It's a few days before Christmas. All the gifts have been bought and are waiting to be unwrapped under the flickering tree. The house smells of cinnamon and mulled wine. All is set for a great Christmas Day that's been planned since Boxing Day last year. But you have no clue what to do on Christmas eve.

Whether you'd like to head outdoors or prefer a quiet evening at home, here are some ideas of what to do on December 24th.

 

CELEBRATE OUTDOORS

Christmas Day will most probably be spent indoors, so you might want to go out on the eve. Here are some options.

 

Midnight mass and breakfast

Keep up the century-old tradition and head to midnight mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. You'll also be able to listen to the priedka, or sermon, where a child delivers the much-anticipated annual Christmas message. A more recent addition to this tradition includes heading to early-morning breakfast soon after the mass finishes.

 

 

Wine and dine

 

Most people celebrate Christmas Day with a big family lunch. But what about friends? Bring all your friends together for a Christmas eve dinner where you can exchange gifts at the table. Various restaurants offer tailor-made menus for this special evening, so have your pick depending on you and your friends' taste in food.

 

 

Visit Valletta

The capital city always sparkles during Christmastime. Enjoy a stroll through the streets of Valletta, or head to one of the bars and restaurants scattered all over the city, before passing by the Royal Opera House where the Armed Forces of Malta Band will be performing at 10.30 pm.

 

There will also be a fantastic 3D projection show in George's Square after midnight mass at St John's Co-Cathedral.

 

Last minute shopping

Christmas eve is not just about the evening. It's a whole day that offers those final, precious hours to get that last minute gift. So head down to the shops and tick all the names off your gift list. Just try not to leave it until too late in the day, since a number of shops close early on the evening of the 24th.

 

COSY AT HOME

What better night to get cosy with your loved ones than Christmas eve? Here are some ideal ways to enjoy a great evening at home ahead of the most awaited day of the year.

 

Hot chocolate and Christmas stories

 

Make yourself some hot chocolate (or mulled wine if you prefer), sit in front of the heater or fireplace and enjoy some Christmas classics in book or movie form. The only thing left for you to do is, of course, cuddle up.

 

Games night

Inject fun and excitement into your Christmas eve by organising a games night. There are lots of games you can buy, from Christmas-themed charades to trivia games.

You can even create your own games with a couple of simple props, especially if you'll have kids running around. Two large twigs stuck into a cardboard box create a reindeer's head to throw rings at, for example. Let loose, it's Christmas!

 

Drinks and nibbles

 

If you'd rather keep the food light on Christmas eve, in anticipation of a mega Christmas Day lunch, just gather a few friends over at home. You can prepare a finger foods and enjoy a glass of wine together. This would be a great time to exchange gifts with friends if you've organised a Secret Santa.

 

 

Be Santa's helper

To all the parents out there - this is the night you can let your imagination run wild and come up with creative ways to ensure your child will still believe.

Santa's white, snowy footprints marked on your living room floor, a few crumbs left on the cookie plate, or a large glove dropped next to the Christmas tree. It's all about keeping the excitement and magic of Christmas alive in your home.

 

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