The night before Christmas feels like pure magic. The air is crisp. The lights glow a little brighter. The anticipation of tomorrow lingers in every corner of the home. If you’ve been searching for things to do on Christmas Eve that go beyond just waiting for Santa, you’re in the right place. This is the night where traditions are born, families come together, and the joy of the season settles in.
Whether you want to cozy up indoors, head out for a seasonal adventure, or start new rituals, this guide will help you make Christmas Eve unforgettable.
Host Festive Gatherings and Traditions
White Elephant Gift Exchange
One of the most popular things to do on Christmas Eve is hosting a white elephant exchange. Unlike the polished gifts on Christmas morning, this is about fun and laughter. Set a price limit, or add a twist — maybe all gifts must be homemade, thrifted, or edible. Watching loved ones steal and swap gifts always creates a room full of laughter.
Matching Pajamas for the Family
It’s a small touch, but it changes the whole evening. Matching pajamas have become a modern classic. Slip into them after dinner, take a family photo by the tree, and settle in for the night. Not only does it make for a cozy vibe, but you’ll also treasure those photos for years.
Attend a Christmas Service
If faith is central to your holiday, consider attending a Christmas Eve service or midnight mass. Churches often offer candlelight services filled with carols and readings. Even if you don’t usually attend, the glow of candles and the collective voices singing can be an incredibly grounding way to remember the reason for the season.
Delight in Food and Treats
Bake Holiday Goodies
Cookies might be the first thing that comes to mind, but Christmas Eve is the perfect time to expand your baking. Try a yule log, gingerbread house, or even homemade truffles. Kids love getting involved, and the aroma of something sweet in the oven instantly sets the scene for Christmas magic.
Prepare Christmas Breakfast in Advance
One smart Christmas Eve tradition is prepping breakfast the night before. Overnight casseroles, cinnamon rolls, or festive fruit salads can all be made ahead of time. That way, when the excitement of Christmas morning hits, you don’t have to scramble in the kitchen.
Host a Hot Chocolate or Eggnog Tasting
Set up a mini tasting station. For hot chocolate, offer toppings like whipped cream, crushed peppermint, caramel drizzle, or even a splash of espresso. For eggnog, test store-bought versus homemade recipes and let everyone vote on their favorite. This simple idea adds a festive (and delicious) twist to the night.
Bond as a Family
Movie Marathon by the Tree
Few things to do on Christmas Eve feel cozier than gathering for a movie night. Classics like Home Alone, Elf, or It’s a Wonderful Life never fail. Create a movie basket with blankets, popcorn, and treats to make it feel extra special.
Open One Gift
Many families have a tradition of opening just one present on Christmas Eve. It could be a small toy for kids, matching pajamas, or even a new ornament for the tree. This small preview keeps the excitement alive without spoiling the magic of Christmas morning.
Work on a Puzzle or Play Games
Spread out a board game or puzzle on the floor by the Christmas tree. The soft lights twinkling in the background create an atmosphere that feels unlike any other night. Whether it’s Scrabble, Monopoly, or a festive trivia game, laughter and teamwork will carry you right into Christmas Day.
Get Creative and Crafty
DIY Ornaments
Why not add one more decoration to the tree before Santa arrives? Making ornaments out of paper, clay, or even leftover wrapping paper is fun for kids and adults alike. Each year, as you unpack those ornaments, you’ll remember the Christmas Eve you made them.
Craft a Festive Tablescape
If you’re hosting dinner the next day, get the table ready on Christmas Eve. Add candles, greenery, or handmade place cards. It not only lightens your workload for Christmas Day but also lets kids join in with simple crafts like decorating napkin rings or folding paper snowflakes.
Make Santa’s Key
For families without chimneys, creating a “Santa key” is a charming tradition. Decorate an oversized key with ribbons and glitter, and leave it out for Santa to use. Kids will love the magic of it, and you’ll never get the “but how does he get in?” question again.
Spread Joy Through Giving Back
Visit a Senior or Neighbor
Not everyone has a bustling household on Christmas Eve. A quick visit to a senior neighbor or relative can mean the world. Share a treat, sing a carol, or simply spend some time chatting.
Donate or Volunteer
Whether it’s toys, clothes, or food, use Christmas Eve to give back. Volunteering at a local shelter or writing gratitude notes as a family can shift the focus from gifts to generosity. It’s a reminder that the holiday spirit shines brightest when it’s shared.
Do a Good Deed Together
Keep it simple: shovel a neighbor’s driveway, deliver cookies to the firehouse, or leave an anonymous gift on a doorstep. These little acts of kindness fill the night with true holiday spirit.
Enjoy Outdoor and Seasonal Fun
Drive to See Christmas Lights
Pile into the car with blankets, thermoses of cocoa, and Christmas music playing. Drive through decorated neighborhoods or visit local light displays. Kids can turn it into a scavenger hunt by spotting reindeer, candy canes, or Santa inflatables.
Ice Skating or Sledding
If you’re lucky enough to have snow, use it! Build a snowman, go sledding, or ice skate at a local rink. Even slipping and falling will make for a funny memory.
Take a Festive Evening Walk
Bundle up, grab cocoa to go, and walk the neighborhood. The quiet of Christmas Eve, with glowing lights and crisp winter air, makes even the simplest stroll feel extraordinary.
Make the Night Magical for Kids
Santa Tracker Excitement
With tools like the Norad Santa Tracker, kids can follow Santa’s journey around the world. It builds anticipation and helps get them into bed knowing Santa is “getting close.”
Set Out Treats for Santa and His Reindeer
Cookies and milk for Santa are classic, but don’t forget the reindeer! Add carrots or oats to the plate. Some families even sprinkle “reindeer food” (oats mixed with glitter or sprinkles) on the lawn to guide Santa’s sleigh.
Say Goodbye to the Elf on the Shelf
If your family follows the Elf on the Shelf tradition, Christmas Eve is the final night. Writing a goodbye note or snapping a farewell photo makes the tradition feel special and complete.
Final Thoughts
Christmas Eve is more than just the night before Christmas. It’s the pause before the big day. It’s where traditions live, laughter lingers, and family bonds grow stronger. When you think about things to do on Christmas Eve, remember that it’s not about doing everything on the list. It’s about choosing the ones that feel right for your family.
Whether you spend it baking cookies, singing carols, watching movies, or giving back, Christmas Eve is the heart of holiday magic. It’s the anticipation, the togetherness, and the joy in the small details that make it unforgettable.
So this year, slow down. Light the candles. Sip the cocoa. Laugh at the silly moments. And cherish every bit of your Christmas Eve.
