone of the true meaning of the season.
16. Have a Christmas Eve Bonfire
If you live in a warm climate, having a bonfire on Christmas Eve could be the perfect way to finish off the evening. If not, grab some blankets, hot cocoa, and enjoy roasting marshmallows by the fire indoors.
17. Host a Christmas Eve Scavenger Hunt
Create a Christmas scavenger hunt by hiding clues and small presents throughout your house or yard, leading up to a “treasure” at the end. This is a fun way to add adventure and excitement to your family Christmas traditions.
18. Write Letters to Santa
Santa letters are a special Christmas Eve tradition. Let the kids (or even yourself) sit down and write a letter to Santa. Place the letter somewhere special (by the fireplace or in the mailbox) and wait for Santa to arrive!
19. Take a Christmas Eve Family Photo
Capture the moment with a Christmas Eve family photo. Set up in front of the tree or among your holiday decorations, and make sure everyone looks happy and smiling. You can print the photo to create keepsakes or share it on Christmas cards.
20. Reflect on Your Year
Christmas is the perfect time to reflect on the past year. Sit down with family and loved ones, and share stories about the things that made you happy and grateful. It’s a meaningful way to wrap up the year and set a positive tone for the year ahead.
Final Thought
Christmas Eve is a wonderful opportunity to bring together the people you care about most and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Whether you’re watching Christmas movies, singing carols, enjoying a festive dinner, or giving back to others, the activities above will help you make the most of the holiday season.
No matter how you celebrate, as long as you’re with your loved ones, you’re sure to have a memorable and joyous night.
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