Guide
Christmas Eve Traditions in the UK: 15 Ideas to Make 24 December Special
Published 31 October 2026.
For many British families, Christmas Eve is the most magical part of the whole season. The shopping is (mostly) done, the excitement is at its peak and there's a sense that something wonderful is about to happen. Here are the best-loved UK Christmas Eve traditions, a little of where they came from, and ideas for starting new ones with your own children.
Traditional British Christmas Eve customs
1. A mince pie and sherry for Father Christmas
In the UK, Santa traditionally gets a mince pie and a small glass of sherry (or milk, for the designated sleigh driver), rather than the cookies left out in America. A carrot for Rudolph completes the plate.
2. Hanging up stockings
Stockings go up on Christmas Eve, at the end of the bed or on the mantelpiece. The tradition is often linked to the legend of St Nicholas dropping gold coins down a chimney into stockings left to dry, which is also why a satsuma or chocolate coins often turn up in the toe.
3. Carols and Christmas Eve services
Many families go to a crib service in the afternoon (aimed at young children, often with a nativity) or Midnight Mass later. The BBC broadcasts A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College, Cambridge on Christmas Eve, which many people listen to while wrapping the last presents.
4. Watching a Christmas film
Whether it's The Snowman, The Muppet Christmas Carol or the latest animated favourite, a family film on Christmas Eve is close to universal in British homes.
5. Putting the turkey prep on
Peeling the sprouts and potatoes on Christmas Eve (often with a festive drink) is a ritual in its own right for many households.
Newer family traditions
6. The Christmas Eve box
A box of new pyjamas, hot chocolate, a book and a film is now a firm favourite. We've got a whole guide of Christmas Eve box ideas for every age and budget.
7. New pyjamas
Even without a full box, new Christmas pyjamas on 24 December means everyone looks lovely in the Christmas morning photos.
8. Reindeer food
Children sprinkle a mix of oats (and wildlife-safe edible glitter) on the lawn so Rudolph and friends can find the house. Skip the plastic glitter, because it's harmful to birds and hedgehogs.
9. Tracking Santa
Checking Santa's progress across the world before bed has become a much-loved ritual and a brilliant way to get children upstairs ("He's nearly in Europe!"). You can follow him on our free Santa Tracker.
10. A message from Santa
A video call from Santa on Christmas Eve, reminding your child by name that he only comes once they're asleep, is a tradition many families now repeat year after year.
11. The Elf on the Shelf goodbye
If an elf has been visiting since December, Christmas Eve is when it heads home with Santa, often leaving a farewell note or small gift. Need ideas? See our Elf on the Shelf ideas.
Regional and older traditions worth reviving
12. The Yule log
Burning a Yule log is an ancient midwinter custom. Today most of us settle for the chocolate version, but lighting a fire or candle together still marks the moment nicely.
13. Christmas Eve ghost stories
Victorian Britain loved telling ghost stories on Christmas Eve; that's why Dickens set A Christmas Carol at this time of year. Gentle spooky stories by candlelight are perfect for older children.
14. Wassailing and carol singing
Going door to door singing carols, sometimes with a collection for charity, is still common in villages and towns. It's lovely to do with a group of neighbours.
15. Opening one present
Some families let children open a single present on Christmas Eve. This is often the pyjamas, which neatly links to tradition number seven.
How to start your own Christmas Eve tradition
Traditions don't need to be old to be meaningful. The best ones are simple, repeatable and involve everyone. Some ideas:
- A Christmas Eve walk to look at neighbours' lights.
- A special Christmas Eve tea: soup, sausage rolls or a picnic in front of the tree.
- A family game night. Board games, charades or our Christmas games for kids on the TV.
- A time capsule. Each person writes what they're grateful for this year; open it next Christmas Eve.
- A story starring your child. Reading or watching a personalised Christmas story becomes a keepsake you revisit every year.
- Photos by the tree in the same spot every year, to see how everyone has grown.
A calm Christmas Eve bedtime
The trickiest part of Christmas Eve is getting excited children to sleep. A few tips from experienced parents:
- Run them around in the afternoon. A walk, a park trip or a dance-off burns off energy.
- Keep sugar earlier in the day. Save the chocolate coins for Christmas morning.
- Use the "Santa only comes when you're asleep" rule, backed up by Santa himself if you're using a video message.
- Create a wind-down routine: bath, pyjamas, hot chocolate, story, lights out.
- Leave a nightlight or fairy lights on for little ones who are too excited to settle.
For even more inspiration, see our full list of Christmas Eve ideas.
FAQ
What do British people do on Christmas Eve?
Common UK traditions include leaving a mince pie and sherry for Father Christmas, hanging stockings, attending a crib service or Midnight Mass, watching a Christmas film, and, more recently, opening a Christmas Eve box.
What do you leave out for Santa in the UK?
Traditionally a mince pie and a small glass of sherry or milk, plus a carrot for Rudolph.
Why do we open a present on Christmas Eve?
It's a family custom rather than a rule. Many families let children open new pyjamas or a Christmas Eve box to make the night special and help them settle.
What time does Santa come on Christmas Eve?
Children are usually told Santa only arrives once they are fast asleep, which is a handy encouragement at bedtime.
What is a crib service?
A family-friendly church service held on Christmas Eve afternoon, usually featuring the nativity story and carols, aimed at young children.