What to Do on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

🎅 Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are just around the corner… But what can you do at Christmas to make this year a little different? Whether you’re looking for a bit of magic, creative activities or quality time with family, we’ve got plenty of ideas! From treasure hunts and lively board game sessions to a cosy Christmas Eve at home, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to celebrate Christmas your own way with our 9 original ideas! 🎄

1. Christmas Treasure Hunt

Why simply unwrap presents under the tree when you could turn finding them into a magical treasure hunt or a DIY escape game? Imagine searching the house for clues hidden in Christmas stockings and solving riddles inspired by winter fairy tales… 

You don’t have to come up with everything yourself: you’ll find plenty of free, printable treasure hunt kits online. A fun way to bring the whole family together for a Christmas full of laughter, surprises and teamwork!

2. Play Board Games

What better way to bring everyone together than a board game night? 🎲 Christmas is the perfect time to get out your favourite games, from the silliest ones to classics like Trivial Pursuit or Pictionary. Get ready for plenty of laughs! 

👉 Related reading: Our Ideas for Games to Play at Home

And why not try a collaborative puzzle? It’s a great way to bring the whole family together. Everyone can search for pieces, help each other out and work towards the same goal. And when the last piece falls into place, there’s plenty to celebrate!

👉 Related reading: Dissectologist: What If It Were You?

3. Enjoy a Cosy Christmas at Home

This year, why not spend Christmas in your pyjamas ? Whether you’re on your own or celebrating with just a few loved ones, get comfy under a soft blanket, put on your favourite pyjamas and make yourself a hot chocolate. Add some twinkling Christmas lights and settle in with a TV series or a classic film.🎬

Fancy a bit of romance with Love Actually, or something more magical with The Nightmare Before Christmas? The important thing is to relax and enjoy Christmas your own way.

4. Organize a Secret Santa

Whether you’re on a tight budget or just want to make eco-friendly choices, Secret Santa is a lovely way to exchange gifts. Set a spending limit, then draw names from a hat or use an app. That way, everyone has one person to buy a present for, and who’s giving what stays a surprise!

Who could be behind that little parcel with your name on it? You’ll have to wait until Christmas to find out! It’s a simple way to share the joy of giving while buying fewer presents and being a little kinder to the planet.. 🎁🌍

Give a mini jigsaw puzzle as a gift!

👉 Related Reading: Our Christmas Gift Ideas for Adults

5. Create a Family Tree Together

Why not use Christmas as an opportunity to create a family tree and share some of your funniest family memories?🌳🎄Dig out the old photo albums and ask older relatives what Christmas was like when they were young. You’re bound to hear a few good stories!

Who remembers that Christmas Eve when Grandpa dressed the cat up as a reindeer? Or the year the dog ate all the foie gras? And what about the Christmas when Great-Grandma spent twenty minutes thanking everyone for a beautiful vase she’d given someone else herself? These are the stories worth sharing with the younger generations, so they don’t get forgotten!

6. Have a Christmas Karaoke Night

How about a Christmas karaoke night to get everyone in the festive spirit? 🎶 This year, it’s time to sing your heart out! For an extra bit of fun, play guess the Christmas song: put on a short clip and see who can name the tune first. Just don’t make them all too easy!

Of course, classics like All I Want for Christmas Is You and Jingle Bell Rock are bound to get everyone singing, but there are plenty more to choose from. So pop on your Santa hat, grab the microphone and give it your all. No one needs to sing in tune to have a good time!

7. Try Christmas Traditions from Around the World

How about travelling around the world without leaving home this Christmas? On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, try something different by putting together a festive menu inspired by other countries.

Mexican tamales as a starter, Finnish roast reindeer for the main course, and Italian panettone or Greek kourabiedes for dessert? Or, if you fancy a trip back in time, put on a medieval feast with roast meat, savoury pies and warming soup. Add a few candles and some costumes to complete the scene. Now that’s a Christmas to remember! 🎭

8. Make Your Own Christmas Film

Why not turn your living room into a film set and make your very own Christmas film? Let your imagination run wild! Come up with a funny story, give everyone a part to play and film it all on your phone. You’re bound to have a good laugh!

Sounds like too much work? Have a fun Christmas photo shoot instead. 📸 Dig out your silliest costumes and whatever props you can find around the house. You can use your favourite photos to make personalised Christmas cards for friends and family.

9. Go for a Christmas Eve Walk

Fancy heading outside to enjoy a little Christmas magic? Instead of your usual stroll through the festive lights, why not try something different? On Christmas Eve, wrap up warm and head out for a walk in the woods with torches and a flask of hot chocolate.

You could tell stories along the way or set up a little treasure hunt for the whole family. Or simply enjoy the quiet, look up at the stars and listen to the sounds of the forest. A lovely way to end Christmas Eve, with a few laughs and a little adventure! ❄️✨

Now you know what to do at Christmas! Pick your favourite ideas from our list and celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day your own way. Whether you’re spending time with family, friends or enjoying a quiet day to yourself, we hope you’ll make some wonderful memories along the way.

👉 Related reading: Our Guide to Ethical Christmas Gifts

FAQ: What to Do at Christmas?

What Can You Do with Your Family at Christmas?

Organize a treasure hunt to find the presents, get out the board games or work on a collaborative jigsaw puzzle together. The key is to choose something that both children and adults can enjoy, so everyone can join in.

What Can You Do at Christmas If You’re on Your Own?

If you’d rather spend Christmas on your own, cook your favourite meal, watch a good film, start a jigsaw puzzle or go for a walk. If you’d like some company, check with your local community centre or charities to see whether they’re organising any Christmas meals or activities nearby. You could also volunteer with a charity and spend some time with others.