9 Magical Traditions to do on Christmas Eve at Home
If you’re looking for some new traditions to start this year, why not try one (or all!) of these 9 magical traditions to do on Christmas Eve at home?
The holidays are a special time for family, friends, and tradition. And what would the holidays be without some fun favorite Christmas Eve traditions to get everyone in the holiday spirit?
Christmas Eve is one of the Most Magical Nights of the Year
In fact, it’s so special that it might be hard to narrow down what you want to do on this festive Christmas Eve night before all the other holiday traditions startup.
Instead, why not mix and match some different activities with your kids so they don’t get bored? From baking Christmas cookies to watching Christmas movies in cozy Christmas pajamas, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your loved ones and get ready for some holiday fun!
9 Traditions to do on Christmas Eve at Home with the Family
Here are some of our favorite traditions to do on Christmas Eve at home with the kids
1. Bake Cookies for Santa
One of the most popular traditions on Christmas Eve is to bake Christmas cookies for Santa. A great activity to do with the kids as they can help measure and mix the ingredients and of course, eat some of the batter too!
If you don’t have a go-to recipe, check out this Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe from All Recipes.
Once the cookies are baked and cooled, you can leave them out on a plate with a glass of milk and don’t forget a special note for Santa for Christmas morning.
2. Make a Gingerbread House
Making a gingerbread house is a fun tradition to do on Christmas Eve with the family. You can make your own dough using this great Gingerbread Cookie recipe from All Recipes or buy a kit with everything you need.
Decorate with icing, candy canes, marshmallows, and chocolates. It’s also great to use any Halloween candy if you still have any left around!
This is an excellent activity for the whole family big & small, and a good way to get into the Christmas spirit!
3. Unwrap a Special Gift
There’s nothing quite like unwrapping one gift on Christmas Eve. Start a new Christmas Eve tradition with the kids by having everyone open a special gift under the Christmas tree.
A great way to add some magic and excitement to your family’s Christmas Eve night, plan and make it a secret Santa gift exchange.
It can be something small and simple, like a new pair of pajamas or cozy slippers, or something fun, like a board game that everyone can enjoy.
4. Wear Matching Christmas PJs or Ugly Christmas Sweaters
One of the best things about Christmas Eve is that you can stay in your pajamas all day! Get into the festive spirit by putting on your coziest pair of jammies and spending the day lounging around the house.
Or, if you’re feeling REALLY festive, break out those ugly Christmas sweaters!
Whether you’re sipping hot cocoa by the fire or playing Christmas charades with loved ones, you’ll be sure to have a holly jolly time in your matching Christmas pajamas or ugly Christmas sweater.
5. Make a Special Christmas Eve Dinner
Christmas Eve is a magical night, and what better way to celebrate than by making a special dinner to enjoy with your family? If you’re ambitious, you can prepare a family feast with all the fixings.
Or opt for a less traditional route and make a memorable Christmas Eve dinner that includes all your family’s favorite foods.
For a fun family game, turn the meal into a competition and have family members participate in a Christmas Eve edition of Master Chef.
No matter what you decide to make, be sure to include plenty of festive Christmas decorations and Christmas music to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
6. Watch a Christmas Movie
Christmas eve is a time for family, holiday cheer, and of course, watching a holiday movie together! This tradition is one that the kids will be sure to remember, snuggled up on the couch and in matching Christmas pajamas.
There are so many great Christmas movies to choose from, including some of our favorites like: Elf, The Polar Express, and How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
No matter what you choose to watch, spending time with your loved ones while enjoying a classic holiday film is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit!
7. Make Hot Cocoa & Festive Popcorn
‘Tis the season for hot cocoa and festive popcorn! Christmas Eve movie night isn’t complete without this festive duo.
To make hot cocoa, simply heat up some milk in a pot on the stove. Then, add in some chocolate chips or powder and stir until dissolved. For an extra festive touch, top with whipped cream, marshmallows, and a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder. Yum!
For the popcorn, start by popping a bag in the microwave. Then, melt some butter and mix in any desired toppings. We like to use things like mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, or sprinkles. But you can get creative and use whatever you like best. Once everything is mixed together, put it in a big bowl and dig in!
Karaoke Christmas Carols
Karaoke Christmas Carols is a fun and festive way to get into the holiday spirit! This Christmas Eve tradition is perfect for just the family, as it brings holiday cheer and fun competition all in one.
To start, each person picks their favorite Christmas carol. Then, take turns singing karaoke style, with everyone joining in on the chorus. The person who sings the best gets to pick the next song, and so on.
Not only is this a fun way to enjoy quality time with loved ones, but it’s also a festive way to show off your vocal chops (or lack thereof)! So bust out the karaoke machine and get ready for some holiday fun.
Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
It’s Christmas Eve, and there’s no better way to end the night than by reading ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas in front of the fireplace.
This classic Christmas tale is sure to bring joy to everyone’s face and get the family feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. And what could be more magical than spending some quality family time together around the fireplace on Christmas Eve?
So gather up your loved ones, grab a cozy blanket, and settle in for a lovely holiday tradition that is sure to fill you with holiday cheer.
Create Lasting Memories on Christmas Eve at Home with the Family
Our Top Picks To Make Christmas Eve Magical
- Bake Cookies for Santa
- Make a Gingerbread House
- Unwrap a Special Gift
- Wear Matching Christmas PJs or Ugly Christmas Sweaters
- Make a Special Christmas Eve Dinner
- Watch a Christmas Movie
- Make Hot Cocoa & Festive Popcorn
- Karaoke Christmas Carols
- Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
No matter what your family’s traditions are, Christmas Eve is a time to come together and enjoy each other’s company.
We hope that our list of 9 magical traditions has inspired you to create your own special memories with your loved ones. From baking cookies for Santa to snuggling on the couch in your Christmas pajamas, there are endless possibilities for making this holiday season even more special with your loved ones.