Christmas Eve Activities

Here are some great Christmas Eve Activities you can enjoy with friends and family in anticipation of Christmas Day.

Many people like to open gifts and decorate their tree on Christmas Eve. However, if you prefer to decorate early and leave the gift opening for Christmas Day around Church Service, brunch, or Christmas dinner, I have a few ideas for you.

Tracking Santa's Sleigh

If you have small children in your midst, following Santa on Norad's Santa Tracker is a fun thing to do. You can show the kids where Santa is at any moment across the world. It might also help get them into bed.

Feeding the Reindeer

Another fun activity is making reindeer food on Christmas Eve. Simply mix up some oats, sprinkles, and glitter, and sprinkle it on the ground outside. It's especially fun when there's snow. Tell the kids that the bright sprinkles and glitter will shine and help the reindeer find their way to the house.

Gingerbread House Contest

Get creative by making or decorating cookies. Or have a gingerbread house competition. We made these a few years ago, and they were so fun. All you need is graham crackers, candies, and containers of white icing. We also used some shredded coconut for snow and pretzels, but you can use whatever you have to decorate the house.

Start by giving each person a base of cardboard with white freezer paper. Then give them a tub of white frosting to use as glue to build the house. More frosting and candies, etc., are used to decorate the house and the yard if desired.

Christmas Games

Have a White Elephant swap

Place all the wrapped gifts in the center. Sit in a circle and let one person start. They choose a gift and open it. The next person can take that gift or choose a new gift. Continue until everyone has a gift. Tip: choose a number of times a gift can be stolen or you may be playing for a long time.

Play cards or your favorite board games. I have an entire post about Christmas Games to enjoy with families, including some Christmas trivia links.

Watch a Classic Christmas Movie

Sit by the fire with hot cocoa or your favorite cocktail and watch a classic Christmas Movie. We often watch A Christmas Story every year, but there are so many. Here are a few oldies and a few more modern movies to try.

• It's a Wonderful Life
• White Christmas
• A Christmas Carol
• Miracle on 34th Street
• Home Alone
• How The Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carrey)
• Elf
• Christmas Vacation
• Scrooged
• Love Actually

Whatever you decide to do this Christmas Eve, make it a special time of fun, love, and peace for all.