Christmas Eve holds a special kind of magic. It’s the final moment of build-up before the big day a time filled with excitement, nostalgia and familiar rituals passed down through generations. Whether you spend the evening wrapping last-minute gifts, preparing the Christmas table, or gathering with family, these traditions help set the tone for a joyful, meaningful Christmas Day.
From cosy festive film nights to grazing boards filled with everyone’s favourite treats, Christmas Eve is all about slowing down, savouring the moment and creating memories that stay with you long after the decorations come down. Here, we explore the traditions that make Christmas Eve so special and how the right food, drink and gifting can elevate the celebrations.
Why Christmas Eve Traditions Matter
There’s something comforting about knowing exactly how Christmas Eve will unfold. Family rituals whether big, small, traditional or modern help bring everyone together. They offer a pause amidst the festive rush, creating a shared experience that feels warm, familiar and wonderfully meaningful.
Traditions also evolve with us. While some households stick to the classics, many are embracing newer rituals that bring even more enjoyment into the evening: indulgent food, alcohol-free moments of togetherness, and thoughtful gifting that includes everyone.
Classic Christmas Eve Traditions in the UK
Christmas Eve boxes
In recent years, Christmas Eve boxes have become a firm favourite. Carefully curated with pyjamas, chocolates, books, hot chocolate kits and little festive surprises, they’re a lovely way to kick off the celebrations and build excitement especially for younger family members.
Leaving mince pies and treats for Father Christmas
No Christmas Eve in the UK is complete without leaving out a mince pie and a drink for Father Christmas… and a carrot for Rudolph, of course. It’s a magical moment that children adore, and one that feels just as special for parents watching on.
Cosy Christmas Eve film night
From The Snowman to Home Alone, Christmas Eve is the perfect time to settle down with blankets, fairy lights and a comforting film. Add a tray of biscuits, chocolate truffles or a warming festive drink for the perfect evening-in tradition.
Midnight Mass and community celebrations
For many, Christmas Eve includes attending Midnight Mass a tradition that brings communities together. The gentle carols, candlelight and stillness mark the peaceful transition into Christmas Day.
Opening one gift early
Opening one present on Christmas Eve is a much-loved ritual in many households. It creates just the right amount of excitement and often reveals those new Christmas pyjamas ready for bedtime.
Christmas Eve Food Traditions That Bring Everyone Together
Grazing boards, picky teas and sharing platters
Christmas Eve meals are often more relaxed than the traditional Christmas Day feast. Many families opt for a “picky tea” or a beautifully arranged grazing board filled with cheeses, charcuterie, chutneys, crackers, nuts and chocolate. It’s easy, indulgent and perfect for grazing throughout the evening something our sharing-style hampers are made for.
Traditional British festive treats
Mince pies, shortbread, yule log slices, Christmas cookies, spiced nuts and festive chocolates all help set the mood. These classics are perfect for pairing with prosecco, mulled drinks or comforting hot chocolates.
Alcohol-free celebrations for inclusive gifting
With more people choosing alcohol-free options, Christmas Eve food and drink traditions are evolving. Alcohol-free sparkling drinks, spiced soft drinks and luxurious hot chocolates ensure everyone has something special to raise a glass with without compromise.
Christmas Eve Hampers That Elevate the Celebration
Luxury Christmas Eve sharing hampers
A well-curated hamper can become the centrepiece of the whole evening. Filled with wine or artisan soft drinks, decadent truffles, biscuits, savoury delights and hand-selected festive favourites, they’re ideal for sharing as a family.
Alcohol-free celebration hampers
Perfect for parents-to-be, mindful drinkers or those simply enjoying an alcohol-free Christmas, these hampers offer indulgence without the alcohol. Expect sparkling alternatives, rich coffees, speciality teas and luxurious treats.
Chocolate and sweet treat hampers for cosy nights in
For those who lean towards sweeter traditions, a chocolate-led hamper is the perfect choice for a Christmas Eve treat. Rich cocoa truffles, artisan bars and festive biscuits pair beautifully with a film night.
Family-friendly hampers for creating moments together
Children’s biscuit tins, festive munch mixes, cookies, fudge and hot chocolate kits make family-friendly hampers a wonderful way to bring everyone together especially if Christmas Eve is all about cosy, shared moments at home.
How to Choose the Perfect Christmas Eve Hamper
Matching flavours to your family’s traditions
Think about what your Christmas Eve usually looks like. If it’s an evening filled with sharing plates, a savoury-led hamper works beautifully. For cosy film nights, a sweet selection is perfect. For families hosting guests, a mixed hamper offers something for everyone.
Considering dietary preferences (alcohol-free, gluten-free, etc.)
Modern Christmas gifting is more thoughtful and inclusive than ever. Choosing hampers that cater to health, lifestyle or dietary preferences ensures everyone at the table feels included and celebrated.
When to send a hamper if you’re not celebrating together
If you can’t be with loved ones on Christmas Eve, sending a hamper is a meaningful way to share the moment from afar. Delivered beautifully packaged and ready to enjoy, it helps bring you into their celebration even if you're miles apart.
Make New Memories This Christmas Eve
Christmas Eve is all about anticipation, connection and those small rituals that make the season feel extraordinary. Whether you’re embracing long-standing family traditions or creating new ones, food and thoughtful gifting play a huge part in making the night magical.
From luxurious Christmas hampers to inclusive alcohol-free options and indulgent chocolate selections, our Christmas collection is designed to elevate every festive moment helping you savour, celebrate and share joy as the countdown to Christmas Day begins.
