It’s that time of the year again when the stockings are hung and Santa is on the way.
But it’s up to us to create the magic and make it a Merry Christmas with Christmas Eve being just as important as Christmas Day.
Our list of traditional Christmas Eve ideas below includes activities and tips to help you find things to do on Christmas Eve and get the excitement brewing for the big day.
Go To a Christmas Pantomime
There’s nothing quite as exciting for the kids as attending a pantomime, especially the night before Christmas to get in the festive mood.
Liverpool has many panto options on Christmas Eve such as The Magical Adventures Of Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, and Snow White.
Create a Christmas Eve Box
A traditional Christmas Eve is not complete without giving your child a Christmas Eve box. Fill it with fluffy socks, hot chocolate, new pajamas, and even a bath toy as an early present from Santa.
Create a magical Christmas Eve bubble bath with the Ubbi Bath Gift Set, perfect for turning bath time into a festive adventure!
With an enchanting mix of squeeze toys, starfish suction cups, and a whimsical cloud-and-droplet duo, this set sparks joy and imagination. The included drying bin makes cleanup effortless, while the non-toxic, safe materials ensure worry-free play.
Add some warm bubbles, twinkling lights, and holiday music to make this Christmas Eve bubble bath an unforgettable treat for your little one!
Visit Santa’s Grotto
Another great Christmas Tradition is visiting Santa the day before Christmas at Santa’s Grotto.
Liverpool has Santa’s Grottos open on Christmas Eve such as Dobbies Garden, Liverpool Lapland, and John Lewis in Liverpool One.
If you can, book it early to avoid disappointment since visiting Santa’s Grotto is very popular on Christmas Eve!
Go For a Festive Brunch/Christmas Breakfast
Nothing says Christmas like a festive brunch! Lots of bottomless brunch places do non-alcoholic options and even themed brunches, Slug and Lettuce is doing festive brunches with options such as festive pancake stacks, and for the kids, Toby Carvery is doing a special kid’s breakfast on Christmas Eve.
Take a Christmas Eve Light Ride
If you’re low on budget, driving around at night with your favourite takeaway drink can become a magical tradition on Christmas Eve.
Make it a mission to find the best Christmas Lights display in your local neighbourhood.
Track Santa’s Path
Nowadays there are so many apps and online sites that allow you to track Santa and his sleigh.
NORAD tracker has been tracking Santa for over 60 years and has over 1500 volunteers to answer all your kids’ questions about Santa. Get it up on the big screen, grab some snacks and watch Santa make his deliveries for the big day.
Walk a Festive Light Trail
There’s nothing quite like wrapping up warm in the cold, grabbing a hot chocolate and enjoying a festive light trail as a family before Christmas.
Liverpool has a few traditional Christmas light trails on offer such as Knowsley Safari which offers an illuminated trail as well as other activities and Liverpool One also has a light trail.
Sing Carols At a Christmas Concert
Join an uplifting carol service on Christmas Eve at Liverpool Cathedral and get in the festive spirit by singing your way into Christmas.
Go To The Christmas Markets
There will be plenty of Christmas markets still open on Christmas Eve to wander around. Some to name are Liverpool Christmas Market and Liverpool One will be open too for exploring during the day till 5 pm.
Little Tips To Make Christmas Eve Even Better
- Make a gingerbread house – Making a traditional Christmas gingerbread house is a great way to occupy the kids while also getting to indulge in a festive treat.
- Do a board game – Getting together as a family and playing a board game is a great way to relax before the big day. See some of these STEM board games here for learning game ideas.
- Bake cookies for Santa – Baking cookies is always a good idea, especially when they are left out for Santa to eat!
- Receive a letter from Santa – Have your kids receive a personalised letter from Santa.
- Open a gift – Allow your kids to open one gift each from under the tree!
- Have a Christmas movie marathon – Stay in from the cold, get your Christmas Eve pjs on and enjoy a Home Alone movie marathon!