Alright, let’s be real for a second—Christmas Eve kind of gets overshadowed. Everyone’s hyped about Christmas morning (hi, presents 👋), but Christmas Eve is where the real magic happens. The twinkly lights, the smell of cookies in the oven, the cozy vibes… it’s basically holiday perfection if you do it right.
So if you’re tired of just watching the same old movie and calling it a night, I’ve got you covered. These 10 Christmas Eve activities will not only make the night extra memorable, but might even start a few new traditions you’ll carry on for years.
Let’s make some magic, shall we?
1. Create a DIY Hot Cocoa Bar 🍫
Honestly, is it even Christmas Eve if you’re not sipping hot cocoa while wearing fuzzy socks and pretending you’re in a Hallmark movie?
Why it’s magical:
- Everyone gets to customize their mug with toppings like marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream, and yes, even chocolate shavings if you’re fancy.
- Perfect way to warm up after a chilly evening walk.
- Bonus: Add a splash of Baileys or peppermint schnapps for the adults. (You’re welcome.)
Set it up like a little café and let everyone “order” their cocoa. FYI—it makes for great Instagram stories too 😉
2. Exchange One Special Gift Early
Let’s not lie—we all secretly want to open just one present early.
So why not make it a tradition? Pick one meaningful gift to exchange on Christmas Eve. Maybe it’s matching pajamas (classic), a small trinket, or a handwritten letter that’ll turn even your sarcastic uncle into a puddle.
What makes it special:
- It builds anticipation for Christmas morning.
- Gives everyone a cozy, sentimental moment before the chaos of gift-unwrapping begins.
- It’s a low-key way to slow down and appreciate each other.
Just don’t accidentally give someone their “big gift” early—rookie move.
3. Take a Christmas Lights Drive (or Walk)
Grab your coat, pile into the car, crank up the holiday playlist, and go admire your neighbors’ electric bills—I mean, Christmas lights.
Whether you’re walking through a decorated downtown or creeping slowly through lit-up neighborhoods, it’s a simple way to soak up the holiday spirit.
Why it’s a crowd-pleaser:
- It gets everyone out of the house (and off their phones… for like, 20 minutes).
- Perfect for little kids, grandparents, and anyone with eyes.
- You can rank the houses: “Best use of inflatables,” “Most likely to be seen from space,” etc.
It’s the ultimate mix of tradition and chill.
4. Bake & Decorate Cookies (Then Leave Them Out for Santa)
Yes, this is technically “for the kids,” but let’s be honest—we all know who ends up eating those cookies. And decorating them? That’s just pure, sugar-filled joy.
How to make it extra magical:
- Turn it into a mini competition: Who can make the ugliest (or prettiest) cookie?
- Make a custom “Santa’s Cookie Plate” with everyone’s name.
- Don’t forget to leave a bite or two missing before morning. Wink wink.
You’ll get flour everywhere, someone will argue over sprinkle placement, and it will be perfect.
5. Watch a Christmas Movie Marathon
Look, this one might be a classic, but there’s a reason it never gets old.
Pick 2–3 of your family’s favorite Christmas movies and make it a mini marathon. Snuggle under blankets, load up on popcorn and cocoa, and you’ve got yourself a festive evening with zero stress.
Pro tip: Make it interactive.
- Bingo cards (with squares like “Santa appears,” “Someone learns the true meaning of Christmas,” “Hot cocoa scene”).
- Everyone wears themed PJs or socks.
- Pause for impromptu dance breaks during musical scenes. It’s the law.
And no, “Die Hard” is not a Christmas movie. Don’t @ me. 😅
6. Make a Christmas Eve Time Capsule
Here’s a fun twist: Have each family member write a note to their future self, describing the year, their hopes for next Christmas, or just a funny memory from that day.
Then, put everything into a sealed box (add photos, ticket stubs, or even a drawing), label it “Open Christmas Eve [Next Year]” and stash it away.
Why it’s surprisingly wholesome:
- Gives everyone a moment to reflect.
- Builds a meaningful tradition you’ll look forward to each year.
- 12 months from now, you’ll open it and go, “Oh my god, remember when we tried to bake gluten-free cookies and almost set the oven on fire?”
IMO, this is one of those underrated memory-makers you’ll wish you started sooner.
7. Play Christmas Eve Games (That Don’t Suck)
Skip Monopoly (unless you want a full-on family feud), and opt for fun, light-hearted holiday-themed games instead.
Here are a few no-fail ideas:
- Christmas Charades – Reenact holiday movie scenes or festive phrases.
- Holiday Pictionary – Draw a snow globe. Or fail to.
- Gift Wrap Race – Time who can wrap a present fastest… with oven mitts.
Why it works:
- Gets everyone laughing (even Grandpa).
- Ideal for mixed-age groups.
- No one gets too competitive. Usually.
This is especially great post-dinner when everyone’s slightly too full to move.
8. Read a Classic Christmas Story Together
I know it sounds old-school, but trust me—reading “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” or a favorite holiday book out loud actually hits different when you do it together.
Let different people read each page or take turns doing silly voices. Suddenly, everyone’s paying attention. Even the teens (shocking, I know).
What it adds:
- A moment of calm amid the chaos.
- A sweet tradition that’s especially magical for kids.
- Bonus points if someone falls asleep mid-story—adorable.
You can also add your own twist and make up alternate endings. Because why not?
9. Track Santa’s Journey Online 🎅
Shoutout to NORAD for keeping the magic alive—you can track Santa’s sleigh in real-time, and yes, it’s still as exciting as it was when you were 7.
Why it’s legit awesome:
- Kids freak out in the best way.
- Builds excitement before bedtime (which you’ll need to enforce soon).
- Even adults secretly love it.
Pop it up on the TV screen or your laptop and check in every hour: “He’s in Finland? We gotta get to bed!” Instant bedtime motivation.
10. Have a Pajama Fashion Show (With a Photo Shoot)
Okay, this one’s just plain fun. Everyone puts on their best Christmas PJs, grabs a prop (reindeer ears, Santa hat, a pet dressed as an elf—do it for the ‘Gram) and struts their stuff.
Then do a full-on family photo shoot, either with a phone tripod or just the classic “self-timer chaos” technique.
Why you’ll love it:
- You’ll actually get some great photos (even if they’re goofy).
- You’ll probably start laughing halfway through and that’s the point.
- Those pictures? Memory gold.
Print them out next year for the Christmas Eve time capsule. You see where I’m going with this, right?
Final Thoughts: The Little Things = The Big Memories
At the end of the day, Christmas Eve isn’t about big plans or expensive gifts. It’s about those little moments that turn into the stories you tell year after year.
Whether it’s:
- Laughing over horribly decorated cookies,
- Watching Elf for the 87th time, or
- Seeing your dog try to eat Santa’s cookie plate…
…those are the things that build the kind of memories you’ll cherish forever.
So what’s your Christmas Eve vibe this year? Cozy and quiet? Loud and chaotic? Somewhere in between?
Whatever you choose—make it yours. Because the real magic? It’s in the moments, not the mistletoe.
✨🎄 Merry Christmas Eve, friend. Let the memory-making begin. 🎁
PS: Got a favorite tradition I didn’t mention? Share it! I’m always looking to steal—uh, borrow—new ideas for my own Christmas Eve lineup. 😉