Christmas Eve is a magical time that can be celebrated in many different ways. Depending on your family traditions, you may want to start the festivities by decorating the Christmas tree. You can also bring out the Nativity scene if you have one.
Make some mugs of hot cocoa and watch your favorite Christmas movie together or read “The Night Before Christmas”. Start baking some Christmas cookies and don’t forget to leave some out for Santa. For dinner, a traditional Christmas Eve feast of different fish, or “Feast of the Seven Fishes”, is a popular tradition.
For dessert, you could also bake a festive holiday cake or make a simple peppermint sundae. After dinner, you could plan some fun activities with your family, like sending Christmas cards, decorating gingerbread houses, playing Christmas music, and wrapping presents.
Finally, make sure to set out cookies, milk, and carrots for Santa and his reindeer. Spending Christmas Eve together with your family is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Is Christmas Eve dinner a thing?
Yes, Christmas Eve dinner is definitely a thing. Celebrating with family and friends is a common tradition throughout the holiday season, and Christmas Eve is no exception. Depending on the family and culture, Christmas Eve dinner can take different forms.
For some, Christmas Eve includes a big family get-together with gifts, caroling, and games. For others, it’s a more intimate setting with a family dinner. Still for others, religious traditions may be included, such as attending church services or having a ritual meal.
No matter what the format of the meal, it’s typically considered a special and meaningful moment shared between family and friends to kick off the holiday season.
How do you make Christmas Eve special for kids?
Making Christmas Eve special for kids is an exciting way to kick off the holiday festivities. While there are some classic traditions you can use to create a special Christmas Eve, there are also plenty of unique ideas that you can incorporate to make the night truly magical.
One tradition that can help kids flip the switch from naughty to nice is the Santa stop. While the kids are sleeping, Santa will “stop” by to drop off gifts, goodies, and special notes for the kids. And to really heighten the experience, you can use “Santa Dust” – a combination of glitter and sparkles that you can sprinkle on the kids when they are asleep.
Another way to make Christmas Eve special for kids is to host a holiday movie night. Encourage them to wear their favorite festive pajamas, cozy up on the couch, and enjoy a family-friendly Christmas movie.
Of course, no movie night is complete without smiles, laughter, and popcorn!.
For a hands-on activity, you can also hold a holiday baking competition. You and the kids can choose a festive recipe – cookies, brownies, or cupcakes – break up into teams, and compete to see who can create the tastiest sweetness.
Create an outdoor experience by taking the family on a holiday light tour. You can pack a thermos of hot cocoa, drive around your city to find the best illuminated houses, and finish the tour off by stopping at a festive outdoor ice rink.
Christmas Eve is a night for not only for merriment and celebration, but for making unforgettable memories, too. With a combination of classic traditions and creative ideas, you can make Christmas Eve a truly special experience for the kids.
What do most people have for Christmas Eve dinner?
Most people celebrate Christmas Eve with a traditional holiday meal filled with family favorites. For the main course, many people enjoy a glazed ham, roasted turkey, or even prime rib. Along with these main courses, side options can vary drastically, but some of the most popular sides include mashed potatoes, stuffing, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, and many more.
The meal is typically finished off with a delicious dessert, such as apple or pumpkin pie, Christmas cookies, and even fruitcake. All in all, Christmas Eve dinner is a chance to enjoy both classic and unique dishes with the people you love.
Is it normal to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve?
Yes, it is normal to celebrate Christmas on Christmas Eve. Many people, especially those that practice Christianity, celebrate the religious aspects of Christmas on Christmas Eve. This often includes attending Mass or some other religious service that remembers the birth of Jesus, opening presents, and sometimes having a special dinner.
Additionally, some people opt to celebrate Christmas with their family the night before, so that Christmas morning is spent opening presents and enjoying the day with family.
Is the River Walk open on Christmas Eve?
Yes, in most years the River Walk in San Antonio is open on Christmas Eve. Holidays and hours of operation do vary from year to year, so it’s best to first check the River Walk’s website or call ahead for confirmation.
On Christmas Eve, the shops and restaurants may have limited hours too and many may be closed completely. However, the River Walk path and bridges are open throughout the year and are typically a great spot to take a festive stroll with friends and family!.
Is there anything to do on Christmas day in San Antonio?
Yes! There are lots of great things to do on Christmas Day in San Antonio. If you’re looking for family-friendly fun, head to SeaWorld San Antonio, where you can enjoy rides, festive shows, and special holiday events.
The San Antonio Zoo is another great choice – they have a special holiday light and music festival, plus animal encounters and carousel rides. Enjoy the holiday lights at the Riverwalk or take a guided tour to see the dazzling displays.
You can also take part in one of the city’s Holiday Express train rides and explore the many museums and galleries, as well as enjoy one of the many holiday-inspired performance events. Shopping is always a great choice – with so many local stores in the area, you can find the perfect gifts for everyone.
Plus, there’s plenty of delicious local restaurants for you to try, so you can end the day on a full stomach!.
Is San Antonio Riverwalk decorated for Christmas?
Yes, the San Antonio Riverwalk is decorated for Christmas. During the holiday season, the Riverwalk goes all out with thousands of twinkle lights and festive decorations that create a beautiful ambiance.
Several of the local shops and restaurants along the Riverwalk also get into the spirit, adding their own decorations and coordinating with the holiday theme. There are also Christmas carolers who stroll through the riverwalk to spread the Christmas cheer.
Every year, the San Antonio Riverwalk provides a memorable holiday experience for locals and visitors alike.
How long do Christmas lights stay up on San Antonio Riverwalk?
The Christmas lights on the San Antonio Riverwalk typically stay up until after Three Kings’ Day (January 6th) each year. The river is decorated with thousands of lights starting in November and continuing through the holiday season.
The official holiday-lighting ceremony is held in November and the lights remain illuminated until early January. In addition to the lights, the San Antonio Riverwalk also features several Christmas-themed displays and special events for the holiday season.
From carolers to holiday concerts, firework shows, trolley rides and food, the San Antonio Riverwalk is a great place to celebrate the holidays.