This post shows you 33 Fun Things to Do on Christmas Eve with Your Family.
Christmas Eve can often feel hectic, especially if you’re the one responsible for bringing the Christmas Day magic to life. But setting aside some time to bond as a family and enjoy the spirit of the holiday together can make Christmas Eve feel just as memorable as the big day itself.
It’s a chance to relax, share laughter, and create heartwarming memories that will stay with your family for years to come.
So, to help you make this Christmas Eve extra special, here’s a collection of 33 Fun Things to Do on Christmas Eve with Your Family. These ideas range from classic traditions to fresh and fun activities, all designed to add a bit of Christmas Day magic to the night before. Dive in and pick a few that you and your family will love!
33 FUN THINGS TO DO ON CHRISTMAS EVE WITH YOUR FAMILY
1. Bake Christmas Cookies Together
Spend time baking and decorating cookies as a family. Everyone can pitch in, and the best part is tasting your delicious creations right after!
2. Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Cozy up by the fireplace or the tree and read this classic Christmas story together. It’s a wonderful way to set the mood and get everyone excited for Santa’s arrival.
3. Have a Christmas Eve Pajama Party
Pick out matching Christmas pajamas and have a cozy family movie night. Bring out all the holiday classics, like Home Alone or Elf.
4. Write Letters to Santa
Younger kids especially will love sitting down to write a last-minute letter to Santa, just in case there’s something they forgot to add to their list!
5. Host a Family Talent Show
Let each family member show off their unique skills. From singing to dancing to telling jokes, it’s a fun way to spend time together and get everyone laughing.
6. Decorate Gingerbread Houses
Gather the family to decorate gingerbread houses. Use icing, candies, and sprinkles to create your own little Christmas village.
7. Watch a Christmas Movie Marathon
Snuggle up with blankets and hot cocoa for a marathon of favorite holiday movies. Try mixing in classics with newer releases.
8. Go on a Christmas Light Scavenger Hunt
Take a drive or walk around the neighborhood and make a game out of spotting popular holiday decorations like snowmen, reindeer, and nativity scenes.
9. Create DIY Christmas Ornaments
Pull out some crafting supplies and make a few ornaments that your family can treasure for years to come. It’s a fun, creative activity for kids and adults alike.
10. Sing Christmas Carols
Whether you prefer singing at home or heading out to spread cheer in the neighborhood, Christmas caroling brings everyone into the festive spirit.
11. Have a Family Game Night
Board games, charades, or card games are a great way to bring the family together and enjoy some friendly competition on Christmas Eve.
12. Make Hot Cocoa with All the Fixings
Set up a hot cocoa bar with marshmallows, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and more. Let everyone create their perfect cup of holiday cheer.
13. Write a Family Christmas Letter
Reflect on the past year and write a letter to send out to loved ones or just keep as a family tradition to look back on.
14. Prepare Reindeer Food
Mix up a blend of oats and glitter (or biodegradable sparkles) for the kids to sprinkle outside for Santa’s reindeer.
15. Read the Christmas Story Together
For a spiritual touch, read the story of the Nativity. This can be a meaningful way to connect with the true meaning of Christmas.
16. Make Personalized Stockings
If you don’t already have them, consider creating your own family stockings with names, decorations, and little touches of each person’s personality.
17. Plan a Christmas Eve Feast
Prepare a special family dinner. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but bringing everyone together to enjoy a meal creates lasting memories.
18. Make Snow Angels
If there’s snow outside, bundle up and go make snow angels! It’s a simple but delightful way to enjoy a winter wonderland.
19. Tell Stories Around the Fireplace
Gather around the fire and share stories, whether they’re favorite holiday memories or even ghost stories with a Christmas twist.
20. Make a Family Christmas Video
Record short video clips or take photos to capture the Christmas Eve festivities, creating a keepsake to watch in the future.
21. Play Christmas Bingo
Set up a Christmas-themed Bingo game with small prizes for the winners. It’s an easy, fun game that everyone can enjoy.
22. Do a Random Act of Kindness
Bake cookies for a neighbor, leave a kind note, or donate to a local charity. Spreading goodwill is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday.
23. Put Together a Christmas Eve Puzzle
Find a festive puzzle that the whole family can work on together. It’s a relaxing and satisfying activity that can bring everyone together.
24. Take a Family Christmas Photo
Set up a mini-photo shoot with the family in front of the tree or by the fireplace. These photos can become a cherished annual tradition.
25. Host a Holiday Karaoke Session
Belt out your favorite holiday tunes in a family karaoke session. It’s a lighthearted way to bring out everyone’s Christmas spirit.
26. Have a Candlelight Ceremony
For a serene moment, gather the family and light candles while sharing what each person is grateful for this Christmas.
27. Make a Christmas Eve Time Capsule
Write down memories, take pictures, or add little mementos to a box to be opened next Christmas Eve.
28. Decorate Your Pet
If you have pets, dress them up in cute holiday outfits or give them a special Christmas treat.
29. Have a Christmas Eve Countdown
Set up a mini countdown to midnight and celebrate with a small toast or sparkler.
30. Leave Treats for Santa and His Reindeer
Set out milk and cookies for Santa and a bowl of carrots for his reindeer. Kids will love this magical tradition!
31. Read a New Holiday Book Together
Choose a new holiday-themed book to read as a family, adding it to your collection for future Christmas Eves.
32. Create a Family Scrapbook
Spend some time assembling a scrapbook of family memories. Include photos, notes, and little keepsakes from the year.
33. Set Up a Christmas Morning Surprise
Prepare a surprise for Christmas morning, like a special breakfast or a hidden gift for each family member to find.
Christmas Eve is a special time to embrace the magic of the season with the people you love most. These activities are designed to help you create warm, joyful memories that will last a lifetime. Choose a few that resonate with your family and make this Christmas Eve one to remember!
This post showed you 33 things to do on Christmas with your family.
