What to Wear on Christmas Eve

Growing up, we always had a Christmas Eve party with my extended family. I have over 50 first cousins, so it made things super fun and magical (and I’m sure chaotic for the adults). Now that I have young kids of my own and don’t live near most of my family, our traditions have changed a bit. We go to our church service and then have a casual dinner at home.

No matter what you’re doing on Christmas Eve – whether it’s church, baking with your kids, or a dressy party – these classic, festive outfit ideas make getting ready feel effortless since you have more important things to focus on than what to wear. Like making sure everything is wrapped, Elf on the Shelf disappears and cookies are ready.

What to Wear on Christmas Eve 

Cozy Christmas Eve (movie night, baking, wrapping, etc.)

If your Christmas Eve involves decaf coffee, The Holiday, and last-minute gift wrapping, comfort wins – but that doesn’t mean you can’t look put together.

• Matching lounge sets: A soft knit set is cozy without being sloppy. Spanx makes my favorite matching set, but there are lots of good options in this roundup of the best loungewear.
  
• Cashmere joggers + fitted tee: A luxe upgrade to your usual sweats. Cashmere joggers will be a bougie treat for yourself since moms deserve Christmas PJs too. I personally love these super soft trim joggers from Splendid. (If you want to match with your kiddos, here are ideas for family holiday PJs.)
  
• Leggings + oversized sweater: If you want to treat yourself to new leggings, Set Active makes my favorite splurge-worthy pair. (If you want a budget pick, here are my favorite Amazon leggings.)

Christmas Dinner with the Family

When we’re having a dinner around the table with extended family, I always like to dress up a little, but I still have to be comfortable since I’ll be getting up about 20x to get something for one of my two boys. My favorite options for elevated but practical: 

• Sweater dress + tights and maryjanes (or tall boots): This Vivianne Sweater Dress from Tuckernuck is my favorite (I have it in 3 colorways!).
  
• Dark denim + Fair Isle sweater: easy and festive. Here are some Fair Isle sweaters if you need a new one! 
  
• Fitted turtleneck with anything: Whether you pair it with jeans, a mini skirt with tights or a wool midi skirt, fitted turtlenecks take any outfit and make it chic. Pair it with a low bun and bow, and you’re festive without much effort. I’m wearing a fitted turtleneck identical to this one in the photos at the top of this post.

Dressy Christmas Eve Party

A dressy party calls for a bit of sparkle while staying classic. Below are my top picks, but there are more holiday cocktail dresses in this post.

• Black dress with special details: Velvet, lace, or subtle shimmer. (If you’re dressing up, here are more holiday cocktail dresses!) This velvet puff sleeve dress from Tuckernuck was my holiday dress last year, and this year it’s this fabulous black knit lace maxi.
  
• Velvet trousers + satin top: Chic and festive. These J.Crew velvet pants have my heart. Bonus points for the matching velvet blazer.
  
• Midi skirt + fitted sweater: Pleated satin like this skirt from Target or jewel tones work beautifully.

Christmas Eve Dinner at the Club

For country club Christmas Eve dinners, elegant but fun is the move.

• Cape sleeve dress: A bit more formal and so classy. This red dress and black dress from Tuckernuck cannot be outdone.
  
• Tailored trousers + textured blouse: Elegant without being overdone. Throw on some festive heels. I’ve yet to find trousers I’m in love with, but these Carolina trouser pants from J.Crew come in all lengths, and I might get them!
  
• Structured mini dress + a fur coat: Both fun and sophisticated. Imagine this Cranberry Velvet Bow Mini Dress with sheer black tights, pointed toe heels like these, and a cropped fur coat like this.

Pearl studs or minimal gold hoops complete the look.

Christmas Eve Church Services

Whether you’re attending an early family service or a candlelight ceremony, aim for outfits that feel respectful. Here are more tips for what to wear to church, with a few specific outfit ideas below. 

• Midi dress + long coat: Choose a modest neckline and hemline – something like this Tuckernuck Jacquard Dress would be perfect (plus, it comes in red too). Add a wool coat and simple jewelry.
  
• Sweater dress + tall boots: Comfortable for sitting, standing, and singing. Once again, the Vivienne Sweater Dress is the only one you need. I like pairing mine with these knee-high boots.
  
• Trousers + soft sweater + tailored coat: A great option if you prefer pants – elegant, minimal, and cozy. I’m still on the hunt for a good tailored coat and the Timeless Topcoat from Banana Republic just caught my eye.
  
• Skirt + turtleneck + tights: Timeless, especially in winter fabrics like wool or velvet. You can totally wear a mini skirt like the one I’m wearing from Vineyard Vines in the photo at the top of this post – you just want to make sure it’s not too short. I paired this look with these Veronica Beard booties.

Casual Christmas Dinner at Home

If the evening is relaxed and low-key, choose something comfortable enough for opening gifts on the floor but still polished.

• Straight-leg jeans + turtleneck: Polished and easy. I just recently found the perfect straight-leg jeans from Pistola, and they fit exactly how I was hoping they would – super flattering!
  
• Trouser pants + cashmere sweater: Put-together, but still comfortable. Here are the best cashmere sweaters I’ve found under $200.
  
• Maxi skirt + cozy sweater: Soft, flowy, and warm. I really like the idea of a monochrome look for this – pair a white crewneck sweater like this with a silk maxi skirt like this one from Quince.

More Ideas for What to Wear on Christmas Eve

• Velvet anything – blazers, dresses, headbands.
  
• A bold lip with an otherwise neutral outfit.
  
• A tartan scarf or wrap – an easy way to bring in the Ralph Lauren Christmas aesthetic.
  
• Winter white pieces for a chic, seasonal look.
  
• Gold jewelry to elevate even the simplest outfit.
  
• Cozy textures – cashmere, wool, mohair – keep things festive and elevated.