Places to go on Xmas eve

[ash6605]

I know we have a "things to do Xmas eve" thread already but just after ideas for somewhere to go on Xmas eve daytime.
We usually go to panto at around lunchtime then home to the usual traditions, dvd, Xmas book, pjs etc but this year money is tight so we are skipping the panto. Just worried that a full day in with two teens and a toddler might get a bit boring and we don't go anywhere during the Xmas period or have visitors as we have no family.

[ChristmasCountdown]

Do you have any Christmas fairs/markets on that you could go to for a look round? Any museums doing anything festive on Christmas Eve for free? Navity/concerts in the town/city? There's quite a lot on where I live, but I do live in a city, so I appreciate it's not the same everywhere!

[sweetkitty]

Cinema, we always go on Xmas eve, prob cheaper than the panto.

[Fluffy1234]

How about a garden centre with a cafe/coffee shop inside. Your children could go of and choose small gifts for each other and then you could maybe have a brunch or lunch. I know some have a grotto and it is very festive looking at the decorations and lights. I know it's not the best day out but not to expensive and gets you all out for a couple of hours.

[Vickibee]

my ds has an appt at 3pm at opthamology outpatients, good way to spend xmas eve?
We will be going to the christingle service at the local church in the evening, it is so magical when all the children light a candle

[Doshusallie]

we are doing grotto at our local garden centre in the morning and a carol service at our local church 4pm.

[oreocrumbs]

We go to the beach and have fish and chips. Will only work if you live near a beach though!

[Madmog]

We normally go to church Xmas Eve and then pile back to our friends house or (dare I admit) the pub afterwards!

[Ihatemytoes]

We do the same as Madmog! DC's are 15 and 11. we go to the 4pm crib service. The church is usally packed, loads of the DC's friends are usually there, then it's a short walk to the local pub. love it!!

[ash6605]

Some lovely idea thank you. We don't live too far from a beach (we are close to Durham in the north east) so beach is a good one but that's usually our New years day tradition. Trying to google all of the museums I can think of to see of they have anything on offer. Have always wanted to go to church on Xmas eve but DH is adamant he won't step foot in a church(another thread sorry!) I might take the older kids and go on my own

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

We've enjoyed the cinema on Christmas Eve before, especially if there's a vaguely Christmassy themed film. It's nice because hardly anybody else is ever in there. And then we go carol singing on the green. On the years there has been nothing on at the cinema, we've gone out for breakfast or brunch.

[Binfullofgibletsonthe26th]

Durham cathedral would be lovely on Christmas eve I'll bet.

If you wanted to do something else could you volunteer? Go to an old folks home, pop round to an elderly neighbour with some mince pies.

[olibeansmummy]

Go into town for a wonder and a coffee from Starbucks
Go to a family friendly pub for lunch
Go to a carol service

[olibeansmummy]

Sorry just read your reply. Why not take the older kids to midnight mass. We loooooved that as older kids/ younger teens as it was soooo naughty to stay up til midnight lol and it was really exciting walking to church at nearly midnight :)

[oreocrumbs]

ash6605 I'm near the beach and very close to Durham too .

[Binfullofgibletsonthe26th]

You are near some lovely forests there, and a waterfall if I remember.

Wrap up warm, take a back pack, flaskand have hot choc with marshmallows in the forest. Make some Christmas biscuits and ice some funny or nice messages on them.

You could even take a disposable BBQ and some sausages, or see if they have a fire pit somewhere??