One of my most popular Christmas posts is about Christmas Day traditions, as for some families it feels like a big disappointment after opening the presents.

But what about Christmas Eve?

We have two main Christmas Eve traditions, both borrowed from my parents.

The first is to go to a matinee at the cinema on Christmas Eve. It helps break up a long day for the kids and is a fun, relaxing event. Now that we live close to family, we invite all the cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles to join us!

The second is our shepherd’s meal, which is by far my kids’ favorite Christmas tradition (pretty much every year, I ask what tradition they’re most looking forward to and that’s always their number one answer – I have a whole post about it here).

And I knew there had to be lots of other good ideas for Christmas Eve traditions, so I asked on Instagram and received a deluge of great suggestions!

If you’re looking for some Christmas Eve traditions, I hope you find something here that works for your family!

Over 20 Christmas Eve Traditions

Wrapping
The person who mentioned this actually said “panic wrap” which made me laugh out loud. I remember my mom staying up late some Christmas Eves wrapping all the presents and that’s not my idea of ​​fun (it wasn’t her idea of ​​fun either). I love wrapping gifts when they arrive, but some might like to wait until it’s all there.

Coffee/hot chocolate
Having a nice, cozy drink sounds like something everyone in my family would enjoy. And if you don’t want to go out, my sister swears by this homemade hot chocolate recipe.

Excursion
If you live in a warmer climate area or happen to have unexpected nice weather, this would be a great way to spend time together and pass the time. There’s nothing better than getting some fresh air, beautiful views and a bit of exercise.

The bells are ringing for the Salvation Army
Get ready and ring the bell outside a local store on Christmas Eve. It’s an easy way to serve together and remind kids what the season is really about.

Go shopping to fill your stockings
Make Christmas Eve your official stocking shopping day. A quick trip to the store or a visit to a local store turns a last-minute task into a fun tradition.

Attend church
Many families attend Christmas Eve religious mass as a quiet respite from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and a meaningful way to reflect on the season.

Elegant dinner outside or at home
Skip the big Christmas Day meal and make Christmas Eve dinner special by going out or dressing up at home with candles and a favorite dish.

Takeaway at home so no one has to cook
It sounds incredibly attractive to everyone involved. No time to prepare, no dishes and good food. Sign me up!

Bring out some energy
If you have young children, you know the energy that boils over on Christmas Eve! I love the idea of ​​going out and getting some of those swings out. Suggestions included a tramp park, rock climbing gym, Top Golf, Children’s Museum and ice skating.

Represent the nativity scene
Personally I think this is really fun! Ask children (and willing adults!) to dress up and act out the Nativity story on Christmas Eve. It’s a simple and meaningful tradition that helps everyone slow down and focus on the story of Christmas.

Christmas story by candlelight
Along the same lines as the nativity scene there is a Christmas story by candlelight. It is an interactive version of the biblical story of the birth of Christ. A follower suggested this free printable and said

“It’s a great way to feel the spirit of Christmas Eve – the candlelight makes it really special and singing the songs together is great. I bought some glass votives and then got a different colored candle for each person in the story (blue Mary, green shepherds, etc.).”

Sing songs together
There is something so welcoming and heartwarming about singing Christmas carols together. Gather around the piano while someone plays or simply turn on the song on your phone while you are gathered and sing your heart out.

Make and take treats to your neighbors or local hospital and donate them to the nurses
Spend part of Christmas Eve preparing or assembling simple treats, then deliver them to neighbors or deliver them to nurses at a local hospital. It’s a simple and practical way to spread holiday cheer and gratitude.

Family/friends party
Organize an informal family gathering on Christmas Eve with good food, games and lots of time together. It’s a fun way to celebrate before the excitement of Christmas morning. Another follower said

“We host a big breakfast on Christmas Eve for family and friends who don’t have relatives in town! Almost everyone always has the morning free and available!”

I love this idea! For years we were the family that had no relatives in town and would still love and want to be invited over for the morning!

Play
We love a good game in our house, so everyone would be thrilled with this idea! All our favorites here. Someone even talked about opening a new game for the whole family to learn and have fun together. Another suggestion was to play Christmas carol bingo so you can listen to lots of Christmas music before the season ends.

Santa Claus is coming to our house
Invite Santa Claus to come to your house on Christmas Eve, whether it’s a neighbor in costume or a special surprise for the kids. It adds a little extra magic and makes the night unforgettable.

Watch a movie
We go to a matinee every Christmas Eve and I love this tradition! And for the past few years, our gift to our extended families has been paying for anyone who wants to come with us!

Flood book
You know I like this idea. It’s an Icelandic tradition where you get a bag of books, some chocolate and read all day! Don’t say anything else.

The shepherd’s meal
We’ve been doing this for many years now and my girls will always say it’s one of their favorite traditions. You can see all the details here.

Open a gift
Opening a present to kick off Christmas is a common tradition. It’s nice that they can enjoy just one gift before more are opened the next day.

Sleep in the same room
Why does the fun stop when it’s time to go to sleep? Having a giant sleepover keeps the magic going.

Prepare a fun gift
Making a festive dessert/treat to end the evening seems perfect. My favorite Christmas treat is these Salted Caramel Christmas Crackers. Trust me, they are so easy and incredibly delicious.

The best Christmas lightS
Go around the neighborhoods of your city or walk around yours and print these cute “Best Christmas Light Award” labels to hand out if you feel like it. Or just enjoy the lights.

Open the new Christmas pajamas
I love that my girls get their Christmas pajamas at the start of the season, but I know others like them feel fresh and exciting the night before Christmas! Also, they are still in great condition for all the photos.

Dancing party near the Christmas tree
Turn on the merriest of Christmas tunes, turn off all the lights except the Christmas tree and dance your heart out!

Read The Night Before Christmas
Gather everyone together to read The night before Christmas. It’s a simple and classic way to end the evening and set the mood for Christmas morning.

Variety show for families
Let everyone show off a talent, a skit, a song or a joke in a low-pressure family variety show. It’s usually a little chaotic, a lot of fun, and always memorable.

Create your own ornament
Set out some simple supplies and let everyone create an ornament for the tree. Now it’s a fun activity and a keepsake you’ll enjoy bringing out year after year.

Mani Pedi
Turn Christmas Eve into a mini spa night with an at-home manicure and pedicure. It’s relaxing, feels a little sophisticated, and gives everyone a chance to slow down together.

Make cookies for Santa Claus
Make a batch of cookies to leave out for Santa before bed. It’s a classic tradition that adds a little magic to the night. My favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe is right here if you need some inspiration!

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