If you’re looking for some simple and fun holiday activities, you’ll want to check out these 5 fun things to do with your kids on Christmas Eve!

These 5 ideas are all simple, fun, and easy to do with your kids! They’re also things that are either completely FREE or cost very little so they offer a budget-friendly way to spend Christmas Eve!
5 fun things to do with your kids on Christmas Eve!
1. Track Santa Online
Are you familiar with NORAD Tracks Santa?
If not, then you and your kids are in for a treat!
NORAD stands for North American Aerospace Defense. It is a bi-national organization made up of the US and Canada. Its purpose is to provide homeland security through aerospace control, as well as aerospace and maritime warning.
Hmmm…
What in the world does homeland security have to do with Santa!?!
Well, turns out A LOT!
Because ever since 1955, NORAD has tracked Santa’s whereabouts on Christmas Eve in real time. This means that we have the ability to track Santa’s flight while we anticipate his arrival.
How cool!
The NORAD website also includes activities and games which are fun to check out. Tracking Santa is an activity that can start early in the morning and continue sporadically throughout the day until it’s time to go to bed.
So fun!
Be sure to spend some time tracking Santa online as you eagerly await his arrival.

2. Go See Holiday Lights
Make some hot cocoa, bundle up, and head out for a walk around the neighborhood to look at holiday lights. If you don’t live near an area with many lights or decorations, pack up the car and drive around for your light viewing.
And if you end up driving, make sure to play some of your favorite Christmas music and sing along!
Viewing the magic of holiday lights is always fun!
3. Make Reindeer Food
This recipe is easy peasy!
Raw oatmeal mixed with glitter.
That’s it!
Take whatever color(s) of glitter you have on hand and add some to raw oatmeal. Stir them up in a bowl or toss them in a zip lock bag and give the bag a good shake. The mixture will be good to go and you’ll be all set!
Next, take your reindeer food and head outside. Sprinkle the reindeer food all around your driveway, the sidewalk, your grass, and even the street, (if it’s safe, of course!).
If the moon is visible, the glitter will catch the light, radiating shimmer and sparkle.
The reindeer will be sure to find you this way!
4. Read Christmas Books Aloud
Surround yourself with a pile of your favorite Christmas books and read aloud together.
In need of some recommendations?
Check out my list of 10 Delightful Christmas Picture Books for some inspiration.
Grabbing a pile of Christmas picture books is a cozy and magical way to spend part of your Christmas Eve!

5. Watch a Favorite Holiday Film
Take any remaining hot cocoa from your holiday lights viewing, and snuggle up on the couch to watch a favorite holiday film.
If you don’t already have a holiday favorite or two, how about trying one of the following?
- The Muppet Christmas Carol
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Arthur Christmas
- A Christmas Story
- A Charlie Brown Christmas
- Elf
- The Polar Express
- Prancer
- Miracle on 34th Street
- It’s a Wonderful Life
Whether it’s a classic or a more recent film, watch a holiday movie to soak up the Christmas spirit.
If you’re looking for more holiday support and inspiration, check out the following posts:
- 4 Simple Tips to Make Christmas Less Stressful
- How to Simplify the Holidays
- 10 Simple Holiday Self-Care Tips
If you’re looking for fun ways to spend Christmas Eve, I hope this has provided you with some simple inspiration. Here’s to making lasting memories with your kids!
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Leave a Reply