Top 10 Things to Do on Christmas Eve

Various flavors of eggnog in a file photo. (AP Photo/Matthew Mead)

As the Christmas holiday begins and friends and families gather together, here are some unique Canadian traditions and customs to enjoy on Christmas Eve.

1. Réveillon

A French Canadian tradition dating back to the 19th century, Réveillon is a Christmas Eve feast that includes a variety of unique and tasty dishes, such as black pudding, pâtés, and meat pies. Over the years, other dishes have also made their way into the meal including lobster and scallops, and delicious desserts like Tarte au sucre and Bûche de Nöel. Several restaurants offer Réveillon to help keep the custom alive.

2. Mummering

When in Newfoundland and Labrador during the Christmas season, it’s a must to engage in a unique holiday tradition known as mummering. Mummering is about 400 years old and is also called jannying in some areas of Newfoundland. The activity involves putting on masks and anything else that can be found to disguise identity—like curtains, lampshades, and more. Once dressed up, it’s time to parade around, visiting neighbours and entertaining them with singing and dancing while they try and guess the identity of those dressed up.

3. Taffy Pull

Called la tire by locals, making and eating this candy creation is a holiday custom that is still maintained in French parts of Canada. Made from molasses, cane sugar, butter, and corn syrup, the mix is pulled and then left to cool. It can then be cut into smaller pieces for eating. One story says that it was originally prepared on Nov. 25 for the Catholic celebration of St. Catherine. It dates back to 1653 to a school in Montreal that used the sweet treat to attract more students.

4. Drink Eggnog

Canadians consumed over 5,000 kilolitres of eggnog in December 2020, according to Statistics Canada. That’s enough of the popular Christmas drink to fill about 2,327 fire trucks. Traditionally, the drink mix includes milk, cream, sugar, whipped egg whites, egg yokes, and some nutmeg or cinnamon. However, some will add a little liquor for an added Christmas flavour.

StatCan said that around 78 percent of eggnog sales happen in November and December. In 2020, there were 12,582 kilolitres of the drink sold. That is 29 percent more than a decade earlier, when 9,757 kilolitres were sold. In 2021, 409 kilolitres of the drink were purchased in September, compared with 575 kilolitres the year before.

5. Watch ‘A Christmas Story’

A holiday classic movie, “A Christmas Story,” which is about a boy in the 1940s who tries to convince his parents to get him a BB gun for Christmas, has some Canadian connections. Several scenes were shot in locations around Toronto and St. Catherines.

6. Watch The Nutcracker Ballet

One of the most loved ballet stories of all time, The Nutcracker can be enjoyed in-person or in video. The National Ballet of Canada says that over a million people have enjoyed watching it, including over 46,000 children. It has even created a digital programme to guide the audience through the show, and offer insights into the Canadian performance.

7. Ice Skating

Ice skating is a favourite sport across the country, and there are many public and private skating rinks available to enjoy during the holiday, including on Christmas Eve. Some outdoor rinks allow visitors to skate after dark, offering a special holiday experience under the stars.

8. Go to Church

Midnight Mass still draws a crowd to Catholic churches across Canada, who gather to celebrate the birth of Christ. Other Christian denominations have also started holding services on Christmas Eve to allow parishioners and visitors to gather in worship.

9. Caroling

A Christmas tradition across Canada and beyond is gathering some family and friends together and serenading neighbours with some Christmas carols. It is fun for all ages and creates some great Christmas memories for all.

10. Tour Local Light Displays

Many homes in communities across the country put an effort in to brighten the dark winter nights with holiday light shows. Pack everyone in the vehicle and take a drive around the area to see how others have decorated their homes. Some neighbourhoods also use the light displays as fundraisers for charities like the food bank in the area. It’s an opportunity to be dazzled and to give back.