Ideas for Christmas Eve

December 25th may be the main event, but look to these Christmas Eve ideas to build up the excitement right before the big day. While you wait for Santa, there are lots of activities to share with family and friends.

Here are some ideas of Christmas Eve that will keep everyone entertained:

• Christmas Eve dinner ideas: Invite people over to share in the celebration with you. Spirits will be high and there will be lots of cheer to go around. Christmas Eve menu ideas include preparing a big traditional feast with roast beef, potatoes, and peppermint trifle or encourage guests to bring a potluck dish to share. Dim the lights and dine by candlelight for a magical holiday atmosphere! Gather around the tree for after-dinner cocktails or hot cocoa and enjoy each other’s company.

• Christmas Eve activities: Have a sing-a-long of favorite Christmas carols around the piano or visit houses around the neighborhood. You can also do a craft or bake up a fresh batch of cookies to leave out for Santa when he makes a stop at your house. Don’t forget the glass of milk!

• Christmas Eve games: Set up some friendly competition that will include everybody. Divide your party into two teams and play a Christmas version of charades. All of the clues can be familiar holiday characters or song titles such as “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas” or “All I Want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth.” Share laughs and a bit of silliness as you try to guess what your teammates are acting out.

• Christmas Eve traditions: Partake in cherished activities that are a special part of your celebration. This may include opening up one gift or reading “The Night Before Christmas” before bedtime. Get inspired by this list of Christmas books for kids.

These ideas for things to do on Christmas Eve will help build up anticipation and prepare for Christmas day. Enjoy your celebrations and take note of your favorite memories so you can repeat them again next year.

Get ready for the holiday season by planning your own Christmas celebration. Here’s one of our favorite free Christmas invitation designs to get started!