To not want DD to go out to a club/nightclub on Christmas Day?

Again, why? How many hours does she have to "serve" before you think it's OK. Going out at 4pm... no. Going out at 5pm... yes? It's all so arbitrary. Just wait for her to say that she's going to stay at a mate's on Xmas Eve because you're making such a fuss.....

I’d google it and check she’s telling the truth. Who are the mates she’s going with? Do you like them? If so, let her crack on. My parents would never have allowed something like this and frankly it meant I left home at 18 and only went back for the odd long weekend since (including some christmases, but not all). If you want her to hang around and spent future christmases with you, let her be an adult and make her own decisions.

She’s 18. She can ‘meet men’ if she chooses to. Elaborate taxi/club ruses are hardly necessary.

Op, I am the oldest of 4 siblings and becoming an adult, still living at home was difficult for me and gradually much easier for my siblings turning 18, as I had to break the barriers first. I love my parents but this aspect of being an oldest daughter is something I'm still a bit resentful of.

I would 100% let her go out in the evening. Tell her to eat her Christmas dinner with you all to line her stomach first.

But again, it doesn't matter whether you're okay with it or not, because she's 18 now and can do as she chooses. I remember meeting my friends for drinks on Christmas Day at 18 - we had great fun.

Perhaps, she’ll take an Uber.

Your DH is fine with it so if she does get stranded, will he pick her up?

So what, though? If it’s not open, she’ll come back home or go somewhere else.

Same with the taxi - if she can’t get one, she’ll can’t get one.

Why are those particular sticking points?

Night clubs were I am open Christmas night

@StrawberryCreamField who is she saying she is going with? To me this is the important question and not seen you answer (and if she has told you).

I would be concerned over her meeting a man hence not booking a taxi.

Blimey, if I’d suggested age 18 that I wanted to go out on Christmas Day my mum would have made me feel so guilty that it wouldn’t have been worth it or enjoyable at all! Starting to realise how fucked up my childhood/teenage years were!

Don't really get the issue here. We used to go clubbing on Christmas Day at that age; albeit later in the evening than mid-afternoon. She's an adult, let her be.

And as for those doubting that the club is open; why?! Lots of pubs and clubs are open in all major cities; and a quick Google says there's plenty open in Blackpool where the OP is.
Surely it's better her going out Christmas day then going out Christmas eve, rolling home in the early hours and being hungover all of Christmas day (which I did more than once tbh)

Are all her friends also going out or are they staying home? If she's winging it by herself I wouldn't be happy most average people like to be home on Christmas, the ones who are out are probably alone for one reason or another.

She may be 18, but 18 is not very grown up, there are a lot of people out there who could easily take advantage of an inexperienced 18 year old. People say 18 as though a magic wand is waved and they become competent adults, it doesn't happen like that.

I think you’ll simply end up with an upset and sulky teen taking herself off to her bedroom once lunch is over if you insist she stays at home, so you’re not going to get the day you’re trying to orchestrate anyway. I think it’s fine to try and negotiate her leaving later in the afternoon so you can all enjoy a leisurely meal, but let her have the evening.

Obviously, plenty of nightclubs do open Christmas day. I've spent many a Christmas day (and Christmas eve and boxing day) out clubbing.

Why is it not OK, though? You'll still see her on Xmas Day.....why does she have to spend the whole day and evening with you?
Next year she might be backpacking around Australia for all you know, so accept that she's at least there, and pick your battles.

She’s an adult now. You can’t tell her what to do and she really doesn’t need to prove anything. You sound quite controlling and that only builds resentment and secrecy. You need to let her have independence as an adult.

If she'd rather go out then theres really no point trying to stop her. It would hardly make for a nice family day if she was forced to be there.

She's 18 - it really doesn't matter whether you think it's okay or not.

Going out late on Xmas Day - fine

Going out at 2pm and missing Xmas dinner - disrespectful of an important family occasion.

Obviously you can’t stop her but I would extremely unimpressed and be looking to discuss a compromise of her going out later. Safety wise I would also be suggesting she has a decent plan for getting home as taxis will be v thin on the ground.

Lots of clubs are open Xmas day. If she is lying to you, I’d be more concerned why your daughter feels she can’t tell you the truth.