How to Make Christmas Eve Extra Magical for Kids

Christmas Eve is the perfect time to create memories that will last a lifetime. With just a few simple traditions and a little imagination, you can make the night before Christmas extra special for your children. Here’s how we add magic to our Christmas Eve celebrations:

@malloryleerichardson 🎅🏼✨Turning Christmas Eve into pure magic for our little ones & giving you some ideas on what you can do at home too! Find some of the items I used by going to “December” on my amaz0n st0refr0nt! #christmasmagic #christmaseve #christmasevetraditions #christmastraditions #familytraditions #parentsoftiktok #parentsatchristmas #parentingtips ♬ original sound – Mallory Lee Richardson

1. Leave Out Santa’s Snacks

  • What You’ll Need:
  • Cookies and milk for Santa
  • A carrot for Rudolph
  • A snack board (we love this one from Amazon!)

Let your kids set up a special snack station for Santa and his reindeer. It’s a great way to involve them in the magic of the evening.


2. Use Santa’s Magic Key

  • Why: If you don’t have a chimney, a magic key ensures Santa can still visit!
  • How: Place the key near your door, so Santa has “access” to deliver the gifts.

3. Sprinkle Magic Reindeer Food

  • What You’ll Need: A mix of oats and glitter (biodegradable if possible).
  • Head to the front yard with the kids and sprinkle the “reindeer food” to guide Santa’s sleigh.

4. Read The Night Before Christmas

  • Gather the family and read this classic story to set the mood for the magical night ahead.
  • This tradition not only calms excited little ones but also gets them dreaming of Santa’s arrival.

5. Create Santa’s Footsteps

  • What You’ll Need: Baby powder or flour, plus a pair of boots.
  • Once the kids are asleep, sprinkle the powder around the boots to leave “Santa’s footprints.”
  • Place them near the fireplace or by the door and have them lead to the stockings.

6. Drop Santa’s Driver’s License

  • For a fun touch, leave behind a “Santa Claus Driver’s License” near the stockings as proof of his visit.

7. Elf’s Final Farewell

  • On Christmas Eve, your Elf on the Shelf can leave behind a parting gift:
  • A small Christmas tree decorated with candy canes for the kids to enjoy.

Where to Find These Items

  • Many of these magical touches—like the snack board, magic key, and Santa’s license—can be found on Amazon. Check out my Amazon storefront for links to all the products we use!

Christmas Eve is about bringing the magic of the season to life. Whether it’s the sparkle of reindeer food or the excitement of finding Santa’s footprints, these traditions are sure to make the night unforgettable. Wishing you and your family a joyful and magical Christmas! 🎄🎅✨