What to Wear on Christmas Eve

Think About Your Whole Evening

Most Christmas Eves are a mix of events: an early church service, dinner with extended family, gift opening and plenty of photos. Choose one dress that can handle all of it. A midi length is the easiest choice, because it looks respectful at church, polished at dinner and relaxed enough for the living room. If your family keeps things casual, a sweater dress is a cozy alternative.

Classic Red and Burgundy

Nothing says Christmas like red. The Red Sweetheart Belted Midi Dress has a sweetheart neckline with a center notch, spaghetti straps, a self belt and a full circle skirt, so add a cardigan or wrap for church. For a richer tone, the Burgundy Strapless Jacquard Midi Dress with Pockets is made in an embossed floral jacquard with a structured corset bodice, a self belt and a pleated skirt with pockets. If you want long sleeves, the Burgundy Metallic Bow Tie Collar Long Sleeve Mini Dress features metallic-threaded fabric, a collar with a bow tie and cuffed sleeves. Browse more red dresses and burgundy dresses, or choose a playful satin option like Faviana 11309, a stretch satin mini with sequin appliqué, offered in a lipstick shade.

Velvet for a Cozy, Elegant Look

Velvet is the fabric of the holidays, and it photographs beautifully by the tree. The Black Velvet Strapless Cream Bow Mini Dress pairs classic black velvet with a contrasting cream bow at the bust. The Black Velvet Rhinestone Bow Midi Dress adds a front bow with rhinestone embellishments, and the Black Sequin Velvet Sweetheart Lace Trim Midi Dress brings in a little sparkle with lace trim and a side slit. Shop all velvet dresses.

Holiday Greens and Prints

Green is a fresh alternative to red. The Green Floral Burnout Velvet Long Sleeve Maxi Dress has long sleeves, a round neckline and a flowing circle skirt in a brown and dark green floral burnout velvet, which is ideal for a chilly New England evening. For a shorter option, the Olive Green Long Sleeve Ruffle Mini Dress features a funnel neckline, a cascading ruffle and gold hardware at the waist. Prefer a print? The Wine Floral Straight Neck Circle Skirt Midi Dress comes in sizes S through 3X. See more emerald green dresses.

Sweater Dresses for a Relaxed Celebration

If Christmas Eve means pajamas by 9 p.m., start in a knit. The Burgundy Square Neck Sweater Knit Skater Mini Dress has a full skirt and pairs well with tights and boots, while the Black & Burgundy Color Block Ribbed Sweater Midi Dress adds short sleeves and a ribbed texture. Shop more sweater dresses.

Accessories That Finish the Look

Keep accessories simple so the dress stays the focus. Pearl or crystal earrings suit velvet and jacquard, while a velvet headband or bow clip adds a playful holiday touch. Gold jewelry warms up red, burgundy and green, and silver looks crisp with black. Choose a small clutch or wristlet so your hands are free for gifts, and pick shoes you can comfortably stand in for photos and carols. For more ideas, see our guide to styling statement jewelry.

Christmas Eve Outfit Tips

• Choose a Christmas dress you can sit in comfortably for a long dinner.
• Bring a layer for church, where shoulders are often covered.
• Coordinate colors with family for photos rather than matching exactly.
• In New England, plan for snow: boots for the walk, heels or flats inside.

Looking for even more ideas? Shop our full holiday dresses collection.

Read More:

Burgundy Dresses for Winter Weddings & Holiday Parties

Ultimate Guide to Holiday Dresses: Your Winter Party Style Sorted

Sweater Dresses: How to Choose and Style Them for Fall and Winter

Holiday Parties: What To Wear To Every Event